Whenever I tell someone that I read tarot, responses can be mixed. Some give you that strange look that very clearly tells everyone in the vicinity that they think you’re not quite firing on all cylinders. Others look at you as if you’re the very definition of evil and the spawn of the devil. Each to their own. They’re entitled to their beliefs, just as I’m entitled to mine.
But my absolute favourites are by far the majority I’m pleased to say – the ones that are curious and interested in the secrets and mysteries the tarot has to offer. Often these folk would just like a reading and that’s fabulous of course, but every now and then I come across a person who would like to learn the tarot themselves, to do their own readings. As a reader myself, that’s always something of a thrill to discover about someone.
But Where to Start?
It’s the same with any new skill isn’t it – there seems so much to learn and it’s not always obvious where to begin. When I began, I was 12 and got a free pack in a magazine so that’s always a good place to begin looking, just to see if you’re interested without spending too much cash.
The tarot is, by its very nature, deeply symbolic being linked to astrology and its various glyphs, myths and legends and can be interpreted both upright and in the reverse. With 78 cards in a standard deck, that’s 156 different meanings to learn! That’s before we consider different spreads, how the cards placements affect matters and how the cards can even affect/be affected by other cards in the reading.
A good alternative then might be to invest in Angel Cards, Goddess Cards or Oracle Cards as these often come with their meanings literally written onto the card.
If you’re interested in seeing how this works in practice, I have recently uploaded a video on this very topic to our YouTube channel which I’ve included a link to here:
A good way to get yourself started as a reader…
If you enjoy the video or find anything helpful in it, please do like, share and subscribe to help support the channel and of course feel free to share with anyone you think might enjoy the content themselves.
And, if you’d be interested in more of these “How to” videos, let me know in the comments and I’ll see what I can do.
Step inside the fabulously nonsensical World of Wonderland and look at your problems from a very different point of view through the wisdom of Alice: The Wonderland Oracle.
These cards have different meanings depending on whether they are upright or upside down, so we begin by mixing them round, aka “stirring the cauldron”.
The deck is then shuffled and cut into three
Before reading further, I would like you to look at each of the 3 cards above in turn whilst considering your query. What is it you wish the Oracle to reveal to you? Which card do you feel drawn to?
The card on the left is Card 1, the card in the middle Card 2 and the card on the right is Card 3
Card 1: Mortality – Life is Brief, Beautiful and Yours to Live!
At first glance, this card can be scary, much like the Death card of the tarot. However, it does not portend an actual death of someone – more accurately it portends the death of everyone – one day. If you chose Card 1, you are being asked whether or not you are living your best life or are you taking the next day for granted? If so, your Oracle message is to start making memories now, today, not “one day”, as one day it may be too late.
Card 2: I Want to be a Queen – Stating Your Sovereignty – Declaring Freedom – Passing a Test
Having passed through a trying time, you are now ready to rule as Queen (or King!) of your world if you selected Card 2. You recognise both your rights and responsibilities in how you live your life, your potential and place in the world. You are no longer willing to live by boundaries and rules you do not agree with at “any cost”, and certainly not at the cost of the freedom to be you. You are focused and are in a good position to make decisions. Your Oracle message is to now step into your power and take charge of your life!
Card 3: Growing Up – Wanting to Grow in Experience – Rejection of Perpetual Youth
Selecting Card 3 denotes a worry of growing old, of not wishing to grow up and face responsibilities or simply not accepting how you are ageing gracefully, whilst at the same time appreciating that growing up is very much a part of life. Maybe you are feeling torn; wishing to stay forever young but perhaps not feeling it? The Oracle’s message for you is to know that whilst the body may age and the soul/spirit too, all age really is, is proof of our experiences, memories and wisdom. Would you really trade all of that to look/feel forever young?
Did the Oracle have a message for you?
I do hope that the Oracle had a meaningful message for you – remember tools of divination such as the Oracle cards are meant to help you in your life’s journey, not set out in stone how things will turn out. To really get the most from these readings, meditate on your message for a while, ask yourselves the questions raised and become an active part of the reading which though intended for all who read it, will have an individual message just for you.