Working with the Tarot -- Readings and Card Spreads

There are different ways to connect with the Tarot: You can choose one card--the card you wish to explore, or let the deck decide for you by picking a card at “random”. I use the term random loosely, because ultimately, working with the Tarot is a synchronistic process, and the card archetype meant to be discovered may be revealed to you in this way.

 Another way to connect with the Tarot is by doing a reading using a card spread. A card spread or layout is much like a story unfolding. You will see relationships between the cards and get insight by their placement in the layout. And because there are more cards involved, a spread can bring greater nuance and details to your exploration. Plus, it’s a really fun way to learn about the Tarot! 

 Doing Readings

 *Before a reading it’s important to center and ground. The reading will reflect your energies and state of mind/being. If you’re feeling out of balance, this may negatively affect the reading. If so, take a step back and wait until you’re feeling more centered.

I like to say a brief prayer, connecting to my higher self and divine source to guide the reading. You can also set an intention or ask a specific question. This can add clarity to your reading. 

 *Trust your intuition. Before looking up a card’s meaning in a book or guidebook, take a moment and let the cards reveal themselves to you through your intuition. Because the Tarot is based in imagery, symbols and archetypes, its wisdom surpasses the limitation of works and forms a direct connection with your deeper mind and psyche. Give your imagination free reign to explore—that’s where the cards really come alive! Don’t overthink it. Your first impression is often the most true.

 *Right side up, vs. reversed cards. I don’t put much measure into the idea that right side up cards are positive, and reversed cards are negative. This feels very old school, and fortune-teller-y to me. Instead, I suggest a more wholistic approach—that each card carries all energies, both the “negative” or shadow, and also the more “positive” and uplifting elements. It’s up to you to discern and intuit what it means for you in the moment.

*Finally, consider your Tarot reading as a sacred journey. In the highest sense, the Tarot’s archetypes will connect you with timeless wisdom, becoming portals to greater illumination and understanding. Make each experience a ritual, creating fertile ground for deeper revelations.   

 Included here is a pdf download with some card layouts that I have created: the Destiny Spread, the Lovers Spread, the Moon Spread, and also the traditional Celtic Cross spread. You can use it with the Couture Tarot or any deck of your choosing. 

To download, just click on the image.

Enjoy! xo Megan

Respect Your Oracle ~ Some Great Compass Feedback!

I'm not normally a great fan of testimonials, but I just received this email from a client about their experience reading Compass: Navigating Your Intuitive Gifts for Success and Well-Being, and had to share. Especially because it might be something you can relate to...

Dear Megan,

Thank you sooooo much for writing Compass! Before reading it, I would ask the Tarot cards (or the Magic Eight Ball!) questions. When I didn't like the answer, I'd rephrase the question and ask over and over agin, until I received the answer I wanted.

After reading Compass, I learned that before asking anything, I need to be grounded (which you talk about in the book) and that I need to respect my Oracle! Rephrasing and asking over and over, until I received the desired answer was not respectful.

Hmmm...

So I started practicing the grounding techniques that you suggested in Compass, aligning and envisioning before asking. My main question was about a job that I really wanted for various reasons. Almost 95% of the time, my Oracles were telling me, yes, I would get the job.

And then the job was offered to another candidate. I didn't know what to think. Should I do the opposite of what the cards were telling me?

And then, the other candidate turned down the offer. And a few weeks later I was offered the job. The cards were right all along! I'm learning how important it is to ground before asking questions of the Universe. And that sometimes we know, or have an intuition of, things before they actually show up. I'm developing a whole new respect for the process, patience and respecting higher guidance .

So, thank you! I can't wait to see what else I can do now after reading Compass.

Kathleen

What I love about Kathleen's story is that it highlights how powerful the sacred arts are, and how important it is to be centered when asking the Universe and various oracles for information. Remember, your state of being can affect the outcome of your readings. Taking time to ground and align with your higher energies is important. Being centered in your body and being will help to give you the answers you need.

For more about oracles, aligning, grounding and developing your intuition, checkout Compass: Navigating Your Intuitive Gifts for Success and Well-Being. To purchase, go to Amazon.com.