Hello All,
I’ve had quite a few people ask me how I learned to read Tarot cards, and to be honest, it was incredibly easy for me to pick up in person with my family back in Puerto Rico or with my second and third cousins.
However, my elders always encouraged writing for understanding. Tarot is not usually used in Espiritismo as the “baraja Espanola” which is almost like a “playing card” set, and inspired the regular 52 cards you play Gin Rummy with. Usually those consist of the “copas”, “espadas”, “oros” and “bastos” (cups, swords, coins, wands) which is the minor arcana in the regular Rider-Waite 78 Tarot deck. They have their own meanings, Zodiac and other correspondences, so for now let’s start with the basics.
When you want to start reading traditional Tarot, I always suggest getting the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot deck (Universal Rider-Waite is okay too), a journal dedicated ONLY to the deck, and a pen you also want to dedicate to this journal. The next 78 days will be your lesson which each card. You will be utilizing the card for its BOOK definition of the card, the Zodiacal & planetary correspondences, the natural definitions and spiritual meanings of what is in the card, colors, DIRECTIONS OF THE CHARACTERS IN THE CARDS, archetypes, ect. But then, you are going to see how the card incorporated to your day-to-day routine. You can add a lesson you learned that day, add an affirmation, or journal as usual about your day. It creates a great habit of knowing yourself as well through “The Fool’s Journey”.
I always tell those learning to get a mini deck or stickers of the Tarot to use for the journal so you can also reference later on and see progression. I also have many books I recommend to read as well that I will list down below for those looking for a more in depth understanding to enhance knowledge and ability to possibly read for others if they wish. The 3 I recommend are:
The Watkins Tarot Handbook by Naomi Ozaniec
Tarot and Psychology by Arthur Rosengarten, Ph.D.
Tarot and Astrology by Corrine Kenner
There are so many great resources out there as well, but always check in with yourself as well and see where you embody the energy of the card as well. Please note any questions as well that you may have with the card for the day you’re working on. Sometimes, you’ll get your answer through that energy.
I won’t lie, I also decided to do this blog because I do see a lot of people who are trying to scam when it comes to the actual practice of reading tarot. I rather my audience learn how to do their own readings versus relying on someone they may or may not connect to in order to perform their reading, especially for an astronomical price. This will always be a fail safe resource!
I hope this blog encouraged you to try it out if you truly want to learn. If you become comfortable, try to read with a person one-on-one and then continue from there on.
Love yall!
XOXO,
Alexx
