Some see the tarot cards as a form of entertainment and amusement– nothing more than a cheap party trick to get a laugh from the crowd. Others view it as a mystical experience, a tapping of the collective unconscious of the universe, or a message from the higher self– perhaps even a higher power. If you fall into the latter group, and view tarot reading as a serious undertaking, then the activity should be approached with a certain amount of reverence. In order to put yourself in the proper state of mind to read the tarot, and attune with the appropriate energies, you should consider how you prepare for a reading.
PREPARING YOUR SPACE
When reading the tarot, you should be in a state of quiet contemplation. The first thing you need to consider is how to make your surroundings conducive to such a state. Theoretically, you can read or study the cards anywhere; however, to achieve the best results, it is beneficial to be in a place where there is a minimum of distractions, in an atmosphere that promotes calm and peace.
Find a place in which you feel a sense of quiet, and create an environment for yourself that promotes harmony. An ideal setting would be a place in which you have privacy and go uninterrupted for as long as you need. This place would be uncluttered, comfortable, the lighting would not be harsh, and the colors, scents, sounds, and surroundings would make you feel serene.
While not everyone has such a space easily on hand, if you are serious about pursuing the tarot, you should try to find a space in which you can create such an environment– even if only temporarily. Pick a place with low traffic, that is clean and pleasant. To create a desired atmosphere, try getting a solid colored cloth to lay over the surface you are reading on, use a dim light or burn candles, light some incense, play soothing music in the background– anything that will help get you into the proper mood. Put out some flowers, crystals, or any personal talismans you may have. Make the area as appealing to as many of your senses as possible.
Try to use the same place whenever you study or read the tarot. It is believed that you build up a certain amount of energy in that place when you conduct repeated readings there. This helps promote a positive environment that will help you get into the proper state of mind more quickly.
PREPARING YOUR CARDS
Just as it helps to be attuned to your environment, it also helps to be attuned with your tarot cards. You want to imbue your deck with your own personal energies and forge a connection to it.
Start by cleansing a new deck. If you have had your deck for a while but have never cleansed it before, it is never too late to begin. There are several easy methods you can use. One option is to fume them. Hold them over a smouldering incense, such as sage, frankincense, lavender, or any other incense that has purifying qualities. Another option is to place the deck on a large slab of quartz crystal or amethyst, and let the energies of the stone do the work. You can also lay the deck out in the light of the full moon to be cleansed by lunar energies. It is best to put them in a window that faces the moon to avoid risking any moisture penetrating the deck.
How often your deck should be cleansed is up to you. You may choose to cleanse it once a month, or whenever the cards begin to feel “off.” Some people like to fume a deck quickly after reading for another person to cleanse the card of outside energies.
A good way to attune your cards to your energy is to keep the deck close to you when you first get it as often as possible. Carry the deck around for a few weeks in your pocket or purse, or sleep with it under your pillow. You may wish to get to know the characters in your deck by selecting a card each night and exploring it in meditation or in your sleep. By giving individual attention to each card, you will come to know it more deeply and have more success in interpreting each card’s meaning.
Storing your tarot deck should be given careful consideration as well. Keep it in a place where it will not be bothered by others, where it is safe from moisture, heat or any pets and children that might damage it. It is best to wrap it in a soft cloth, a wooden or stone box, or get a small bag that it will fit into snugly for protection. Natural materials will work best. Adding a moonstone to it’s keeping place will expose the card to positive energies. Moonstone is known for its association with mystery, psychic energy and the unconscious.
PREPARING YOURSELF
Once you have your space and your cards ready, it is time to prepare yourself for a reading. Developing a ritual will help trigger your mind to go into the semi-meditative mode in which we are open and receptive. Part of your ritual may be going to your space to work with your cards at the same time every day, or every week. It may involve lighting candles, burning incense, or setting up your space to signify to your mind that it’s tarot time.
When you are settled into your space with your cards, take a couple of deep breaths. You may wish to close your eyes. Sit still for a while and centering yourself.
At this time, you may wish to consider saying a prayer. Ask your higher power to help you open up to the messages so that you will receive them with clarity and wisdom. You may wish to call on a guardian angel, spirit guide, totem animal, or any other metaphysical being to which you have a connection, to help you interpret and understand the message. If you have any sense of fear or apprehension, it may benefit you to pray for protection during your reading, or to envision yourself surrounded in a shell of white light that is impenetrable to anything harmful.
Take your cards, and consider your purpose for the activity. Are you studying? Meditating on their meaning? Doing a reading? Have your purpose clear in your head. If you are doing a reading, you may wish to mentally contemplate your question. If you are reading for someone else, it is a good time to ask them to pose their question. Shuffle your deck, and you are ready to give your reading.
