How to Use Tarot Cards In a Safe and Empowering Way

On my personal journey of spiritual self-development, I’ve found tarot cards to be an incredibly exciting and empowering tool.

The symbols and timeless archetypes of the tarot have become a gateway to deeper self-understanding, self care and intuitive guidance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to tap into the magic of tarot in a way that feels safe, empowering and authentic to you.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience under your belt, you’ll learn how to utilize the transformative potential of tarot.

So let’s dive right in!

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Table of Contents

History and Symbolism of Tarot

Tarot cards originated in Europe in the 14th century and were originally used for playing games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that they began to be used for spiritual purposes.

Each card in a deck of tarot cards has its own unique symbolism and meaning, which can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context of a reading.

The tarot deck is divided into two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent major life events and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent everyday situations and challenges.

Choosing a Deck

Choosing a deck of tarot cards is a personal decision that should be based on your own intuition and preferences.

There are many different decks available, each with its own unique artwork and symbolism. Some people prefer traditional decks, while others prefer more modern or artistic decks.

What I’ve found is that for me personally it doesn’t really matter what kind of deck I use, as long as I feel some sort of intuitive connection between my inner self and the deck.

So, when considering tarot decks you’re interested in, choose the one that resonates with you naturally and intuitively. Often, you’ll discover that this particular deck is the perfect fit for you!

Check out different decks online or in a store to get a sense of the artwork and symbolism.

You may also want to consider whether you want a deck with a guidebook or if you prefer to use your own intuition to interpret the cards.

If you’re just starting out, using a tarot card deck with meanings and keywords on them can be a very helpful tool to guide you through your readings.

I’ve actually put together a list of my favorite tarot decks with detailed meanings on the cards which you can check out right here!

Creating a Safe and Sacred Space

Before you begin your tarot practice, you want to create a sacred space where you feel comfortable and at ease.

This will allow you to fully connect with your intuition and receive messages from your higher self.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when creating a safe and sacred space for your tarot readings:

Cleansing Your Space

Before you start your tarot session, it’s good to clear out any lingering energies in your space. You can do this by using sage, crystals, palo santo, or incense.

I personally really enjoy using crystals to do this.

I have to admit, I love having lots of them around my home. They bring such a peaceful feeling.

And let’s face it, a little eye-candy never hurts!

One crystal I always have nearby during tarot sessions is Amethyst. It helps me listen to my intuition and stay open to the important messages in my readings.

Just remember, when you’re burning incense, sage or palo santo, keep an eye on them for safety!

Setting Clear Intentions

Setting clear intentions is an important part of creating an empowering space for your tarot practice.

Take a deep breath and think about what you hope to gain from your tarot readings.

Are you seeking guidance on a specific issue or looking for new perspectives on your life?

Whatever your intention may be, be sure to set it clearly before you begin your reading.

Your tarot practice is about your own experience and your own journey. There are many different ways to use tarot cards, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Whether you’re using a new deck of tarot cards or exploring oracle cards, the most important thing is to approach your practice with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Preparing for a Reading

Before you begin a tarot reading, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.

This will help you approach the reading with a clear and open mind, and allow you to receive the most accurate and helpful guidance from the cards.

Here are some powerful tips for preparing for a reading:

Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques can help you feel more centered and focused before a tarot reading.

Some grounding techniques you may want to try include:

Taking a few deep breaths
Visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth
Holding a grounding crystal, such as black tourmaline or hematite
Doing a short meditation or visualization exercise to get in contact with your intuitive mind

Formulating Questions

Take some time to think about the questions you want to ask.

Make sure to be clear and specific with your questions, as this will help you receive more accurate guidance from the cards.

Keep the following tips in mind when formulating your questions:

Focus on one area of your life at a time
Ask open-ended questions that allow for multiple perspectives and possibilities
Try to not ask too many ‘yes or no’ questions, as these can be limiting
Phrase your questions in a way that empowers you and focuses on your own agency and power

If you’re looking for guidance on what questions to ask your tarot cards, I’ve got you covered! Asking the right questions can really enhance your readings.

I’ve compiled a list of the best questions to ask your tarot cards in this blog post right here.

Shuffling and Laying Out Cards

Shuffle your tarot deck while focusing on your clear intention for the reading. Once you feel ready, lay out the cards in a spread that resonates with you.

There are many different ways to lay out tarot cards, from simple three-card spreads to more complex layouts like the Celtic Cross.

Choose a spread that feels right for the area of your life you want to explore.

If you’re just starting out with tarot, try one of these spreads for beginners. This way, you will slowly build up the confidence to eventually work with more extensive spreads.

Interpreting the Spread

As you begin to interpret the spread, trust your intuition and the meanings of the cards.

Always keep in mind that tarot readings are not future predictions, but rather a tool for gaining new perspectives and insights into your current state.

The most important thing is to keep an open mind and be an active participant in your tarot practice.

If you are new to tarot, it can be helpful to keep a tarot journal to track your progress and record your own unique interpretations of the cards.

Reflecting and Personal Growth

Using tarot cards can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

As you explore the meanings of the cards, you may gain new perspectives on your own life and the world around you.

Here are some ways to use tarot cards to promote growth and introspection:

Journaling Insights

One of the most powerful things you can do when using tarot cards for personal growth is to keep a tarot journal.

This can be a sacred space where you record your own experience with the deck of tarot cards.

You can use your journal to reflect on different ways to interpret the cards, and to explore the meanings of the cards in relation to your own life.

When you draw a card, allow yourself the time and space to truly connect with the card’s energy.

Write down your initial impressions and any thoughts or feelings that come up. Then, take some time to reflect on the card’s meaning and how it might apply to an area of your life.

You might also want to consider the card’s position in the spread and how it relates to the other cards. This can add depth to your readings and provide valuable insights.

However, if this feels too ‘pro’ for you (which is totally normal!), just focus on the card’s individual meaning and how it resonates with your question

A good way to learn to understand the cards is to do a daily draw to start out with, that way you will learn to connect with each card individually and ask a specific question to test the outcome without it becoming too overwhelming.

Applying the Guidance

After you have spent some time reflecting on the tarot card’s meaning, it’s time to apply the guidance to your life.

This can be a great way to use tarot cards for self development and self-empowerment.

Consider how the card’s message might apply to your current state and what steps you can take to move in the right direction.

By connecting with your own power and higher self, you can gain a fresh perspective on your life and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

So, take some time to explore the meanings of the cards, keep an open mind, and trust your own intuition as you use tarot cards to promote personal growth and self-empowerment.