Learning Tarot: Spreads - Level 1

So now let me give you a few spreads to get you started. I'll put up a few hubs in this category each more advanced than the other...but Lets start at the beginning.

For those of you who have just joined us please do take the time to check out hubpages' other blogs on Tarot, or visit some of my other hubs for more background info on how to learn Tarot for yourself!

Now and again whilst shuffling it is important to take one or two cards out and turn them upside down - or 'reverse' them. Over time you will develop your own method for card reversal. Many readers tend to leave the cards as they are; personally I find it more accurate to have each fresh reader reverse their own before they shuffle.

Yes, you can shuffle you cards like a normal deck, though it is advisable to always treat your cards with respect.

When dealing you may either place the cards down face up and one at a time, or face down and turn them over one at a tie. Remember to turn them from side to side and not top to bottom or you will reverse all of your readings!

When you are finished with your reading keep your cards either wrapped in silk or in a wooden box. I keep mine in a silk scarf by my bed...I suspect the silk is more superstition and performance than anything else - but I'm still too superstitious to get rid of it!

The one Card Spread is great for beginners. Simply draw one card from the deck and examine every aspect of that card. The reason this spread is great for beginners is that it is most commonly only used as a self-reading. For example; it's first thing in the morning, I have a bus to catch and I'm in a hurry. Whilst I'm eating toast and drinking coffee I might have a quick shuffle and pick out only one. Because I'm an advanced reader now I would simply have a quick glance and shuffle it back in - but as a new reader you may want to check your notes. Look at the colours in the card, is it Minor or Major Arcana? What number is it and is there any significance. Think about the card throughout the day.

The reason this reading is so good for beginners is that after a few weeks of occasionally shuffling one out you will begin to remember your cards. A good reader isn't a fantastic psychic - they just know every meaning of every card and how to interpret them in line with each other.

Two card choice;

Pull two cards out of the deck and place them face down. Pick one, this is your card of the day..Disregard the other without turning it face up.

Two card Tarot (I'm making up these names, I got most of these from library books over the years!)

		[1]		[2]

Before you shuffle think and/or state a very clear and specific subject or statement. Choose the first card from the deck. Pick it from the pack when they are face up. Whichever card you like. Turn the cards, shuffle them and deal the second card.

The first card represents your conscious thought. The second represents your subconscious thought.

So first of all lets keep in line with the card of the day theme and this time expand with another two cards. Before you begin each reading it is important to gather your thoughts and focus. I find the longer the reading the more tired you are at the end. It's better to start small and build your way up.

Layout your cards as such;

			[1]

		[2]		[3]

The first is your regular card of the day card. The second represents the background to your current day card. The third card represents the influence your day card will have in your future.

Another day card variation;

		[2]	[1]	[3]

The first card is your day card. The second is a reflection of your recent past; the third shows the hidden chances and opportunities that the day will bring.