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* TA R O
* TA R O
Deborah Blake is the award-winning author of The Goddess is in the Details, Everyday Witchcraft, and numerous other books from Llewellyn. She has published articles in Llewellyn annuals, and her ongoing column “Everyday Witchcraft” is featured in Witches & Pagans magazine. Deborah is also the author of the paranormal romance Baba Yaga series from Berkley Publishing, as well as the Veiled Magic urban fantasies.
Deborah can be found online at Facebook, Twitter, and www.deborahblakeauthor.com. She lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse in rural upstate New York with numerous cats who supervise all her activities, both magickal and mundane.
Elisabeth Alba earned an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her illustrations can be found in books, magazines, and games for such clients as Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Oxford University Press, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, and many more.
Elisabeth is married to artist Scott Murphy and lives in Western Massachusetts. Her work can be seen at www.albaillustration.com.
A R O
Copyright Information
Guide to the Everyday Witch Tarot © 2017 Deborah Blake; art by Elisabeth Alba.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the form of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
As the purchaser of this e-book, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. The text may not be otherwise reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, or recorded on any other storage device in any form or by any means.
Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written permission of the publisher is a violation of the author’s copyright and is illegal and punishable by law.
Book design by Rebecca Zins Cover design by Lisa Novak
Cards, book cover, and packaging illustrations by Elisabeth Alba Additional images: istockphoto.com/16738111©MsEli istockphoto.com/19357673©MsEli istockphoto.com/30934444©MsEli istockphoto.com/50807808©aleksandarvelasevic istockphoto.com/57502866©Chunhai Cao
istockphoto.com/57518970©Chunhai Cao
ISBN 978-0-7387-4634-0
The Everyday Witch Tarot kit consists of a boxed set of 78 full-color cards and this perfect-bound book.
Llewellyn Publications is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
Llewellyn Publications does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business arrangements between our authors and the public.
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Manufactured in the United States of America
Once upon a time, in a land far away (we’ll call it Minnesota), there was a wonderful publisher of all things esoteric, known as Llewellyn. You may have heard of them, since they put out a lot of very cool books—and, not coincidentally, the occasional tarot card deck.
As it happens, one of the people who wrote some of those cool books for them was a witch named Deborah; that is to say, me. (So you see, I know this story is true.)
When I was working on my seventh book for Llewellyn, a charming tome called The Witch’s Broom, and trying to find an idea for the cover, a brilliant editor known as Elysia the Magnificent discovered a picture of an amusing old retro postcard. This postcard featured a black cat, a traditional witch’s black pointed hat, and, of course, a broom. We loved it, everyone else loved it, and an artist took that idea and turned it into what became the cover of that book, whereupon all those who gazed upon it also loved it. (Or so I have been told.)
After some time passed, I received an unexpected message from an enchantress named Barbara Moore, who has produced many a fabulous deck of tarot cards herself and works for the acquisitions department at Llewellyn. “We have an idea!” she said through the magical power of email. “And we thought of you.”
That idea, as it turned out, was to create a tarot deck based on the adorable retro look of the cover from my book. They had discussed such a venture and wished for someone with a slightly whimsical bent who could still be serious about the art and soul of the tarot to help them bring it into being. Might I be interested in such a task? And was I at all familiar with the tarot, in particular the classic Rider-Waite deck upon which this new one would be based?
There might have been some chuckling on my end after I’d picked myself up off the floor. You see, I had been reading tarot professionally for many a year. The cards I use, as you may have guessed by now, are in fact that self-same Rider-Waite deck.
I mulled the idea for a bit and finally decided that I was too intrigued to pass it up. In fact, I was captivated by the challenge (although, I will confess, here
where no one is listening, that I might have been a tad intimidated by the scope of the task…you won’t tell, will you?). And so I replied to the enchantress’s message and said, “Holy heck, yes! Sign me up!”
But this was only the beginning of the journey. After all, if we were to create the perfect deck, we would need the perfect artist. Barbara searched through all the kingdom, looking high and low, and one day she found a treasure. That treasure’s name was Elisabeth Alba, and she was an illustrator of unmatched skill and grace. (She’s also really pretty and very nice, but let’s not mention that. We wouldn’t want her to get a swelled head now, would we?)
So Barbara sent me a magical link so that I might gaze upon Elisabeth’s work, and I said, “Holy heck, yes! Please get her to sign up too!” And so it began.
Fortunately, Elisabeth possessed an uncanny ability to take my vision for the pictures on each card and transmute them through the alchemy of her art into something beautiful and true. We used a lot of those same retro-looking classic witches with their black hats and black cats and brooms. (There might have also been some white cats and calico cats. There is no controlling cats, as we all know.) Add in some fairy-tale images and my own personal interpretations of the cards, arrived at after many years of using them, and you have this deck.
The end result, we hope, is both pleasing to the eye and functional for the user. If we have succeeded, then this fairy tale will have a very happy ending indeed.
As I mentioned in the introduction, this deck is based on the classic Rider-Waite deck that many people are already familiar with. The original Rider-Waite deck, written by Arthur E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, was published by the Rider Company in 1910. But early tarot decks are thought to date back to the Renaissance, where they were used to play a complicated card game, and each deck was painstakingly painted by hand.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, tarot began to be used to tell the future, and nowadays many people collect decks by the dozens, either for their beauty or to tell their fortunes or even to gain insight into their own personal internal world. Some folks use them for fun, and others take them very seriously indeed. Neither approach is wrong; the cards have many functions, and you can use them in whichever way most fits your needs and desires.
The classic deck, like this one, contains seventy-eight cards. These cards are divided into two groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. There are twenty-two Major Arcana cards and fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. The Major Arcana is numbered starting with zero (the Fool) and ending with twenty-one (the World). These cards represent the Big Stuff: life, death, love, huge shifts and changes—the things that rock our world from time to time.
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, is more likely to address the daily issues we all cope with—home, career, health, happiness, love. Okay, love is in there twice. It’s harder to control than cats.
The Minor Arcana is broken into four suits: Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords. Within each of these suits are cards from ace to ten, as well as the page, knight, queen, and king. The page, knight, queen, and king are also collectively known as the court cards.
Each of the four suits is associated with particular aspects of life and the natural world. (Although there is overlap, of course, so that in a reading that contains a question about love, there are traits from each of the suits that will come into play, not just Cups.) These are the generally accepted correspondences:
Swords: air (communication, the mind, truth, problems and solutions)
Cups: water (emotions, creativity, relationships, family and friends)
Wands: fire (career, goals, passion, will, desires, projects)
Pentacles: earth (money, prosperity, the physical world, health/body, work, resources)
In general, the more Major Arcana cards that show up in a reading, the more likely it is that the reading has come at an important juncture in the life of the one for whom the reading is being done. But Minor Arcana cards also carry critical messages for those who are willing to look deep and pay attention.
Clearly this deck doesn’t look exactly like the conventional Rider-Waite one. The images are sometimes close to the original (such as the Five of Pentacles) and sometimes very different (like the Hierophant), although the cards can be used in exactly the same way as any other seventy-eight-card deck you are accustomed to practicing with.
Like other decks that are variations on the original Rider-Waite, this one has its own particular theme. You will see many classical witches with their sturdy brooms, pointed black hats, and black cats, but also some elders—queen witches and sages—as well as younger teen witches. There are also some figures that are left purposely androgynous, in the hope that everyone will feel included and see themselves somewhere in these cards. The deck’s theme honors traditional witches, as well as some witchy themes from movies and fairy tales and cats, of course. (Plus a few dogs. Shhh. Don’t tell the cats.)
Another difference you might spot is that even the more traditionally negative cards, such as the Tower, Death, and the Ten of Swords, have a more positive spin put on them. I have found over my years as a tarot reader that many people are afraid of these cards and become alarmed when they show up in a reading. While it is true that the appearance of such cards is rarely happy news, as such, there is almost always a good side to the message they bring.
For instance, the Death card is rarely symbolic of actual death; it has happened only once in all my years of reading, and even then, the person the reading was for already had an inkling that someone close to her was going to die soon. The Death card usually heralds a dramatic change in circumstance—the “death” of something (a relationship, a career, a particular dream)—but that “death” almost always opens the door for something new and better. So I have purposely written my descriptions of the cards to reflect the way I would read them, focusing on the lessons to be learned and the positive possibilities that may come to light through the reading.
We have also tried to make the cards and their descriptions as accessible and easy to understand as possible, updating them for the modern world (despite some of the classic images we use). One of the problems people sometimes have with the older Rider-Waite imagery and descriptions is that they can be difficult to decipher and apply to today’s issues. Hopefully, this deck will prove simpler to use, even for those not versed in esoteric symbols, astrology, numerology, or the Qabalah. (Raises hand.)
You can use this deck the same way you would use any other, but hopefully the touch of whimsical in the pictures will remind you that tarot reading can be fun, even when it is absolutely serious.
Don’t feel that you need to stick strictly to my interpretations of the cards as you will read them in this book. After all, tarot reading is a chance to let your own intuition run free, so if your interpretation is different than mine, it may still be correct for you or the person you are reading for. When I started reading I went “by the book,” as it were, but over the years, as I’ve become more comfortable with the cards, I find that my interpretations often vary quite a bit from the original “official” take—and yet it works every time.
If you are not an experienced reader, the first thing you will want to do is become better acquainted with the cards. (After all, you wouldn’t start driving without learning what all the gears and buttons did, would you?) There are a number of different ways to do this, and you can choose to do all of them or pick the ones that appeal to you the most.
Go through the entire deck, one card at a time. Look at them and get a sense for what they mean to you (you can even write it down if you want), and then compare what you came up with to the interpretations in the book. Or do the reverse: start with the book’s interpretations, then see if your own take varies in any way.
Start with the Major Arcana cards and get comfortable with them.
Look at the Minor Arcana cards one suit at a time, seeing how they progress from ace to ten.
Look at the Minor Arcana cards together, comparing the aces for all, then the twos, etc.
One good way to get comfortable with the deck is to pull one random card every day. You can do this methodically (writing the card down in a journal, for
instance, along with your interpretation and/or what the book says it means) or randomly (ask any question and pull a card—see what happens).
Alternately, you can set aside some time once a week, perhaps in ritual space or in a quiet time first or last thing in the day, and go through the entire deck. This is a great way to learn the cards rapidly.
Practice coming up with your own interpretations, and then compare them to the ones I’ve written out. Listen to your gut as you do a practice reading, and see if you can hone your own intuitive gifts.
Practice with a friend. If you know someone else who is more experienced with the tarot than you are, it can be helpful to have them go over the cards with you and show you how they do a reading. Alternately, if you have a friend who is also new at reading tarot, you can practice on each other or study the cards together to make learning about the deck even more fun.
A note about reading for yourself as opposed to reading for others:
It has been my experience that many people are either good at reading for themselves or reading for others, but not both. In fact, it is somewhat ironic that most of the truly psychic tarot readers I know—including myself, alas—can’t read for themselves in any useful way. I can pull one card to get a quick answer about a question, and I occasionally receive something useful, but for the most part, if I need a reading, I have to ask one of my friends. (It’s very annoying.) My gift is in reading for others, and it has served me well for years. But when I try to read for myself, if I am feeling optimistic, all the cards are fabulous. If I
am feeling pessimistic, all the cards reflect that too. Did I mention it was annoying?
On the other hand, many of the folks who read for themselves quite well aren’t very good at reading for others. Go figure. Of course, there are plenty of people who can do both, and kudos if you are one of them. But don’t be discouraged if it turns out that tarot only works for you one way or the other. Sometimes that’s just the way it is.
Also, just as with any other art or skill, some people have a natural aptitude and others have to work harder to get results. You don’t have to be a psychic to read tarot cards, although you may find that the cards will help you to open up to any gifts you do have.
If you don’t have an innate gift, you may have to practice more or focus on some of the other aspects of using the tarot. For instance, Mary K. Greer wrote a wonderful book called Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation (originally published in 1984 by Newcastle Publishing, an updated version came out in 2002 from New Page Books) that uses tarot as a tool for self-exploration and growth. As I said before, there is no wrong way to use the cards!
How you do a reading will vary depending on whether it is for yourself or for someone else (the one the reading is for is called the querent, whether it is you or another), but much of the basics stay the same.
All readings start with a question or questions. I find that it is best to focus on one or at most two questions in order not to muddy the waters. If you are reading for yourself, you can take a moment to carefully phrase the question in your mind or write it down on a piece of paper. For instance, you can ask things like “Is a relationship with X in my best interests?” or “Should I switch from the job I hate to the job I like that pays less?” It is also fine to just ask “What do I need to know today?” or “Is there something going on that I need to focus on?” Other than these types of questions, however, try not to be vague. For instance, asking “Is this a good job?” may not get you useful answers (what does “good” mean?), whereas asking “Is this the right job for me at this time?” is much more likely to get you a definitive yes or no.
When reading for others, the same rule applies. Some people may not want to tell you their question as a way of testing you. If you are just starting out, I don’t suggest this, since it will just make things harder. Once you are more experienced, you will probably find that it makes no difference whatsoever if you know the question from the start; I have this happen all the time, and I can usually figure out by about the third card what the person is asking about (career, love, etc.). Of course, some of that might be that whole “I am a psychic” thing. Either way, you will soon discover for yourself if you are more comfortable knowing the querent’s question ahead of time, and it is okay to tell people that you need them to share it with you. It might also help you to get them to clarify their question(s) before starting if it turns out that they aren’t being specific enough, as with the job question I mentioned above.
Keep in mind that when you do a reading for someone else, they will probably be talking about important personal issues.
share with anyone other than the querent any details of a reading unless they have given you permission to do so. I like to think of it like being a counselor. What’s said during a tarot reading stays in the tarot reading.
Decide which spread is most appropriate for the question(s) being asked, as well as the amount of time you have for the reading. Simple questions can often be answered with simple spreads or even a one-card pull from the deck. More complicated issues will require something more detailed, like the Celtic Cross spread. (You can find out more about specific spreads in Chapter Four.)
Shuffle the cards. There is no one right way to do this, and different people use different techniques. Because of their larger size and the number of cards, some people find tarot cards difficult to shuffle in the normal way one would use
with a standard deck of playing cards. You can try mixing them all together on the table in front of you and then straightening them out. (I don’t do this because I like to keep all the cards lined up in the same direction, but it is certainly simple and it works.)
You can divide the deck in half and slowly shuffle them together with the long sides together rather than the shorter ends. This is what I do, and I find it makes the cards easier to handle. You can also shuffle them in smaller piles and then mix the piles together. Most people who do readings for others have the querent shuffle the cards for their own reading (so that the cards can get in tune with the querent), but it has been my experience that this can be awkward and isn’t really necessary.
When I do a reading, I shuffle the cards myself while concentrating on opening myself to whatever information is pertinent to the reading, and then I give the cards facedown to the querent and instruct them to put their dominant hand (right if they are right-handed, for instance) on top of the cards and think about their question. When they feel ready, I then have them divide the deck into three piles and restack them in any order they choose, while still keeping the cards facing in the same direction. This has always worked for me and is much simpler than making people shuffle cards they aren’t comfortable with.
Again, there is no wrong way, and you may just want to experiment until you discover which approach works best for you. If all else fails, you can just spread the deck out facedown on the table and pull cards out at random.
Lay out the cards. Again, there are a number of different approaches to doing this, and all of them are equally appropriate. Some people lay out all the cards at once, faceup, and then scan the entire reading. Others lay them facedown all at once and turn up one card at a time. Personally, I like to put down one card at a time and concentrate on it, slowly building the reading one card at a time. When all the cards are on the table, I will then go back and see if there is a bigger picture and summarize it for the querent. If you don’t already have a particular style of laying out the cards, you may want to experiment with a few different approaches until you find the one that works best for you.
Interpret the cards. This, of course, is the heart of the reading. If you are just learning, it is fine to consult the book as you go. Almost everyone starts this way. Once you have more experience, you may want to go with your own intuitive interpretation and only look up a card if you are stuck or confused. If you lay out cards one at a time as I do, you may find that occasionally a card early on in the reading doesn’t make much sense until you get a little further along. If you are reading for yourself, make an effort not to project your own expectations and fears onto the cards. If you are reading for someone else, it sometimes helps to ask periodically, “Is this making sense to you?” It is fine to listen to feedback from the querent, such as “I think that King of Pentacles represents my husband, not my boss, because he controls all the money in our house.” Don’t be afraid to trust your own intuition just because whatever you come up with doesn’t match up with what I’ve written in the book. After all, there are lots of different circumstances, and no two readings are alike. The book is a general guide, not a textbook that lays out all the “right” answers.
Look for patterns. No matter whether you are laying the cards down one at a time or all at once, it can help if you look for patterns: repeated numbers, a predominance of one suit over all the others, or lots of Major Arcana cards. Having many Major Arcana cards in a reading usually indicates that the querent is at a major turning point. Important decisions are being made; big changes are coming. I always tell people that these kinds of readings mean pay attention!
If the suits aren’t represented equally, it may mean that there is an imbalance in the querent’s life or it may be because the question being asked focuses on one particular area, such as love (which may result in a lot of Cups cards) or money (lots of Pentacles). If one particular number repeats, then check the common issues usually associated with those numbers in the tarot deck:
Aces: new beginnings or opportunities
Twos: relationships or choices
Threes: teamwork or creativity
Fours: stagnation, stability
Fives: chaos, conflict, loss
Sixes: community, relationships, help and support
Sevens: reassessment, reflection, planning, decisions
Eights: power and movement (or the lack thereof)
Nines: solitude, independence, isolation, the individual
Tens: completion, something coming to an end, fulfillment
Remember that, as with most other things in life, practice makes perfect. The more time you spent with the cards, the more comfortable with them you will become and the better they will work for you. Whether you are simply playing around with them for fun, using them to further your understanding of the inner workings of your own life, or employing them to invite guidance for yourself or others, the tarot cards will work best for you if you are willing to devote a little time and energy to becoming better acquainted with them. Treat the cards with affection and respect, as you would any valued tool, and they will serve you well for many years to come.
Reading the tarot can be a little confusing at first, especially since there are a number of different approaches and every book (and deck) you get may give you instructions that contradict the others. Try not to sweat the small stuff; remember there is no one “right” way to use the tarot. To help you get started, here is a chapter full of helpful hints and clarifications, as well as three simple spells to use with your cards if you are of the witchy persuasion.
A signifier is a card used to represent the querent, and it is used in addition to the other cards in a reading (most commonly in detailed readings involving a number of cards, such as the Celtic Cross). The signifier is usually picked out before the reading begins, and is often chosen for its similarity in some way with the querent, such as a queen card for a woman. This is an older way of doing a reading, and I tend not to use it because then whichever card is being used as a signifier is no longer in the deck to be used. I simply use the first card I lay down to represent the person being read for, but you can do it either way.
The only exception to the “don’t bother to use a signifier” rule is when one card just seems to jump out of the deck while you are shuffling. When that happens, it tends to indicate that this card should be given special attention and set out at the beginning of the reading.
Once you have laid out the entire spread (for instance, ten cards in the case of the Celtic Cross), there are times when the querent’s questions haven’t been completely answered or there is still some confusion. On those occasions it is common practice to use a clarifier—an additional card picked to clarify the situation.
Some readers prefer not to use clarifiers, believing that they make things more confusing rather than less. Others will use them but like to limit the clarifiers to one or two cards. That’s my usual approach, since I have found clarifiers helpful on occasion, but it isn’t unusual for a querent to want to continue picking out more and more cards in order to either ask additional questions or else avoid facing the conclusions presented by the original cards of the reading.
I strongly suggest that you never do more than two clarifiers, and one is better yet, if they are needed at all (and they often aren’t). If the clarifier, when chosen, doesn’t seem to make any sense in relation to the question asked, I tend to interpret that as the universe saying, “Stop asking me, darn it! I already gave you all the information you need.” Clarifiers can be chosen in two ways: either the next card in the deck can be used or the cards can be spread out to enable the querent to choose the one that calls to them.
There are two basic ways to handle the tarot deck when you shuffle the cards. Some people, like me, purposely keep the cards all lined up in the same direction (or turn the cards right-side up before they lay them down on the table). Others shuffle so that some of the cards are right-side up and some are upside down. If a card is upside down when it is placed on the table, it is known as a reversed card. Reversed cards are generally interpreted as having the opposite meaning or a negative view of the card when it is right-side up; for instance, if the Four of Swords is seen as “resting” when upright, it might be interpreted as “procrastinating” when reversed.
Lots of people use reversed cards, and it is somewhat traditional. Personally, I don’t like them. I find them confusing and downbeat, as well as unnecessary. If I pull the Four of Swords in a reading, I can usually tell which one of those meanings it has in this particular reading just by using my intuition, and I think that the querent finds negative cards both bewildering and discouraging. If you’re not sure whether or not you want to use reversed cards, I suggest you try it a few times with and without them, and see which approach works best for you.
I start every reading by saying, “Remember that nothing is written in stone.” A reading represents the probabilities as they exist at the time of that particular
reading. Many times a reading provides the querent with information that, if they choose to use it to change their direction or patterns of behavior, can result in a completely different outcome than the one predicted.
Also, circumstances outside of our control (other people’s choices, for instance) can dramatically change the end results. So don’t be too discouraged if you see things in a reading that are upsetting or unpleasant. Instead, try to look at them as warnings that will allow you to prepare for the worst or even prevent it. What are the cards trying to tell you? What can you learn that might lead to a better, more positive outcome?
Remember that even the most frightening cards can have their positive sides, depending on the way they are approached. The Devil may be a warning not to trust someone; if you are paying attention, it could save you some trouble and heartache. Try to keep an open mind and put as positive a spin on the reading as you can. If the cards are truly dismal, it is probably a not-so-subtle hint that things need to change in a big way. And if so, then the querent probably knew that coming in and just needed a nudge from the universe to help them face up to it.
Not at all. Many people who do readings aren’t witches and may never practice magic of any kind or do rituals other than brushing their teeth before bed. If you are a magical practitioner and you are doing a reading for yourself or someone else about an important issue, it certainly won’t hurt to start by creating sacred space or doing a formal ritual, but it isn’t necessary.
What I do suggest, however, is that you follow a few simple steps if you are going to be doing any kind of serious tarot reading. The first is to make sure you are grounded and centered. Take a few deep breaths, consciously let go of the troubles of the mundane world outside the reading, and make sure you are focused on the work at hand. If you like incense or sage smudge sticks, burning some while you do the reading might help to get you in the proper frame of mind. Some people like to burn a candle on the table, if it won’t get in the way,
or use a special cloth to lay the cards out on.
In short, set the mood and remind yourself that you are doing something outside the realm of your everyday routine. It is also important to make sure that you have enough space to lay out the cards and that you won’t be interrupted in the middle of a reading. Turn off the phone, shut off distracting noises like television or radio (although it is fine to play quiet meditative music in the background), and ask your kids/spouse/friends to not disturb you. Tarot works best when you can give it your full attention.
It is always okay to just ask, “What do I need to know?” Sometimes it is interesting to see what turns up when you aren’t trying to be specific.
There are a couple of things that could be happening here. Sometimes you’re just not in the right frame of mind to be reading; if you’re too upset, scattered, or tired, you’re likely to end up with marginal results. Wait, and try again later. It could be that you’re asking the wrong question or that the question you think you’re asking isn’t the one you really want to know the answer to. (I once did a reading for a woman who told me she wanted to know about career issues. I got four or five cards in and realized that the cards had nothing to do with career success and everything to do with love. She finally admitted that this was what she had really wanted to ask about but had been too afraid of the answers to try. But she couldn’t fool the cards, and as soon as we looked at the question she was really asking, they suddenly made much more sense.)
Or you may be one of those people who can only read for yourself and not
others, or the reverse. If the reading isn’t working, there isn’t much you can do. Put the cards aside and try again in a day or two.
Probably not. If the same cards turn up in multiple readings, it probably means that the querent hasn’t changed any of their patterns and behaviors since the last reading, and therefore their problems have stayed exactly the same. I have had clients who came to me repeatedly for help with the same issue and got frustrated because I never had any different answers for them. But if they didn’t pay any attention to the wisdom offered to them the first, second, or third time around, the outcome was going to remain unchanged, and so would the cards.
Once the querent finally does something to affect positive change, I assure you that the cards will change, too.
Nope. Obviously, if you have some kind of psychic ability, reading the tarot will probably come more easily to you. But, if they are open to doing so, everyone has the capacity to tap into their own intuitive inner voice, as well as access wisdom from the outside (call it god/goddess/spirit/the universe/guides—whatever term you are more comfortable with). In fact, the tarot is a great tool for helping you do just that.
If you are of the witchy persuasion, you probably consecrate your magical tools before using them for the first time. It is a nice idea to do the same with a new (or “new to you”) deck of tarot cards. Consecrating the cards simply means that you are dedicating them to positive use and asking the gods/the universe to bless the cards.
It is traditional to wrap tarot cards in a silk cloth—it doesn’t have to be large or expensive, although it is nice if the cloth is big enough to also be used under the cards as they are spread out on a table for a reading—and keep them in a special box or pouch. If you are using the cards for serious readings, I suggest that you do this. If you just collect multiple decks for fun, they’re probably not going to implode just because you have a bunch of them shoved into a drawer with some cool rocks you picked up on the beach and that statue of Kali you don’t like putting out because its eyes follow you around the room.
There are a few ways you can consecrate a new deck of cards before you use them for the first time. If you have an altar, you can leave them there for a few days to gather up positive energy from your other spiritual tools. You can put them out under the full moon (if it isn’t likely to rain on them and if you live someplace where you can be sure your neighbors won’t pick them up and walk off with them) or place them in the moonlight on a table or windowsill inside.
Instead of or in addition to these things, you can also do a simple consecration spell.
You will need: a small bowl of salt, a small bowl of water, a candle, incense or a sage smudge stick or a feather, and the deck you will be using
Optional: a piece of silk cloth, the box or pouch you will be storing the deck in (if any), and a small amethyst or clear quartz crystal
If you are unfamiliar with magical work, the salt represents the element/spirit of Earth, the water represents Water, the candle symbolizes Fire, and Air can be represented by either the smoke rising from the incense or the smudge stick or by the feather. I like to use a smudge stick for its cleansing aspects, but you can use whichever one feels right to you.
Place the silk cloth (or some other cloth if you want, since the salt will make a tiny mess) on a table and put the deck, plus the pouch or box if using one, on top. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself so that you are completely focused on your task. This can be done in a formally cast magical circle, but it doesn’t have to be. Some people like to consecrate tools on the night of the full moon, but again, that isn’t strictly necessary.
Hold the cards up toward the sky and say:
I consecrate these cards for positive use, that they may serve me well today and through all the days to come.
Place the cards on the cloth and sprinkle them with a tiny bit of salt, saying:
I consecrate these cards with the power of Earth, strong and grounded.
Then sprinkle with a bit of water, saying:
I consecrate these cards with the power of Water, flexible and flowing.
Light the candle and hold the cards carefully above the flame, saying:
I consecrate these cards with the power of Fire, warm and passionate.
Wave the incense, sage stick, or feather over the cards, and say:
I consecrate these cards with the power of Air, clarifying and refreshing.
May these cards be blessed and consecrated by the powers of god and goddess*
so that they may guide me truly and help me to see clearly.
So mote it be.
If you are using a crystal, it can be placed inside the bag or box where you will be storing your tarot deck. It will help keep the energy clear and boost the power of the deck.
You can substitute the name of any particular deity you follow or say “the universal spirit” or whatever term you are comfortable using.
You may want to use this spell if you buy or are given cards that have been previously used, just to make sure there isn’t anything unpleasant clinging to them from their previous owner. It helps to make the cards know they now belong to you. You may also want to use it on your own deck if you have had a particularly discouraging or negative reading and would like to make sure that none of that energy lingers to contaminate the next reading you do.
For a cleansing, it is particularly nice if you can place the cards out in the light of the full moon overnight (either outside or on a windowsill or table where the moonlight will fall), or if it is summer, in the strong light of the sun for a day or at least a few hours. But really, your focus and intention (to cleanse the cards of any negativity) are all that are really necessary.
You will need: a black candle, a small bowl of water, a small bowl of salt, a sage smudge stick or any kind of cleansing incense (rosemary is especially good for this since it is good for both protection and enlightenment as well as cleaning)
Optional: a quartz crystal
Place the cards, either in their box or taken out and spread in an arc, on a table or cloth. Focus on your desire to cleanse them of anything icky (yes, that is the technical tarot term).
Light the candle and say:
I summon the powers of light to cleanse this deck of any negativity.
Sprinkle the salt over the cards and say:
With Earth, I ground and clear these cards.
Sprinkle the water over the cards and say:
With the cleansing power of the rains, the rivers, and the ocean surf, I wash away
all negativity and unwanted energies from these cards.
Light the sage stick or incense and hold the cards in the smoke. (If using a crystal, you can hold it on top of the cards at this point or in your other hand or simply place it next to your sage/incense holder.) Visualize any negative energy still clinging to the cards as a dark smudge, and see it sloughing off into the smoke and being carried away, up through the ceiling and into the sky. Say with feeling:
These cards are cleansed and glowing clear Free of negativity
Darkness is gone, the light is here Blessed may this tarot be!
If you want to, you can leave the deck sitting on your altar or some other safe place until the candle burns down, or you can simply snuff out the candle and put them away until the next time you need them. This can be done any time you feel as though the cards are in need of a cleansing.
Some witches send up a little prayer to the gods for clarity any time they do a reading. Others might do a spell before a reading if the outcome is pivotal and important questions are being asked. If you feel the need for such a thing, here is a simple spell that can be done before you use the tarot, either for yourself or for someone else.
You can light a candle or just hold the cards in your hands and say the following: God and goddess
Beings of light Send your clarity To my sight Help me see
Through fog and fear And bring to me The answers clear.
“ E M B RA C E T H E U N K N O W N . ”
So why is she flying off into who-knows-where? Because sometimes you reach a point where there is no choice but to close your eyes and jump. Life doesn’t come with any guarantees, and from time to time you have to make the big leap in order to reap the big rewards. They don’t call it a “leap of faith” for nothing, after all. Sometimes you just gotta believe.
The Fool reminds us that after a while you have to stop considering all the possible options, listen to your gut, and just
. If you don’t have faith in the universe, then have faith in yourself. Even if the adventure doesn’t work out the way you want it to, you will almost certainly learn something and grow from the experience.
“ T H E MA G I C 1 S I N S 1 D E Y O U . ”
On an altar are four silver tools: athame, wand, chalice, and pentacle coin. They glow with a golden light. A black cat is perched on one corner, sitting upright and Bastlike, knowing whatever it is that cats know. Behind the altar table stands an androgynous figure with dark shoulder-length hair held back by a silver circlet with a crescent moon in the middle. The figure wears rich and ornate flowing robes. A matching golden glow surrounds the figure and is strongest at their head, heart, and hands. Their arms are raised into the air, and swirls of power flow into the hands.
Who is this mysterious figure, and what does he or she represent? Magic, of course. Not the kind of magic that a stage magician does, all sleight of hand and tricks. No, the Magician holds true magic within: the ability to do what is necessary, to be wise, to be kind, and to find success at the end of every endeavor. The Magician represents our own capacity to balance all the tools of the four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—and use them to create positive change in the world. Who wouldn’t want that kind of magic?
But keep in mind that this card is about personal power and individual ability. Whatever you are dealing with, you may have to rely on yourself to triumph in the end. But don’t worry—you already have all the tools you need to succeed.
However, if the Magician is in a position in the reading that indicates it represents someone other than you, it may be suggesting a strong ally whom you can depend on to work a little magic on your behalf.
“ H I G H E R W I S D O M I S
AVA I LA B L E T O U S A L L. ”
The High Priestess represents both ancient wisdom and current knowledge. She is every wise woman who ever lived and every matriarch who ruled over her family’s kitchen table. You can probably learn a lot from her, but you have to be looking for the answers in order to get them, and you have to be willing to deal with the truth when you get it. Life is rarely black and white, and neither is whatever you will learn.
The High Priestess card in a reading may represent you or it may be an indication that there is someone you can turn to for help—a mentor, an elder, or someone you respect in your spiritual community. But don’t expect this person to just hand you the answers. You are still going to have to do the hard work for yourself. Be aware of looking at things as being black or white, right or wrong; life is rarely that simple. And sometimes you have to accept that you can’t know everything right now.
“ T H E D I V I N E F E M I N I N E I S I N A L L O F U S . ”
The Empress is the embodiment of all that is female and powerful, gifting us with abundance, strength, and growth. She is the cycle of life from birth to death, although for now we look on her in all her vivid and fertile glory, seeing the beauty that resides in every woman, no matter her age or circumstances. She reminds us that all women are divine. The Empress is the personification of growth and possibility. With her on your side, you can achieve anything.
An older male sage with brown hair shot with silver sits on a simple wooden throne at dusk. He wears a crown with prongs of antlers and holds a scepter with a glowing sapphire that matches his flowing red robes. His eyes are also blue, and his face is wise and a little bit stern but not forbidding. His other hand strokes the black kitten in his lap, and an older German shepherd sleeps at his feet. A scroll lies on the ground in front of him, partially unrolled to show a map of the constellations. The mood is one of solid strength and power; you know that this is a man you can trust and depend on. You also know that you should probably listen when he speaks. He didn’t get where he is by accident. This guy knows things, and he gets things done. You could do worse than to follow his lead.
The Emperor is a true king. He is wise and experienced, and he always tries to do what is right for his people. He keeps order because life flows more easily when things are done correctly and everyone follows the rules. He does nothing without thinking it through first, but he is not afraid to take action if it is necessary. He is the embodiment of the sacred male, a father, and a figure of authority. The Emperor nurtures those around him, just as the Empress does, but his approach is very different and his touch is a little heavier. He is definitely someone you want on your side, but be wary, since he can be harsh when he is sure he knows what is right for others and they refuse to do things his way.
If it indicates a strong man in your life, is he someone you can depend on? If so, that’s fabulous, and you probably can relax a little about whatever is worrying you, knowing you have him on your side. On the other hand, the Emperor could indicate someone who thinks he is the boss of you when, in reality, he isn’t. If someone is trying to force you into a mold you don’t fit, it may be time to open
your eyes to the situation and find a way to regain your own personal power.
This card is based on the word hierophany, which means “the manifestation of the sacred.” The Hierophant is one who teaches, who leads the way, who shows us how to manifest the spiritual in our own lives. Sometimes the Hierophant is our own inner wisdom, guiding us to the next step along the path. This teacher may represent actual formal learning (classes or even a university degree) or perhaps more mind/body connections like the yoga being practiced in the picture on the card. It is all about creating a bridge between the mundane everyday life we all lead and the beliefs that shape our personal truths.
“ A L L Y O U N E B D I S L O V E .”
Two witches stand in front of a bonfire, holding hands. The smoke from the bonfire rises above them to form the shape of a female winged spirit, her arms spread wide. In front of the witches sit two cats, their tails entwined to form a heart in the middle. The mood is loving and warm. There is love here, both on the physical plane and the spiritual plane, and the sense that, no matter what, neither of these people will ever be alone.
The Lovers isn’t as simple a card as it may seem. Yes, sometimes it really means romantic love, but it can also be about the power that love brings to heal and protect. These witches have chosen to stand together. Maybe they are lovers in truth, maybe friends or siblings. More important, they are there together, making an otherwise mundane moment something magical. Because what is more powerfully magical than love?
“ O N WA R D A N D U P WA R D ,
F O RWA R D E V E R S I D E WA Y S . ”
The Chariot is about forward movement. But more than that, it is about staying in control as you move forward, steering your own course toward your destiny. Life may be pulling you in different directions, but you get to choose.
Sometimes you even get to say “both” or “everything,” but only if making that choice doesn’t cause you to veer off your path and into a ditch.
“ I AM P O WJ2 R¡ H B AR M E R OAR. "
There is a lot of power in the Strength card, but it isn’t because the witch has more magic than anyone else or can turn you into a toad without a second thought (although both of those may be true). Her power comes from confidence in her own abilities and knowing that the universe makes all things come right in the end. Even her cat has that kind of confidence and views the huge lion as just a slightly larger member of the family. The Strength card reminds us that we have what it takes to triumph, no matter what comes our way.
“ T H E R E I S W I S D O M I N
L I S T E N I N G T O T H E S I L E N C E . ”
There are times when you can only hear yourself think by removing yourself from the world for a bit. Maybe you need to take some time by yourself. Maybe you need a break from relationships or hectic jobs or anything else that involves people and noise. Maybe you just need to take a moment here and there to sit and be still. The Hermit reminds us that being alone is not the same thing as being lonely, and sometimes the best way to heal or learn or grow is to do it by ourselves in silence.
“ A L L P O S S I B I L I T I E S L I E B E F O R E Y O U . ”
Who among us doesn’t wish for prosperity, health, love, and opportunity? Of course, if we are given too many options, it becomes hard to choose. Life is almost easier when it is difficult and the possibilities are limited. The Wheel of Fortune shows us that change is coming. Perhaps we’ll get to choose; perhaps fate will choose for us. Either way, that wheel is spinning, and nobody knows what will happen next.
“ W H A T G O E S A R O U N D , C O M E S A R O U N D . ”
People say that Justice is blind; that just means they’ve never met her. She sees everything, even when it seems as though she isn’t looking. There is no hiding the truth; she sees your actions and inside your soul. If things aren’t going well, Justice suggests looking at where your responsibility in the situation lies. But if you are worried that someone else won’t get what they deserve, don’t. Justice watches everyone, and sooner or later she makes sure the scales balance out.
“ J U S T H A N G I N G A R O U N D . ”
Ever feel like you are completely stuck, unable to move in any direction? Then you will sympathize with this poor witch, who is clearly in a similar situation. He’s in limbo, caught between time and space, not going anywhere anytime soon. And there’s nothing he can do about it. Or is there? If you look closely, you will see that he has the key that will unlock his bonds; he only has to figure out how to get himself out of that uncomfortable position so he can use it.
Maybe it is time to look at things from a different point of view than usual. Luckily, that should be easy to do since he is already hanging upside down.
Where in your life are you stuck? Try looking at the situation from a new angle or with a better attitude. You can do something to get yourself unstuck, or you can simply accept that you are stuck right now and see if there are any benefits to be had from simply hanging around for a while.
“ A L L T H I N G S M U S T E N D S O M E T 1 M E . ”
Don’t panic! The Death card doesn’t always mean actual death. In fact, it is much more likely to indicate the death of “something” such as the end of an era and the beginning of another. We often have to let go of one thing to make room for something better, but that doesn’t mean that the process is always pleasant (or that you know this is what is happening while you are caught up in the pain of the transition). A bad relationship “dies” so that you can find a better one. You lose a job that is sucking the soul out of you. These deaths hurt, don’t they? But when you look back on them later, you will do so with gratitude because they freed you to move on. It is okay to mourn, but don’t forget that death can also mean rebirth into something wonderful.
“ S T R I V E F O R B A LA N C E I N A L L T H I N G S . ”
How do you achieve balance in life? Our Temperance witch would probably say, “Moderation in all things, including moderation,” and then smile that angelic smile because she has managed to achieve what for most of us is simply impossible. That doesn’t mean we can’t try, though. Striving for perfect balance is a never-ending task that requires both discipline and calm, along with the ability to go with the flow while staying rooted and strong. We never said it was easy, did we?
If the Temperance card appears in your reading, it may be a reminder to reach for your inner strength and take a deep breath. Is your life out of control?
Perhaps it is time to work on moderation and calm, to make sure you are paying attention to all aspects of your life: work and play, time with others and time for yourself, striving and resting, indulgence and self-discipline. Try to go with the flow…and every once in a while, treat yourself to a cupcake.
“ T H E D B V I L Y O U K N O W I S N ’T
N E C E S S A R I LY B E T T B R T HA N
T H E O N E Y O U D O N ’T . ”
Contrary to what you might think, the Devil doesn’t represent some evil being who comes in from the outside world to lure and ensnare us. That would be easier to fight than the reality, which is that each of us has devils that we have created for ourselves: addiction, bad habits, obsessions, and unhealthy decisions that we cling to long after it is clear that they are leading us in the wrong direction or holding our lives hostage. Temptation can be so hard to resist. That makes this seem like a scary, hopeless card, but it isn’t. We often hold on to the devil we know because we are more comfortable with the negativity and dysfunction we are used to than we are the idea of starting over and creating something better. But you can do it. You chose this devil, and you can choose to say “no more.”
“ C HA O S A N D D E S T R U C T I O N T H I N G S G O B O O M . ”
Life rarely runs smoothly, but there are times when it seems as though our entire existence is crashing down around our ears. Jobs are lost, relationships implode, we lose friendships that we treasured. Some of this is just life; after all, as everyone knows, stuff happens. But much of the time, that chaos and destruction has to occur to make room for something new and better. Take heart. Try to see the positive in even the worst situation. You can survive the blast.
“W)3 A R P T H B L I G H T O P T H H S TA R S .”
The stars have long been a sight that lifts our hearts; is there anything more beautiful than that bright spot of light in a dark sky? The Star is one of those rare cards that has no negative interpretations. If she shows up in your reading, accept her gifts with gratitude and appreciation.
“ M Y S T E RY , MA G I C , A N D A H I N T O F MAY H E M . ”
The moon has long been the symbol of the goddess: feminine power personified. It also represents change, both predictable and not, as its very shape seems to mutate in the sky above, moving from a tiny sliver into a full, round orb and back again until it disappears from sight. The Moon card may carry with it a suggestion that there are unseen forces at work, mysterious and impossible to foresee. It can also indicate someone who is torn between their two natures—tame or wild, practical or creative. Can you embrace them both or must you choose? Only the moon knows, and she’s not telling.
The Moon card may herald a time of flux and change; neither good nor bad, it simply warns you to look carefully at the reflection in the water. What hidden secrets will it reveal if you are daring enough to gaze directly at the moon’s face?
“ L E T T H E S U N S H I N E I N . ”
What could be more wonderful than to dance in the warmth and light of the sun on a perfect day and in the perfect company? Not much, that’s what. Sometimes life gifts you with a moment, an hour, a day of joy and spontaneous celebration. Maybe you have a sudden breakthrough coming out of the clouds of uncertainty or depression. Maybe you are simply hit by one of those “ahhhhh” moments when everything seems to fall into place. Enjoy it because such times are rare and fleeting. Later you can deal with everyday issues, but for today, just dance!
“ H E R E W B G O A GA I N . ”
The Judgement card is often perceived as something ominous due to the traditional picture that features naked dead people being summoned by the angel Gabriel’s trumpet. What isn’t clear is that this call is less about being judged by someone else and more about taking a look at your own life and finding it unsatisfactory. Our witch on the card is following some music that only she can hear, playing along as she moves happily down the path toward rebirth, renewal, and letting go. She is light of heart and feet because she has put down old grudges and hurts that were dragging her down. There is joy in finally heeding the call to the life you are meant to be living.
“ S U C C E S S A N D
C E L E B RA T I O N ; H U Z ZA H ! ”
Break out the bubbly and strike up the band—there is a lot to celebrate. The World card signifies completion, the attainment of goals, and success in whatever endeavors you have been pursuing. If it is the final future card in a reading, no matter what comes before it, you will triumph in the end.
The World is another one of those rare cards that has no negative interpretations. Nothing but good times ahead, baby. You did it. Pat yourself on the back. Hell, have someone else pat you on the back too. You deserve it.
“ TA - DA I ”
The aces often represent an unusual opportunity: one of those moments that enter our lives as a gift, often unexpected, always fleeting. The Ace of Swords in particular suggests that it is time to look at life in a new way or act on a new idea that will change things dramatically. Don’t let this moment pass you by without taking advantage of whatever it is the universe is offering. Open your mind and let the light shine in.
“A. N O , B . N O , A. DA M M I T .”
The witch in this picture has a decision to make, but it is possible she isn’t going about making it in the most effective way. Even the cat knows she’s being silly. Sometimes it is hard to be decisive when faced with a difficult choice, but the Two of Swords tells you that you already know which answer is right—you just have to take off your blindfold and really look at the situation.
B R EA K Y H E A R T . ”
The Three of Swords is one of those cards that can’t possibly mean anything other than bad news. As the picture suggests, it is an indication of hurt and heartbreak, often brought about by poor communication or just plain malice. It may signify betrayal or simply a broken heart. Either way, all that can be done is to pick up the pieces and try to learn something from the situation so you never end up back here again.
We all need to pull back from the world from time to time and take a break, catch our breath, and regroup. The trick is to know the difference between the lack of movement that is positive and beneficial, and the lack of movement that means we are stuck in a state of suspended animation.
"B B CARB P U L WHAT
Y O U W I S H P O R. ”
Yay! I get all the swords!” One of these witches sure is looking happier than the other two. It looks like her spell won out over those of the others, and she has proven herself to be the superior magic wielder—but at what cost? Maybe she got so caught up in the moment that she didn’t think about the consequences, but it is pretty clear there are going to be some. At best, there will be a lack of trust in the future; at worst, her friends will never work with her again. Was it worth it? Somewhere down the road, she may be wishing she’d played a little nicer.
“ A N Y P LA C E B U T H E R E . ”
This witch isn’t going to spend one more minute where she is. She’s already on her way, with only a few necessities, because time is of the essence and sometimes it is better to get out with nothing than to hang on to things or people that are weighing you down. But she’s not traveling alone. It isn’t clear if she is helping her traveling companions or if they are helping her, but either way, they are in this together. An arcane gesture to summon the wind and they’re off into an unknown future. All she knows is that anyplace will be better than whatever it is she’s leaving behind.
“ LA ,
N O T H I N G
LA ,
LA ...
T O S E E
H E R E . ”
There’s something wrong with this picture, isn’t there? Our friend carrying the swords is clearly someplace she doesn’t belong and doing something she isn’t supposed to be doing. But sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Is she taking something away or is she bringing something in? Is there some kind of heroic mission involved or merely underhanded mischief? Whichever it is, it looks like shenanigans are afoot.
“ 1 S I T DA R K I N H E R E O R I S I T M E ? ”
Oh, crap,” the witch in this picture is thinking. “I’m trapped and I can’t see the way out.” But if you look closer, you will see that her hands aren’t really tied. All she has to do is let go of the ribbon that binds them, pull off her blindfold, and look more closely at whatever it is she doesn’t really want to see. Her faithful companion is already working hard at trying to help her free herself; she just has to stop panicking and start thinking clearly. She already has all the answers she needs. The little blue bird offers a glimmer of hope.
“ W O E I S M E . ”
Who hasn’t had a night like this one? This witch is overwhelmed with sadness, and although there is no way for us to tell exactly what she’s been obsessing over, whatever it is has clearly been weighing heavily on her mind and heart. In her head everything seems hopeless, and yet if she would only stop crying for a moment and look up, she would see that it is the dawn of a brand-new day.
Anything is possible. She is not as alone as she feels.
“ WAT C H Y O U R BA C K. ”
Well, that didn’t go exactly as planned, did it? The Ten of Swords is one of those cards that clearly demonstrates the saying “some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.” In the case of the poor witch in this picture, the bear (or some other foe) has won the day. The battle is over. But take a closer look because she’s not beaten. Battered, you bet; maybe ready to give up on this particular situation and call it a total loss. But none of this means that she can’t learn something from the experience, even if what she’s learned is who not to turn her back on the next time. She’s just going to wait until she is sure the coast is clear, then pull those stupid swords out and limp away with her faithful cat by her side, sadder but wiser.
“ I M P U L S 1 V E O R
I N T U I T I V E ? Y O U D E C I D E . ”
Look at this young witch, ready to hit the road in search of a new idea or a daring adventure. Ah, youth. It doesn’t really matter if he is prepared; he’s going anyway, and that’s okay. After all, everyone has to start somewhere. No doubt he’ll learn a lot on the journey. The only question is, will he learn it the hard way or the easy way? No one really knows until they try.
“ C HA R G
The Knight of Swords is coming—best get out of his way! Unless, of course, he is here to sweep you off your feet. The knights are all about movement, this one more so than the others. Once he gets an idea in his head, there will be no stopping him. Of course, if he is on your side, you may not want him to. The Knight of Swords is a capable ally, determined and focused. Maybe a little too focused, in fact, since he can be hard to stop once he gets going. If you are going along for the ride, expect to feel the wind in your hair and see the ground far underneath your feet.
“ I A M A W I S E W O M A N ,
P O W E R F U L A N D I N C O N T R O L. ”
The Queen of Swords is a wise and experienced woman. She has been around long enough to feel secure in her own position and to know how to see clearly, despite any emotion that might cloud the thoughts of others. While not cold, she is calm and cool. Whatever you do, don’t try to lie to her. Her sword isn’t just for decoration. She will be fierce in the defense of what she feels is right, and she will come to the aid of any who are under her protection. Make sure you stay on her good side, and she will be an ally when you need one.
“ L O O K T O M E F O R A N S W E R S F R O M T H E
H B A D , N OT T H E H E A RT .”
The King of Swords is one cool customer. He is all about logic and reason, intrigued by ideas but not interested in fantasy. If you need wisdom, you should seek him out. But if you’re looking for a hug, you’d be better off going to the King of Cups or, you know, anywhere else. The King of Swords can help you when you need practical advice or a calm, clear head. Just don’t expect sympathy. All he wants is the facts, ma’am.
“ M Y C U P R U N N E T H O V E R . ”
Like the mythical cauldron of rebirth and renewal, the Ace of Cups offers love, peace, and healing. The witch on the card might be a village wise woman or she might be the goddess herself in disguise. There is no way of knowing. But if you are smart, you will accept the cup she offers you; it will almost certainly contain something powerful and amazing, and it will probably be just what you need in that moment. Drink deep while you can because such gifts are rare and fleeting, and there is no telling when such an opportunity will come along again.
“ I T TA K B S T W O T O TAN G ,O AM O N G O T H E R T H I N G S .”
The Two of Cups is all about connection. That might mean love, whether new and exciting or forged by the fire of years spent together. It might mean partnership of some other kind. But either way, the connection is deep and important, positive and healthy, and not to be taken lightly. Together, these two people make magic, creating something bigger than either of them alone. They raise their glasses to toast each other because they know that a connection like this is rare and valuable and well worth celebrating.
“ E V B RYT H I N G I S B E T T E R
W H E N S HA R B D W I T H P R I B N D S .”
What could be better than coming together in merriment and joy? If you ask these three witches, they would tell you, “Not much!” They may be different ages and from different paths, but they support each other’s endeavors and cheer each other on through good and bad. On this day they may be celebrating the achievement one has made or simply enjoying the moment. What does it matter? They’re together and the moon is overhead, and that is reason enough to dance.
"łS THAT THE BRST
Y O U CA N D O ? ”
The young sage in the Four of Cups isn’t happy with his work. Of course, that’s not unusual. Truth be told, he’s never really satisfied. His hard-working apprentice tries offering him a different option, but our sage knows it isn’t quite right. After all, it isn’t perfect, and therefore it isn’t good enough. He’ll keep rejecting things; surely just the right one will come along sooner or later. If not, our sage would rather have nothing at all.
“ R U I N E D !
I T ’S A L L R U I N E D !”
Let’s face it: in life, bad things happen. You make plans, you work hard, everything is all set, and
: disaster. The car breaks down, your perfect vacation gets rained out, you slip and break your leg two days before your wedding. It’s easy to get discouraged and lose track of the big picture; suddenly, everything is ruined! But is it?
Everything, really? Or are you just so focused on the bad stuff that you forget about all the good? After all, the car may be broken, but no one got hurt. You still got to spend your vacation with family and play all those fun board games. And maybe you hobbled down the aisle on a pair of crutches, but you’ve got someone who loves you. Don’t let the bumps in life distract you from all the blessings you still have.
“ H E R E , L E T M E G I V E Y O U T H I S . ”
An act of kindness is a powerful thing. One small gesture can change a day from bad to good. A series of little gifts, given with no expectation of receiving anything in return, can snowball into a mountain of joy if people pass them along to others. A good memory held in the heart may give someone strength in the darkest of moments. There is an innocence in a simple act of kindness that is often missing from our lives. The Six of Cups reminds us of the value of the giving and receiving of little moments of joy.
Sometimes the Six of Cups is a reminder to hang on to good memories and not get too jaded or negative in the way you view the world. If there isn’t enough kindness in your life, maybe you just need to create some yourself.
“ T H I S O N E ! N O , WA I T ; T H A T O N E . N O A R G H ! ”
The poor witch in the Seven of Cups card is completely stymied. She has to make a decision but just can’t make up her mind—not because she has no good choices, but rather because she has too many, all of them good. What’s a witch to do? If she picks the cup filled with wisdom, she might miss out on riches or power. But if she chooses hearth and home, she might not be able to go on a great adventure. Every time she thinks she has made up her mind, something else occurs to her and she is back to being stuck again. The wise old crone behind the counter is being as patient as she can, but she knows what we all learn eventually: forward movement requires that you pick an option and run with it, even if that means you run the risk of making the wrong choice.
”SOMETIMESYOV}UST
HAVB T O WA LK I N
an o TH e R D I R E C T I O N .”
The witch in the Eight of Cups has clearly made a major decision; she has turned her back on what many others would consider a darned good situation and deliberately set off in a new direction. Why on earth would she do that? Is she crazy? Her friends and family may think so, but she knows that no matter how appealing and safe her current life might seem to others, it isn’t what her heart needs. She is being called to a new path, and no matter what she has to give up to do so, she is going to follow that call.
The Eight of Cups may indicate a dramatic change in a relationship or career that used to bring you satisfaction and no longer does, or simply that it is time for you to acknowledge it is time to walk away from your old safe life and into something new that holds the potential for future happiness.
“ S U C C E S S AT LA S T 1”
The Nine of Cups used to be called the wish card. You would make a wish at the beginning of the reading, and if the Nine of Cups appeared, your wish was sure to be granted. Its presence in a reading is certainly a good sign that you have either achieved what you’d hoped to or are well on your way to doing so. But don’t get too cocky; after all, life is uncertain, and wishes are tricky things. Yes, you should take time out to celebrate every achievement along the way. But the journey still continues, and you want to keep an eye out for future wishes too.
“ T H E E N D O F T H E
RA I N B O W I S R I G H T H E R E . ”
This may be the most joyful card in the deck, but the shared bliss found in the Ten of Cups doesn’t just happen by accident. The king and queen worked hard over many years to create this perfect day in a nearly perfect life. Their happiness comes not from money or success but from having people to share their joy. This card depicts the emotional satisfaction we all long for, filled with optimism but taking nothing for granted.
If this card lies in a future position, your efforts to connect with others will almost certainly lead to some form of happily ever after. But remember that even bliss takes work to maintain, and no life, no matter how wonderful, is without its tough moments. You just won’t have to go through them alone.
“ L E T I N S P I RA T I O N F L O W i ”
The Page of Cups is all about youthful enthusiasm for something new—a new craft, a new adventure, a new love. Of course, you don’t have to be young in years to have this kind of crazy carried-away feeling. Mind you, sometimes this kind of impetuous appetite for life can get the poor page into trouble, so you might need to be a little patient, or you could go along for the ride and maybe learn something new.
“ I F O L L O W W H i R H V B R
M Y H EA RT L BA D S. ”
The Knight of Cups is a romantic soul; you might even say he is a fool for love. He tends to get wrapped up in his own dreams and visions, following them to the exclusion of the practical world. Whatever he is pursuing at the moment, he does it with his whole heart. But tomorrow his heart may turn to something new, and he will be just as passionate about that. The Knight of Cups isn’t shallow—far from it. He’s just following his bliss. Hopefully it won’t lead him off a cliff.
If this card represents you in a reading, it might be a suggestion that you are too wrapped up in your own hopes and dreams, too emotional to make a rational decision. Perhaps it would be a good time to step back and see if whatever you are so excited about—a lover, an idea, a plan for something grand—really stands up in the bright light of reality.
" B L E S S B D. I S S H E W H O G I V R S W I T H H R R W H O L E H EA R T ."
The Queen of Cups is the embodiment of heart and passion. She will be there when you need help, advice, or just a warm hug, and she will encourage you in your own passions. The queen is generous of spirit; intuitive and kind, she can be relied on for guidance, especially when you are too overwhelmed with your own emotions to make sensible decisions. She may be a mother, a patroness, or a friend. Maybe she is even you.
Perhaps you take the role of Queen of Cups for others. If so, you are to be admired and commended. Just be careful not to give so much of yourself that your cup becomes empty and you have nothing left for your own needs.
“ I R U L B M Y B M O T I O N S; T H B Y D O N O T R U L E M E . ”
The King of Cups is a generous man. He supports the arts and encourages creative endeavors of all kinds. Less emotional than his queen, he tends to watch the world around him with a benevolent eye but from a distance. You’ve heard the expression “no man is an island,” right? It is just possible that the King of Cups is the exception to that rule. Of course, he owns the island, so maybe that helps. He might even invite you to join him there if you can convince him your cause is worthy.
"TAKE THB ENERGY
A N D R U N W I T H I T ł"
The Ace of Wands is a powerful card, filled with potential. The universe is offering you a gift: creativity, success, spirituality—who knows what it might be? But, like all such gifts, this one won’t last forever. When it appears, be sure to grab it and make the most of the energy and possibilities it holds; this moment may not come around again. Embrace your own inner fire and whatever fabulous things are coming your way.
If the Ace of Wands shows up as a future card, it is both a promise and a warning; be alert so you don’t miss this moment when it gets here. The ace may also represent a symbol of your own inner power. After all, the universe lies within us as much as it lies without. Make sure you are channeling your strengths and energy in the most productive and positive ways possible!
“ W H A T
W H A T
T O
D O ?
T O D O ? ”
This young sage has the whole world at his feet—he only has to choose which way to go. The future is an open book, a blank slate full of possibilities. He ponders them all, wondering which path will bring success and happiness. After all, he wants to be sure he chooses the right one. But you have to wonder how long he has been standing there trying to make this decision or if, in fact, he will ever actually pick one and get on with it.
“ K E E P F O C U S E D
Y O U R E N E A R L Y T H E R E . ”
“ I T ’S A PA R T Y I
PA S S T H B CA K R i ”
Sometimes you just have to celebrate the day. Whether there is a special occasion, the achievement of a goal, or just because the sun is shining, gather up your friends and family, and enjoy the moment!
It’s a party! These witches are clearly gathered together to celebrate something special. It might be the culmination of a long, difficult journey (some momentous achievement, perhaps) or the start of something new (a wedding, maybe, or a new home). Either way, it is worth observing the moment and the day, preferably in the company of friends and family. Everything’s coming up roses—and there’s cake.
“ I K N O W B E S T !
N O , I D O !”
These witches are the best of friends, and all of them are skillful and knowledgeable. Just think of what they could achieve if they could actually cooperate. Unfortunately, each one is sure that she has the best recipe or knows the most powerful ingredients or in which direction to stir the pot. Now they’re so busy arguing that nobody is stirring the pot, and you can almost see the explosion that is sure to come. Let’s hope they come to their senses in time and remember that they can achieve much more working together if they can all just stop trying to be the one who is right.
“ V I C T O RY I S S W E B T , B U T
N O O N B A C H I B V B S S U C C B S S C O M P L B T E L Y O N T H E I R O W N .”
Everyone is so proud of the witch in this picture. She has clearly done something momentous and is being properly rewarded for her achievements. But you can tell that she is still humble, maybe even a little uncomfortable with all the attention. This witch knows that she is part of a community, and that anything she does reflects at least as much on those around her as it does on her own efforts. She is pleased to be recognized but finds just as much pleasure in sharing the moment with those who helped her get to this place.
“ C O M E O N , S H O W M E W H A T Y O U V E G O T ! ”
That witch looks ready for anything, doesn’t she? She and her faithful companion are prepared to defend themselves to the very end, no matter what comes at them. You can almost see her beckoning with one finger, saying, “Bring it on.” She may be wary and on guard, but she’s not afraid. The question is, is there anything left to guard against? Sometimes when you’ve been fighting for a long time, the hardest part is knowing when it is finally okay to put down your wand and relax.
“ T H I N G S A R E R E A L L Y H A P P E N I N G N O W!”
There are moments when things come together and take on a life of their own, creating a momentum that’s hard to stop. This may be one of those moments.
The eights tend to be about movement, some of it more productive than others. The Eight of Wands in particular is about events that have been set in motion. This may mean new starts or a time when things are happening that seem to be out of control. The trick is to ride the wind and turn that forward motion into something that works for your benefit.
“ I ’M S T I L L S TA N D I N G . ”
You may be battered and bruised, but you will survive to fight another day, or maybe you won’t have to fight at all; that might make for a nice change of pace.
The witch on this card clearly has been having a tough time. She’s fought battles
—won a few, maybe lost more. You can be pretty sure that she’d like to be doing anything other than preparing for another one. But that doesn’t mean she’s ready to give up; quite the contrary. She’ll keep going as long as she has to. In the end, nothing can break her spirit, which doesn’t mean she couldn’t use a break and maybe a nice picnic lunch. Maybe tomorrow.
“ I ’V E G O T I T ... I ’V E G O T I T ...
M A Y B E I D O N T G O T I T . ”
That poor witch sure is carrying a lot, isn’t she? It is a wonderful thing to be of service to others. There is satisfaction to be gained from assisting those who need it and in helping family and friends. And coworkers. And that guy on the street. Just be sure that you aren’t spreading yourself too thin. If you find yourself feeling exhausted and drained, maybe you are doing too much for too many on a regular basis.
N EW B E o ‹ >t N / N G S CA N
B E B O T H E X C I T I N G
AN D F R I G H T B N I N G .”
There is nothing more intimidating than starting something completely new and different. The Page of Wands knows this. While he is a tiny bit frightened, he isn’t going to let that fear stop him from following the exciting new path that lies before him. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it is time for you to follow a new path, this is probably it. The page can also represent someone young and eager in your life—perhaps a child whose time has come to fly the nest or even someone young at heart who is simply ready to embark on a whole new life.
“ A D V £ì N T U R B AWA I T S i ”
The Knight of Wands is always ready for adventure. He is eager and inquisitive, forceful and brave, cheerful in the face of adversity. In short, he is a great ally to have on your side. On the other hand, there are times when he may be racing into the mouth of a dragon and taking you with him. If the Knight of Wands shows up in your reading, it could be an indication that you have a faithful friend, a family member who is dedicated to your cause, or a man who is willing to face the future at your side. It could also mean that you are letting passion carry you away without thinking—not that that is always a bad thing…
“ @U E £ì N , G O D D E S S , M OT H B R ,
M A I D R N , C R O N E ¡ T I M E T O
R O C K T H A T P B MA L B E N E R G Y!”
No commonplace throne will do for this queen. She sits perched on a dragon—tame for now. The flowers she holds show her nurturing side, but don’t make the mistake of thinking she is soft. The Queen of Wands is kind and tough, but she doesn’t encourage sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Rather, she believes in taking your passion, whatever it is, and turning it into glorious and productive forward movement. The queen can represent a strong female figure in your life, someone who will support you as you grow and change, or she may be you—a symbol of the best “you” possible. If so, make sure you are moving in a direction that empowers and enriches your life.
“ P LAN F O R T H B F U T U R E ,
B U T A C T R I G H T N O W.”
The King of Wands has his map laid out, and he knows exactly where he is going and what he is going to do when he gets there. It looks like even the cat is going to fall in line. We all want to rule our own lives, but the real world requires plenty of compromise. The King of Wands, on the other hand, knows what he wants and will do what it takes to get it. He is active, passionate, and driven. If this king appears in your reading, he may represent a strong male figure who is influencing your life—maybe for the better, maybe not. He also may be a reminder that sometimes it is important to take control of your own destiny.
“ I T ’S A L L G O O D !”
B A LA N C I N G A C T . ”
We all try to live a balanced life, but let’s face it: few of us succeed. Like the witch on the card, we do our best to keep everything in sync, but life is full of unexpected challenges and as soon as we think we’ve got it all together, something new is thrown into the mix and we are back to trying to find an even footing. The truth is, no one ever manages to maintain perfect balance for long. All we can do is keep on trying and do our best in the face of the real-world issues we all confront.
“W O R K I N G T O G E T H E R, W E CA N C R EA T E
S O M B T H I N G W O N D E R F U L. ”
Three witches are coming together to create something even greater than they could make on their own. Their cats clearly approve. It can be hard to work with others, but the rewards are worth the trouble of trying to make differing viewpoints mesh. After all, they don’t say “two heads are better than one” for nothing. If you are involved in a project with others (or trying to deal with family issues, for instance), try to see where everyone else involved is coming from, and keep an open mind. Just because someone doesn’t think just like you do doesn’t make their ideas any less valid or useful. After all, it takes many instruments to make an orchestra, but oh, how beautiful the music!
“ F EA R O F N O T HAV I N G E N O U G H M AY B E M O R E HA R M F U L THAN T H B
LA C K I T S E L F . ”
The poor witch on the Four of Pentacles is clearly worried about money. The funny thing is, he probably has more than enough for what he needs, but he is so sure he doesn’t or won’t in the future that all he does is fret about it. That’s not much of a way to live. Money is important; you only have to deal with the lack of it to find out that’s true. Still, if all you do is worry about having enough money, you’re probably not going to have much of a life, either. So how much money is enough? And is there such a thing as too much focus on security?
“ BA B Y, I T S C O L D O U T S I D E . ”
“ I T I S B E T T E R T O G I V E “ T H A N T O R E C E I V E B U T
R H C E I V I N G I S O KAY T O O . ”
This card has two meanings and can be interpreted differently, depending on your situation. You can see from the picture that the witch who has plenty is sharing with others who have less. She isn’t giving charity because she is superior, but rather she is getting joy from the fact that she has enough prosperity and good luck that she can afford to be generous.
Those who are benefiting from her gifts are not beggers, merely people who are having a tough time or needing a helping hand. The young man may be heading off to university, where he will learn great things so someday he can help others. The crone may have spent her younger years in service but is no longer able to work. There is no shame in accepting help if you need it, and great satisfaction may be derived from helping others when you have the chance.
“ H O W D O E S Y O U R
GA R D E N G R O W z ”
You’ve planted the seeds and tended the growing shoots to the best of your ability; now all you can do is wait and see how things turn out. The Seven of Pentacles isn’t about making more effort; the time for that has past. Now is when you take a good look at what you’ve accomplished and assess it as thoughtfully as you can. Are the results what you hoped for? Will your efforts continue to grow and prosper? Only time will tell for sure, but the Seven of Pentacles is an indication that you are getting close to seeing what harvest your hard work will bear.
“ H A R D W O R K I S I T S O W N R E W A R D . ”
If you could talk to the witch on this card, she would probably say something like, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” The Eight of Pentacles isn’t just about working for money or success; it is about bringing your best self to the task. There is satisfaction to be gained from knowing you are doing the best job possible, whether or not you are getting rich doing it. This card is about bringing passion to your work, whether it is something professional, a craft, or even tending a garden. Put your heart and soul into whatever you do, and success is sure to follow.
“ I C RBAT E MY OWN
S U C C B S S , AN D AL L I S W£ì L L I N MY WO R L D .”
You’ve worked hard, and now that work is finally paying off. Congratulations! Whenever the Nine of Pentacles appears, it indicates a time when you can relax a little and bask in your achievements. Not that you can stop working altogether, of course, since the world doesn’t stand still, but maybe slow down a bit and catch your breath, even treat yourself to something special as a pat on the back. You deserve a lot of credit, so be sure you give it to yourself.
“A N D T H H Y A L L L I V E D HA P P I L Y E V E R A P T E
Money doesn’t guarantee happiness, but a certain level of financial security can definitely make it easier to relax and enjoy what you have. The Ten of Pentacles is an indication that you have or will attain your desires. It looks like everything is finally coming up roses. Just remember that roses have a lifecycle too, and nothing living stays at its peak forever. Enjoy the good days while you are living them, and let the strengths you derive from home and success help you be even better prepared for whatever life will throw at you next.
“ I A M E A G E R T O S E E W H A T
T H E F U T U R E H O L D S . ”
The Page of Pentacles is ready and eager to get started down a new road. He or she may be young or merely young in spirit and experience, about to begin something different from whatever has been done in the past. The page may represent a new job, a new direction for success and prosperity, or a younger person who is depending on you to act as a guide or mentor. The Page of Pentacles is the best prepared of all the pages for whatever lies ahead, but don’t mistake preparation for knowledge. The pages sometimes stumble and fall, but they can teach you things along the way if you are paying attention.
“ S L O W A N D S T EA D Y W I N S T H E RA C E . ”
“ P R O S P E R I T Y A N D
A B U N DA N C E C O M E I N MA N Y F O R M S . ”
This queen is at ease on her wooden throne, which still has its roots in the dirt. She has abundance in many forms and radiates a calm serenity that shows she is rooted too. A mama cat and her kittens play joyfully at her feet. Prosperity is as much a state of mind as it is the state of your bank account. There is abundance all around you and people who will help you achieve your goals. If you are rooted in the earth and tuned in to the glory of the world around you, it is that much more likely that you too will blossom and grow. Be the queen of your own domain, but rule with love and an open heart.
“ Y O U C A N H A V E Y O U R CA K E A N D E A T I
This king is clearly successful but also rooted in the earth. He knows that it is important to savor the good things in life, such as animal companions, wine, and chocolate cake. The King of Pentacles represents prosperity and abundance, but more than that, his strength comes from being strongly rooted in his own success and the success of those around him. The king can represent your own financial situation or he can indicate a strong male figure who is willing to help you achieve prosperity and security, whether on the job or at home.
There are as many different ways to use the tarot as there are people who read it, but there are a few fairly common spreads, or ways to lay out the cards, that are used most often. If you want to explore further, there are lots of great books on reading tarot cards that go into much more complicated options. For now, I’m just going to talk about the three spreads I use the most.
Okay, it’s not exactly a “spread” if there is only one card, but nonetheless, this is one of the simplest, easiest, and fastest ways to use a tarot deck. It can be quite useful if you need the answer to a basic question in a hurry or if the question involved is relatively uncomplicated and doesn’t require a broader reading. It is best for questions that only need a yes or no answer, with no further detail, although it can be used for any question in a pinch.
For instance:
“Should I ?”
“Is a good idea?”
Or you can simply pull one card each morning and ask: “What should I know for today?”
To do a one-card reading, you can either take the cards out of their box and spread them out facedown on a table, then pick the one that seems to call to you the most, or just pull one out of the middle of the deck at random. Sometimes the answer is clear. For instance, if you ask, “Should I go out on a date with the guy my sister is trying to set me up with?” and you pull the Devil card, I’d say that’s a definite hell no.
On the other hand, sometimes the answer isn’t quite that obvious and requires a little more interpretation. Then you can study the details of the picture to see if you can get a better idea of the answer. As always, listen to your gut and inner wisdom.
If you need a little more information than you can get from one card but don’t have the time or inclination to do a full reading, the three-card spread is flexible and easy to do. I sometimes do mini readings at events, and I can do a three-card reading for someone in five to ten minutes. If you are going to have some friends over who are all interested in the tarot, it can be fun to take turns doing three-card readings for each other. It is also a good way to get more practice and become better versed in the cards without having to spend a lot of time doing longer readings.
The three cards used in the spread can stand for a variety of different elements. The most common is probably Past/Present/Future (that’s the one I use), but it can also be done as Situation/Challenge/Outcome, Hopes/Fears/Possibilities, or any other combination you choose to apply to your issue.
Like the one-card spread, the three-card spread lends itself well to a daily journaling practice, and it is interesting to see how circumstances turn out and whether or not the results line up with your previous readings. You can also use runestones to do the same type of reading, then compare the result from the two.
Probably the most commonly used spread is one called the Celtic Cross, which was created more than one hundred years ago by Arthur E. Waite. You may come across numerous variations, as different people have adapted this basic ten-card spread and changed it over the years. I do a slightly different version than the one I was taught, and I have seen many other versions. Tarot readers may lay the cards down in a slightly different order or give the card positions other labels than the ones I use. I’m going to show you how I do it, but feel free to explore other options or give it your own spin.
The Celtic Cross is a very useful spread; it’s the one I do for all of my detailed readings. The ten cards give you just enough information without overwhelming you, and the spread is easy to read for patterns and correspondences. There is a very good chapter on how to use the Celtic Cross spread in Mary K. Greer’s Tarot for Your Self book, which I mentioned earlier.
The Celtic Cross Spread
If you are doing a reading for yourself, it may be helpful to write down the meanings of the positions as a list (1–10) and then fill in the cards you get and your immediate gut reaction interpretation of them. Then you can return to the reading later, after letting it settle, and see if anything else pops out at you. When I do readings for others, they sometimes write down the cards, ask to record the session, or take a picture with their phones. Any of these are reasonable ways of preserving the session so you can look at it again later if needed.
Card 1: Represents the querent/general environment and life at the time of the reading (place in the middle of the reading)
Card 2: The situation/issue/question/problem being dealt with (traditionally crosses the first card; place slightly to the right side of card 1 so you can see them both)
Card 3: Foundation of the situation/basis of querent’s response to the situation/past/roots (place underneath cards 1 and 2)
Card 4: What is passing out of influence or had been important but no longer is (place to the left of cards 1 and 2)
Card 5: Influences from the outside/interactions with others, their effect on you and your effect on them/goals and ideals (place above cards 1 and 2)
Card 6: First future card/sometimes a warning of what the future holds if you do not change the path you are currently on/can represent the more immediate future/what you put out into the world (place to the right of cards 1 and 2, opposite card 4)
Card 7: How you see yourself/your conditions and attitude at the time of the reading (place to the right of card 6, at the bottom even with card 3; you will then place the next three cards above this card)
Card 8: How others see you/what you project* (place above card 7)
Card 9: Your hopes and fears for attaining the goal, which are usually two sides of the same coin (for instance, you hope for success and fear failure)/inner emotions/lessons to be learned (place above card 8)
Card 10: The future/outcome/final answer to the question asked (place above card 9)
After all the cards have been laid out, check the spread for patterns and repeats of suits and numbers. If there are any cards that didn’t make sense when they were first put down, look to see if later cards made them clearer. If necessary, you can pick one or two additional cards for clarification, either by using the next card in the deck or by spreading the entire deck out in a sweep facedown and choosing the card that seems to jump out at you.
What you project to others can be very different from how you see yourself, and if it is, you may want to ask yourself why your image of yourself is so different from how others see you. Are others seeing you more clearly than you see yourself or are you putting up a protective front and not allowing others to see your true self? If either of these is true, this knowledge can be helpful in creating positive change. It is also good to know if you are inadvertently projecting an image of yourself that isn’t the way you would like to be seen.
Working on this deck has also been cool—really, really cool. Each book I write is a product of my heart and my desire to share knowledge with others, but writing this one has been a singular joy. It helps that I was so excited about the project and that I had such amazing people to work with, most especially the deck’s fabulous illustrator, Elisabeth Alba.
Elisabeth and I (along with editor Barbara Moore and innumerable other folks at Llewellyn) worked hard to make this deck both practical and entertaining, serious and amusing, deeply spiritual and intuitive, and yet easy to use and understand. It was, without a doubt, a labor of love by all those who worked on it. It is our fervent hope that you may get many years of guidance, wisdom, and joy from this deck, learn the things you need to know, get the answers you desire, deepen your inner knowledge, and, of course, have fun.
From our fairy tale to yours, may all your endings be happy.
T A R 0 T
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