UESTION


I was told by an expert that the best way to start is to pick a card and turn it face up and try and get a feel of what the card means. Is that a good starting point with practicing Tarot?

NSWER


Yes, that is a good way to start indeed.

I encourage people to approach the Tarot in an open and relaxed way. Set the stage for your learning: do it somewhere peaceful where you won't be disturbed, have a window open if possible where you can attune to nature in some way and ventilate the room; light a candle(s); burn some essential oil (aromatherapy) or incense; and put on music that you know soothes you.

Then sit with the cards cupped between both hands for a few minutes until you feel the inner urge to begin to shuffle. Shuffle the deck, again until you feel like it is time to stop. Place the cards on a table in front of you and cut the deck - letting your hand lead you. All steps are done intuitively - trust your Higher Self to tell you when it is time to perform each step.

Now, sit with the first card that you draw. Notice the images that are on it and intuitively grasp the meaning of each one. What story does this card tell you? What concepts come up as you mull on it? Notice whether it was drawn in an upright position or was it upside down (there are two different meanings to each card: the yin and yang of each).

Have a reference source close at hand and when you feel ready to read about the card, turn to the page of your source that describes the card you have drawn. See what the book or site has to say about it. Did your impressions reflect the "traditional" meaning of the card?

It is one thing to be able to read the cards "correctly" - being able to remember the standardized accepted meanings of each as you read. It is another thing to intuit the meaning of the card for the person being read for. To marry the two is the goal - and the diligent tarot scholar's reward.

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