How to Interpret your Tarot Reading
Reading tarot can feel a lot like navigating a maze
So you’ve been studying the cards and understand the different groupings and meanings, but when you do a reading and look at the whole spread it’s all a jumble. What next?
Creating a coherent reading out of a tangle of tarot cards is a big challenge. This is where the artistry and magic of tarot becomes obvious. Of all the ways you could go, which one to choose?
Firstly, I’d like to say that it’s completely normal and an absolute part of the experience to be seized with anticipation and/or terror when confronting a fresh combination of cards. Even seasoned readers get the jitters when navigating a reading - it’s one of the things that makes tarot so thrilling.
The main difference between novice and experienced readers may just be that the experienced feed off of this feeling of the unknown. And we’re more comfortable letting our intuition lead the way.
If you’re groaning at yet another “just use your intuition”-themed piece of advice, I’m with you, which is why I’ve written a list of actually concrete techniques to get you started. This is obviously a huge topic that could easily turn into a book, so these suggestions are short; they’re more than enough, however, to help you break through those initial moments of fear and into a beautiful tarot reading.
Trust your first impressions - Before you go around looking at cards and recalling their meanings (or, worse, consulting your book!) use the clear space in your brain to notice and feelings, impressions, and curiosities that arise. I tend to find myself gravitating towards a certain card, color, or symbol. Trust that this is your intuition directing you towards what’s most important. Any reading can be interpreted thousands of ways - it’s your job as a reader to use your voice, knowledge, and perceptions to lead the way.
Look for pairs and patterns - Now that you have a general idea of the energy/gist/theme of the reading, dive into the cards individually to see if there are any pairs or patterns. Are there more major arcana cards than minors or vice versa? What might this tell you? The more pairs, themes, and connections, the stronger the influence is in the reading. Tie this to your initial impressions.
Use your spread positions - Oh right, this formation isn’t just for looks! Each spot in your reading likely has a predetermined meaning or theme. For each, ask how the card might address it.
Tell a story - Now step back and look at the reading from a larger perspective. I’ve found that detaching from the personal focus and narrating the story as if it’s about someone else is helpful technique. Trust that the important facets you’ve uncovered in the previous steps will come through naturally.
I hope these tips are helpful as you practice further. Share any of your techniques below, too. And something to keep in mind…
Tarot is multifaceted - that thing I said about one reading being interpreted thousands of different ways? It’s true. Tarot readings are in the moment affairs. Whatever is important to know will come up.
You don’t have to be thorough - like the point above, it’s impossible to travel every connection or path. Doing so would result in insanely complicated, long, and confusing readings! Fortunately, tarot isn’t like doing your taxes: You don’t have to account for everything.
You are the reader - which means it’s your reading! Allow yourself to make decisions and speak in your own voice.