Interested in exploring tarot but unsure where to begin unraveling the cards' mysteries? Starting with simple spreads using fewer cards streamlines the learning process. Approachable layouts for tarot novices help build fundamental skills before tackling more complex charts.
The 3 card spread is an ideal inaugural reading. Just 3 cards to represent the past, present, and future keeps interpretation straightforward. This spread provides insight into the trajectory of a situation while familiarizing with associating meanings to individual cards.
Another beginner-friendly layout is the Horseshoe spread. Using 5 cards placed in a horseshoe formation, this spread delivers clear yes or no answers to specific questions. Reading from left to right, the cards reveal advice, internal influences, external influences, what will happen, and the outcome.
The Sun and Moon spread also uses only 6 cards but offers a balanced big-picture perspective. Two cards each for your conscious/unconscious mind, strengths/weaknesses, and advice make for the intuitive pairing of tarot concepts. This spread neatly encapsulates mental, emotional, and practical insight.
For a first multi-card practice reading, the Celtic Cross provides a gentle introduction. 10 cards in a cross-shape highlight past events, present factors, possibilities, and outcomes related to the central issue. This spread touches on key dimensions while remaining easy to interpret.
The beauty of tarot is the infinite layout possibilities using just 78 cards. But for budding readers, keeping it simple, low-pressure, and fun is the way to start cultivating lasting tarot intuition.
How to cleanse a tarot deck for the first time
Here are some common methods for cleansing and cleansing a new tarot deck before first use:
• Pass the cards through incense smoke, especially cleansing scents like sage, cedar, or palo santo. Fanning the cards through the smoke is believed to purify them.
• Place the cards in sunlight or full moonlight for a period of time. Light is seen as having a renewing energy.
• Gently tap the deck on each edge to remove any attached energies or spirits. This is part of a process called "knocking".
• Place crystals like citrine, selenite or salt on top of the deck for up to 24 hours to infuse it with their cleansing properties.
• Run the cards through the smoke of an herbal bundle called smudge, like white sage. Moving the cards through the smoke smudges away unwanted energies.
• Shuffle the cards while visualized white, blue or golden light infusing them. State an intention for the deck to be cleansed.
• Place the cards under a singing bowl as it is played to clear stale energies with the vibration.
• Spray the cards lightly with water infused with herbs, crystals or essential oils meant to bless and consecrate.
• Keep the deck wrapped in a natural material like cotton or silk when not in use, limiting exposure to energies between readings.
The goal of these methods is to purify and empower the cards to become an accurate divination tool attuned to its user before serious readings commence.
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