Getting Started with Tarot

Ok, I’ll just say it: Tarot cards get a bad rap. If Oracle is a piece of creative writing, Tarot is MLS formatting. Far too often though, people miss out on the depth that Tarot has to offer. Don’t be intimidated! You’ll soon learn that Tarot has tons of charm and character and it all starts with its rich history!

History

Tarot’s past is pretty well documented. It originated in the early 1400s in Italy and the cards were first used to play a game similar to the modern-day bridge! It wasn’t until the 18th century rolled around that they became more widely known for divination. The tarot deck is full of lavish imagery. There have even been claims that these images come from the Book of Thoth, belonging to the Egyptian God of wisdom!

Myths

There are a few myths about tarot that lend to its rigid reputation. Throw them out the window! For instance, that the deck needs to be gifted to you, or that you can only cut the deck with your left hand you might never start tarot if you waited around for a gift! So, get rid of whatever myths aren’t working for you.

The Spreads

I’ve picked two awesome spreads to share with you! Here are a few things to know before you get started!

  • Visit your deck with an open mind and an open heart.

  • Be honest with yourself. Are you truly ready to know what the tarot spread will reveal?

  • Familiarize yourself with your deck. Draw a card every day while you begin to learn the meaning behind each image.

  • Focus on the question or issue at hand before and during the reading. Try to meditate on this so as not to confuse to tarot with other issues.

The Ellipse Spread

This five-card variation of the traditional seven-card Ellipse spread is a great way to get started. Have a direct question in mind? Turn to this tarot card spread!

Explanation of Cards

  • Card 1: Present and its influence

  • Card 2: Future and what influence is coming into your life

  • Card 3: What to do

  • Card 4: Outside influence

  • Card 5: Final outcome

The Mandala Spread

Delve into your spiritual self with this spread! Learn about your strengths and pitfalls. Discover your best possible path for spiritual growth!

Explanation of Cards

  • Card 1: Self

  • Card 2: Goals and ambitions

  • Card 3: Ideals, dreams

  • Card 4: Current achievements

  • Card 5: Dependencies, false beliefs

  • Card 6: Strengths

  • Card 7: Weaknesses

  • Card 8: Self-perception

  • Card 9: Desires

The deck featured is The Starchild Tarot Akashic deck. Her decks sell out fast! Check out her amazing Instagram here to stay in the loop and know when her decks are available. You can also check out The Journey Tarot Deck here. We just touched on a few elements of tarot, to find out more about each of the 78 cards contained in the tarot deck click here! I’m sure you’ll become just as enchanted with the tarot as I have. I wish you peace, comfort, and solace as you divulge in this long-trusted form of divination.

Cassie Uhl

Cassie Uhl is an energy and death worker, magic practitioner, rites of passage facilitator, and the author of seven books and two card decks on various spiritual topics. Her work is trauma-informed and rooted in earth-based spiritual practices from her Northern European ancestry and local environment. She is passionate about helping folks feel spiritually grounded and supported in all seasons of life. She resides on land tended by the Myaamiaki people in so-called Indiana, in the US, with her husband and twin children. Learn more about Cassie, her work, and offerings at cassieuhl.com.

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Tarot vs. Oracle // What’s the Difference and How to Choose