The way one performs their Tarot Readings is personal to each, I wanted to share my methods for those that may be researching.

Please Note That these are things that I do and may not be universal. I have only been reading Divination for roughly a year.

I start by lighting a candle, the energy from the candle calms me and helps me to centre myself more easily. I like to take the time to prepare my notebook for writing the cards and their positions if it is a personal session. Then I unpack my cards almost ceremoniously. I am careful with the box or bag, book and the cards themselves. Next, I proceed to centre myself and align my energy with the Tarot. I do this by meditating on the cards while I shuffle them "aimlessly".  What I mean by this is that I am not actively thinking of my question when shuffling. This method is also a good way of cleansing your deck, especially if their energy isn't overly negative. Here I put the cards neatly on the table (or the surface I'm reading at) and meditate on my question. When I feel ready, or a pull to start shuffling, I do so.

Now, this is where my readings differ depending on the spread that I'm doing. The general idea is that, if my spread has more than one question, like the "Can I trust this person?" spread, I will ask one question, shuffle, draw, and repeat until all the questions are answered. If I am asking a single question, I will either draw one card or do a simple three-card reading, occasionally I will feel the need to only draw 2 cards.

From here, if the reading is for myself, I will take the time to note down my results. When doing so, I take the time to look at the individual cards and meditate on them, I note both their personal meanings and the meanings in the guide book. Once I have written down the meanings, I like to write a small reflection section of what I have learnt from the reading. When reading for another person, I usually write an in-depth meaning of the card, identifying the kind of spread I've done as well. I do my best to refrain speculating on the client's or friend's question and give them a factual, meaning-based read.

When I have completed my reading, I shuffle the cards once again. No particular reason to this, I just prefer to shuffle the cards I've just pulled back into the deck.

Other things I like to do when reading Tarot:

Single Card Draw: I draw one card, this is the outcome of my question, if turn the deck over and look at the Shadow Card (the card at the bottom of the deck). This represents what might hinder, stop me, or get in my way.

No Reversed Cards: If I have a particularly bad shuffling day (I'm not very good at shuffling, cards fly everywhere) I will go through the deck and right any cards before starting over. Most cards mean the same thing reversed as they do in an upright position, and the deck will tell me what it wants me to know even without reversed cards.

Do not fear the "Negative Cards": I'm still working on this one, myself. Whenever I pull a card from the Sword Suit or any of the more negative Major Arcana Cards I have a moment of "Oh, No". Remember, they are simply messengers, a way to prepare yourself. Also, the future is not set in stone, take strength in that.

What are some of your techniques, tips and tricks? Leave a comment!