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Preferably one that contains your spirit animal du jour. Too mighty a task? Choose a deck with evocative imagery that gives you a good feeling when you look at it, touch it, smell it… Aim for responses on the shivers and butterflies end of the spectrum.

2. CHOOSE A SPREAD

Whether you’re seeking direction, solution to a problem, advice, or whathaveyou, chances are there is already a spread (probably a handful of spreads) painstakingly tailored to your area of interest.* Look for one in the 3-5 card range so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Intricate spreads may be all appealing with their fance now, what about when you lose your way and never return to the terrestrial plane? Once you’re familiar with tarot there’s a whole slew of interesting spreads awaiting your discovery; but first let’s rack up some XP points.

*If your concern is a super-special snowflake and you don’t find a spread that sufficiently addresses your soul ponderings – design your own!

3. CURATE THE SPACE

I usually want tarot explorations to beget some meaningful moments, so I take my time creating the digs. Decorate your chosen area with items that are potent or beautiful to you, or objects that remind you of your purpose for the spread. This could mean littering the area with treasured trinkets, good vibes, and candy. Go with your instincts! The more care and consideration you put into the preparation process the less prone you will be to distraction by external stimuli. Not only does it set the tone for the spread, you’re also forging a commitment to the moment. Aw!

A crucial item for most spreads is some dreamy material (like a scarf) to lay in the center of your space. This is where the deck mixing magic will happen, and later where you will lay drawn cards. You can also place stones, crystals, candles and the like on and around the cloth. Who knew tarot was just a big decorating party?

4. PLAY TUNES

Experiment with different genres of music, you’ll be surprised by what works. The proof is in the NorahJonesischoicebackgroundmusicfortarotdidyouknow pudding.

Also good: Robbie Robertson’s “Coyote Dance,” Mariee Sioux’s “Flowers and Blood,” Pat Metheny’s “Letter from Home,” Faun’s “Rhiannon,” and “The Harvest” from Riverdance.

5. WRITE THIS DOWN

Let’s be real, you’re probably going to have all sorts of glorious genius revelations, so get ready with a notebook to record all the juicy details of your interpretation, along with any notable patterns. Grab your favorite writing utensil while you’re at it – eyeliner/faux blood/lipstick/quill – whatever pumps your nads.

6. MIX THE CARDS

In a pile. No shuffling, set aside your impressive bridge skills for a moment. Release the cards onto the scarf, then swirl them around while thinking of your purpose or question. Take this time mixing the cards to connect with the deck.

7. DRAW CARDS

Depending on which spread you chose, you may pick all your cards at once or one by one. As you move to draw each card, think about what it is meant to signify – does it represent something previously overlooked? An element in your life that will aid your present? Your attitude towards upcoming events? Hm…

8. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN

Sometimes a card’s significance will be obvious to you, other times you might mentally flail around trying to ascertain the faintest meaning behind a detail or figure. When you draw a blank, don’t fuss. Start describing aloud what you see in the card. You may realize that the things you notice relate to your question after all.

If you don’t reach clarity just accept that the card may remain a mystery for a while, something that will be revealed later on. This is one way that tarot reflects life – answers are not always immediate. You can always pick another card if that is what feels right to you. Use your best judgment! (As my mom always says.)

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Now that you’re a full-blown tarot enthusiast, plan a date with your closest confidants for joint tarot adventures! It’ll be a great reminder of how intuitive and thoughtful you all are, and you may even shed light on each other’s readings.