Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: Navigating Your Life with Enthusiastic Insight and Clarity

Claire Leeks
Jan 5
6 min read

Tarot reading is a fascinating art that has captivated people for centuries. This form of cartomancy offers more than mere entertainment; it can provide you with meaningful insights into the challenges, desires, and questions that fill your life. Whether you are grappling with major life decisions, seeking clarity in tough times, or simply curious about what tarot can reveal, this practice can help you uncover hidden wisdom and guide you on your journey.

In this blog, we will explore how tarot can provide direction and clarity, delve into its rich history, break down some of the different cards and spreads, and give you practical steps to start reading tarot for yourself or others. By the end, you may find yourself inspired to incorporate this enriching practice into your personal growth!

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The Fascinating History of Tarot

The origins of tarot are mysterious, much like the cards themselves. First appearing in the mid-15th century in Europe as playing cards, tarot underwent a transformation into tools for divination by the late 18th century. Initially enjoyed as a pastime, it gradually became a way for individuals to gain insights into their past, present, and future.

The imagery and symbolism in tarot draws from various sources, including astrology and mythology. For example, the "Fool" card represents new beginnings and adventures, while "Death" symbolises transformation rather than an end. Within the tarot, there are five elemental influences: earth, water, fire, air, and spirit.

The tarot deck is divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards focusing on significant life events and spiritual lessons, and the Minor Arcana, which includes 56 cards that cover everyday situations.

Understanding the Tarot Deck

A typical tarot deck contains 78 cards and is organised into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana features cards such as "The Magician" and "The Empress," which represent major life themes. The Minor Arcana consists of four suits:

Wands (Fire): Represents creativity, passion, and action. For instance, the "Three of Wands" signifies growth and expansion in your endeavors.
Cups (Water): Reflects emotions, relationships, and intuition. The "Two of Cups" symbolises partnership and mutual respect.
Swords (Air): Represents thoughts, challenges, and conflicts. The "Ten of Swords" indicates a painful ending or mental strain, highlighting the need for clarity.
Pentacles (Earth): Relates to material aspects, career, and health. The "Eight of Pentacles" speaks of hard work and dedication to mastering a skill.

Each suit has numbered cards from Ace to Ten, along with four court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King—making every reading rich and nuanced.

Tarot Spreads: Mapping Your Journey

Selecting the right tarot spread can be crucial for obtaining the insights you seek. The layout of cards can significantly affect your reading's depth and clarity. Here are a couple of popular spreads to consider:

The Three-Card Spread: This versatile spread is great for past, present, and future inquiries. It can be applied to various issues, whether personal or professional. For example, you could use it to assess your career trajectory.
Celtic Cross: A more complex spread featuring 10 cards, the Celtic Cross provides an overview of a situation. Each card represents different aspects of your life, revealing layers of your inquiry.
Freestyle: You can also create your own spreads or just completely freestyle it. When I teach tarot `i encourage you to find you own style of reading and to learn to trust you intuition.

Embracing various spreads allows you to gain nuanced insights tailored to your specific questions and life experiences.

How to Ask the Right Questions

Asking focused questions can be crucial for gaining clarity in tarot readings. Unclear inquiries often yield vague answers, limiting the usefulness of your reading. Here are some simple but effective tips for crafting your questions:

Start with “What” and “How”: These question types tend to yield richer insights compared to simple "Yes" or "No" questions. For instance, asking, “What should I focus on this month?” can lead to more valuable guidance.
Frame Questions in the Present: Instead of asking about future outcomes, ask what steps you can take today to influence those outcomes. For example, “How can I improve my work-life balance today?” can provide actionable steps.
Use Open-Ended Questions: Rather than asking, “Will I find love soon?” you might consider asking, “What can I do to attract a healthy relationship into my life?”

This approach to questioning encourages deeper understanding and self-reflection.

Connecting with Spirit and Energy

To enhance your tarot readings, connect with your inner self and create a protective space before diving in. Here’s how to set the stage:

Meditation: Take a few moments to ground yourself. A calm mind can open pathways to receive messages from your cards. According to studies, meditation can improve focus by up to 50%.
Set Your Intentions: Clearly define your intention or question before shuffling the cards. This helps target your energy effectively.
Protect Your Auric Field: Visualise a protective shield around yourself to filter out negative energies. This simple practice can create a safe environment for honest communication with your cards.

Strengthening your connection to the spiritual aspect of tarot reading enriches your overall experience and strengthens your intuition. It also really help protect your energy by calling in your own guides/angels.

Learning to Read Tarot Cards: A Beginner's Guide

If you’re eager to learn tarot reading, numerous resources are available to help you begin your journey, including a 1-1 course with me. Here’s a practical roadmap to kickstart your learning:

Choose a Tarot Deck: Select a deck that resonates with you. For instance, the Rider-Waite deck (which is what I use to teach) is highly popular due to its accessible artwork and symbolism, while the Wild Unknown deck offers a more modern aesthetic.
Familiarise Yourself with Each Card: Take time to study the meaning of both Major and Minor Arcana cards. Consider journaling your thoughts to build a personal connection.
Practice Regularly: Start with simple readings for yourself and trusted friends. Gradually build confidence and experiment with different spreads. Pick your cards up everyday!
Join a Community: Connect with other tarot enthusiasts through online forums or local meet-ups. These spaces offer valuable learning experiences and support.
Trust Your Intuition: While guides are useful, let your intuition lead your interpretations. Every reader develops their unique style over time.

With commitment and practice, you'll be surprised by how much clarity tarot can bring to your life.

Embracing Tarot as a Navigational Tool

Beyond answering specific questions, tarot functions as a tool for navigating your life journey. It encourages self-exploration, helping you confront fears and unveil hidden desires. You can use tarot to:

Recognise Life Patterns: By reviewing your readings, you may notice recurring themes, leading to greater self-awareness. For example, if you frequently draw cards related to emotional wellness, it may indicate a need to focus on self-care.
Support Decision-Making: Tarot can provide clarity around choices by offering different perspectives.
Encourage Personal Growth: Each reading can serve as a catalyst for self-exploration, helping you address underlying issues that impact your life.

Remember, tarot is not about definitive answers; it is a tool that reflects your inner wisdom, guiding you through life's complexities with clarity.

Take the Leap into Tarot

Tarot reading is not intimidating; it is an exciting journey toward self-discovery. By integrating this intriguing practice into your life, you create opportunities for profound insights and meaningful navigation through your experiences.

Whether you're interested in uncovering elements of your past or understanding potential futures, tarot invites you to explore your inner self. Begin your tarot journey today and discover how it can illuminate your path forward.

Embrace your curiosity, and leap into the mysteries of tarot. The cards are waiting to guide you and so am I!

Claire - Sentient In Harmony x

Inquiries for 1-1 readings, Tarot parties, 1-1 tuition or small group tuition should be sent to my email sentientinharmony@gmail.com