Introduction
Welcome, fellow witches! If you’re new to tarot or looking to expand your divination skills, this guide is for you. I’m Ali, also known as the Bronx Witch, and today I’m sharing some key tips to help you begin your tarot journey. Whether you’re approaching tarot for personal use or thinking about reading for others, these insights will guide you in building a solid foundation.
Keep in mind, tarot is a vast subject, and this is not a comprehensive guide—just five foundational tips to get you started. Tarot reading is a lifetime learning experience, and every reader has their unique approach. So let’s dive into the basics and start your path into tarot!
Tip 1: Define Your Purpose – Why Are You Learning Tarot?
Before you even touch a deck, ask yourself why you want to learn tarot. This question is crucial because it shapes your approach to reading and studying tarot. Are you interested in tarot for personal spiritual growth and self-discovery, or are you thinking about reading for others, perhaps even professionally?
Knowing your purpose will help you determine your focus and guide your learning process. If you’re looking to read for others or make tarot a part of your professional path, your studies should be more structured and thorough. However, if you’re using it for yourself, you have more flexibility to choose how you want to approach your practice.
This purpose isn’t set in stone; it can change over time as you evolve. But starting with a clear intention will help you set a meaningful path for your tarot journey.
Tip 2: Choosing the Right Tarot Deck
Your tarot journey starts with choosing the right deck, and this choice can differ based on your goals.
- For In-Depth Study and Professional Readings: If your aim is to study tarot comprehensively and eventually read for others, I highly recommend starting with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. This deck is the cornerstone of most tarot systems, consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. Many modern decks are based on its structure and symbolism. Using this deck will give you a solid understanding of traditional tarot meanings, which you can then apply to almost any other deck.
- For Personal Use and Self-Exploration: If you’re reading for personal use, you have more freedom to choose a deck that visually and intuitively appeals to you. You might consider decks with non-traditional imagery, themed decks, or minimalist designs. However, even if you choose a deck that doesn’t strictly follow the Rider-Waite-Smith system, I suggest picking one that at least adheres to its structure. This will help you avoid confusion as you explore deeper into tarot.
Tip 3: Don’t Be Fooled by Tarot Myths
There are many myths and superstitions around tarot, such as:
- You can’t buy your own deck.
- Tarot cards must be kept in silk cloth.
- No one else should ever touch your cards.
These “rules” are often rooted in specific traditions, and while they may be meaningful to some, they are by no means universal truths. Your tarot journey is unique to you, so don’t get bogged down by what others say you must do. If a particular tradition resonates with you, by all means, follow it. But if it doesn’t, feel free to set your own rules and create your own tarot rituals.
Tip 4: Cleanse Your Deck
It’s crucial to cleanse your deck before using it, as this removes any residual energy from previous handlers or its manufacturing process. Your deck is a sacred tool in your spiritual practice, so you want to ensure it carries only your energy and intention.
There are many ways to cleanse a tarot deck:
- Use smoke cleansing (e.g., sage, palo santo, or incense).
- Place it in moonlight during a full moon.
- Knock on the deck three times to clear out stagnant energy.
- Visualize white light surrounding the deck, purifying it.
Choose the method that feels right for you. If you’re new to cleansing techniques, check out my video on how I cleanse my items, which is inspired by traditional Wiccan practices.
Tip 5: Build a Regular Practice
Creating a consistent practice with your tarot deck is the key to building a strong relationship with it. Energy flows where attention goes, so regular interaction with your cards will deepen your connection to them and make your readings clearer over time.
Here are some ideas to start your practice:
- Daily Card Draws: Pull one card each day, preferably at the end of the day, to reflect on what themes or lessons the day presented. This avoids influencing your day with preconceived notions.
- Journaling: Write down your interpretations and feelings about each card you pull. Note any recurring cards and patterns to track your progress.
- Explore New Spreads: Experiment with different spreads, such as a three-card spread (Past, Present, Future) or a decision-making spread.
- Use Tarot Planners: I recommend Intuitive Tarot by Brigit Esselmont. This book includes various activities and journaling prompts that will help you cultivate a deeper understanding of tarot.
No matter what your practice looks like, commit to engaging with your cards regularly—whether that’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Over time, you’ll start to see the benefits of a consistent relationship with your tarot deck.
Conclusion
Starting your tarot journey can feel overwhelming, but remember, it’s all about finding what works for you. Whether you’re learning to read for yourself or planning to dive deep into the tarot world professionally, start with these foundational tips and let your intuition guide the rest.
If you found this guide helpful, please give it a thumbs-up, leave your questions in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to my channel for more content on witchcraft, tarot, and spiritual practices. And remember: you are the magic. Happy reading, and Blessed Be!