How to Do a Simple Tarot Reading

One of my favorite parts of writing a book is the research. For my upcoming paranormal fantasy novel, the protagonist works as a psychic. I’ve learned about several psychic practices to prepare for writing this character—including tarot cards. If you’ve ever wanted to give the practice a try, here’s how to do a simple tarot reading.

Step 1: Decide on your purpose

Tarot card readings have many uses. For skeptics, they’re an entertaining party trick. Believers can perform them for insights into past, present, or future situations. And in-betweeners (like me) use tarot cards to boost creativity, think outside the box, or tap into our subconscious. How seriously you take the practice will determine how rigorously you approach the next steps.

Step 2: Choose your tarot deck

Numerous styles of tarot decks exist. Each one has its own symbolism and uses. The Rider-Waite remains the most popular, but some practitioners prefer the Aleister Crowley Thoth deck or others. You can read more about classic deck styles here. 

For your purposes as a beginner (and mine as a writer), the style of deck isn’t a big deal. Instead, look for a deck that sparks curiosity and excitement. If you have an emotional connection with your deck, you’ll receive more personal readings. For example, I use the Zombie Tarot because I love apocalyptic stories and the nifty vintage-inspired artwork.

Step 3: Consult the cards

Once you have chosen your deck, it’s time to do a simple tarot reading. I recommend a three-card spread, which features three cards in a single horizontal line. Roughly speaking, the first card will represent the past, while the center card indicates the present, and the final card reveals the future.

If possible, approach the reading when you are in a calm, relaxed state. Then, “clear” your deck by shuffling the cards and imagining it bathed in a cleansing light. Next, ask your question and visualize the deck absorbing it. After a moment, cut the deck and place the top half of the cards on the left. (If you are doing a reading for someone else, you can have them shuffle and cut the cards so the deck absorbs their energy.) From the bottom (right) half of the cards, flip over the first card and place it down in front of you. Repeat with the next two cards, until you have a single line of three cards.

Step 4: Interpret the results

Most tarot decks contain 78 cards: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. The major arcana cards symbolize larger life issues, while the minor cards represent daily experiences. Your tarot card deck will likely come with a book that explains each card’s meaning. Alternatively, you can find card meanings on sites like Biddy Tarot (10/10 recommend). Or, you can rely entirely on your own intuitive interpretation of the card.

Regardless of which resource you use, ultimately, the meaning of the tarot card reading is up to you. By combining the cards’ names, images, and stated meanings, you must figure out how they apply to your question or problem. At first, attempting to read the cards might feel like interpreting a child’s drawing or learning a foreign language. But as you get more familiar with the cards and more in touch with your own mind, it should get easier.

Step 5: Close the reading

After you’ve received and interpreted your answer, you can finish the tarot reading. Thank the cards for their assistance (if you want good vibes), reshuffle the deck, and put it away.

Step 6: Keep practicing!

I started using tarot cards for novel research, but now I consult them to help tap into my subconscious. Honestly, they’re almost as good as talking through a tough problem with a friend! As I’ve continued my practice, I feel less silly about doing tarot readings and more comfortable with interpreting responses. I’m also planning to expand into more advanced tarot card spreads. As you work with the cards, you’ll likely have a similar experience. If you’d like to learn more creative ways to use tarot cards in your daily life, read this post.

How do you perform tarot readings? About what questions or problems do you consult the cards? Share in the comments.

If you’re a fan of paranormal fantasy and books that feature psychics, you’ll love my upcoming novel featuring psychic Lorena Rivera and her adventures in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. You can learn more about the novel, see detailed book research (like tarot readings!), and get a FREE short story by signing up for my Kate’s Coven email list.