Tarot readings can be a deeply transformative experience for those who seek a higher understanding of themselves and their circumstances. However, for experienced readers, the standard tarot spreads may lack depth and fail to fully explore the complexity of a situation. That’s why advanced tarot spreads are an indispensable tool for those who wish to delve deeper into the intricacies of their lives. In this article, we will explore various advanced tarot spreads, including spreads for specific situations and for deep reflection. Additionally, we will uncover techniques for working with spreads, such as card pairing, reversals, elemental dignities, numerology, and even astrology. With these tools in your arsenal, you can enhance your tarot practice and gain a more thoughtful and nuanced perspective on your inquiries.
Spreads for Specific Situations
When faced with specific situations in life, tarot card readings can be a powerful tool for gaining insights and finding guidance. The Shadow Work Spread involves exploring the hidden aspects of the self and can be useful for those seeking self-discovery. The Decision-Making Spread can provide clarity and options when facing a difficult choice. For matters of the heart, the Relationship Spread can help identify strengths and weaknesses in a relationship. Those seeking purpose and direction can benefit from the Life Purpose Spread. Each spread has its own unique purpose and can provide valuable insights to the querent. For more tarot spread options, check out 10 Tarot Spreads for Self-Discovery, Love Tarot Spreads for Today, Celtic Cross Tarot Spread Guide, 5 Tarot Spreads for Career Readings, Tarot Spreads for Healing and Wellness, Money Manifestation Tarot Spreads, and Wheel of the Year Tarot Spreads.
1. Shadow Work Spread
The Shadow Work Spread is a powerful tool for those who are ready to confront their innermost emotions and fears. This spread is designed to bring to light the aspects of ourselves that we may have been avoiding or denying. To start, shuffle your Tarot deck and focus on a specific issue or emotion that you would like to explore.
Position 1: What is the issue at hand?
The first position in the Shadow Work Spread represents the issue or emotion that needs to be addressed. The card that comes up in this position will give you insight into what needs to be acknowledged and confronted.
Position 2: What caused this issue?
The second position is all about understanding where your issue or emotion stems from. This card will reveal the root cause of the issue, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of your feelings.
Position 3: What are you resisting?
The third position in the Shadow Work Spread is where things start to get uncomfortable. This card will expose what you have been resisting or avoiding in regards to the issue at hand. It may be a certain emotion, action, or truth that you have been denying.
Position 4: What do you need to let go of?
The fourth position represents what you need to let go of in order to move forward. This may be a certain belief or behavior that is holding you back from progress.
Position 5: What can you learn?
The fifth and final position represents the lesson that can be learned from confronting this issue. It may be a newfound sense of self-awareness, a different perspective, or a deeper understanding of your emotions.
Using the Shadow Work Spread can be challenging, but ultimately the insights gained from this spread can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
For a more detailed guide on Shadow Work Tarot Spreads, check out this article.
2. Decision-Making Spread
The Decision-Making Spread is a powerful tool for any experienced tarot reader looking to gain insight into a difficult decision they may be facing. This spread consists of seven cards that are laid out in a specific pattern to provide clarity and guidance.
The layout of this spread is as follows:
1. Situation: This card represents the current situation that the reader is facing.
2. Obstacle: This card represents any obstacles or challenges that the reader may encounter during the decision-making process.
3. Action: This card represents the best course of action for the reader to take.
4. Motivation: This card represents the underlying motivation behind the decision.
5. Consequences: This card represents the potential consequences of the decision.
6. Advice: This card represents any advice or guidance that the reader should consider when making their decision.
7. Outcome: This card represents the eventual outcome of the decision.
When interpreting the cards in this spread, it is important to consider the overall theme that is revealed. The Situation card sets the stage for the reading and can provide insight into the current circumstances. The Obstacle card helps to identify any potential roadblocks that may arise. The Action card highlights the best course of action that the reader can take to overcome any obstacles. The Motivation card provides insight into the reader’s underlying desires and needs. The Consequences card reveals potential outcomes of the decision. The Advice card provides additional guidance and support. Finally, the Outcome card indicates what is likely to happen if the reader follows the guidance offered by the other cards.
Ultimately, the Decision-Making Spread can be used to gain clarity and insight into any difficult decision that an experienced tarot reader may be facing. By carefully interpreting the cards, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of the situation and make an informed decision with confidence.
3. Relationship Spread
The Relationship Spread is a powerful tool for providing insightful and in-depth readings into the dynamics of any relationship. The spread consists of seven cards arranged in a hexagonal shape, with each card representing a different aspect of the relationship.
The first card represents the overall theme of the relationship, providing insight into the fundamental energies that are driving the connection. The second card represents the strengths of the relationship, highlighting the positive qualities that the two parties bring to their connection.
The third card represents the challenges that the relationship is facing, pointing towards the areas where the two parties may be struggling to connect. The fourth card represents the emotional connection between the two parties, highlighting the feelings and emotions that are driving the relationship.
The fifth card represents the physical and sexual connection between the two parties, pointing towards any areas where there may be blockages, challenges or frustrations between them. The sixth card represents the communication between the two parties, highlighting any areas where they may be struggling to express themselves or understand each other.
Finally, the seventh and last card represents the future of the relationship, providing insight into the potential for growth, healing and transformation between the two parties.
With the Relationship Spread, experienced tarot readers can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in any relationship. By interpreting each card in relation to its position in the spread, readers can provide their clients with valuable insights, guidance and advice on how to navigate the complex, beautiful and ever-changing terrain of human connection.
4. Life Purpose Spread
The Life Purpose Spread is an ideal tarot spread for those who are searching for direction in their lives. This spread allows an individual to receive guidance and insight into their life’s purpose, giving a deeper sense of clarity and direction. The spread consists of 5 cards, each representing a different aspect of the individual’s life.
Card 1 – Current Situation: This card represents the individual’s current situation and how it is affecting their search for life purpose. It provides insight into what is currently happening in their life and how it may be related to their life purpose.
Card 2 – Hidden Talents and Abilities: This card represents the individual’s hidden talents and abilities that they may not be aware of. These talents and abilities can help guide them towards their life purpose.
Card 3 – Obstacles and Challenges: This card represents the obstacles and challenges that the individual may face on their journey towards their life purpose. It provides insight into what may be holding them back and how they can overcome these obstacles.
Card 4 – Guidance and Support: This card represents the guidance and support that the individual may receive on their journey towards their life purpose. It provides insight into who or what may assist them in achieving their life purpose.
Card 5 – Life Purpose: This card represents the individual’s life purpose. It provides insight into what their life purpose is and how they can work towards achieving it.
By using the Life Purpose Spread, an individual can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the direction their life is meant to take. It provides a roadmap for their journey and helps them to stay focused on their goals. With the help of the tarot cards, an individual can unlock their true potential and live a life that is fulfilling and purposeful.
Spreads for Deep Reflection
When we need to reach deep understanding and reflection through Tarot, we can rely on specific spreads to help us explore ourselves and our lives. The Four Elements Spread offers a versatile approach to insight by associating each suit with one of the four classical elements. The Chakra Spread illuminates blocks and strengths in our energetic centers to offer healing or guidance. For a comprehensive annual review, the Year Ahead Spread is an insightful choice. And for a more spiritual approach, the Spiritual Journey Spread allows us to delve into our spiritual practices and path. These spreads require a deep level of personal reflection and self-awareness, making them a powerful tool for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of their inner selves.
1. The Four Elements Spread
The Four Elements Spread is a powerful spread that can offer deep insights into the querent’s current state and what they need to focus on in order to bring balance and harmony to their life. The spread is based on the four elements of the earth – fire, water, air, and earth – each of which represents a different aspect of the querent’s life.
This spread is typically conducted by laying out the cards in a diamond shape, with each element corresponding to a specific position in the spread. Below is an example of how to conduct the Four Elements Spread:
Position | Element | Meaning |
---|---|---|
1 | Fire | Passion and Creativity: This card represents the querent’s passion, creativity, and what ignites their inner fire. |
2 | Water | Emotions and Relationships: This card represents the querent’s emotional state and their relationships with others. |
3 | Air | Intellect and Communication: This card represents the querent’s intellectual pursuits and how they communicate with others. |
4 | Earth | Manifestation and Physicality: This card represents the querent’s physical world – their health, finances, and material possessions. |
5 | The Center of the Diamond | The Querent’s Overall State: This card represents the overall state of the querent and the balance between the four elements in their life. |
Once the cards have been laid out, the reader can begin to interpret the meaning of each position and how they relate to the querent’s life at that moment. For example, if the Fire card is the Three of Wands, it could suggest that the querent is feeling a surge of creative energy and is exploring new possibilities for their future. If the Air card is the Queen of Swords, it could suggest that the querent needs to be more assertive in their communication with others and rely on their intellect to make decisions.
The Four Elements Spread is a versatile and insightful spread that can help advanced tarot readers gain a deeper understanding of the querent and guide them towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
2. The Chakra Spread
The Chakra Spread is a powerful tarot spread that can help experienced readers gain insight into the seven chakras of the human body. This spread can provide guidance on how to balance and align these energetic centers, which can have a profound effect on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
To perform the Chakra Spread, begin by shuffling the tarot deck and focusing your intention on the seven chakras. Then, draw one card for each chakra, placing them in a vertical line from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
The first card represents the Root Chakra, which is associated with grounding, stability, and security. The second card represents the Sacral Chakra, which is associated with creativity, sexuality, and emotions. The third card represents the Solar Plexus Chakra, which is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and willpower.
The fourth card represents the Heart Chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, and connection to others. The fifth card represents the Throat Chakra, which is associated with communication, expression, and truth. The sixth card represents the Third Eye Chakra, which is associated with intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual insight.
The final card represents the Crown Chakra, which is associated with enlightenment, divine connection, and higher consciousness.
Once all cards are drawn, take a moment to reflect on each one individually and the message it provides for the corresponding chakra. Look for patterns or connections between the cards and the chakras they represent.
From there, consider what actions or adjustments can be made to bring balance and alignment to each chakra. Use the guidance provided by the cards to create practices or rituals that support the health and well-being of each chakra.
The Chakra Spread is an excellent tool for experienced tarot readers who want to deepen their understanding of the chakra system and how it relates to personal growth and spiritual development. With practice, this spread can provide profound insights and guidance for those seeking to live a more balanced, harmonious life.
3. The Year Ahead Spread
The Year Ahead Spread is a popular tarot spread used by experienced readers to gain insight into the energy and major events in the upcoming year. This tarot spread consists of 13 cards which are arranged in a circle resembling a clock. Each card represents a month and indicates the energies and possible outcomes that will manifest during that month.
Step 1: To begin the Year Ahead Spread, shuffle your deck and focus your intention on the energies you want to explore for the coming year.
Step 2: Pull the first card and place it at the twelve o’clock position. This card represents January and sets the tone for the year. This card provides insight into the primary energies and themes that will play out throughout the year.
Step 3: For the following months, repeat the process of drawing a card and placing it in the corresponding position on the circle. The order will go counter-clockwise, with the twelfth card representing December.
Step 4: Study each card deeply, paying careful attention to the symbolism, colors, and imagery of each card. Consider how each card relates to the corresponding month and how it may affect the other cards in the spread.
Step 5: Use your intuition and knowledge of tarot to interpret the spread as a whole. This will give insight into the overall energy and significant events that may occur throughout the year.
This spread offers a deeper understanding of the energies and themes that will play out over the year, providing guidance when planning for future events or making decisions. It is helpful to keep a journal to record your interpretation of the cards, and revisit it periodically throughout the year to gain deeper insight into the unfolding events. With practice, this spread can become an essential tool for both personal growth and forecasting future events.
4. The Spiritual Journey Spread
The Spiritual Journey Spread is a powerful tool for deeper self-reflection and understanding. This spread consists of seven cards, each representing a stage in the spiritual journey. This spread can help you gain insight into where you are in your spiritual journey and what you need to focus on to continue growing. Here are the steps to follow for performing this spread:
- The Calling: This card represents the moment of awakening and realization of your spiritual path. It signifies the question, “Why am I here?” Draw the first card and meditate on its message. This card will give you insight into the reason for your spiritual awakening.
- The Seeker: The second card represents your willingness to embark on a spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “What should I seek?” Draw the second card and focus on what it tells you regarding embarking on a spiritual journey.
- The Initiator: This card represents the beginning of your spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “What is my first challenge?” Draw this third card and reflect on the message given. It will help you understand the challenges that may come your way as you continue your spiritual journey.
- The Guide: This fourth card represents the presence of a guide or mentor on your spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “Who or what will guide me?” Draw this fourth card and give your focus to what it tells you about the guidance you need to continue on the right path.
- The Lessons: The fifth card represents the lessons you need to learn on your spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “What are my spiritual lessons?” Draw this fifth card and reflect on what it tells about the challenges you need to face and the lessons you need to learn.
- The Awakening: This sixth card represents your ultimate awakening through your spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “What will the end be like?” Draw the sixth card and meditate on its message. It will help you understand the end goal of your spiritual journey and what you need to do to achieve it.
- The Outcome: The final card represents the ultimate outcome of your spiritual journey. It signifies the question, “What will be the result of my spiritual journey?” Draw the final card and reflect on what it tells you about the ultimate outcome of your spiritual journey.
The Spiritual Journey Spread can help you understand the path you are on and what you need to do to continue growing. It’s a powerful tool for deeper self-reflection and can be a reminder of where you have been and where you are going. Take the time to reflect on each card and let their messages guide you in your spiritual journey.
Advanced Techniques for Working with Spreads
Using advanced techniques can take your tarot readings to the next level. One of these techniques is card pairing, where you combine two or more cards to add depth and complexity to your interpretation. Another technique is the use of reversals, where you consider the opposite meaning of a card that appears upside down. Elemental dignities take into account the elemental associations of each card in a spread to give a more nuanced reading. Numerology can also be incorporated by adding up the digits of a card’s number to gain further insight. Similarly, astrology can be used by considering the astrological associations of each card. Intuitive card reading involves trusting your own instincts and insights when interpreting the cards. Finally, combining oracle cards with tarot can add additional layers of meaning and guidance to your readings. Experimenting with these advanced techniques can offer new perspectives and enhance your tarot practice.
1. Card Pairing
Card pairing is an advanced technique that can add depth and complexity to your tarot spreads. This technique involves taking two cards from your deck and interpreting them together. Card pairing is especially useful when you encounter cards that seem to contradict each other or when you want to explore the relationship between different aspects of a situation.
To use card pairing, simply draw two cards from your deck and place them side by side. Consider the imagery, symbolism, and meanings of each card, and then look for connections and contrasts between them. Think about how the cards relate to each other and what they might be saying about the situation you’re reading about.
For example, you might draw the Ace of Cups and the Nine of Swords. The Ace of Cups represents new beginnings, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual awakening, while the Nine of Swords signifies worry, anxiety, and fear. Taken individually, these cards seem to be in opposition to one another, but when you pair them together, you might see that the Ace of Cups is offering a new emotional opportunity that can help alleviate the fear and anxiety of the Nine of Swords.
You can get creative with card pairing by experimenting with different combinations and seeing what insights emerge. You may find that certain pairs of cards tend to appear together frequently, or that certain combinations are especially powerful in unlocking new insights.
Card pairing is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you deepen your understanding of the tarot and unlock new insights into even the most complex situations. Incorporate this technique into your tarot practice to take your readings to the next level.
2. Reversals
In tarot reading, reversals occur when a card appears upside down in a spread. This can bring an entirely different meaning to the card and add a new layer of interpretation to the reading.
Reading reversed cards can be a perplexing experience for any tarot reader, but it is also an advanced technique that can offer valuable insights. Rather than relying solely on the traditional meanings of the cards, it allows readers to explore the nuances of each card’s energy and how it interacts with its surroundings.
To begin, it’s important to understand that reversals can carry a range of meanings. In some cases, a reversed card may indicate a blockage or challenge that needs to be addressed. In other cases, it could suggest a need for introspection and a shift in perspective.
There are many ways to interpret reversed cards, and the meaning can vary depending on the context of the spread and the other cards that appear in the reading. Some readers prefer to use a specific set of reversed meanings, while others develop their own interpretations over time based on their intuition and experiences.
It’s also essential to note that not all tarot decks use reversals. Some decks, such as the Crowley-Harris Thoth tarot, are designed to be read without reversals. If you’re unsure whether a deck supports reversals, check the accompanying guidebook or consult with the creator or publisher.
Mastering the technique of reading reversed cards can add depth and complexity to any tarot reading. It requires practice, patience, and an openness to explore new meanings and possibilities. With time and dedication, tarot readers can develop a sophisticated understanding of reversals and use them to provide insightful guidance for their clients.
3. Elemental Dignities
Elemental dignities are a powerful technique that can add depth and nuance to your tarot readings. This technique involves considering the elemental associations of each card in a spread and how they interact with each other.
Each tarot card is associated with one of the four elements: fire, water, air, or earth. When cards of the same element appear together in a reading, they can strengthen and reinforce each other. Cards of opposite elements, on the other hand, can create tension and conflict.
For example, if the Three of Cups (water) appears next to the Four of Wands (fire) in a spread, this could indicate a harmonious celebration or party. However, if the Three of Swords (air) appeared between these two cards, it could suggest that there may be disagreements or misunderstandings during the event.
Here is a basic overview of how the elements interact in tarot readings:
Fire: Passion, energy, creativity, and transformation.
Water: Emotions, intuition, empathy, and healing.
Air: Thoughts, communication, intellect, and ideas.
Earth: Material needs, stability, practicality, and foundations.
To use elemental dignities in your readings, first determine the element associated with each card in your spread. You can then look for patterns and relationships between the elements. Some common combinations include:
– Fire and air: Creativity and ideas.
– Fire and earth: Ambition and practicality.
– Water and air: Emotional intelligence and clear thinking.
– Water and earth: Emotional stability and material comfort.
– Air and earth: Planning and organization.
By considering the elemental dignities in your tarot readings, you can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play and provide more nuanced insights for your clients.
4. Numerology
Numerology is the study of numbers and their symbolic meanings. Each number is believed to hold a unique vibration and energy, which can be applied to tarot readings. Numerology can be used in a variety of ways to deepen your understanding of a tarot spread. One simple way to incorporate numerology into your readings is to calculate the numerological value of each card in the spread.
To calculate the numerological value of a card, you simply add up the numbers in the card’s value. For example, the numerological value of the Ace of Swords would be 1 (1+0), while the numerological value of the Seven of Cups would be 7 (5+2).
Once you have calculated the numerological value of each card in the spread, you can look for patterns and connections between the numbers. For example, if several cards in the spread have a numerological value of 4, this may indicate stability, security, and a strong foundation. If many of the cards have a numerological value of 9, this could suggest completion, transformation, and letting go of the old to make way for the new.
Another way to use numerology in tarot readings is to consider the numerological value of the spread as a whole. To do this, simply add up the numerological values of all the cards in the spread. The resulting number can be interpreted in a variety of ways. For example, if the sum of the spread is a single digit number, this could indicate a clear and focused energy. If the sum is a double digit number, you could add those numbers together to get a single digit, or interpret the double digit as holding extra power and intensity.
Numerology is a useful tool for adding depth and nuance to your tarot readings. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced reader, incorporating numerology into your practice can help you discover new insights and meaning in your spreads.
5. Astrology
Astrology is a powerful tool that can be used in conjunction with tarot card reading to gain deeper insights into a situation. With its focus on the influence of planetary energies on human life, astrology can help tarot readers pinpoint key themes, motivations, and potential outcomes in a reading.
To incorporate astrology into your tarot spreads, start by identifying the astrological correspondences for each card in your deck. Many tarot decks come with a guidebook that includes astrological associations for each card. You can also use online resources to find correspondences and associations.
Once you have a solid understanding of each card’s astrological connections, you can begin to build spreads based on astrological themes. For example, you might design a spread focused on the energy of a particular planet or zodiac sign. You could also incorporate the positions of the sun, moon, and planets at the time of the reading, using this information to gain insights into the querent’s current situation, concerns, and potential outcomes.
Here is an example of an astrologically themed tarot spread:
The Astrological Houses Spread
This spread is designed to explore the querent’s current situation, desires, and potential outcomes in relation to the astrological houses. The astrological houses represent different areas of life and can be used to gain insights into various aspects of the querent’s experience.
House # | Card Position | Card Meaning |
---|---|---|
1 | Ascendant | The querent’s outward persona, leadership qualities, and self-image. |
2 | Money and Possessions | The querent’s relationship to money, material possessions, and personal values. |
3 | Communication and Travel | The querent’s communication style, relationships with siblings and neighbors, and potential for travel. |
4 | Home and Family | The querent’s relationship to their home, family, and ancestral roots. |
5 | Creativity and Romance | The querent’s creativity, self-expression, and love life. |
6 | Health and Work | The querent’s physical health, work life, and service to others. |
7 | Relationships and Partnerships | The querent’s closest relationships, including romantic partnerships and business partnerships. |
8 | Transformation and Death | The querent’s relationship to transformation, change, and loss. May also represent issues related to debt or inheritance. |
9 | Higher Education and Travel | The querent’s search for meaning, higher education, and potential for travel or spiritual growth. |
10 | Career and Legacy | The querent’s career path, public life, and overall legacy. |
11 | Hopes and Wishes | The querent’s aspirations, social circle, and potential for community involvement. |
12 | Spirituality and Dreams | The querent’s connection to spirit, intuition, and subconscious mind. |
Remember, when using astrology in tarot readings, it’s important to approach the practice with respect and compassion. While astrology can offer valuable insights, it’s ultimately up to the querent to make their own choices and decisions based on the information presented.
6. Intuitive Card Reading
Intuitive card reading is a practice that allows you to go beyond the traditional meanings of the cards and tap into your own intuition. This type of reading involves using your instincts and connecting with the energy of the cards to gain deeper insights into a situation. It is often seen as a more experiential approach to tarot reading, where the reader relies more on their intuition rather than just memorized meanings.
There are a few ways to approach intuitive card reading. One is to allow the images on the cards to speak to you and to let your mind create a story based on what you see. Pay attention to what stands out to you on each card, whether it’s a particular symbol or color. Trust that your subconscious mind will guide you towards the insights you need.
Another approach is to use the cards as a tool for meditation. Pick a card and meditate on it, allowing its energy to flow through you. Pay attention to any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that come up as you sit with the card. You may be surprised at what comes up for you.
Of course, intuitive card reading isn’t something that can be mastered overnight. It can take time and practice to develop your intuition and learn to trust it. But with persistence and an open mind, you can learn to incorporate this powerful technique into your tarot readings and gain a deeper understanding of the cards and the messages they hold. Remember, the key is to trust yourself and the insights that come to you, even if they don’t fit into the traditional meanings of the cards.
Intuitive card reading is a valuable tool that can help you tap into your inner wisdom and gain new perspectives on a situation. By learning to trust your instincts and the energy of the cards, you can take your tarot readings to the next level and unlock new insights and revelations.
7. Combining Oracle Cards with Tarot
Combining Oracle Cards with Tarot can provide a more in-depth reading and can offer a unique perspective on a situation. Oracle cards are different from Tarot cards in that they don’t follow a specific structure like the Tarot. They can have different types of imagery, symbols, and meanings. Oracle cards can be used to answer specific questions or to gain more insight on a situation.
When using both types of cards in a reading, it’s important to have a clear intention and purpose. Usually, the Tarot is used as the main focus of the reading, and the Oracle cards are used to expand on certain aspects or to offer different perspectives. For example, if the Tarot reading is about a specific situation, Oracle cards can be used to provide guidance on how to move forward or to gain insight on how the situation will impact the future.
Another way to combine Oracle cards and Tarot is by pulling an Oracle card before the Tarot reading begins. This can provide insight on the overall theme of the reading. For example, if the Oracle card is about self-love, the Tarot reading can focus on how the individual can cultivate more self-love in their life.
When using both tarot and oracle cards together, it’s important to take note of the message each card brings. Not all oracle cards will blend easily with every tarot reading, so they should be selected with intention. The goal is to use them to provide a deeper and more nuanced reading, not to confuse or detract from the interpretation. When combining the cards, it’s important to stay open to any messages that come forward and trust your intuition.
Using Oracle cards with Tarot in a reading can provide additional guidance and insights, especially when dealing with complex situations. It gives us a more thorough understanding of the elements of the reading and can provide a unique perspective and depth. If used with care and intention, combining the two can be an effective way to gain a more detailed picture of any situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as experienced tarot readers, we know that tarot is more than just a divination tool. It can also be used for personal growth, reflection, and deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Advanced tarot spreads allow us to explore specific situations or dive deeper into our subconscious and spiritual journey.
When working with advanced spreads, it is important to remember the techniques we have learned to enhance the reading experience, such as card pairing, reversals, elemental dignities, numerology, astrology, intuitive card reading, and combining oracle cards with tarot.
But above all, trust your intuition and connection with the cards. Allow them to speak to you in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. With practice and patience, we can continue to expand our knowledge and connection with the tarot.
Here’s a quick summary of the key points we’ve covered in this article:
- Spreads for Specific Situations: Shadow Work Spread, Decision-Making Spread, Relationship Spread, Life Purpose Spread
- Spreads for Deep Reflection: The Four Elements Spread, The Chakra Spread, The Year Ahead Spread, The Spiritual Journey Spread
- Advanced Techniques for Working with Spreads: Card Pairing, Reversals, Elemental Dignities, Numerology, Astrology, Intuitive Card Reading, and Combining Oracle Cards with Tarot
By incorporating these spreads and techniques into our tarot practice, we can continue to grow and evolve as individuals and tarot readers. Remember, the tarot is a journey, not a destination. May your tarot journey be filled with insight, wisdom, and magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I create my own tarot spread?
Yes! Creating your own spread allows you to tailor it to your specific situation or question. Just ensure that the spread has a clear question or theme, and that the positions of the cards make sense in relation to that theme.
2. Should I shuffle the deck before each card placement?
Yes, you should shuffle before each placement. This ensures that the cards are truly shuffled and gives a more accurate reading.
3. How many cards should be in a tarot spread?
It really depends on the spread and the question. Some spreads have only a few cards, while others can have upwards of ten. The number of cards should make sense in relation to the question or theme of the spread.
4. Can I use oracle cards in my tarot spread?
Absolutely! Oracle cards can be used in conjunction with tarot cards, or even on their own. Just make sure that the oracle cards align with the question or theme of the spread.
5. Should I keep a journal of my tarot readings?
Keeping a journal is highly recommended! It allows you to track your progress as a reader, analyze patterns in your readings, and reflect on past readings.
6. Can tarot cards predict the future?
Tarot cards can offer insight and guidance, but they should not be used as a tool for predicting the future with absolute certainty.
7. Do I need to have psychic abilities to read tarot cards?
No, you do not need to have psychic abilities to read tarot cards. Anyone can learn to read tarot with practice and study.
8. Should I charge money for readings?
This is a personal decision. Some readers feel comfortable charging for their services, while others prefer to offer readings for free. Just make sure that you are upfront with your clients about your policies.
9. Can I read the tarot for myself?
Yes, you can definitely read the tarot for yourself! Just be sure to stay objective and not let your personal biases influence the reading.
10. How often should I cleanse my tarot deck?
It is recommended to cleanse your tarot deck after a heavy or emotionally-charged reading, or if someone else has handled your deck. The frequency of cleansing is up to your personal preference and the frequency of your readings.