Most tarot readings revolve around a particular tarot card spread chosen by the tarot reader. The tarot spread serves as a sort of map to help identify the key issues or challenges that relate back to the question asked. There are literally hundreds of tarot card spreads that can be used for a tarot reading, and usually each tarot reader has a few favorite tarot spreads they prefer to work with depending on the type of question being asked.

Tarot card spreads are one of the most significant aspects for tarot reading. However, one element that often gets overlooked while performing a tarot card reading is the combination of tarot cards and how their tarot card meanings build upon each other during the course of a reading.

The first thing to remember when doing a tarot reading is that all of the cards in a tarot card spread should always relate back to the primary question posed before the reading began. It’s not uncommon for some beginner readers to lose direction during a tarot reading and miss the basic principles that relate back to the initial question. Going off in different directions can at times be appropriate, however, if it doesn’t return to answering the initial question be asked, more often than not, the reading can fall short. For this reason, it’s always best to try to stay on track as much as possible and associate the cards to the initial question.

It’s also important to recognize which card represents the various aspects of a tarot spread. If you are interpreting a tarot reading, don’t confuse a card that represents the past with one that represents the future. As you lay the cards down, be sure to identify which card comes first and which one comes last and what the significance of each card is within the spread. In most cases, the tarot card meanings are influenced by the cards that are placed in their sequential order. For example, after the first card is placed down the meaning of the second card will often be influenced by the card that came before it.

Finally, be aware of specific card combinations. You will want to determine how many Major Arcana cards come up versus Minor Arcana cards. You will also want to look for the number of specific suit cards that come up. Finally, be aware of numbers. If there are two or more cards with the same numerical associations, there typically is a specific numerological reason for this.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Tarot Spreads and Card Meanings is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

Well, yes, however there are a few things you need to keep in mind when doing a Tarot reading. A good Tarot reading can certainly help uncover the key influences that shape one’s future. It can also disclose potential outcomes or significant challenges someone may be faced with.

The more clear you are with your questions, the more insight you can gain from your Tarot reading. More importantly, a good Tarot reading stems from your own intuition and when you combine this with your life experience, the Tarot can be incredibly predictive. In themselves, Tarot cards are not oracles. Rather, they are a tool to help us become our own oracles. Their true power comes from the power that flows through us and we give to them.

Tarot card reading is a practiced skill and you certainly do not have to be psychic to use them as a method of divination. Tarot reading is like any other skill. It needs practice, consistency and patience. The more you apply tarot reading to your life, the easier it will become to decipher its symbolic language. Developing a personal relationship to the Tarot can help you discover your own personal associations to the various tarot card meanings and imagery.

Practicing Tarot reading can also help you identify the key areas in your life that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The Tarot teaches you how to pay attention to the subtleties that occur in your every day life. This new level of observation helps increase your own level of self-awareness. In the end, Tarot reading helps you make appropriate decisions that can ultimately shape your future circumstances.

Tarot Reading And The Future is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

In Tarot reading, the Hierophant Tarot Card represents the wise teacher. He encourages us to find a sense of purpose and meaning in our own lives. He is the messenger of spiritual principles and often refers to one’s ethics and traditional values. When he appears in a tarot reading, he often suggests conventionality and a need to incorporate spiritual principles in one’s life. The Hierophant also represents the values of theology and religion. To this end, he encourages humility and practicality. He is a father archetype who steers us back to the basic principles of common decency.

In a love Tarot reading, the Hierophant Tarot card can represent the sacred ritual of marriage and the family. These are conventional relationships that follow the rules. Most often this pertains to partnerships that are traditional, practical and are socially acceptable. The Hierophant Tarot card can also refer to unions that have strong spiritual foundations. These are relationships that are based on a shared values or belief systems. In a love Tarot reading, the appearance of the Hierophant can refer to soul mates or relationships that share a deep connection.

In the reversed position, The Hierophant can warn that a relationship may to too fixed or bound by rules of conformity. To make such relationship prosper may require breaking a few rules, sharing new feelings, or throwing off convention. A new way of thinking may be required.

See our Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings section to learn more about the Hierophant Tarot Card.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Love Tarot and The Hierophant is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

Some Tarot readers prefer to uses clarifying cards during their Tarot reading while others will use them after. In either case, clarifying cards are used to augment the overall reading, often shedding light on areas that need further exploration.

Clarifying cards are also used in a Tarot reading when the Tarot reader may be struggling with a particular card or Tarot card meaning. Every time a new Tarot card is pulled, it deepens the meaning of the Tarot reading. If a Tarot reader misses something the first time around, clarifying cards can keep help get the Tarot reading back on track. When a new card is placed in a spread it can change the relationships of the cards and can shift the direction and interpretation of the reading.

Some Tarot readers avoid clarifying cards all together. Many feel that if a Tarot reader needs to pull a clarifying card, they may be missing important information in the initial reading. They feel that clarifying cards are a product of being lazy or noncommittal to the initial reading.

Using clarifying Cards in a Tarot reading is a personal choice. It’s important to remember that there is no wrong or right approach to Tarot reading. You need to choose what works for you. In the end, clarifying cards can certainly add to the quality of a Tarot reading. It’s really up to you to decide.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Clarifying Cards in Tarot Reading is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

The meaning of the Hanged Man tarot card never refers to a literally hanging, but rather to acts of trust and the relinquishment of control. The Hanged Man tarot card can also represent the need to find one’s own individuality. As a sign of Scorpio, the Hanged Man is dynamic and independent. In tarot reading, the Hanged Man urges the expression of one’s thoughts and visions, balanced with the need to temper one’s energy and emotions.

The Scorpio Hanged Man is energetic, charismatic, courageous and inquisitive. He can be obsessive, emotional and passionate. The Scorpio Hanged Man can also be quite social and will not cease to fight for what he believes in. He has a deep appreciation for life and can enjoy simple pleasures. He is generous, fiery and does not feel constricted by limited thinking.

In tarot reading, the Scorpio Hanged Man refers to concepts of freedom, particularly from one’s limiting thoughts and preconceived notions. The Hanged Man urges shifts in consciousness and, as a Scorpio, he does this with passion, tenaciousness and directness. When he appears in a tarot reading, there is often the suggestion that satisfaction and happiness stem from the adhering to universal principles. This requires courage, energy and faith.

The negative traits to the Scorpio Hanged Man can include obsessive thinking, intolerance and a tendency to be over-controlling. At times he can lack self-control and be completely ruled by primal instincts. His drive can prohibit him from seeking the wisdom of others and he can become quite impatient. In extreme instances, the Scorpio Hanged Man can even become fanatical and cause those around them to feel uncomfortable and unsettled. Furthermore, while the Scorpio Hanged Man is passionate about everything he does, he can also expend his energy early which can cause him to lose his momentum in the long run.

In tarot reading, the Scorpio Hanged Man warns against losing one’s self in idealism. This is the individual who thinks only of his own life purpose and fails to recognize the collective experience of all individuals. In this respect, he thinks of himself only and sometimes fails to see the importance and beauty of the connectedness he shares with others.

In order for the Scorpio Hanged Man to remain in balance, he must learn to temper his emotions, drive and energy. He must also become self-aware, particularly concerning his tendency to become over-zealous or extreme. To do this requires adopting differential thinking. He also needs to be conscious of self-destructive tendencies and over-controlling behavior.

See the Tarot Card Meanings section to learn more about the Hanged Man tarot card.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

The Hanged Man and Scorpio is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

In term of tarot symbolism, The High Priestess card is imbued with rich representative imagery and meaning. She is the embodiment of deep mystery and secrecy. When she appears tarot reading, the High Priestess is the card of dreams, visions and the representation of all the mysteries of the universe. She represents the intuitive feminine aspects of our psyches. Developmentally, she refers to one’s inner voice and intuitive consciousness. This is the realm of inner knowledge.

In tarot reading, the High Priestess is a feminine archetype. She is the contradiction to the Magician Tarot Card.  Unlike the Magician, who is active in nature, the High Priestess prefers passivity. She is associated to the unconscious and her receptive nature makes her the ideal feminine symbol. Her receptive character enables her to peer into the secretive and mysterious elements of the natural world.

Tarot Symbolism of The Number Two: The High Priestess Tarot Card is the second card in the Major Arcana. Her association to the number two represents balance, harmony and duality. In Tarot reading, twos often refer to polarity and, in the case of the High Priestess tarot card, the number two refers to the dualism found within the natural world and within the psyche. The High Priestess represents a crossroad where two opposites meet. She has the ability to explore each polar opposite and use this energy to create something entirely new.

Tarot Symbolism of The Two Pillars: In traditional tarot decks, the High Priestess is depicted as sitting between two pillars, one black and one white. The pillars refer to the duality so often represented in the natural world: light and dark, night and day, birth and death, and positive and negative. Psychologically, the two pillars refer to both the masculine and feminine aspects of the psyche as well as the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind. Symbolically, this refers to her ability of the High Priestess to delve in to the realm of the unconscious and carry its wisdom into conscious awareness.

Tarot Symbolism of The Veil: Behind the seated High Priestess rests a veil. The veil, symbolic of all that remains unseen in the natural world, conceals her hidden knowledge. The High Priestess serves as the feminine guardian for secret wisdom. Her primary purpose is guard all that is considered holy. In tarot reading, she is the wise teacher and urges one to look beyond their own veil of rational thinking and peer into their own unconscious wisdom.

Tarot Symbolism of The Moon: In most tarot decks, the High Priestess is associated with the moon which is typically depicted by the crescent moon that lies by her feet. The moon represents the feminine, emotional, unconscious and intuitive elements of our psyches. The High Priestess reminds us to rely on the moon’s subtle light. This is the light of intuition. In a Tarot reading, the High Priestess represents our own inner knowledge. Her association to the moon suggests that hidden knowledge can always be found within our own selves.

The moon also represents things that may remain unseen. The moon is feminine night and often represents the shadowed aspects to psyches. In tarot reading, the moon can be a symbol of the feminine mother, the inner child, and the influence of one’s unconscious.

Tarot Symbolism of The Scroll: Upon the lap of the High Priestess rests a scroll. In traditional tarot decks, the scroll is associated to the Hebrew Torah. This refers to the High Priestess’s need to uphold the divine laws of the natural world. It is also the parchment in which she records her memories. This represents the High Priestess’s body of knowledge and experience. She serves as a container for the secretive and mysterious knowledge reflected in our world.

For more on the High Priestess, see the Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings section.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Tarot Symbolism: The High Priestess Card is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

Unfortunately this can happen to even the best tarot card readers. Usually when we are unable to interpret the cards effectively during a tarot reading, it’s rarely about the cards we have pulled. In most circumstances, a tarot card reading that appears confusing, or one that lacks any real consistency, is most likely about our own selves.

In a tarot card reading, the tarot cards are reflections of who we are. When we have difficulty interpreting them, most likely there are seom issuess  surrounding feelings of inner conflict, fear or uncertainty. It’s important to remember not to project these issues onto the tarot cards. When this occurs it’s always wise to take a step back. Many people will attempt to ignore the spread altogether and re-shuffle the cards. This is not always the best approach.

If you have the time, record the tarot card reading into a journal for later reflection. A misunderstood tarot card reading is not unlike a symbolic dream. It may take some time to process the material you have received. A tarot card reading that lacks clarity in the present, might take on a whole new interpretation if you allow yourself some time to process its meaning. 

Should you be performing a tarot card reading for another person and you can not decipher its meaning, don’t be afraid to ask the person being read for their own interpretation. There is no right or wrong approach to tarot reading. You can ask the person being read to identify the symbols that stand out for them; what might this mean to them and how does it apply in their current life stage. Opening up a dialogue helps build a stronger relationship and it can also help you understand more about the tarot card reading.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved.

When A Tarot Card Reading Doesn’t Make Sense is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

In a love tarot reading, the Emperor Tarot Card represents a man of authority who has established his place in society. He is ethical, organized and fatherly. The Emperor Tarot Card also pertains to the power within us. He reminds us that we always have the authority to make important decisions in our own lives. In a love tarot reading, the Emperor can indicate the need to listen to our own wisdom and experience, particularly when it comes to our personal relationships.

Traditionally, the Emperor Tarot Card refers to the development of the one’s ego. In this respect, he represents our values and moral codes. His power lies in his ability to ascertain what is right and he will always stand behind what he believes in. He represents logic and rational thinking. He prefers an orderly world and will take control to ensure that his environment is structured to his liking.

In a tarot reading, the Emperor Tarot Card often refers to the process of coming into one’s own. In this respect, the Emperor can teach us about our own personal power and use of self-will. In a love tarot reading, the Emperor reminds us that we have the power to make up our own minds when it comes to our relationships. We have the power to ask for what we want and express our needs to our partners.

In a love tarot reading, the Emperor can also represent involvement with an older man. He could be wealthy or well-established in his career. Involvement with an Emperor typically represents a serious relationship. The Emperor prefers the traditional relationship, one that has strong foundations in traditional values and conventional structures. The negative side to this type of relationship can refer to issues with power and dominance between one or both partners. In a love tarot reading, the Emperor can represent an aggressive or controlling man that struggles with the expression of his feelings.

See the Major Arcana tarot card meanings section to learn more about the Emperor Tarot Card.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Love Tarot & The Emperor is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

The Justice Tarot Card is associated to the astrological sign of Libra. As a Libra, Justice is a symbol of equilibrium, balance, harmony and equality. In Tarot Readings, the Justice Tarot card refers to fairness, diplomacy and the willingness to explore all sides of a problem. Her appearance typically suggests a need to put things back in balance or order. Her Libra nature makes her intuitive, fair, nonjudgmental and patient.

The Libra Justice card strongest traits include an intuitive understanding of others, the ability for rational thinking, and clear perceptions. She has an uncanny ability for recognizing the wrong from the right. She also can be quite flexible, but remains true to her convictions. The Libra Justice also has the skill of adaptability and independence. They are natural peacemakers and tend to be natural diplomats.

In Tarot readings, the Libra Justice card refers to the law of cause and effect. She is there to remind you of the power of adhering to universal principles. When these principles are applied to one’s life, there is an element of divine balance, flow and equilibrium.

The negative elements attributes of the Libra Justice card is the vulnerability towards indecision and restlessness. They can be strict, inflexible and mistrustful of others. Their idealistic nature can interfere with their ability to see things as they truly are and they can be easily influenced by others. They can also fail to follow through commitments and go from one project to another. In the worst case scenario, the Libra Justice can be the ultimate hypocrite, setting high standards but never living up to them.

In Tarot readings, the negative qualities the Libra Justice card can include unfair outcomes or issues surrounding getting what you deserve. In some cases, there may have been an unwillingness to make an important decision due to hesitation or reluctance. In Tarot readings, the Justice Tarot card calls for the need to thoroughly review your own behavior. It urges you to ask your self if there is anything in your life that is out of balance.

For Libra Justice to remain in balance, they must be willing to explore the levels of self-confidence. If they are uncertain of themselves, they must be willing to examine the causes. They need to recognize their vulnerability for indecision and outside influences and learn to trust their intuitive voice.

See the Tarot Card Meanings section to learn more about the Justice Card.

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Justice and Libra is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.

In tarot readings, the Empress often signifies commitment, marriage and loyalty. Her appearance in a love tarot reading is always a positive sign as she often refers to abundance in all areas of one’s life. As a card of the Major Arcana, the Empress Tarot Card warrants attention. Her presence symbolizes mother earth and the life force. She represents the feminine aspect of the psyche and encourages one to tap into the nurturing side of their nature. In love tarot, she can be a symbol of partnership and devotion.

Traditionally, the Empress represents creativity, productivity and prosperity. She is associated with the physical realm and has the power to use its resources. In this regard, she can produce material possessions and has the power to create a world that appeals to her particular taste. Like the Magician Tarot Card, the Empress has the unique ability to manifest on the physical plane.  She is expressive, imaginative and empathetic. She has strong moral convictions and always seeks to find harmony in her surroundings.

In love tarot readings, The Empress refers to one’s ability to connect to another. Her divine femininity enables her to be the ultimate nurturer and mother archetype. She is often a symbol of unconditional love and can represent a loving relationship that is based on mutual understanding, support and deep feelings of connection. In love Tarot readings, the Empress can also refer to birth, fertility and pregnancy.

A reversed Empress also has significance in love tarot readings. A reversed appearance can often indicate emotional blocks, the withholding of one’s emotions, and an unwanted pregnancy. The Empress’s mothering nature can cause her to be overbearing and intrusive. In love tarot readings, a reversed Empress can indicate love that has strings attached. Unconditional love can be replaced with unrealistic expectations and enmeshment. In some cases, a reversed Empress Tarot Card can indicate a fear of intimacy and difficulty in expressing one’s feelings.

See the Major Arcana tarot card meanings section to learn more about the Empress Tarot Card.  

© 2010 Tarotreadingpsychic.com. All Rights Reserved. Images of individual tarot cards are from the Aquatic Tarot Deck created by Andreas Schröter and are used with his permission. They are for example purposes only.

Love Tarot & The Empress is a post from: Tarot Reading Psychic your free tarot guide.