Spreads, Layouts, & How - To Read Tarot Cards
<--Dark Days Tarot Card Deck - fanned. At this point, you can choose the card, or cards that call to you. Use the guidebook as a prompt to think creatively about your situation if the image itself does not initially offer guidance as clearly as desired.
1.) DAILY DRAW
The first and most simple spread, or Tarot card layout, is the Daily Draw. Use this card to answer a question (avoid yes or no questions), or let it be a message of guidance. Allow yourself to be objective and seeking in your inquiry. Do not react right away, and avoid any stiffness or rule-making. This is simply a practice of mirroring one's psyche, and collecting any psychic information as it comes up.
a.) Shuffle the cards
b.) Place the deck on a surface, face down, and spread it out in a fan.
c.) Imagine your question traveling into your hand and let your hand hover over the fan. Chose any card that catches your attention for any reason.
d.) Take a look at the card and infer its meaning to you. Use the prompt in the guidebook to think creatively about its meaning to you.
e.) Let the card develop itself in your mind throughout the day.
2.) RELATIONSHIP SPREAD
Use the relationship spread in any situation where duality is present and relevant. Repeat the steps above, selecting two cards instead of one. Let the spread be a call to constructive reflection and positive action.
HOW TO READ A FOUR-SIDED DECK
Decide if the cards are facing you, or a partner.
The 'top' of the card is evident in the imagery, in that it is the top of the card when the card is upright. Use the 'top' of the card as the directional arrow.
Give the cards a directional 'theme' before reading. Is this a lunar spread? A directional (North, South, East, West) spread? An elemental (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) spread? Remember, Tarot card reading is mostly for play, creative vision, and self-study.
DO NOT take Tarot card reading too seriously. These cards are for getting the metaphysical juices flowing, not worrying about impending doom or dwelling in negativity.
If the top of the card is pointed upright, this card is a full-moon card; a fully-manifested card, also representing acquisition, the direction of north, the element of earth and it's corresponding zodiac signs.
3.) THREE - CARD - CUT
Sometimes it's necessary to observe the metaphores of time to better understand the possiblities in an opportunity or situation. Use this spread in any case in which time is of the essence.
Repeat the steps for the Daily Draw, pulling three cards instead of one, and laying them in a consecutive row. Let the cards offer clues as how to how you might more easily bend the outcome in your favor, and consequently in the best interest of the Universe.
4.) ROOTS AND DESTINY // TREE SPREAD
We all arrive in this very moment carrying layers of previous existence. At times, in order to find our path, we must first understand the root of our current being. Use the Roots and Destiny spread in order to better understand your karmic destiny in this lifetime, the actions you can take in relation to that path, and the challenges inherent in your journey.
If the top of the card is pointed right, this card could be interpreted two ways. It could be pointed right, in that it is leaning into the possiblity inherent in this card. It could be seen as is a completion and reflection card, as noted in the clockwise lunar cycle, represented here.
The opposite could be interpreted for a left-facing card, either manifestation or hesitation. It is up to the reader to give the spread a pre-designated meaning. Left-facing in a relationship reading, for example, could represent a water sun-sign individual, or waxing moon manifestation dating period.
Give the cards a "theme" before using them. Say, for example, you need to decide which direction to travel. Lay the card(s) down and the direction of the card(s) is the direction you travel, with the card's meaning implying the lesson to be learned in taking the trip.
If the card lands upside down, or reveresed, the card is either a seed of potential not-yet-reached; the birth of the lunar cycle, with newness abound, or it is a complete retraction or inaction regarding the cards meaning. Again, it depends on the initial "theme" you give the cards before laying them down. It's important to give the cards context.
