How to Read Tarot for Yourself

There is a stubborn myth in the metaphysical community that reading your own Tarot cards is bad luck. Let's clear that up right now: It is absolutely not true!

In fact, reading for yourself is one of the most powerful tools for self-reflection and personal growth. However, reading for yourself can be tricky because it's hard to remain objective. When we want a certain outcome, we might skew the meaning of the cards to fit our desires.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to read Tarot for yourself effectively.

Step 1: Center Yourself

Before you touch your cards, you need to be emotionally neutral. If you are panicking about a text message your ex sent you, it is not the time to read your cards. Your anxiety will transfer into the reading. Take a few deep breaths, meditate for a minute, and ground your energy.

Step 2: Formulate a Clear Question

The Tarot responds best to open-ended questions. Avoid "Yes or No" questions. Instead of: "Will I get the job?" Ask: "What do I need to know about this career opportunity?" or "What can I do to improve my chances of getting this job?"

Step 3: Shuffle and Pull

Shuffle the deck however you feel comfortable. Some people shuffle seven times; others shuffle until a card "jumps" out. Trust your intuition. Draw the cards and lay them out. If you are a beginner, stick to a simple 1-card or 3-card spread (Past, Present, Future).

Step 4: Interpret the Story

Look at the imagery on the cards before diving into the guidebook. What is your initial gut reaction? Do the cards feel heavy, light, fast, or slow? How do the figures in the cards interact with each other?

Once you have your initial impressions, you can consult your guidebook or an app like AuraFate to deepen your understanding.

Step 5: Journal the Results

The most important step in reading for yourself is writing it down! Journaling helps you remain objective. Write down the question, the cards you pulled, and your interpretation. Re-reading this a week later will often bring profound "aha!" moments.