The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Hiya Everyone,

I was given a set of tarot cards for a Xmas present this year and I have no experience in using them and little knowledge on how they work either and I have a question. Are they safe to use for a layman and if so, can anyone give me some instruction on how to use them?

They came with a book. but i believe practical experience is best:) help please??

They're divinatory tools, letting you access your inner intuitions, higher self if you will.

The first thing you need to do is cleanse the cards of whatever was on or around them before, and then work to impress your own energies on them. Always keep them wrapped in silk, as this has insulatory properties.

Then, practice with them! Practice on yourself, on your friends, whatever you like. Until you're comfortable with them, and have impressed yourself upon them, don't let anyone else use your cards.

As for the meanings, the book will be a good guide. Remember that most of it is allowing your intuition to interpret the meanings specific to the question and the situation.

Thanks Dracontion,

They were brand new, still wrapped so i wouldn't think i should have a problem 'making them mine', Mmmm gotta find some silk now........

You want to handle them as much as possible so they can get to know your touch. The only other people that should touch them is the person you are reading and they should cut the cards ONLY. No more contact then that.

read the book, it helps you to learn what each card means and stands for. also do weekly readings on your self. it will help you to learn the different cards as well as what they mean. just use them, play with them. thats the best advise i can give you on them

While accepting advice from other's is good, I think it would be best if you read the book. I myself have not yet had the chance to practice with tarot cards, but I have always heard that you have to use them as much as possible to get them used to your energy so that they will be better intuned with you, so that the answers will be more accurate.

Remember aces is the beginning of the suit say for example cups and the 10 is the ending of the story of the cups. Cups is the water...pentacles is of the earth element,,,I say wands is the fire element and swords is the air element. Many say sleep with your deck also and many also state when a deck is given to you...then it is meant for you to read. Have fun and trust your 1st instincts.

Have fun with your tarot.. only practice or use will open you to the posibilities.

don't get locked in to the book. read it and then set it aside. use your intuition to interpret the cards.
carry your cards and put them in your pocket and handle and shuffle often. ..to get your vibrations into the cards. at night put your cards under your pillow when you sleep.

wolf has a good point the cars definitions are just examples, you need to come to conclusions on your own

Read the book to learn how to read them, but also listen to other people's advice.

First, you need to cleanse the cards, especially if they were previously owned. You MIGHT be able to make an exception if they are new(I wouldn't) but you definitely shouldn't if they are previously owned...Energies can stick and whatnot.
Don't use Windex to cleanse them, just a standard cleansing ritual will do =p

Lay them out as the book says, do everything as it says, and continue on...

This is just the really short version of it, if ya wanna just get down to business, there's other stuff you can do if you feel its necessary..

Just remember, tarot cards don't show the future, just a path you can take.

TwistedWhispers
I was also given Tarot cards as a gift this Christmas and have no idea what to do with them lol.
I have read the book from cover to cover.
Thank you for starting this thread as I too need help :-)

You can also Google search for really specific instructions. Just check multiple sources to make sure its the same.

Cool present to get. May i ask what deck you got?

I own several and believe me you will make it your own.

If you need any help let me know. =]

As far as if a lain man can use them I just want to add tarot cards are used as a guide. As always in life- do what you see as right, taking what is shown to you as one way it could end, or happen.

Good luck, and never be afraid of them. Even the death card is a good card to see in a reading.

when you're doing a reading and shuffling your cards you'll get a feeling and that's usually what telling you to lay out your spread. as a first time user i would recomend a basic three card lay out:

________ _______ ______
| past | | present| | Future|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| ______| |______ | |______|
(this is kinda what it looks like)
that should be in the book that came with it. when you are more comfortable then try the celtic cross. if you need any help with spreads message me i'm more than happy to help.

There are many differant ways to use the Tarot, from past life readings to weekly readings.

To use them as soothsayers, this is possible as well, as long as you know the lay of the tarot. As others have stated, handle them yourself, no one else save for the individual you are reading for.

Still depends on the tarot you got for the occasion. Thoth are a bit dark, tarot of the cat are pretty good, I prefer the alchemy tarot myself.

It usually depends on where they came from. Retail bought items have very little power if any.

They are just showing you what your thinking might happen or could happen I am not really that experienced with them...

Tarot have little power regardless where they are procured from, the user gives them their energy, the user is the conduit, the tarot are the road from the door.

As for reading your thoughts, tarot do not do this, they read from that which is inside of you, they are not telepathic. They do not read minds.

I personally have used Tarot cards for many years, I have actually designed my own deck, that I now use on a regular basis. Anyone wanting a good place to purchase a nice deck can try www.isisbooks.com. I agree that you should sleep with them under your pillow, and new or not, they still need to be cleansed. I would be happy to give you a few tips if you wish, just message me. Enjoy these tools, and use them often, the more you do..the more they will be infused with your own personal energy.

Wow, thanks for all the responses i have had and i will ck to see what deck i have, and no i don't know as yet. To be honest didn't think to check, lol.

I will certainly message everyone that offered help if i need assistance, thanks:)

I think Drakontion has the best advice. You do need to read the book that came with the cards, but I would also suggest you read other books. It gives you more depth to the meaning of the cards as well as when they are placed in a pattern for reading. Also remember this is not written in stone ... it is but one outcome which you as the individual can change.

Here are some points to consider.

Yes, read the instructions thoroughly - the ones that came with the deck.

The deck should be cleansed before each use. See if your instructions has one, if not a way to do it is to deal the cards into seven even stacks. Don't shuffle the cards like you are in a casino - shuffle slowly and thoroughly. Ask the person you are divining for to cut the deck several times.

There are some sample layouts at Llewelyn.com and a free tarot generator. Check out my journal in letters, June 2007 for the link.

On a final note, people I know who use tarot cards had the following dilemma. Once everyone knows you know how to use them then they want readings. Free readings which take up time and time is money. I personally think you shouldn't profit from the craft, but it is acceptable to ask for expenses if you get that popular and want to continue with it.

Practical experience is a good thing. Having said that I will say that I think you should read at least the book that came with the cards if not every other book you can get your hands on. There is no way for you to gain hundreds or even thousands of years of experience with something by doing it yourself. Books are invaluable for that reason. I think it would foolish to take on something like Tarot without reading everything that you could.

I keep my Tarot cards in a black silk cloth and in a wooden box. For starters, I think its a good idea if you place your deck under your pillow and let it absorb your energy while you sleep to become more connected and uniquely yours.

There are many patterns where you can lay your cards out to create a reading. They're called 'spreads' and the simplest to start with is probably 'The Three-Card Spread' where three cards are laid out. The first representing the past, the second representing the present and the third representing the future. I think this spread has already been mentioned however.

When I begin a reading, I light up a few incense sticks in a calm and quiet area. I then clear my mind of all thoughts and start to shuffle the cards and begin considering the issues I want to know about. You might find it helpful if you speak your questions out loud and when you think you've shuffled enough, begin to lay out your cards. If you want to read for someone else, go through the same procedure and granting permission for the enquirer to shuffle and voice his/her own questions.

Thanks a good idea to help calm the mind, and i've got a Parragon set by the way:)

A friend of mine recieved tarot cards once, they came witha book as well. She was very good with them. She was very acurate and everything, I wish she still had them.

Thanks for all your feedback on this everyone, it's beehn a big help. I will start practicing as soon as the new year celebrations are over...........and when i've recovered from my hangover which i will undoubtly have:)

This was an excellent thread for me also as I have a set and was wondering several of the same things so all the posts and links were great and informative for me as well!

I just absolutely love tarot cards. I myself think that using regular playing cards is easier. I have a deck of tarot cards that I only use sometimes. The book is usually kind of confusing, but it would be best if you read the book and then tried your hand at readings. I hope you have luck.

well the more YOU handle them and become familiar with them they draw your energy from you and they are your cards, time, patience and getting familiar with them will make it become easier and like second nature to you when using them once they and you are bonded from the energy you relay to them ... Enjoy them and it will be easier as time goes on ..

Use the book for a reference and then use your intuition to interpret the cards. Make sure that no one else touches your deck without your permission and if you do let them make sure you cleans them after wards. But make sure they're charged up with your energies

i am quite divine at the tarot have been for years the best thing i did was teach myself use the book you were given and read for as many people as you can as well as yourself you will see how vthey become your truth dont let someone else use them and if you let someone else teach you it wont work it is for u to discover learn and know on your own use them wisely to help people they came upon not by accident,good luck!

Practice with the cards and read the book. If you notice that they don't work with you, don't feel bad. Some decks work better with you than others. For example, my thoth deck is deadly accurate but my goddess deck is dicey. The Thoth deck just happens to work better with me. So practice and have fun.

Tarot cards are a great tool. What a lovely gift. Lots of good advice in this thread. I wanted to add that there are many books out there for many different decks. Handle them, study them, read about them, you will love them. I've used tarot cards for about 25 years. I have a wonderful collection of decks. My favorites are the Rider Waite and the Thoth deck.

i cant give you anymore advice then what has already been said, which is all good advice, if your into tarot cards maybe this set can be your practice set, maybe they will grow to you , if you do not feel a connection with that set, maybe use that deck to practice with then you can shop around to find a deck that you feel one to. as i have said in another tarot card forum post, i have found my deck, and it was a must to do thing because my birthday is 3-10-74 now i found on ebay my cards, the year is 1974 it was on the 10th page and the 3rd one down i seen that and was like thses are them,

You need to learn wat each card means and the best way is read the book. Dont let anyone else us them as they need to be connected to you.

If really unsure do a search on the web and study Tarots practise is the best way.

Knowing your deck and all the relationships to other cards within the spread will make the difference. But that is the nature of reading Tarot. But here's a hint to be really good at it. You can't get everything from a book or by experience alone. You need to work on your inspiration and intuition both too. This means that you must be lighthearted and have fun doing it.

This helps and works good for parties!

Gather in a circle at a table or sitting on the floor. All you need is a deck of Tarot cards. The whole idea is to create your own story using the cards as a guideline.

You can start anyway you wish.
For example:

"Billy is having his morning coffee. The sun is about to break over the horizon. The warm Autumn breezes bring the fragrance of mums through the slightly open window ..."

The next person to the left would take the deck, shuffle and pick a card.

In this example the "Fool" card appears.

The person will then continue the story using the "Fool" card as the inspiration.

"Since it is a nice day, Billy decides to go for that walk into the forest that he always wanted to do. But he takes very little with him and travels light."

It tells of the meaning of the card as "a new adventure." You could also go with a new beginning if you wish. But - you do not need to use the meaning of the card. You can also be inspired by the artwork itself.

"Deciding to dress in his clown outfit, Billy decides to visit the retirement home and bring some balloons to his aunt that resides there."

The deck will continue to the left, each person picking a card and creating the story. If you need to check the meaning of a card first, feel free to do so.

Have fun and learn that deck and how it feels to you.

tarot cards are very simple and very safe, i read them for friends and family and sometimes my self but an important thing to remeber is nothing is carved in stone, it will be interesting to see if i do fall pregnant this year lol ;)

I think it's best to learn from books and study about the tarot, and try and understand what the cards mean to you, just Keep practicing. Most of the 22 Major Arcana cards have zodiac and planet rulers, like the star card has a ruler which is Aquarius, which is the element of Air, because if you look at the picture of the star card, there is a women and she is the water bearer, so this means that the card represents Faith, Hope and bright prospects for the future. It depends on what position the cards are in, like past, present and future position. I am a beginner studying tarot, but I have just started reading books about it. Have a look at the picture of the cards and see what is happening and read about the cards what they mean. In most books you can go through each of the cards to tell you what each card means.

Read the book that came with the deck, there are important explanations about the symbology of the deck, as they are not the same for other decks. Reading the cards is something that takes time and practice, but you may begin by followingthe directions given and casting your own cards. Once you understand the basics you can continue your learning in a more sophisticated inquiry.

If you wish to use your cards for divinatory purposes by all means you would do well to heed the posts of others in this thread...tarot cards can also be used just to play card games...:)

I would also recommend protecting yourself in a sacred circle or creating a shield around yourself and your cards. As your psychic center opens you tend to attract lower level entities that are intent on harm and mischief.

Definitely start creating a ritual for yourself, sheild, cleanse the cards and then practice reading them regularly. Always read the book get familiar with the cards meanings and handle them often. Always cleanse them between readings to so each reading is fresh and not influenced by the other persons energies.

Oh and try to be the only one that handles them and only allow people to touch them when your about to do a reading for them.

As with anything practice makes perfect.

I own a game that is tarot baised. I didnt know that it was untill I came across a lesson at school that descrived each card, that Ive seen through out the game and what it ment. I probably should have taken notes on each card and its meaning.

I was raised to be a Christan, but I find religion a bunch of hypocritical bull. I know a man at my work who is a priest and he told me I had to get rid of the game due to tarot cards being evil. Yet I have to wonder; How can something that was originally ment for a game now used for divinity evil? I see no harm in me playing the game because some human says so. I spent 50$ on it and now I too am interested in learning about the tarot. Sorry this may not be a help at all, but I do like to hear myself speak

Read the book on them. You'll never remember all the meanings of all the cards right away.

Always wrap them in silk and don't let others use them except for cutting the deck. As you start using them you may feel as if the cards mean something more than what is in the book - that is how you will know you are getting the hang of it!

Drakontion and boneyardvixen are right. You need to handle them as much as possible and cleanse them of anything that was on or around them before you got them. PRactice also makes perfect. It is your own interpretation after you learn what the cards stand for and their reversals when the cards are turned upside down that you will divine with.

I think you have a lot of great advice here to go and I just wanted to say the best to you as you explore this new avenue into the spirit world. I have been longing to get a tarot set and hearing all this "seals the deal".

Rev. Ravyn

I happen to agree with everyone handle them often. Read the book and learn what each of them mean and the book i am sure have diagrams on how to set up some simple readings. Practice makes perfect. Remember like all things be careful sometimes You might not like the outcome and want to change it or you might misinterpret them so make sure you turn the cards the right way and pay attention to if it is rightside up or upside down.

You may find some helpful information here:

www.witchvox.com

I'm glad this thread/question has helped so many people get the answers they are after:) Is there a member article about them on VR, if not there shoud be, but i'm certainly not the person to write one, we need an expert..............

Yes i feel they are safe to use as long as you keep negative vibrations off of them by Useing a scarf or cloth and wrap your cards in them. You may also want to buy a special box in which to store your wrapped deck.

read the meanings, remember them, but always keep in mind, that they must be read in cintext, always take into consideration the other cards drawn in a set-up as this will eeffect the meanings of the other cards. always trust your intuition over the written meanings

I have recently started using them and I have been having some troubles interpreting them at times. I am wondering if perhaps your state of mind at the time can affect your ability to read them?

Yes, its best to use your tarot when you're mind is cleared and focused otherwise it can be difficult to interpret them.

I too have trouble remebering what each card means and have to refer back to the book. I guess I don't use them enough. I sleep with them next to me on my night stand. I have found most readings will work out relevant to something current in my life or the person being read. Sort of like horoscopes.

Thank you for that moon. It is appreciated.

You're welcome Gwen. I too have to look at the book and I've been using tarot for a little over 5 years now. So you're not alone. Also what would be a good idea when you're first starting out using the tarot and you're unfamilar with the cards is each day do a one card read on yourself for practice to get yourself familar with each card. You might not remember the meaning for each card but it'll help you to interpret the cards better.

Moon great idea as I hadn't thought to break it down that far! I can use all the help I can get as I truely would like to become proficient in this practice.

I have been reading Tarot for over 13 years now.. and I too recieved them as a gift. Which is the proper way to receive them when you are first starting. I recommend using sage for purifaction.. and indeed sleep with them to embed them of your energies. Often I carry them with me as well. When I first started reading I received another gift as well.. it was a book called Tarot for yourself by Mary K Greer. Its a workbook for personal transformation and I found it to be a valuable tool in aiding my gift for reading. I highly recommend you finding and reading different books to help you become the reader you should be. Although advice is good.. it is best that you find your own path as everyone reads in different ways. I personally use the celtic layout.. always pure a white candle for purifaction.. and see where the moon sits. I always write down the reading in a notebook so that it can be referred to later to see how the progression goes. Blessed be to you and may you find the joy that goes with the learning of the cards...

Thank you for that Ladygoddessaries. I just recently recieved a book on the Tarot, basically I think an "idiots" guide to the Tarot. The name of the book is Tarot your every day guide by Janina Renee. Do you think this is a viable guide and has anyone heard of this book?

ladygoddessaries has a point. As much as advice is given here and such. Its best to find you own way of working with the tarot that is right for you. In time you'll find you own way that works for you.

Thanks Moon I understand that, I consider all the advice give as a basic guideline or tool to help me find my own path in their usage.

As for the book you mentioned I've never heard of it before but any book on tarot can be a useful reference.

Memorize the meanings of the cards and go through the book.

Try to keep them on you for about a week to empower them.

And google empowering them.

Lol.

That's all the advice I have, since that's all I did with mine.

The best thing you can do is use them, practice with them and remember they are a tool and as such need to be taken care of just like you would any other tool you would use. There are a lot of good books you can buy, but make sure if you do get a book that they deal with that type of card set, there are many diffrent types of cards out there yes they all have about the same meaning but it helps if you have a book that deals with the cards you have it will make it easier to follow and understand.

I think that as much as reading the book will help, getting other interpretations of what the cards could mean is essential and then working out your own definitions of them.

and, of course, practise, practise, practise!!

I have only just started using my set now and thanks everyone for the advice given to me in this thread. I am sticking to the very simple layout at the moment as in past, present, future. And so far the cards seem to be fairly accurate, it's quite errie really!!

Begin a one card meditation practice. Seat yourself comfortably and take several deep, relaxing breaths. Shuffle the tarot deck and spread the cards out in a fan face down. Inhale, exhale and place your hands on the cards. Pick up the card you feel most drawn to and turn it up. Study the card you have drawn. Ask yourself what is depicted on the card, and what meaning comes to mind for you. Consider the colors, images and general tone of the card. Step FourMeditate on the card. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly. Let the image of the card rest in your thoughts. Contemplate it without demanding immediate answers. This is where you will begin the process of insight into yourself. Step FiveAsk yourself what lesson you might take from the card and the thoughts it generates in your mind. Consider what this lesson might tell you about yourself, your current struggles in life, what is bothering you or holding you back, your strengths, your values or anything else that might contribute to your self-understanding. Step SixKeep the image of the card and the meanings it has generated in your mind with you throughout the rest of the day. Carry it with you without demanding too much of it. Reflect on the lesson of the card from time to time throughout the day. Let new insights come to you as they arrive. Incorporate the lesson of the card into your life!

I have used my tarot cards for years, They lay in my night stand draw wrapped in silk... I too have a difficult time remembering the meaning of every card and still use the book as a reference.

Not to jump on your thread but I have been using rune stone instead of cards, but the same thing seems to apply practice and just get used to the cards/stones before you know it you will be second nature to you. by the way what card type are you using?

i have found that depending on which type of cards you use can make a big difference, i have stones and cards and i have 4 decks of cards, , i have found you have to ind which one is easier for you but once you do , it will be as said second nature

Basically just follow your instincts. Just make sure to cleans the deck first and before and after each use. Start out simple by doing a three card spread on yourself everyday so you can get to know the cards and how they will work for you.

Tarot cards are great for advice, well that's what I use one deck for in particular. It just takes some getting use to then your off! You'll wonder why you did not have a deck before.

A wonderful suggestion Mystikalmoon.. I think I might just do that myself becuase I havent in awile. I always keep my book handy for reference purposes.. then if something is questioned I can refer to the book meaning and allow the non believer to read for themselves. Rarely might I say that I need it. Also when you approach the time in which you might start doing reading for others. Never let anyone force you to do a reading. If you are not comfortable doing a reading for a certain person then dont!! You will only end up tainting your cards and sending yourself off balance.

Practice with them learn what they mean to you and then as it has been so well put here find a deck that is truly fitted to you.. I fnd myself going to my Angel cards in everyday situations just to get a better feel on things around me to balnce myself out.. I go to my tarot deck when I am reading someone and need guidance to help them through.

there are many books and several online sites as well... already mentioned to you to cleanse them, to be the only handler, practice alot, just hold them, when you are sitting around, and to keep them wrapped in silk. I've just pulled my decks from deep recesses of a drawer to get reacquainted with them.

the best thing to do is to read the book that came with that specific deck. It will give you some understanding of the ones you have and some knowledge of what to do. After that it is easier to start testing out what you can see when you use them and getting a feel for them. But it is good to understand the ones you have

Practice with them learn what they mean you as every person who reads will read them in a diff way

Let your cards get to know you and you them. Handle them often even if your not doing a reading. Protect them and keep them clean, dry and safe. Most keep them wrapped in silk. Don’t let strangers handle them unless it’s in a reading for them. Enjoy them and study them.

This thread has been automatically closed for length.