Cards

Wondering how to improve your own card reading practice?

#1: When people ask me how to get started with reading cards, my first piece of advice is to put the guidebook away. As a beginner it can be far too tempting to forgo using your own instincts and to dive into the interpretations written by others. If you don’t check in with your own interpretation first, you risk developing a reliance on the guidebook, which means you won’t learn to trust your own sense of the cards.

#2: Another element that garners success is how you engage with your cards. I don’t approach my decks with trepidation. My card decks are not saints to worship with shaking hands, fearful eyes cast down. I approach my decks with joviality, wonder and fondness.

#3: The energy that tools absorb is pivotal to their role and impacts the work being done. I clear my decks before and after each reading to ensure that any residual vibes are gone. I usually do this with smoke, accompanied by a verbal affirmation.

#4: Where the cards reside is quite important too. You don’t want your decks lying about for anyone to mess with, break, spill or scribble on. Keep them safe and away from disruptive energy. My Tarot deck, ever regal, enjoys living in a black tomb-like box, wreathed with ivy and guarded by a snoozing dragon. It lives with a carnelian crystal which helps keep the energy clean. My Moon Oracle deck rests in its original box with its little guidebook and is quite self contained, preferring peace and quiet between readings. My Angel cards reside serenely within their purple case until benevolently appearing whenever they are called upon. 

#5: Your energy when you sit with the cards is important too. Just like being in a social situation, you’ve got to be in the right state to interact. If you’re feeling grumpy, the party ain’t gonna be a fun one. When I slip my cards from their cases, I’ve got to meet them with the right vibe. If I’m distracted by an unhelpful state of mind or body, my intuition isn’t as powerful and my interpretation is going to be off. A poor time would be had by all.

#6: This is a cumulative thing so it’s not just the ‘day of’ that matters here. Definitely clear your space and auric field before reading, but also get clear longterm. Clean up your lifestyle and your intuition will flourish because you’ll also clear out all the crap limiting you. This is part of what I call ‘the work’ that is integral to our evolution, and it’s worth it whether you want to read cards or not. Release all that is not truly you, and what is truly you will shine strongly. 

#7: Getting to know what your cards do best is another factor. I usually choose what deck I’m working with before the session, especially when I read for others, as I’ll want to connect to a specific wavelength. My three decks have quite distinct energetics. Tarot is ideal for details, clarity and, oftentimes, firm direction. The Moon cards are dreamy, nurturing and gentle in their support. The Angel deck is split into different categories: which angel to call on, which zodiac vibration to consult, which energetic to pay attention to and which spiritual tool to make use of. With this one it’s important to get acquainted with the angelic beings involved so you know how to use what the deck reveals. 

The quickest way to get good at card reading is to develop your intuition by trusting it. That really is the secret; trusting your own senses, visions, feelings. You’re a channel for energy, whether it’s coming from spirit or from within you. Let the wisdom come out and stand proudly. Don’t kick it in the shins by doubting what you feel.

Finally, to be a great reader, you must shake off the pressure of expectation. Remove any ‘shoulds’ so you can simply play with your cards, practice feeling into your intuition and grow at your own pace. The quickest way to ascend is through enjoyment. If you're not having fun with cards, there’s plenty other things to go try.