Tarot readers usually develop their own rituals to prepare for a reading. —photo by Steve Bonner.
By Michelle Crandell,
Whether reading Tarot for yourself or another person, it is important to be physically relaxed and mentally focused when you do. Prepare to give a reading by eliminating mental, emotional, and physical distractions first. “Grounded,” “centered,” and “mindful” are terms used to define the state evoked when reading Tarot. This state is also called a trance or “being in the Zone.”
Meditation is a common technique used for centering. Look up guided imagery online to find a meditation that works for you. You can also create and use your own recorded guided imagery prior to reading Tarot. Repetition or ritual can center you.
I get grounded by shuffling the cards, counting in sequences of three. When the cards “feel right,” I pass the cards to the person being read for. That person shuffles, focusing on a specific question or concern they want guidance with. The seeker makes three piles of cards and chooses the pile I draw from. This helps the seeker clear and focus their mind and body.
Over time, Tarot readers usually develop their own rituals; sequences of activity they use to get centered. Some have a special cloth to put the cards on, some have a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and some say a prayer or mantra before they read. Reading Tarot can be done anywhere if your method of getting into the Zone is simple and does not involve a lot of props. An hour-long ritual might dissuade you from reading altogether. Practice centering yourself in a variety of settings. It really boils down to your state of mind and your relationship with your cards.
Michelle Crandell provides individual Tarot readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. Call if interested in her next class. To learn more, email michelle.crandell@gmail.com or call 501-655-6242.
{Find more of Michelle’s Tarot wisdom and articles on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/tarot/.}
