The Tarot is a deck of cards that has been used since the mid-15th century and continues to fascinate many of us. They have been used exclusively for divination, to gain knowledge of the past, present, or future , and even for understanding analytical psychology and what lies behind the unconscious . The Tarot reader who uses these cards must know how to conjure, cleanse, and energize them. To better understand the Tarot cards, one can consult the meaning of each card.
There are several ways to cleanse the cards, although each tarot reader will use the method they find most effective and convenient. It's important to remember that these magical cards create a unique understanding that comes not only from divination but also from connecting with each person's intuition , offering guidance during times of uncertainty. Preparing the atmosphere and establishing a connection between the reader and the client are essential for an effective reading.
How to conjure Tarot cards
The environment must be carefully prepared, as this is the key to performing the task effectively. The cards must reveal all these secrets with clarity and purpose, and every detail needs to be carefully considered.
- Reading must be provided a quiet place, where concentration can be used without interruptions. Many tarot readers prefer to place candles, incense, quartz, crystals, relaxing music, among others.
- The cards are cleaned. It is important to cleanse the deck of cards of bad energies. In many cases, they are passed through the smoke of a candle or incense, in others, they are touched with the tarot reader's hand or by knocking them with the knuckles. Later, we will describe in more detail how to clean them.
- The cards are shuffled. The person doing the reading has to shuffle the cards, proposing an intention for them. They are shuffled for a certain amount of time, or until a card pops up or until the person doing the reading asks to stop.
- The division and cutting of the deck. After shuffling the cards, the consultant is asked to cut the deck into three piles, which symbolize the entrance of destiny. Finally, one of the piles is chosen.
- Exhibition of the letters. The cards should be placed on the table or surface, arranging them in the form of a Celtic Cross or with a simple arrangement of three cards, representing the past, present and future. Other tarot readers prefer to place the cards in several rows, with each row representing an event.
- The interpretation of the cards. Finally, you have to interpret their meaning. You don't have to read them literally based on the traditional meaning of each drawing, but you have to use your intuition. You have to observe how they relate to each other and represent the pattern they want to offer. The reading can be guided by sensations, shapes, drawings and colors.
- Closing the reading. Once the session is over, the cards are collected, giving thanks for all the magic and wisdom they have provided.
With this Tarot card reading, answers have been conjured, but that is not all, since a dialogue has been opened with the person's interior or an art has been practiced, creating a powerful weapon of self-knowledge.
How to make the most of this tool?
Reading cards is not an esoteric or mysterious ritual, but a practice that a person engages in by contributing their energy, intuition , and above all, by having the power to receive symbolic messages from the unconscious.
- In order to get the most out of card conjuring, you have to start with a emotionally relaxed preparation, since if you are agitated or disturbed the reading will not be done correctly. A reading can be done 5 to 10 minute meditation for improved concentration.
- The space must be relaxed, with elements such as candles, incense or relaxing music. If you use the cards too much, don't forget to clean them with the smoke of a sage or palo santo incense. You have to take your time to connect with them, if necessary, close your eyes and feel the energy.
- Shuffle the cards and ask the question, Focus the energy on them. It needs to be a focused question with a broad answer, not a “yes or no” answer. For example, “What do I need to do to…?” “What could I do to…?” “Why is…?” “Be thoughtful with your answers, as sometimes unexpected information will be revealed.”
Additional tips to improve your reading
You need to understand the cards thoroughly; you need to take the time to study them. You have to delve much deeper into their symbolism, how they relate to daily life, and what interpretations they might offer in relation to other cards.
If necessary, each pattern that emerges should be noted. Start with simple questions at first, and as you gain confidence, move on to more complex topics. You can consult [the relevant text] to delve deeper into its study and symbolism.
Methods for cleaning Tarot cards
- Lighting a black or white candle. The white candle is related to the element of fire and the black candle absorbs bad energies. Place the cards spread out near the candles and visualize how the bad energies are attracted by the flame.
- Placing an amethyst or quartz stone on the Tarot deck. These stones are associated with the earth element and ward off negative energies, channeling and transforming them into positive ones. You can visualize how these energies are transformed. For more on amethyst, you can read here. the importance of amethyst.
- Placing the cards on sandalwood incenseIncense is related to air, it serves to raise the vibration of the cards and cleanse them of negative energy.
- Supporting the cards on a glass of water with salt. Salt is used to purify and therefore performs amazing cleansings. We visualize how salt attracts negative energies and they remain trapped there.
- Laying the cards face down and out in the moonlight, preferably in its waning phase. By placing the cards face down, the earth absorbs the bad energies. Several of the elements mentioned above can be placed to complete this cleansing.
