My grandma always loved reading Tarot cards; I can still remember how much I liked the beautiful, colorful pictures on the cards when I was a child. In the meantime, I have my own Tarot cards and was even gifted a beautiful special edition. Anyone who dismisses this right away, thinking it's just hocus-pocus, has probably never really looked into the subject. Because Tarot actually helps you to look within, to shed light on a topic, and to consider possible solutions.

Here, a question that is on your mind is asked, such as about your job, your relationship, or everyday life, and through the cards, paths and actions that might be appropriate at the moment can be shown. You engage intensively with the topic and can examine this question from all angles. Of course, you shouldn't take the whole thing too seriously, but why not try something new when faced with difficult decisions? Just give it a try!

Instructions for reading Tarot cards

You should always draw the cards with your left hand! The cards can give you answers to questions or life situations. But how do I ask the right question? The exact wording is important; avoid yes or no questions, and do not ask for a specific time or a specific place. Start your questions with "What," "Which," "Why," or "How" and always phrase them positively. Examples of questions:

• "How is my relationship doing?"
• "What can I do to improve my relationship?"
• "What consequences might occur if I quit my job?"
• "What happens if I go on a date with X?"
• "What does my professional future look like?"
• "What problems are currently between me and X?" (X here can be not only a partner, but also a boss, friend, child, parents, etc.)
• "What should I change in order to...?"
• "How does X perceive me?"

To get to your answers, there are many layouts; I would like to introduce you to a few simple formations here with which you can question problems.

Daily Tarot – Quick Tarot card reading for the day

This variant is quite fast and uncomplicated and shows what you can expect on this day. This variant consists of only 2 cards:

1. Card: this stands for the basic mood or the challenge for this day
2. Card: this describes the solution or a suggestion for action for this day

Reading Tarot cards: The next step

A simple layout method to get answers to your question. Here, 4 cards are drawn and laid out in a cross shape. The 1st card is placed on the left, the 2nd card on the right, the third at the top, and the fourth card at the bottom:

1. Card: shows the current situation
2. Card: what is unimportant now
3. Card: what should be considered
4. Card: what comes next

Reading Tarot cards: The Star

With this formation, questions about everyday life, problems, or wishes and longings can be asked. Here you can see what you currently have, what the tasks are, what challenges can arise, and where the journey is heading.

Here, 5 cards are drawn and laid out in a star shape; the 1st card is placed at the very top, then the 2nd to the left below the 1st card, the 3rd card to the right below the 1st card, the 4th card at the very bottom, and the 5th card in the middle:

1. Card: This is the starting position, this is how it is right now
2. Card: This is what you have to do now, these are your tasks
3. Card: These are the problems, challenges
4. Card: These are your talents, strengths that will help you further
5. Card: This is where the journey is going, this card reflects the goal

Reading Tarot cards: The Path

In this variant, perspectives can be presented. Where something is developing. Questions, for example, about a relationship or a job would be appropriate here.

Here, 7 cards are drawn; the 1st card is at the very top, the 2nd card slightly to the left below the 1st card, the 3rd card comes below the 2nd card, the 4th card comes below the 3rd card, the 5th card comes to the right of the 4th card, the 6th card comes above the 5th card, the 7th card comes above the 6th card:

1. Card: This card shows the main topic, what it is about
2. Card: This card shows the current status
3. Card: Here you see the unconscious attitude, messages that are subconsciously present. What are the motives that are not conscious?
4. Card: This card shows your appearance, this is how you come across to others.
5. Card: This card shows advice on how you should change your behavior
6. Card: What is shown here, you should allow; certain feelings or moods should be revealed
7. Card: This is what you should do now; an action is recommended here; it can also show how one should change

Reading Tarot cards: The Decision Game

This is a layout system where you can question a decision: Should I, or should I not? Here you can ask a concrete question, such as, should I quit my job or rather stay?

Here, 7 cards are drawn, which are laid out like a slanted V. Alternately place the cards in the top row, then in the bottom row, slightly slanted, so that you get a horizontal V. The tip points to the left; this is the 7th and last card.

• Cards 1, 3, 5: These cards show effects that the 1st action can bring with it (e.g., if I quit the job)
• Cards 4, 2, 6: These cards show the effects of the 2nd action (e.g., if I stay in the job)
• Card: 7: This card shows the basic mood, the starting position, or the problem

Reading Tarot cards: The Blind Spot

With this layout system, you can question how others see you and what might have remained hidden from you yourself so far.

Here, 4 cards are drawn; the 2nd card comes to the right of the 1st card, the 3rd card comes below the 1st, and the 4th card is placed to the right of the 3rd card:

1. Card: this card symbolizes what you and others see
2. Card: this card shows what only others see
3. Card: This you hide; this is conscious to you, but you hide it
4. Card: This moves you subconsciously

Reading Tarot cards: The Relationship Game

In this variant, a relationship is illuminated, and you can ask relationship questions of all kinds. This formation is laid out as an H. The 1st card is placed in the middle, the 2nd card is placed to the right above the 1st card, the 3rd card comes below the 2nd to the right of the 1st card, the 4th card comes below the 3rd card. Now comes the left column: the 5th card is placed slightly slanted to the left below the 1st card, the 6th card comes to the left above the 5th card, and the 7th card comes above the 6th card.

1. Card: this card shows the fundamental topic that prevails in the relationship
2. Card: this card reflects the partner's thinking
3. Card: this card shows the partner's feelings
4. Card: this is how your partner shows themselves
5. Card: this is how you behave towards your partner
6. Card: here your feelings are shown
7. Card: shows your conscious attitude towards the partner, this is what you really think of your partner

Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at

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