Taking Tarot to the Next Level: An Advanced Guide
Hey tarot fam! 👋 So you've mastered the basics and are ready to take your card slinging skills to the next level. I feel you! Once tarot grabs hold, you just want to keep unlocking the cards' mystical secrets.
Well you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll go beyond Tarot 101 into more advanced realms like:
- Combining spreads 🃏+🃏
- Reading without questions❓
- Using reversals 🙃
- Storytelling with cards 📖
- Tarot numerology and motifs 🔢
- Card mapping and journaling 🗺️
- Energy clearing techniques ✨
- Chakra readings 🌈
- Shadow work integration 👤
- Professional practice tips 💡
- And more!
Time to flex those psychic muscles and become a true tarot master! Grab your favorite deck as we dive deeper into the cosmic currents of the cards. The advanced tarotverse awaits...🔮
Fusion Reading: Combining Tarot Spreads
Once you become a spread pro, try fusing different formations together for extra juicy readings! Hybrid spreads create cool new perspectives.
Here are some creative ways to blend spreads:
🎯 Fuse for Insight
Use a large central spread to analyze the core topic, surrounded by smaller spreads adding additional insight.
For example, the Celtic Cross in the middle provides the big picture. Then supplement with a 3 card past/present/future spread for timeline context.
♾️ Fuse for Narrative
Or begin with a timeline spread laying out the narrative arc. Then place a 5 card pentagram spread over plot points for deeper meaning.
Let the timeline tell the story, and the overlay spreads fill in details.
🌀 Fuse for Wholeness
Try combining the Zodiac Spread (representing life path) with the Elements Spread (representing self). The Zodiac layout illuminates your bigger picture purpose. Placing elemental cards around the Zodiac reveals strengths and weaknesses.
Fusing spreads creates a multidimensional perspective! Blend and match different layouts intuitively based on the topic. See what insightful new combos you discover.
Reading "Blind": No Questions Needed
As your tarot skills advance, you can offer insightful readings without the querent deciding on specific questions. Here's how:
1️⃣ Explain the "Blind Reading" Style
First explain that this reading will analyze their open-ended energy and subconscious, without a tailored focus. The cards will harness their intuition.
2️⃣ Set the Vibe
Guide them to clear their mind, set intentions, and shuffle the cards to infuse their energy.
3️⃣ Pull Cards and Start Reading!
Have the querent pull cards for a simple 3 or 5 card spread. Begin interpreting, weaving together the cards' messages into a meaningful narrative.
4️⃣ Summarize Key Themes
Conclude by summarizing the core themes, advice, and growth areas illuminated.
Without fixed questions guiding the path, blind readings tap directly into intuitive wisdom! The open format allows the cards and querent's energy to guide the path. Give it a try.
Reversal Techniques: When to Flip
Learning to read reversed cards unlocks new dimensions. Here are techniques on when to incorporate reversals:
🔃 Cyclic Reversals - Note which cards land reversed versus upright. This illuminates natural flowing patterns.
🕳️ Inner Shadow Reversals - Use reversals when exploring the querent's shadow side or subconscious blocks. Reversals reflect inner barriers.
🏔️ Problem Solving Reversals - Upend cards representing challenges to visualize overcoming them.
💭 Bigger Picture Uprights - For broad overviews, avoid reversals and focus just on upright meanings.
🧠 Querent Mindset Reversals - Draw reversals when assessing the querent's current mindset. Reversals reflect inner blocks or resistance.
Keep reversal reading flexible! Different reversing techniques serve unique purposes.
Crafting Tarot Stories
Breathe life into readings by weaving cards into a narrative. This technique takes practice but inspires beautiful insights!
🌅 Set the Scene
Introduce the major players, location, scenario based on the question. Reference suit elements for color. The Page of Pentacles walks through a lush green meadow.
🎭 Character Development
Determine which figures in the spread represent whom. Describe their personalities, motivations and challenges based on traditional meanings. How can the querent identify with these roles?
🎬 Plot
Map the narrative arc through the card progression. How does the drama build? Where are pivot points or plot twists? Let the cards inspire the storyline.
🎁 Resolution
Conclude with takeaways and advice for the seeker based on the symbolic story. Offer encouragement!
Storytelling with tarot stimulates creativity and empowering new perspectives. Let the cards inspire imaginative tales.
Numerology and Repeating Motifs
Paying attention to numbers, suits, and recurring symbols adds another interpretive layer. Here are patterns to watch for:
🔢 Card Numbers - Connect cards with similar numbers like the 8 of Cups + Strength (card 8). Or notice ascending/descending number sequences.
🔀 Repeating Suits - Note if certain suits repeat throughout the spread. For example, a fire theme links the Queen of Wands to the 8 of Wands. What might that elemental connection mean?
🌟 Symbolic Links - Recurring visual motifs tell a story, like Justice opposing the 3 of Swords. Which symbols hold the most meaning for the querent?
By tuning into the interconnected patterns and details, you'll uncover deeper resonance in each reading. Make those tarot connections!
Advanced Card Mapping
For reflection and shadow work, map card placements in your journal over time. Here are techniques to try:
📈 Mapping Progress - Note cards in "challenge" spots progressing into "resolution" spots across readings. Illustrate your development.
❓ Reflecting on Pivots - Circle cards representing turning points for big ahas! Journal on their significance.
🔀 Connecting Insights - Draw lines linking spreads over time based on repeating cards or themes. Watch the wheels turn.
🧠 Subconscious Symbols - Circle cards that arise frequently from the subconscious deck. What might they represent about you?
📝 Journaling Reactions - Journal feelings and insights sparked by each reading. Integrate the wisdom over time.
Card mapping provides an incredible record of your growth. Chart your tarot path!
Pre-Reading Energy Clearing
Before important readings, take time to energetically clear the space. Here are some methods:
💨 Physical Clearing - Cleanse the energy by wafting sage or palo santo, playing a singing bowl, or misting natural sprays.
🔆 Visualization Clearing - Envision bright light filling the space, disintegrating stuck energies. Call in your guides.
🧘 Mental Clearing - Still your thoughts through meditation or conscious breathing. Arrive present and receptive.
🦋 Heart Clearing - Release stored emotions, past hurts or blocks. Approach with empathy and love.
When you clear space for the Tarot's voice, it comes through loudly and clearly! Protect your sacred reading ritual.
Post-Reading Integration
Maximize growth by actively integrating readings into your life:
📝 Journaling - Unpack meanings, synchronicities, feelings that arise. Dialogue with the cards.
🤔 Card Reflection - Sit with one key card daily. Observe how its meaning evolves based on life happenings.
🎨 Creative Expression - Paint, draw, craft your interpretation of the cards. Visualize their essence.
💬 Discussion - Share insights from the reading with a friend or tarot community. Hear other perspectives.
📚 Additional Research - Study up more on cards or symbols that require deeper understanding. Let your knowledge grow.
✍️ Writing Prompts - Use the cards as inspiration for journaling prompts. For example, write about ways you can embrace the carefree spirit of the Fool.
Absorbing readings on many levels allows you to actualize the wisdom over time. Internalize the teachings through daily reflection.
Crafting Tarot Talismans
For highly personalized magic, create tarot talismans:
🖼 Card Sigil - Draw or paint a symbolic image representing the essence of a card you want to invoke.
🪄 Card Potion - Place corresponding herbs, oils or crystals of a card in a jar to create a magical potion.
🧿 Card Amulet - Place a physical tarot card or its image in a jewelry pendant. Enchant it with intention.
🔮 Card Spell - Perform rituals focused on a specific card using candles, chants, etc. Release resistance to the card's wisdom.
Infusing intention into tarot tangibly manifests the card's energy in your life. Get creative and witchy with it!
Interpretive Spreads
When you need more tailored direction, these targeted spreads deliver:
👫 Relationship Spread
- Your needs 2) Their needs 3) Connection 4) Disconnection 5) Advice
Pinpoint what needs nurturing in a relationship.
👔 Career Spread
- Current path 2) Skills 3) Ideal work 4) Needed change 5) Outcome if unchanged 6) Outcome if shifted
Strategize your career goals and growth areas.
🏡 Home Spread
- Emotional space 2) Physical space 3) What nourishes 4) What drains 5) Potential
Evaluate the energy of your home environment.
🌳 Tree of Life Spread
- Roots 2) Trunk 3) Branches 4) Leaves 5) Blossoms 6) Fruit 7) Seeds
Assess different phases of a situation, from beginning to fruition.
Let targeted spreads guide your decision making and development in specific domains!
Incorporating Other Divination
Combining tarot with other esoteric tools expands perspective. Give these a try:
🔮 Astrology - Learn card meanings through astrological associations. Incorporate birth charts.
🎲 Runes - Cast runes with the tarot to gain multidimensional understanding. Interpret together.
🍃 Oracle Cards - Pull an oracle card to complement the tarot message. Adds insight.
🔔 I Ching - Consult the I Ching hexagram texts to clarify uncertainties that arise. Cross-reference wisdom.
🔡 Numerology- Calculate your numbers and analyze them alongside tarot cards drawn.
🌙 Moon Phases - Consider current moon phase and meanings while reading.
💎 Crystals - Place corresponding crystals on cards during a spread for amplification. Clear quartz boosts all cards.
Let tarot be your divination launchpad to access even more mystical systems! The combined wisdom goes deep.
Giving Readings Remotely
Thanks to tech, you can give accurate readings without being physically present. Here are some options:
📲 Video Call - Do a real time video reading. Use the camera to show cards. Feel the energy through the screen!
📷 Send Photos - Have them take pictures of the spread to interpret later. Digital readings work great.
🔤 Text Guidance - Offer card interpretations and advice over text/chat. Emojis bring visual flair.
🖼 Card Images - Send images of the exact cards drawn for DIY self-readings.
🎧 Voice Recording - Explain your interpretations in an audio recording. Hearing your voice personalizes it.
🔗 Online Conferencing - Use Zoom/Skype to share your screen for interactive long distance readings.
The cards transcend physical limitations! With some minor adaptations, tarot translates smoothly online. 🌐
Reading for Yourself
Don't reserve tarot solely for client readings. Self study offers immense insight:
🌄 Daily Draw - Pull a card each morning for guidance to start your day.
📝 Card Reflection Journal - Keep a daily card journal. Note how you interpret the card about your life.
🔬 Problem Solving - Do a spread focused on an issue. Brainstorm creative solutions.
🚪 Future Pathways - Explore possibilities with timeline based spreads.
🕰 Past Influences - Draw cards related to your history for self understanding.
👀 Blind Spots - Allow cards to illuminate habits, fears or motivations you've denied.
When in doubt, read for yourself! Tarot offers a mirror into your deepest truths.
Trusting Your Intuition
The more you read, the more you'll learn to trust subtle intuitive hits not obvious at first. Here are signs of intuition speaking through the cards:
💡 Initial Sparks - Note any fleeting impressions or reactions before overthinking. Revisit them later.
🔍 Between the Lines - Detect what's unspoken in the cards' energy. There may be more to the story.
🔮 Unexpected Messengers - Even seemingly unrelated cards offer hidden wisdom when you sit with them.
🌀 Déjà Vu - When meanings or interpretations feel familiar, that's intuition. Follow it.
🎯 Gut Knowing - Sense which meanings simply feel right before you rationally understand why.
Trust that the cards will unveil their messages right on time. When in doubt, honor your intuitive voice!
Owning Your Tarot Identity
Once tarot becomes second nature, wear your tarot persona with confidence:
🧙♀️ Tarot Style - Let your tarot vibe inspire your personal style. Rock lunar jewelry, cosmic fabrics, fortune teller chic!
🎨 Custom Design - Create clothes, accessories, art featuring your favorite card imagery or tarot motifs.
💬 Lingo - Use tarot terms casually in conversation. Describe situations as Tower moments or Death transitions.
📱 Status - Update your social media bios to describe yourself as a tarot reader. Share card photos.
🗣 Own It! - Tell friends and family about your tarot passion. Offer readings!
You don't have to hide your tarot obsession—let your freak flag fly! Show the world your tarot magic. 🔮
Reading Tarot Cards to Your Chakras
Offering chakra readings helps identify where in the body to focus transformational healing:
1️⃣ Pick a chakra - Choose based on the querent's trouble areas or a full system scan.
2️⃣ Choose cards - Pull 1-3 cards related to the chakra's meaning. Major Arcana are powerful. Cups for emotions, Pentacles for grounding work well.
3️⃣ Interpret - Describe the chakra blockages and imbalances reflected by the cards. What limiting beliefs or patterns manifest physically? How can the chakra be brought into alignment?
4️⃣ Prescribe - Suggest therapeutic activities, crystals, essential oils, yoga poses to heal and empower the chakra. Meditating on the cards also transmutes negative energy.
With practice, you can become an intuitive chakra healer using the cards as diagnostic tools!
Shadow Work With Tarot
Tarot is the ultimate shadow integration tool if you dare to go deep:
1️⃣ Set Intention - Begin your shadow work journey by clearly defining what hidden parts of self you want to unearth and transmute.
2️⃣ Pull "Shadow Self" Cards - Ask "What does my shadow self most want me to know?" Pull corresponding cards from the deck's back or base. No peeking yet!
3️⃣ Reveal and Record - Turn over and document the shadow card(s). Study their meanings relevant to your intention. How might your subconscious be speaking through them?
4️⃣ Reflect and Integrate - Journal about your shadows based on the prompts. How are these energies stored in your life and body? Slowly release and heal them with compassion.
By shedding light on the unknown parts of self with tarot, you reclaim your inner power and wholeness!
Professional Practice Tips
Ready to offer professional readings? Here are some best practices to follow:
📝 Intake forms - Have clients fill out forms with goals, topics and expectations beforehand so you can tailor the session.
🕐 Time management - Keep readings focused within set time blocks. Extensions can be arranged.
💵 Cost guidance - Communicate your rates clearly upfront. Have payment collected before or after - not during. Stay focused on the reading!
🪧 Marketing - Create informational social media and a website to find ideal clients. Share samples.
**🗓 Scheduling **- Use an online calendar clients can access to schedule/reschedule. Link it to your website.
🧾 Waivers - Have clients sign consent forms acknowledging tarot is for personal use only - not legal or financial advice.
🧺 Self care - Avoid burnout! Limit readings. Take breaks between sessions. Cleanse your energy.
With healthy boundaries, essential tools and self care, you can sustain an uplifting private practice! 🙌
Well my card carrying friends, we've covered so much in the mystical realms of advanced tarot. But this is just the beginning! Remember, the cards always have more lessons and secrets to share if you devote yourself fully.
Continue to practice daily, experiment boldly, follow synchronicities, dive within, and trust your intuition. The cards support you unconditionally on this magical journey.
As you advance your relationship with tarot, consider:
- Offering readings in your community
- Joining or forming a tarot circle
- Taking a tarot course or certification
- Creating tarot content online
- Authoring a book, deck, or deck companion
- Developing your own spreads and methods
- Inventing and manufacturing a unique deck
Allow tarot to guide your own sacred path of purpose! Together we'll shape the future of this mystical modality. I can't wait to see the master reader you become...🔮
Now go show the tarotverse what you're made of! The cards and I believe in you.