Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader, by Ethony Dawn
Praise for Become an exceptional tarot reader
“Ethony has a way of making tarot’s vast complexity feel approachable. She has broken the subject down with clarity and simplicity. She busts myths, clears up confusion, and paves a straight road to proficiency. This book offers a wealth of straightforward instructions and exercises, but beyond that—it offers a chance to shape yourself into the tarot reader you want to be.”
—Kelly-Ann Maddox, author of Rebel Witch
“An incredible compendium of tarot wisdom and techniques, overflowing with resources, wisdom, and everything you need to connect with the wisdom of the cards. If you’re looking for a guidebook that works for every type of reading, this is it!”
—Chris-Anne Donnelly, author of The Light Seer’s Tarot
“An accessible and thoroughly in-depth guide to not only understanding the tarot but also how to effectively read it for yourself and others. In particular, Ethony provides compelling exercises that will engage the reader and assist them with developing the necessary skills to be a confident and knowledgeable reader.”
—Laura Tempest Zakroff, author of Sigil Witchery
“A book that any tarot practitioner should have. You can tell that Ethony truly ‘gets tarot’ and learning with her is fun, practical, and totally doable even if you are a beginner or have been slinging cards for years.”
—Pamela Chen, author of Wealth Witchery and Tarot of the Owls
“Ethony’s approach is highly skilled, ethically aligned, and deeply compassionate: exactly the kind of person you want to walk with you on this path. This book is a standout for anyone who wants to take the practice of reading tarot into one of genuine service. Ethony has thought of everything; her deep love of tarot shines on every page.”
—Jenna Matlin, author of Will You Give Me a Tarot Reading?
“Offers wisdom that is both grounded and inspiring, leading you through the heart of the cards and into the art of skilled and accomplished reading. This is a book that grows with you, whether you’re picking up a deck for the first time or seeking new depth as a seasoned reader.”
—Steven Bright, author of Tarot: Your Personal Guide and The Oracle Creator
“This is the book I wish I had when I started reading tarot. Ethony gets it—how messy, magical, and deeply personal the learning process really is. If you’re serious about becoming the kind of reader people come back to, this book will get you there.”
—Nancy Hendrickson, author of Ancestral Tarot
“An invaluable resource for both Tarot beginners and seasoned pros. Prepare to be taken on a journey through all the cards and emerge with a deeper understanding and appreciation of your Tarot deck!”
—Kate (Daily Tarot Girl)
“The book I wish I had when I first started my tarot journey. … Ethony’s friendly and approachable style makes learning the tarot easy. Her exercises are fun, and her journal prompts are inspired. This is not a one-and-done read; rather, it will be your guide through the tarot, holding your hand as you progress into proficiency and beyond.”
—Christine Cunningham Ashworth, author of Scott Cunningham: The Path Taken
“If you’ve ever wished for a mentor to guide you through every step of your tarot journey, look no further than Ethony. She’s truly one of the best. And while you might not be able to convince her to personally look over your shoulder as you learn, Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader is the next best thing. It equips you with the confidence to navigate the intricate yet endlessly fascinating world of the 78 tarot cards, helping you become the skilled and self-assured reader you were meant to be. Even for seasoned tarot enthusiasts, Ethony’s fresh and dynamic approach breathes new life into the interpretations of both the major and minor arcana, offering perspectives you may not have considered before. Whether this is your very first tarot book or an addition to an already overflowing collection, Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader deserves a spot on your shelf. With Ethony as your guide, you’ll uncover new depths in the deck and elevate your reading skills to new heights.”
—Madame Pamita, author of Magical Tarot, The Book of Candle Magic, and The Witch’s Guide to Animal Familiars
“A masterclass in tarot wisdom, this book demystifies the cards while honoring their magic. Ethony’s voice is clear, empowering, and profoundly inclusive—perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike. Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader isn’t just a guide—it’s your trusted companion on the path to intuitive mastery.”
—Erika Robinson, author of The Language of Lenormand
about the author
Ethony Dawn is a tarot reader and author of Tarot Grimoire and Your Tarot Court. She also created the Cosmic Wisdom Tarot, Luminous Flow Tarot, Modern Love Tarot, Awakened Soul Oracle, and Money Magic Manifestation Cards. She is headmistress at TarotReadersAcademy.com, where she teaches and mentors tarot professionals and students through the courses available there. Visit her at Ethony.com.
Llewellyn Publications is a registered trademark of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
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ISBN: 978-0-7387-7922-5
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other books by
ethony Dawn
Your Tarot Court: Read Any Deck with Confidence (Llewellyn, 2019)
Tarot Grimoire: Spreads and Spells for a Magical Life (Llewellyn, 2024)
This book is dedicated to every tarot student, teacher, and reader who has made this book possible and has enriched my life beyond words.
Contents
Exercises xii
Foreword by Theresa Reed … xiii
Introduction … 1
Chapter One: Tarot Basics 7
Chapter Two: Journey Through the Tarot … 23
Chapter Three: The Major Arcana Part 1 … 33
Chapter Four: The Major Arcana Part 2 67
Chapter Five: The Major Arcana Part 3 99
Chapter Six: Numerology and the Tarot … 129
Chapter Seven: The Suit of Cups … 149
Chapter Eight: The Suit of Swords 187
Chapter Nine: The Suit of Wands 227
Chapter Ten: The Suit of Pentacles … 267
Chapter Eleven: The Court Cards … 305
Conclusion … 369
Tarot Card Reference Tables … 371
Recommended Reading … 393
Bibliography … 397
exerCises
Tarot Deck Checklist 5
Stop, Drop, and Tarot 11
Get to Know Your Tarot Deck … 15
Interview Your Tarot Deck … 16
Embody the Tarot Cards 29
What Kind of Tarot Reader Will I Be? 66
Tarot Reading Grounding and Centering Techniques … 65
Your Tarot Reading Ethics … 96
Card a Day: One-Card Tarot Reading 97
My Significator Cards 126
Two-Card Tarot Readings … 127
Discovering Your Major Arcana Name Card … 131
Find Your Birth Number and Minor Arcana Alignment 146
Forging a Connection to the Cups 150
Explore Legendary Water Vessels … 151
Three-Card Tarot Readings … 184
Communicating with the Swords 188
Larger-than-Life Swords 189
Five-Card Tarot Readings … 223
Igniting the Spark with the Wands … 228
Exploring Incredible Wands and Staves 229
Seven-Card Tarot Readings 263
Digging Into the Pentacles … 268
Exploring Special Coins … 269
My Tarot Spread 303
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bag Court Cards? 307
I’m an Icon, Baby … 308
The Court Card Families … 363
Year Ahead Tarot Readings 364
Zodiac Wheel Tarot Readings 366
Foreword
by theresa reeD
When I was a beginning tarot reader, I made plenty of mistakes. I didn’t have a teacher, so there was no one to guide me. Plus, my first deck was the Marseilles, which isn’t the easiest to read. Even so, I was determined. This meant long hours poring over the cards and the little white book that came with the deck.
Daunting? Yes. But there is not much that can stop me once I’m fixated. I’m stubborn that way.
Most of my early practice was hands-on with anyone who would allow me. Finding volunteers was a challenge, so the majority of readings were on my little sister or myself. Before long, things began to click. Once I acquired a RiderWaite-Smith deck, my skills accelerated. The better I got, the easier it became to find folks interested in getting a tarot reading.
In my wild youth, I read for many people in every situation you could imagine. By the time I hit twenty-seven, I was ready to settle down—and turn pro. This was after a decade of steady practice. At the time of this writing, I have been reading professionally for over thirty years, with retirement only a few years away.
Although those humble beginnings were tough, I wouldn’t change much about my hardscrabble journey. My desire to learn tarot was greater than the obstacles I encountered. In a way, those challenges fueled my interest.
However, there are times when I wonder how my life’s work would have progressed if I had a mentor to guide me. Would I have learned quickly? What mistakes might I have avoided? I’ll never know the answer to those questions.
If you’re just starting out, you may have some of those same questions. Thankfully, the world has changed a lot since I first dipped my toes into tarot. There is access to incredible teachers worldwide at the click of a mouse. One of those people is Ethony.
I like to say I was a talent scout in a past life. I have a nose for spotting stars. When Ethony came across my radar over a decade ago, I was blown away by her knowledge, friendly demeanor, and no-nonsense way of interpreting tarot.
Ethony is not just a tarot reader—she is an educator. I’ve watched countless people learn from her via social media, online classes, in-person workshops, and books. No matter your learning style, Ethony knows precisely how to break things down and keep it interesting. Her empathy shines through, helping every novice feel confident right out of the gate.
Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader is bound to become a well-worn book in your tarot library. Everything you need to know about tarot is covered in this book, from the origins of the cards, to how to care for them, plus spreads, interpretations, and reversals. All of this is explained clearly, in Ethony’s straightforward, friendly way. While the book is designed for beginners, even seasoned readers will find value in Ethony’s wisdom.
After reading this book, I thought back to when I opened my first deck. I was so excited … but also overwhelmed. Tarot felt like a mysterious code that I could never crack. How I wish I had this book back then! It would have sped up my learning (even with that pesky Marseilles deck!).
With Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader in hand, you’ll not only learn to read the cards but also to trust yourself in the process. This book is a key to unlocking the door to greater self-awareness, insight, and intuitive wisdom. Ethony is a wonderful guide for that journey, and this book will surely become a trusted companion as you step into the world of tarot, empowering you to become an exceptional tarot reader, just like Ethony.
Theresa Reed, The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal When Life Gets Real (A Tarot Guidebook)
Introduction
Become an Exceptional Tarot Reader is meant to be read in order. This book will take you through each step of becoming an exceptional tarot reader. Each chapter builds on the previous one and all are set in a structure that also serves as lessons. There are many practical exercises that also build on each other. If you can, take the time to do the exercises before moving on to the next chapter. I understand that everyone learns in different ways, and that’s reflected in the layout of this book. You won’t rely on memorizing card meanings to learn the tarot. Through experience and practice, you’ll be able to see everything come together and click into place. So, don’t worry about getting it “right.” Focus on having a curious mind and enjoying learning the tarot.
This book is a culmination of the teaching and tarot reading experience I’ve gained over the last twenty-plus years. It’s as much a book on learning the tarot as it is a love letter to the tarot itself and to all the students and teachers I’ve had on my journey with the cards.
You can also use this book as a tarot card meaning book throughout your tarot education and practice. The individual tarot card meanings are easy to find by viewing the card meaning quick reference pages located just after the contents. There are also Tarot Card Reference Tables at the back of the book where you can quickly find information for many of the tarot card correspondences throughout this book.
To begin your journey, you’ll need only two tools: a tarot deck of your choice and somewhere to write down your readings and notes. You’re going to build a deeply personal relationship with the cards that will also allow you to
tap into the hundreds of years of tarot knowledge discovered by tarot readers and teachers who came to the cards before you.
Welcome to the incredible, deep, life-changing, surprising world of tarot. I hope you love what you learn about yourself and the universe through the cards.
My tarot story: froM teenager to teaCher I’ve always loved anything and everything magical and mystical. This probably relates to the fact that I’ve always sensed spirit and was a highly empathic child. At forty-one years old, I’m a highly empathic adult who still sees spirit and is now a professional tarot reader, author, creator, and teacher. If you’d told my fifteen-year-old self that this is where I’d be twenty-six years later, she wouldn’t have believed you. It was at this age that I purchased my very first tarot deck. It was the Mythic Tarot, and I still have that copy in my collection.
Anyone can learn to read tarot cards and become an exceptional reader, no matter where they call home or their learning style. The tarot belongs to everyone, and you’re the only person who gets a say in the spiritual and self-development tools you use. Since I began to teach the tarot and the art of giving a phenomenal tarot reading, I’ve had the pleasure of working with students all over this big blue marble. A common thread I’ve seen is a lingering point of doubt that keeps a person from jumping in and learning the cards. It may be a generationally held belief that the tarot cards are somehow evil (this misconception is covered later) or being worried that a learning disability will hold that person back. If I, a person with dyslexia and ADHD, can not only learn the tarot cards but create decks, write books, read for people daily, and teach others can learn the tarot, so can you.
I’m beyond thrilled that you’ve chosen to have this book as part of your tarot education. I know you’ll find that you have already made the most important decision: to jump in.
where the tarot CaMe froM: a brief evolution of tarot
The tarot has been claimed to originate from many different places and times in human history. Theories range from Atlantis and other lost civilizations to ancient Egypt and India, to the Romany people, to the tarot starting as a card game in Europe in the midfifteenth century. Like many topics on the tarot, the more you read, the more theories and information you’ll have to sift through as you attempt to find where your beliefs fit with the proposed framework. Historically, it’s generally agreed that the tarot had humble beginnings as a card game popular in Italy called tarocchi. It evolved into a complex
spiritual system that we enjoy today. These cards have fascinated and intrigued people for generations.
These pages will take you through the tarot using the most popular and widely accessible deck, the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot. Sometimes referred to as the Rider-Waite Tarot, its name pays homage to the trinity of visionary contributors: the artist Pamela Colman Smith, the director and writer Arthur E. Waite, and the esteemed publishing house, the Rider Company.
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot debuted in December 1909, gracing the world with a new format, a fully illustrated deck of mystical knowledge and universal truths. In 1910, Waite published his companion book, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, a reference guide for those seeking to unlock the secrets within the cards.
Pamela Colman Smith, a creative luminary of her time, was the artistic mastermind behind the captivating artwork adoring this iconic tarot deck. Under Waite’s meticulous guidance, every color and symbol found its place with intention and purpose. Waite drew inspiration from the work of the esoteric scholar Éliphas Lévi, sculpting the Rider-WaiteSmith tarot into a vessel of profound knowledge.
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck’s enduring legacy is evident in its countless offspring, each retaining the foundational structure of the RWS tarot. Testaments to its influence and significance, these decks have carved their unique niches in the realm of divination. The RWS tarot has transcended the darkened rooms of mystical societies and psychic readers. It has been seen in popular television shows, movies, music, photography, and video clips. Classic tarot images are found on T-shirts, mugs, tapestries, and anything else you can print a design on. Tarot has become so mainstream that fandom decks are produced yearly with multimillion-dollar intellectual properties. The love of tarot is rooted deeply in our collective cultural consciousness and continues to grow and evolve today.
I highly recommend Robert M. Place’s works if you’re a history buff; he covers tarot history in depth with an expert touch. The Recommended Reading section at the back of this book lists titles for you to explore.
why i reCoMMenD anD teaCh the riDer-waite sMith (rws) tarot systeM
For a few crucial reasons, the RWS tarot deck has been carefully selected as the core tarot system of this book. The vast number of tarot decks available in the market are all based on the RWS; they all share the same foundation. This means that you can transfer the base meanings of the cards from this book to many available decks. This makes learning the
tarot cards more accessible, and each time you dive into your tarot practice, you strengthen your knowledge of the system. This also translates to tarot resources, with many tarot books, websites, podcasts, YouTube channels, apps, and written text about the tarot finding their foundation in the RWS. Of course, this deck is not superior to other tarot systems such as the Thoth and Marseilles, and many tarot readers are adept at reading more than one type of tarot deck. The only way you’ll find the system and deck that work for you is through experience and experimentation, and you’re already on one of those journeys with this book.
what Makes a DeCk of CarDs a tarot DeCk?
At its core, the tarot consists of seventy-eight illustrated cards. Twenty-two major arcana cards and fifty-six minor arcana cards are within the deck. The major arcana is revered for its principles of spiritual wisdom; it is a pictorial expression of the book of life, collective consciousness, and the journey of our spirit having a human experience. The minor arcana is divided into four suits, each numbering from ace to ten and then capped with four court cards. These cards may be called the minor arcana, but there’s nothing minor about them. This is where we live, love, lose, experience our daily lives, and encounter the people within it.
The tarot is designed to allow the user to transfer their knowledge from one deck to another. To build a foundation based on archetypes through a rich symbolic language that grows and evolves alongside the person reading the cards. The tarot allows people who read and study the cards (querents) to see themselves and others when they conduct a tarot reading.
On the other hand, oracle decks are more fluid and diverse in structure. There is no standard number of cards or specific themes, and the imagery and messages can vary widely from deck to deck. Oracle cards are designed to be more direct in their interpretation, and often, users rely on their intuitive abilities to read the cards. Oracle decks are heavily theme-focused on topics such as angels, animals, elements, or affirmations. This flexibility allows creators to infuse personal or thematic elements into the deck, making each oracle deck unique. It also means that the information you learn about the oracle deck you’re currently working on may not be transferable to the next one.
Both systems allow people to develop their intuitive abilities, enabling the user to work with them in many ways. In the hands of a skilled reader, both systems support profound readings and can be lifelong tools for spiritual development.
Exercise One tarot DeCk CheCklist
If you want to use a deck of cards while working through this book, use this checklist to determine whether you have a tarot deck or something else. Don’t let the deck’s title fool you either. Just because it says it’s a tarot deck doesn’t mean it is.
• The deck has seventy-eight cards.
• The deck consists of twenty-two cards with titles, commonly beginning with the Fool and ending with the World.
• The deck has four suits, each containing fourteen cards.
• The deck suit numbers start at an ace and end at ten.
• The deck consists of four court families, often beginning with the page and ending with the king, comprising sixteen cards.
If you’ve met each of these requirements, congratulations! You have a tarot deck. It’s becoming increasingly common for modern tarot decks to change the names of the cards and suits. As you work through this book, you’ll become more familiar with the tarot’s layout and be able to identify different divination decks. To begin, having a deck of seventyeight cards means you’re on the right track.
keePing a tarot Journal
Learning to be an exceptional tarot reader is not a static practice; it’s a dynamic journey between the cards, the cosmos, and you, the tarot reader. One card’s meaning in one reading could unfold layers of nuances in another. You’ll grow as a person, and your collective life experiences will play a large part in how you interact with the tarot and read the cards for yourself and others. This is where keeping a tarot journal comes into play. A tarot journal chronicles this ever-evolving journey, capturing the shifts in your perception, understanding, and consciousness. It becomes a personal archive that records the readings and the growth and transformation of your personal connection and relationship with the tarot. Over time, this journal can reveal patterns, recurring themes, and lessons, guiding you on your path and highlighting areas of life that may require attention or action.
You’ll also find that keeping a tarot journal builds your intuitive skills. When you take the time to journal about the cards, their imagery, and the feelings they evoke, it nurtures a deep, intuitive connection with your deck. You may also write your tarot-based intuitive
work in your journal, including meditation with the tarot cards, dreams about the cards or images in a specific tarot card, or even songs on the radio that remind you of a particular card. These connections flesh out your intuitive connection to the tarot and its deep wisdom.
Tarot journals aren’t just for students and those new to the deck. Seasoned readers and professionals use them just as often because they can serve as invaluable learning tools. Writing about the cards, the symbols, and possible interpretations deepens our understanding and retention of tarot knowledge. It allows you to explore various layers of meaning, historical contexts, and personal insights, creating a rich tapestry of wisdom that can be drawn upon in readings.
One of the biggest reasons I recommend starting and keeping a tarot journal is to have a place to record your tarot readings so you can go back later to reflect on your interpretation and accuracy. You’ll see just how much you were on point and identify potential growth areas. For example, your readings may be incredibly accurate, but you may struggle to word your questions effectively. Having somewhere to play, experiment, and reflect is priceless when building your tarot practice. Your tarot journal is free from judgment, and no one needs to ever look at it—it’s for you.
I’ve heard plenty of reasons from students over the years for why they can’t start a tarot journal: “I hate my writing,” “I don’t have time,” “I don’t want to ruin a pretty notebook,” and the list goes on. There is always a solution to these “problems.” If you don’t like writing, drawing or typing are other alternatives. If you don’t have time, make audio notes or dictate when you have some free time. If you don’t want to ruin a pretty notebook, I say that your work will never ruin anything. With the vast amount of technology available to you, you can build a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, online journal, and more. Even if your tarot journal is something that you start with exuberance and fill out daily for two weeks and then return to three weeks later, who cares? You’re doing the work.
Whether you purchase a brand new notebook to write in or use a three-ring binder that’s been on your shelf for years, your tarot journal is a space for you to explore, reflect, and grow, transforming the journey of learning tarot into a journey of deep integration and mastery.
tarot Bas I cs
There are things that tarot can do and things it can’t. A tarot deck is a tool; like any other tool, it has limitations. Sure, you can try to use your tarot deck to hit a nail into wood, but you’re better off using a hammer. The deck is a wonderful tool for giving readings on many subjects for yourself and others. The tarot can be used for meditation, self-exploration, guidance, and even as a game. Some tarot readers, such as I, regard the tarot as a sacred tool and treat it as such. They will have practices and rituals to create sacred space and read the cards in tandem with their spiritual practice; some magical practitioners will use the deck as the central focus of their magical work and never use the deck for divination. Other tarot readers see the cards as an intellectual tool that can aid the reader in exploring different facets of their psyche and life in pictures and symbols. Another tarot reader may use the cards in a healing or counseling practice, whereas the next tarot reader will only read the cards for themselves and in an intuitive manner. How you work with the tarot will be as unique as your style, which this book will help you discover and develop.
There is no one right way to use the tarot deck. You may consult the cards to aid in solving problems and considering situations from new perspectives. They may also be your window to meditation, helping you map out a path and giving insight into the future. You may feel the spark to master the cards and become a tarot professional, using the deck to help others at pivotal points in their lives.
I believe tarot readings should offer a holistic and genuine experience and always be as positive and healing as possible.
As a reader or guide, you should always try to make the world a better place, even if your querent is going through a rough time, and this will show in the cards. You’ll learn how to handle difficult cards and situations in your readings, not shying away from the “harder” cards in the deck and holding space for yourself and your querent in rocky times.
Your proficiency with the tarot will reflect the time you spend learning the cards and working with them. The more you put into any skill and practice, whether learning to play the piano or reading the tarot cards, the more you’ll get out of it. So, sure, your tarot deck isn’t going to clean your house and make you breakfast, but it can transform your inner and outer world and that of the people you read for. That’s incredible for a deck of cards.
tarot Myths DebunkeD
If you went to a social gathering and told everyone there loudly and proudly that you are a tarot reader, you’re guaranteed to hear a whole lot of opinions and misconceptions. Many of these stems from negative stereotypes and religious rhetoric that have endured even in an age when most of us have supercomputers in our pockets. Some of these myths are even perpetuated within the tarot community among readers, just to make things even more confusing. Use common sense and fact-check assumptions or opinions if something is off or doesn’t sit right.
Here are some of the most common misconceptions you’ll hear about tarot and the truth about the cards.
Myth: You can’t buy your tarot deck; it has to be gifted to you.
This myth is one of the most enduring, and it’s likely an old wives’ tale. It’s so very false because you are the best person to buy a tarot deck you love to work with. It can be very frustrating if you struggle to connect to the imagery and symbols in the deck you have been gifted. Whatever you work with should inspire you. You must be happy with the aesthetic quality of the cards, so that they speak to you and you can deliver their messages and access their wisdom. So, go ahead: buy your first, second, and third deck.
Myth: Tarot is evil, linked to dark magic and possession.
This misconception is rooted in religious beliefs and cemented further by old popular culture depictions of the tarot and those who read the cards. This perception is changing, but not fast enough. The tarot deck shows light and dark, and the cards have challenging aspects and cards that are shrouded in taboo, but that is the way of life and nature. Sometimes, life is exhilarating and full of promise; other times, we struggle to get by. As the
deck is designed to reflect life’s journey, it’s going to show its myriad experiences. No tool is inherently evil. Tarot is a neutral tool and reflects the intentions and attitudes of its user. There will always be a small group of people—usually those who’ve never had a conversation with a modern tarot reader—who think tarot cards themselves have magical powers or spirits attached to them. They are simply cards; the so-called magic is in their interpretation and how the individual reader works with them. Some decks are designed for ceremonial magic, and there are alchemical symbols and titles on many tarot cards, but that doesn’t mean they’re nefarious. People will fear what they don’t understand, and the tarot, its design, and its use are in this category more often than not.
Myth: You can’t read tarot for friends and family.
There is no secret list of who you can and can’t read the cards for; you’re not Santa Claus. If your friends and family are open to receiving tarot readings, they make wonderful querents for practicing your tarot reading skills. As you grow, you may become more cautious about reading tarot for people close to you. You’re likely going to be biased because you know way too much about what is going on in their lives. It can also be hard to be the bearer of bad news or the truth pill that’s hard to swallow. At that stage, you may refer your friends or family to other readers.
Be prepared; often when people find out that you’re learning to read the tarot, they’ll want a reading. If you choose to do these readings, be aware of your limits; you don’t have to do a reading for anyone you don’t feel ready for or comfortable with.
Myth: You have to be psychic to read the tarot.
While some psychics use tarot cards, anyone can learn to read them and give impactful readings. How you interpret and work with the tarot will be personal. Not all tarot readers are psychic, though some are. Most, if not all, people who work with tarot cards will find that their intuitive gifts and abilities grow, but that doesn’t mean there is a requirement to be a top-level psychic to be a reader.
Myth: When you draw the Death card, you’re going to die.
If this were the case, people would be dropping like flies at every tarot event, metaphysical store, and fair. The Death card gets a bad rap, but the card usually symbolizes transformation, change, or the end of a phase, not literal death. Death is not always physical. Although there have been times in my decades of reading the cards where the Death card has translated into physical death, it’s been very rare and there was a known illness or
knowledge of the person’s end of life coming. Death is part of life, but this card isn’t the omen of doom that you may’ve been led to believe.
Myth: Reading tarot for yourself will only give you inaccurate readings. If you read the cards for yourself, it will come down to personal preference. Some readers believe you can’t or shouldn’t read tarot for yourself because you’re too invested in the reading outcomes to interpret the cards effectively. However, many find self-reading to be a valuable practice for personal insight. You’ll know if you check in with yourself if you’re too close to a situation and would benefit from having someone else read the cards for you. Daily card draws and readings for perspective and reflection are valuable practices for learning the card meanings and gaining insight into your life and how you can improve your relationships and situations.
Myth: Tarot reading predictions are set in stone. Predictive readings do not offer an unchangeable future. They usually reflect potential outcomes based on current circumstances and can change with decisions and actions.
Myth: Tarot Readers can be 100 percent accurate.
Any tarot reader who says they’re 100 percent accurate is full of it. No matter how many years they’ve been reading the cards, no one’s accuracy is 100 percent, especially with predictive tarot readings. That’s ego talking, just in my experience.
Myth: Tarot is connected to specific religions or occult practices. Some believe tarot is intrinsically connected to certain religions or occult practices, but this is untrue. Tarot started out as a card game and has developed into a versatile tool that transcends specific religious or occult affiliations. Depending on the user’s beliefs and intentions, it can be used within various spiritual contexts or entirely secularly.
Myth: Tarot is only accurate when done by professionals. There are opinions that only professional tarot readers can provide accurate readings. In truth, anyone can learn to read tarot cards effectively. Accuracy in tarot readings often depends more on the reader’s ability to interpret the cards and the querent’s openness to the process.
Myth: Certain tarot cards always predict bad outcomes.
Besides the Death card, cards such as the Tower and the Devil often get bad reputations for always predicting doom or negative events. The reality is that these cards can have a wide range of meanings, including positive aspects like liberation, transformation, or the shedding of old patterns.
In summary, the tarot is a card system that can be used for various readings. It can also be a powerful aid in magic and ritual. However, the tarot cannot and will not predict a fixed and fated future. People have free will, their choices affect the outcomes in their lives, and things can change from moment to moment.
You’ll inevitably encounter a friend, coworker, or even family member who disapproves of your interest in the tarot and may hold one of the myths about the tarot as fact. There is not much you can do to convince someone with deep-rooted beliefs to change their minds, even when armed with facts and proof. The best thing you can do is educate yourself and reveal to the people in your life, when you feel ready, that you’re becoming an exceptional tarot reader.
Exercise Two stoP, DroP, anD tarot
This exercise is meant to help you jump into working with the cards right away, no matter your skill level, and will also come back into play later.
Select one of the three-card tarot spreads from the four offered below. Then, take your tarot deck, shuffle it, lay out your three cards, and give yourself a reading. Write down the cards that came up in your reading and your interpretation. Give yourself the gift of just going off what you feel and see in the cards instead of rushing to look up the “correct” interpretations in this book. Then, look at the three-card reading as a whole and write anything that comes to mind about the overall theme or energy of the reading.
Three-Card Tarot Spreads
Caring for your tarot DeCk
There is no right way to store and care for your tarot deck. Your options may be limited; keeping the deck in the box it was sold in is fine. Tarot readers who don’t use the tarot as a spiritual tool may have a tarot deck in their handbag at all times, whereas other readers have hand-carved boxes on altars adorned with crystals for their cards. These examples and everything in between are valid ways of handling your deck when it’s not being used.
Caring for a deck that you’ve paid a pretty penny for and that you want to get longevity out of is practical. Energy and intention will also play a large part in your tarot routines and choices. By taking the time to care for your deck lovingly, you’ll ensure that it’s protected from damage and remains charged with positive energy for clear insights.
The first step in your tarot care regimen is to choose how you will store your deck. There are several methods of storage that not only shield your deck from physical harm but also serve as barriers against unwanted energies. Here are some of the most common and practical options that won’t break the bank:
Where am I?
Stop
Show
Past
3. How am I going to get there?
3. Continue
Grow
Future
2. Where am I going?
Start 2. Know 2. Present
Wooden Boxes
Wooden boxes are a favored choice, revered for their natural protective elements. Wood, a material of the earth, resonates with grounding energy and offers a stable environment for your cards. They’re sturdy and last a lifetime. They can also ensure that your tarot deck is hidden from prying eyes or people you don’t want to touch the deck, such as children with sticky fingers and pets who like to chew on anything.
Silk Scarves
Silk is believed to be a barrier against negativity in many cultures. Wrapping your tarot cards in a silk scarf is akin to cloaking them in a protective light, ensuring their energy remains protected and pure.
Pouches
For the reader who can sew or likes a protection option that doesn’t take up too much space, pouches offer a practical yet beautiful type of storage. Many readers like to pair their pouch designs with the enclosed deck’s color scheme or theme when choosing their fabric.
Tins
Tins are perfect for any tarot reader who likes to always travel with a tarot deck. They ensure the deck stays damage-free, and you can find fun and quirky tins in many thrift shops for added aesthetics.
Regardless of what you choose for storage, the most important thing to remember is to keep your tarot deck somewhere dry, safe, and easily accessible. The best tool is the one that you can easily access. You don’t want to have to go digging around to find your deck when you need it.
ritual of Cleansing anD Charging
Even with the most diligent care, there may come a time when your tarot cards feel energetically heavy or when the clarity of their messages seems cloudy. When this happens, there are three things to consider: how you feel yourself, the vibration of your living and reading space, and the energetic vibe of your tarot decks.
It’s recommended to have a routine to energetically cleanse your reading and living space if you’re highly intuitive or empathic, work with energy, and read the cards. This routine ensures that you’re moving along any dross that doesn’t belong to you and keeping your space aligned with empowering work. When your tarot decks start to feel heavy or you’re not getting clear messages from them, it could be a sign that your deck requires cleansing or charging, a ritual to rejuvenate its energies and restore its luminosity.
Every culture has tried-and-true cleansing practices, as do many religious and spiritual paths. The suggestions here are based on my decades of experience cleansing spaces, decks, and people. Cleansing rituals and practices don’t have to be complicated to work. Keeping it simple also means you’re more likely to maintain your routine.
• Put your tarot deck back in order. Start with the Fool and go right through to the King of Pentacles. This is an easy way to reset the deck.
• Place your tarot deck on the windowsill when the moon is full and let that light cleanse and charge them. The full moon appears thirteen times a calendar year, giving you thirteen opportunities to cleanse your deck.
• Smoke ceremonies involve passing your deck through the smoke of sacred herbs such as sage, palo santo, or lavender. The smoke purifies, removing negativity and refreshing the cards’ essence. It’s important to ensure you open your windows and doors or be outside during a smoke ceremony for proper ventilation. Always research the herbs, flowers, resins, and spices you want to use before you burn them.
• Placing your tarot cards in a shallow dish filled with cleansing herbs and rock salt can draw out and neutralize any adverse energies. This method cleanses and consecrates your deck, imbuing it with the earth’s sacred energies.
• Storing your tarot cards with specific crystals can significantly enhance their energy. Crystals act as both protectors and amplifiers of vibrational frequencies. There are so many mineral companions you may wish to use in partnership with your tarot cards for cleansing; here are a few suggestions to get you started. The gemstone citrine is a beacon of positivity, and its inability to hold negativity and its association with joy make it an ideal companion for your tarot deck, ensuring that your readings are imbued with light and clarity. Smoky quartz and black tourmaline are potent allies for cleansing and protection, acting as shields against negativity while purifying the cards’ energy. Amethyst is well known for its psychic enhancing
qualities and aids in connecting with higher realms of consciousness, deepening the intuitive insights provided by your readings.
• Crystal or Tibetan singing bowls, bells, and drums can be used to cleanse your deck with sound. The vibration of the instruments will remove any icky energy, and your deck will feel brand new again.
Your work with your tarot deck will reflect your style. Not every tarot reader creates sacred space for readings, but some readers carry out intentional rituals each time. If you never put your working tarot deck back in order and that works for you, there is no need to change. Be authentically you.
Exercise Three get to know your tarot DeCk
This exercise is centered around first impressions. It may be the first time you have ever looked at each card of your first tarot deck, or you may have a new addition to your collection that you want to work with.
With your tarot deck in hand, consider each card one at a time. While you’re doing this, make three piles in front of you. The first pile will be for the tarot cards that you immediately have a strong positive reaction to when you look at them. The second pile will be for the tarot cards you have an immediate strong negative reaction to when you first look at them. The third pile is your meh pile, the ones you didn’t feel strongly about either way. The trick to this exercise is that you don’t want to overthink your reaction to the cards when you first consider them. Go with your first instinct.
Once you’ve gone through the entire deck in this way, use the following questions to reflect on your choices. You don’t have to write a detailed answer for each card unless you feel drawn to do so. You’re looking for overall themes, energies, and ideas for the cards placed in each pile.
Cards in Your Positive Pile
Why was I drawn to these cards?
Are these cards similar in any way?
Do I see myself or any of my life experiences in these cards?
Do any people on the cards remind me of someone I love? If so, which card and why?
Cards in Your Negative Pile
Why didn’t I like these cards?
Are these cards similar in any way?
Are there aspects of myself that I don’t like shown in any of these cards? If so, what cards and what aspects?
Do I fear any of the cards in this pile? If so, which ones and why?
Cards in Your Meh Pile
What about these cards bores or disinterest me?
Is there a specific theme or color theme in these cards that connect them?
What are some changes I’d make in these cards to make them more to my liking?
Do I see any of my own experiences in these cards?
This is also a fantastic exercise with more than one tarot deck. In one deck, you may adore the depiction of the Fool, for example, and in another, it may be your least favorite card.
Exercise Four interview your tarot DeCk
Many tarot readers find that each tarot deck has a specific personality that is the encapsulation of its art style, theme, creator’s intention, or all three. When you carry out a tarot reading for inner child healing, for example, you may feel drawn to a tarot deck with a theme that reminds you of your childhood. You may choose a tarot deck that’s gentler for those readings, rather than one with intense artwork. Some tarot decks have romantic artwork that you may find lends itself to relationship readings. For this exercise, you’ll carry out a tarot spread to interview it. This is a way to enter a conversation with your cards to see what kind of work your tarot deck wants to do with you.1 I firmly believe that every tarot deck can carry out any tarot reading. However, as your collection grows, this exercise and tarot spread will be helpful.
Shuffle your tarot deck while considering the following spread. When you feel ready, cut the deck however you like and place the cards according to the layout provided. Take some time to reflect on the reading and make notes on the information you receive intuitively before looking up any card meanings.
1. Inspired by the teachings of James Wells.
Interview Your Tarot Deck Spread
What kind of tarot readings will you excel at?
2. What are your strengths as a tarot deck?
3. What limitations do you have as a tarot deck?
4. What are you here to teach me?
5. How can I connect and work best with you?
6. What card best sums up our relationship? 2
shuffling your tarot DeCk
Many people feel uncomfortable when asked to shuffle the cards, worrying they’ll do it incorrectly. The truth is that the message will shine through regardless of how proficiently you shuffle. Even seasoned tarot readers sometimes send cards flying in all directions! Here are a few techniques for you to try. As you do so, remember: Practice makes progress when learning a new skill.
The Riffle Shuffle
Take half of the deck in each hand, angle the corners toward each other, and release the cards so that they overlap. This technique can wear down cards over time, so if you have a precious tarot deck you want to keep in pristine condition, this may not be your shuffling
2.
Inspired by the work of Firehaven.
preference. The riffle shuffle works well for oversized, square, or round decks and, when perfected, can be impressive to watch.
Over-and-Under Shuffling
Hold the deck in your non-dominant hand and move cards from the back to the front or vice versa with your dominant hand. This method is a staple for most people and works well with standard-sized decks.
Washing Machine Technique
Spread the cards on a table and mix them with your hands. This playful and easy method is perfect for those with smaller hands or those using irregularly shaped decks. It’s also a wonderful way to infuse your energy into the cards.
The Piles Technique
Separate the deck into a random number of piles, then recombine them. The more piles you make, the better the cards will be shuffled. This technique is helpful for those who aren’t confident in their shuffling skills.
Card Shuffling Machine
If you suffer from arthritis or struggle to shuffle cards manually, a shuffling machine could be your saving grace. While not traditional, it’s practical and efficient. Most card shuffling machines on the market are for playing card–sized decks. There are tarot decks in this size available for purchase.
PiCking your CarDs for reaDings
Once you’ve shuffled the cards, the next step is to select specific cards for your reading. Just like when you shuffle the cards, there is no right way to pick them for a reading. Not all tarot readers like other people touching their cards. Some tarot readers work with clients remotely, so they must lay out the cards for their querents. Other readers want the person they’re reading the cards for to pick the specific cards for their readings. Regardless of who picks the cards, you can rest assured that the right ones will be chosen for the message to be communicated to the querent. The number of cards selected for reading will be determined by the tarot spread you use or by your intuition. This is usually decided before you or the querent starts to shuffle the cards.
Fan, Scan, and Pick
Shuffle the deck until ready, then fan out the cards in front of the querent. If you’re reading for someone in person, have the querent select the cards they are drawn to. They can run their palms over the fanned cards and use their intuition to choose the cards or pull the cards they feel are right just by looking at them. If reading virtually, the reader can run their palms over the cards and ask the querent to tell them to stop when they feel it’s correct to do so, and that will be the card selected for the reading. If the tarot spread you use for reading has five cards, you’ll carry out this process five times. The cards are then arranged in the layout in the order chosen.
Pick a Pile
After the tarot deck is shuffled, the tarot reader cuts it and puts it into piles. The most common number for this technique is three piles. Then, the reader asks the querent which pile they feel most drawn to. The cards are then laid out for the reading from that pile. If you’re comfortable with your deck being touched by the people you read for, they will shuffle and place the cards into the piles.
Selecting Cards via Image
This technique doesn’t require you to shuffle the deck. Specific readings benefit from querents seeing the card images before selecting them based on directed prompts. This method is particularly valuable for tarot counselling or healing sessions, where querents pick cards based on what resonates with them.
Roll the Dice
Once the deck is sufficiently shuffled and the intention for the reading is placed in the cards, roll a die to decide which cards to select, counting through the deck based on the rolled number. This is a playful way to let chance guide the reading. Dice with more than six faces are recommended; a twelve-sided or twenty-sided die is ideal.
Ultimately, shuffling and selecting tarot cards is an art form unique to each reader. Whether you follow suggested techniques to the letter or create your own, remember that the essence of meaningful tarot readings lies in the intention behind each action. Experiment, trust your instincts, and let the cards reveal their wisdom without overthinking your practice.
“An incredible compendium…overflowing with resources, wisdom, and everything you need to connect with the cards.”
CHRIS-ANNE DONNELLY, author of The
Light Seer’s Tarot
ACe Every reAding with Progressive instrUction & interactive exercises
this exce Ption Al boOk featUres:
• 30 Exercises • Sample Spreads
• Create-Your-Own Spread Guidelines
• Upright and Reversed Meanings and Keywords
• Journal Prompts • Classic Card Imagery and Body Language
• Affirmations • Card-by-Card Readings for Love, Career, and Health
Meticulously crafted so that each chapter builds on the one before it, this book caters to various learning styles and personalities, ensuring that you’ll have a practical and enjoyable experience. Ethony Dawn draws from more than twenty-five years of teaching tarot to help you expertly read the Rider-WaiteSmith system for yourself and others.
Ethony presents a clear and concise learning path so you can grasp the fundamentals of tarot reading with ease. You won’t feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of cards, and you won’t need to memorize their meanings. Ethony debunks tarot myths, shows you how to care for and get to know your deck, and covers tarot-adjacent subjects such as astrology, numerology, and the fool’s journey.
“Ethony busts myths, clears up confusion, and paves a straight road to proficiency. This book offers a wealth of straightforward instructions and exercises, but beyond that—it offers a chance to shape yourself into the tarot reader you want to be.”
KELLY-ANN MADDOX, author of Rebel Witch
Ethony dAwn is a tarot reader and author of Tarot Grimoire and Your Tarot Court. She also created the Cosmic Wisdom Tarot, Luminous Flow Tarot, Modern Love Tarot, Awakened Soul Oracle, and Money Magic Manifestation Cards. She is the headmistress at TarotReadersAcademy.com, where she teaches and mentors tarot professionals and students through the courses available there. Visit her at Ethony.com.
