Copyright © 2020

Nicola Baaini and

The Heart Compass

All rights reserved. No part of this

book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic
process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored
in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or
private use – other than for “fair use” as brief quotations embodied in
articles and reviews – without prior written permission of the publisher.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the
use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or
medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or
indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general
nature to help you in your quest to improve your emotional, physical, and
spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this
book for yourself or on others, the author and the publisher assume no
responsibility for your actions.
Contents
Introduction ............................................................... 1
The story of tarot ........................................................ 1
The History of the Tarot .............................................. 3
Tarot and Astrology ..................................................... 4
Glossary terms............................................................. 5
Make it personal.......................................................... 6
Chapter 1 – Choosing your Deck................................ 11
Eye appeal ................................................................. 12
Feel the deck ............................................................. 13
Card numbers ............................................................ 14
Choose a system ........................................................ 15
Comparing Systems ................................................... 16
Purpose of the deck .................................................. 17
The book .................................................................... 19
Buying a deck online ................................................. 19
Chapter 2 – Welcoming your deck............................. 21
Welcome Home ......................................................... 21
Meet the cards .......................................................... 22
Cleanse them ............................................................. 24
Sleep with them ........................................................ 25
 Mediate and Attune .................................................. 26
Read the book ........................................................... 27
Interview Them ......................................................... 27
Shuffling..................................................................... 28
Get Exclusive ............................................................. 29
Thank your deck ........................................................ 29
Chapter 3 – Storing and Protecting ........................... 31
Chapter 4 – Tarot Basics ........................................... 34
The Arcanas ............................................................... 35
Suits, Elements and a touch of Astrology ................. 36
Court Cards and the Royal Family ............................. 46
Chapter 5 – Symbology Word Association ................. 56
Some common spiritual symbols .............................. 58
Chapter 6 – Numerology ........................................... 68
What is Numerology? ................................................ 68
Understanding the numbers for Tarot ...................... 70
Numerology Representations on Tarot .................... 71
Double Digit Numbers ............................................... 71
Understanding the 11, the 0 and the ACE................. 76
The Aces Change again .............................................. 86
The Power of 3 .......................................................... 90
Chapter 7 – Colours .................................................. 92
Chapter 8 – Your Journal to the cards ..................... 101
Chapter 9 – Shuffling & Cutting ............................... 103
The Riffle Shuffle ..................................................... 103
The Smoosh (sometimes called the Corgi) .............. 105
Overhand Shuffle .................................................... 106
Your shuffle ritual .................................................... 106
Cutting the cards ..................................................... 107
How many piles? ..................................................... 108
A last quick cleanse, shuffle, cut tip ........................ 109
Bottom of the deck energy ..................................... 110
Chapter 10 – Preparing for your Reading................. 113
Suggestions for creating your ritual ........................ 114
My personal mantra ................................................ 115
Reading on the fly ................................................... 116
The logistic steps ..................................................... 117
With all that done ................................................... 119
Chapter 11 – How to ask the burning questions ...... 121
Ask open ended questions ...................................... 122
Flip It!....................................................................... 122
Detach from the emotion ....................................... 123
 Remain in a space of surrender and allowance ...... 124
Good frame ups ....................................................... 126
Chapter 12 – The cards meant for your reading ....... 128
Cut and from the top............................................... 129
Falling away ............................................................. 130
Shuffle and stop ...................................................... 130
Hand Fan ................................................................. 131
Pick from the smoosh .............................................. 133
Flying, Flipping and Jumping cards.......................... 133
Chapter 13 – Reversals ........................................... 136
Is it truly reversed intent? ....................................... 138
Chapter 14 – Card Spreads ...................................... 141
Past, Present, Future – 3 Card Spread .................... 143
Daily Guidance – 3 Card Spread .............................. 143
Required Action – 4 Card Spread ............................ 144
Love, Money, Home – 4 Card Spread ...................... 144
6 Card Spread .......................................................... 145
Creating Calendar Spreads ...................................... 146
The Horseshoe Spread ............................................ 147
More spread tips ..................................................... 148
The Interview Spread .............................................. 149
Chapter 15 – Reading the Story ............................... 151
There are no bad cards ........................................... 151
Cheat Sheets............................................................ 153
Initial Analysis .......................................................... 154
Don’t be afraid to ask!............................................. 156
The Responsibility of Reading ................................. 157
Chapter 16 – Where to from here?.......................... 160
Always have an energy exchange ........................... 161
The most important thing of all .............................. 161
Introduction

A simple google search on learning tarot returns over

52,000,000 (yes 52 million) results and the history of the tarot
56,000,000! So, let me begin by thanking you for choosing me
to share in your tarot journey.

What I think is remarkable about that statistic is that whilst

within that number there will be shared themes and common
knowledge, concurred thoughts, parallel values and opinion
and a magnitude of facts, I assure you that there will be more
than 50 million individual perspectives. That’s what I love
about Tarot it’s such a snowflake type of experience – there are
no two ever alike.

The same is for this book, which shares with you my individual
perspectives and a shared experience of my evolving
relationship with tarot. It is my fundamental belief that a book
or a course on tarot should be more than pages of pre-
prescribed card meanings. It should be designed to bring out
your unique tarot personality and allow you to explore, expand
and grow your tarot journey.

The story of tarot

“One picture is worth a thousand words” seems to be a perfect

way to capture the essence of the tarot. When you ponder that
philosophy for a moment, every tarot card is a picture and

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within that picture there can be a dozen other pictures, which
means one card could contain upwards of 13,000 words!.

There seems to
be a notion that
to learn the tarot
you need to
memorise every
card and the
meaning behind
the cards.

Well, if a picture holds a thousand words and a card can hold

more than 13,000 words, and there are 78 cards in a deck….
Phew! that’s a lot to memorise! That’s why I hold an alternate
view on how to learn tarot.

Tarot tells a story and like any story you can either read the
words on the pages or you can immerse yourself in the
characters, the plot and the world beyond the words. Just like
any story, the tarot has characters who have their own
experiences, personalities, messages and advice. In every one
of the 78 cards you’ll find a treasure chest of meanings and
interpretations and a story in itself.

Tarot Cards are a tool, a tool of divination. Accessing the divine

side of the tarot is a journey in itself, a journey of expansion
and connection with a higher source.

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It’s these two aspects of the cards that differentiate reading the
cards (the words on the page) vs reading intuitively
(understanding the story).

This is why I invite you to delve into your deep inner wisdom
and learn to read and convey tarot from your divine source
rather than the memorising and repeating card meanings.
Afterall, memorising cards and relaying their meanings is not
really “learning” tarot for we haven’t truly learned something
until we have understood it.

The History of the Tarot

You know the 50 million results from google that we discussed

earlier? Well, the theories about the history and origins of the
tarot are probably just as many. The one certain truth about
tarot history is that the exact origins of the tarot are unknown,
and everyone has a different perspective on it. The history that
resonates most for me when I do the research, are its links back
to Italian origins in the early 1400’s to card game Tarocchi.

Here are some certainties you should know around learning the
history of the tarot:

• Having any kind of knowledge about the history of the

tarot is not required to be able to develop a relationship
with tarot

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• Tarot reading requires you to be in the present moment
with open mind and open heart not in the knowledge of
tarot history
• The history and origins of the tarot is somewhat mythical
and somewhat murky, as a beginner, placing your focus on
the debated history rather than just feeling the magic, can
distort the clarity of your readings
• The power of the tarot lies in its ability to be a bridge to
the universe and our divine guidance. Its power does not
lie in knowing its history.

Tarot and Astrology

Tarot and Astrology have a harmony about them that cannot be

ignored, as if they were divine counterparts.

Understanding Astrology and the influence of the planets on

the cards and the timing of your reading will undeniably take
your readings to new heights.

BUT…, Astrology is a whole world of language on its own and

keeping in the spirit of avoiding overwhelm and you creating
your own story to learn the tarot, I am keeping the Astrology
element of the tarot to a minimum in this book.

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Glossary terms

Tarot and other forms of divination have their own little

language. This list is just a fragment of the terms that influence
the tarot, but will help you find your way through this book.

Divination – to forsee or fortell, determine hidden significance

and related to the divine

Element – the connections to mother earth in the tarot (fire,

water, air, earth)

Influencer – a card assigned to a particular position with the

intent to represent a person, theme or status (same as
significator below)

Meditation – a process of relaxing body, mind and spirit

Oracle – a person or tool that delivers profound and higher

wisdom. Tarot is considered a form of oracle

Shadow – a dark or negative aspect to a card. Also

representing the unconscious and subconscious influences that
are in the situation

Significator – a card assigned to a particular position with the

intent to represent a person, theme or status

Smudging – a ceremonial practice for cleansing residual energy

Spread – the formation or layout of the cards and their

assigned intentions as a way or reading or receiving the
message and story
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Suits – the group of cards representing a theme or element. In
the tarot the suits are formed by the cups, wands, swords,
pentacles.

Querent – the one who seeks or inquires. The querent is the

person asking the question of the tarot.

Make it personal

I had been connecting with Tarot for around 15 years and

Oracle for just over 5 years previous to that, before I decided to
seek a Tarot certification, and to be honest, the certification
process was a challenge for me as I had already built my own
long term relationship and meaning to the cards.

I had learned to allow the cards to speak to me rather than

focus on their traditional meanings. In fact, the cards often
served more as my telephone or wi-fi into spirit…. sometimes I
wouldn’t even see the cards themselves as I lay them out,
because at the very moment I started my rituals, picked up the
cards and started shuffling the messages would start to come
in.

At times I’d only see a symbol on one card and that would be
enough to know exactly what I needed to say and know or
sometimes it was the presence of a prominent colour that told
me everything. Often, the messages would start filtering in
before I even looked at the cards that I had laid out and so the
cards served more as a confirmation of what I’d heard from

6
spirit rather than the cards themselves being what provided the
message.

The process of my certifying in tarot mastery, required using

the original Rider – Waite deck and I purchased that deck for
the purpose of completing the course. The method of
“learning” each cards traditional and archetypal meaning, the
intricacies and complexities of the mythology, astrology,
symbology, and using that deck, disconnected me from my
relationship with tarot. For the close to a year that I studied, I
felt like my readings were disjointed and confused as I went
into my head and “read the cards” trying to remember the all
the facets behind them (even though I sort of knew them
anyway) rather than just dropping into my heart and reading
the energy and allowing it to flow through me. In following the
curriculum, my shuffling style changed, my cutting style
changed, the way I lay the cards (the spread) and even the way
I chose the cards. I started doubting myself and everything I
knew.

As soon as I returned to reading intuitively, and my usual rituals

(we will discuss rituals when we cover preparing for a reading),
I quickly rediscovered my groove and my vibration increased!

It made me even more passionate than ever to teach tarot by

intuition. I understand that some peoples learning style is
more suited to learning the theory behind each card, but
adding an intuitive element will take your tarot to different
heights. Whatever your style, talking with tarot needs to be as
genuine, honest and comfortable as a conversation with an old
7
friend – you know the kind where you connect and understand
each other where you just know what they are going to say
before they even finish the sentence?

That’s why my most heartfelt advice to you is “make it

personal”. Find the way that feels absolutely the right way for
you – from choosing a deck, to understanding the cards, storing
the cards, using spreads, connecting to your intuitive self and
reading for others.

What can you expect from this book

So, what does all this mean for you as we embark on this path
of twists and turns?

People look to the tarot for answers, forgetting that the

greatest answers are the ones within ourselves. The tarot is
designed to get you thinking, to alter your perspective, to lead
you towards a brighter light rather than give you a direct
answer.

As a prediction tool its authenticity is found in revealing the

patterns and subconscious influences impacting life. Gaining
this level of understanding of self and life requires open mind,
open heart, and a willingness to embrace positives, negatives
and stand in the face of self truth.

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The past cannot be changed, but recognising and knowing the
patterns and influences of the past can impact both present
and future behaviours and decisions.

As with any divine guidance there is always free will. You are
the author of your story and despite any predictions, you hold
the power to change the plot, the characters and the ending.

This book encourages you to find your own way, to figure out
what things mean for you. You’ll discover some guidance,
some general perspective and some customary practices, but
you won’t find a detailed explanation of each and every card
and the prescribed meanings behind it. I encourage you to
create your own meanings through completing the activities.

You will be guided to establish your own connection with the

tarot through practical applications and through your
enthusiasm and desire to practice. There will be a lot of
practical activity for you to do – but I assure you that doing the
activities will be what helps you associate and remember. They
will better forge your bond with tarot and will most importantly
help you become a better reader faster!

My hope is to encourage you to explore, expand and nurture

your divine gifts. After 20 years I’m still learning, gaining new
perspectives and growing.

9
When you focus on the magic of the tarot rather than focus on
the traditional methods of memorising card meanings, you shift
your focus from fear and overwhelm to the pure magic of
allowing spirit to communicate with you and through you.

Stay true to your intuitive soul, let your heart be your compass
and let your light shine brightly xo

10
Chapter 1 – Choosing your Deck

The likelihood is that you already have a deck of tarot or oracle

cards!

There was a myth that your first deck should be gifted to you by
an existing mystic. Thankfully, this has been well and truly
debunked!

But there are still a number of things to consider when

choosing and connecting to a new deck.

Choosing a deck is personal and there is no real right or wrong

way. Those of us more experienced in Tarot can only give you
some suggestions and guidance, it really is about your own
journey.

11
My first tarot deck was a version of the Rider-Waite deck. It
was the Radiant Rider-Waite deck. The colours of the deck, the
style on the back of the card and the feel of the stock appealed
to me so much more than the traditional Rider-Waite. It is still
the deck I connect with most (and I have purchased a few of
them over the years).

So, whether it’s your first or an addition to your family, what

should you look for?

Eye appeal

We’ve discussed that Tarot is a divination tool and whilst when

using our intuition we tap into most of our clairs (clairvoyance,
claircognizance, clairaudience, clairsentience etc), tarot cards
are foremostly a visual tool.

Our intuition is naturally stimulated by imagery, including

colours. When choosing a deck what images appeal to you?
Most metaphysical and esoteric shops have the opportunity to
look at the cards in the deck through a sample deck. Seize that
opportunity if it’s available and if you don’t see one on display,
ask as they may have them tucked away for security.

Watching tarot readings on youtube is a great way to see

images on different decks. Most readers list the decks they
have used for the reading in the description, in the comments,
or mention it in their audio and if not and something appeals to
you then contact them or ask them through the comments.

12
Take your time with this aspect of choosing a deck, look at the
symbols that are catching your eye and if they are symbols that
resonate with you. Soak in the finer details – the image on the
back of the deck, the font used in the words, are the cards
edged (some decks come gold edged or fine metallic edged). If
you find that as you are moving through the images / cards, lots
of symbols are jumping out at you or maybe messages start
coming through quickly, then that’s a good indicator that it’s
going to be an inspiring deck for you.

Feel the deck

Hold the deck, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and
connect to how you feel. The key to this is to drop into your
heart, still your mind and really become aware of your feeling.

Feel the stock. The stock is the thickness and weight of the
cards. How do they feel in your hand? If you are able to,
shuffle the cards, how do they move and glide, what sensations
do they bring to your hands?

What about the size of the card? How does it fit in your hand?
Is it a large card for a small hand or vice versa? If you have the
opportunity to shuffle the cards, be aware of this too. If the
card feels awkward in your hands, then your connection to the
deck will be distanced. I know of readers who have cut the
cards down, but I highly recommend refraining from this –
maintain the original integrity of the cards as much as you can.

13
I had an experience once, where I was in a store and I was
drawn to a deck. I loved the imagery of the cards, but when I
was still, went within and connected into it, I felt a heavy
energy come over me. As typically happens with spirit, there’s
no explanation as to why, but the feeling was clear. When
reading tarot it’s important to be in the right vibration and if
your connection to a deck is heavy from the outset, then that is
likely to influence your reading.

I chose to leave that deck behind. It may have been that we

just weren’t in sync on that day, it may have been that were
just weren’t meant to be, but I trusted in the universe that if I
was meant to have that deck, it would present itself again
when the timing was right. Funnily enough, that deck has
never shown up for me again in my travels (yet).

Remember – make it personal, like a conversation with an old

friend, it needs to “fit like a glove”.

Card numbers

A traditional tarot deck has 78 cards, splits over the Major

Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards), is represented
by the four suits (Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles) and the
court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). Modern day decks may
have variations of this. I have seen interpretations where the
Swords were called Irons, Knight becomes the Prince, the Page
becomes the Child or the Princess, or even the Daughter but

14
the principles of having suits, courts and the numbers are the
same.

Other decks such as Lenormand and Oracle decks vary to this

number of cards, as does their fundamental principles and
structure.

Choose a system

There are 3 main systems in tarot decks. The Marseille, the

Thoth and the Rider-Waite. They all have a different intention
and reading influence.

Rider-Waite and the Thoth History

I’d dare to say that the Rider-Waite Deck and system is

probably the most commonly recognised and widely referred to
system, particularly in circles that involve tarot newbies and
those getting interested in tarot or wanting to learn tarot.

It was commissioned in 1909 by Arthur Waite in conjunction

with his publisher William Rider and supported by the art of
Pamela Colman Smith. Waite and Smith were both members of
a society dedicated to magic and occult practices known as the
Hemetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Aleister Crowley was also
part of this society and Crowley was the creator of the Thoth
system in partnership with Frieda Harris. Rider and Crowley
were rivals within the society, hence the creation of the two
systems.

15
Knowing tarot history is interesting and is able to bring depth to
your ability as a reader, rather than potentially being
overwhelmed with information at the beginning, my suggestion
is place history on the shelf for now and pick it up later once
you feel more established in your tarot practices if you feel
called to – and only if you feel called to.

Once you connect with the cards and the system, the history
makes more sense, and you can make up your own mind about
the differing opinions and information.

Comparing Systems

Whilst the Rider-Waite is the most familiar system for learning,

the Marseille system actually pre-dates it.

The Marseille system, is less complex. It has less imagery and

relies more on your intuitive instinct, your knowledge of the
suits and of numerology. If you work with the Marseille deck,
you will need to leave your preconceived meanings of the
Rider-Waite at the door and really come back to basics.

The Thoth system is influenced heavily by metaphysical

concepts, esoteric images, astrology, kabbalah and alchemy.

The Rider-Waite as arguably the most common and recognised

system, is also recommended as the best system for learning.
There is so much depth and framework for interpretation in
this system whereas Aleister Crowley had a more defined

16
intention as the author of the Thoth system. Not to say of
course that readers haven’t imprinted their own interpretations
on the Thoth system as well.

Keep in mind that choosing a system is different to choosing a

deck. There are a number of different decks, with vast imagery
and symbols but still based on the Rider -Waite system.

My suggestion is that you go back to the first step, look at and

feel the deck first, then look at the system. You are then able
to choose if you want to explore those aspects more – make
sure it looks and feels right first.

Purpose of the deck

What are your plans for the deck? Is it going to be for your own
personal use or are you planning to use it to read for others or
in the online space?

Here we go back to what’s personal. Some readers prefer to

keep a deck for their own use and they don’t share that deck
with others – including not allowing anyone else to touch their
personal deck and some readers aren’t bothered by it.

It comes down to relationship and rituals. I consider there is to

be something to be said for the “intimacy” and bond that you
create with your own personal deck and holding it sacred from
the energies of others. I will still use my personal deck to read
for others, but I am the only one who handles the cards. After

17
the reading I acknowledge and thank my deck for opening itself
to be of service to me and to others.

You may want a few public decks that people can choose from
as everyone responds to different connections and those
connections will also vary from day to day. With tarot being a
visual tool, bright colours and glossy imagery are a likely way to
draw people to a deck.

Are you choosing a deck that has a theme? You may be looking
for a deck to enhance your love and relationships readings, and
there are decks that are themed as love decks, which are based
on the Rider-Waite system, but every card brings out the love
and relationship meaning of the card. For example, the King of
Swords can mean things like stability in finances, security or a
legal issue in your career or a paternal role being established
within family. In a love reading one interpretation it holds is
relating to being absolutely sure about the relationship, there is
no doubt and together you will accomplish great things. In a
deck themed for relationship and love readings the imagery of
the King of Swords will represent the love aspects of the card
and not the others.

Regardless of the purpose or the theme, you will still need to

establish a bond with the deck.

18
The book

Just like Oracle Cards tarot decks usually come with a guide
book. If so, and you can browse the book before your
purchase, knowing the authors thoughts and intentions for the
deck and getting a feel for the authors language and
interpretations, will give you some insight as to if it aligns with
you (the creator of the deck is the usually the author).

Whilst this aspect is not a significant part of choosing a deck

prior to purchase, as you will build your own connection and
your own interpretations later, if you feel a connection with the
author, then that will heighten your connection too!

Buying a deck online

It’s become the way of the world! Except, there is something

so magical about buying a deck from a spiritual shop, where
you can engage in the physical energy first.

There is much to be said for the intricacies you will intertwine

with as you wander a store. Smells of things like incense,
candles and oils, and experiences of crystals, statues, mists,
dreamcatchers and the like. The energy you will get from
engaging with other people, the guidance or message that you
might receive from spirit, someone else perusing the store or
even the shopkeeper themselves. Not to mention the potential
for seeing and feeling the deck before you buy it.

19
I’m not suggesting that you completely avoid buying a deck
online, but if you do buy a deck online, do some research first
and please stay away from cheap decks and “knock offs”.
Certainly, you may have the good fortune of finding a deck on
sale, what I’m talking about is the deck that’s like a knock off of
a designer item.

Let’s look at an example – if you find a designer bag that

regularly retails for $1000, you might be lucky and find it on
sale for $800, but if you are buying a $50 version of that bag,
then I’m pretty certain you’re not getting an original. The same
theory applies with purchasing a deck.

You’ll know a knock off when you hold it from the flimsy stock,
the dull colours, the lack in the fine detail and most likely
missing a book, but most of all, you’ll feel it in the energy it
carries with it once you hold it.

Lastly, most tarot readers will be sure to tell you, that buying
decks can become addictive! Some decks will end up in a
cupboard or shelf and not be used for years and then all of a
sudden you will hear it call you and it becomes your favourite!
Other decks you get drawn to and you use and use and then
one day you just fall out of love with it and retire it. Just
remember – it’s personal, follow your heart!

20
Chapter 2 – Welcoming your deck

Connecting and cleansing your deck is a two part process. Your

initial connection and then maintaining your ongoing
connection. For now, let’s look at welcoming your deck and
getting to know your deck and we will explore how to keep
connected a little later.

Welcome Home

Set up the energy of the space. Candles, plants, crystals,

diffusers, smudging, a tarot cloth etc (whatever works for you).
Open the deck and welcome your deck home and show
appreciation that you have it.

21
Sit and count the cards, going through each suit, and check that
there are no missing cards (yes it happens). As you count, have
a conversation with them, tell them what your intention is for
them. Is it a personal or private deck, is it going to be for
relationship and love readings, or a mix of readings (this will
link back to your purpose and theme of the deck when you
purchased it). Tell the deck about yourself too, if specific
characters jump out at you, spend a little more time getting to
know them.

Create your deck their own home, a silk pouch or scarf,

something that keeps them safe and protected.

Meet the cards

Look at every card one by one. As you do, look at the design
elements of the card.

 Note the symbols – does anything resonate with you? Or

do you see a repeating symbol? This includes colours.
 Do you have an immediate favourite? or the reverse – a
card that triggers a negative reaction? Ask yourself Why?
 Do you experience any strong feelings about particular
cards? Journal what those feelings are as your initial
impression and feelings carry significant meanings, so you
want to remember them as they come in. Set these cards
aside so that you can go back and have a deeper
conversation with them later.

22
 Are the suits or the courts renamed from the traditional
expectation?

Re order and “smoosh” the cards. We talk about “smooshing”

later in shuffling, but it involves placing the cards on a flat
surface and moving them around like this.

After smooshing for at least one minute, put the deck back
together, one card at a time, turning them all upright as you go.
If you notice that some cards haven’t separated (for example
maybe the 2, 3 and 4 of cups are all still together) mix them
into another place in the deck.

23
Cleanse them

You never know where your cards have been or who they came
into contact with before they came to you. Cleansing will
remove some of the toxic energy attached to them. Cleansing
is a continual process. The initial cleanse and the continuing
cleansing and cleansing between readings. The following
methods can be done at all times, but I think they are
particularly useful for the initial cleanse of the deck.

 Smudging the deck with incense or sage. Simplified,

smudging involves running
the deck through the smoke
of your sage or incense as
it’s burning, or by circling
the smoke around the deck.
You can do this card by card
or as the whole deck.

As with most spiritual rituals, the effectiveness is in the

intent. When I smudge, I like to visualise the smoke taking
the impurities away from the cards and I like to have a
window or door open so that the energy can exit the room.

 Place your deck in a window sill or on a table where they

will be in the direct light of the full moon to really
supercharge them!. This can be done on the day prior, the
day of and the day after the full moon as the energy is

24
 strongest in those days. I also like splitting them into
multiple piles when I place them on the sill or table.

 Give them a sun bath. Do exactly the same as you would

for the full moon above, but in the sun. Just be mindful
that your cards can burn or warp depending on the heat
and humidity in the room, so do it for less time than the
moonlight and keep an eye on them.

 Salt burial – some readers swear by this method. If you

would like to use this method, wrap the deck in tightly in
plastic and bury it in an airtight container of Himalayan
salt. The cards must be totally surrounded by the salt (top,
bottom and sides). Leave them for about a week and once
removing them, dispose of the salt outside.

Sleep with them

Okay, sounds a little crazy, but when we sleep we are in a deep

and pure connection to our subconscious. Placing the cards in
their pouch or scarf and on your nightstand or even under your
pillow connects with them at a rich, heartfelt and subconscious
level. Pay attention to and journal your dreams to really
enhance your understanding of what the cards want to say to
you.

25
Mediate and Attune

Attuning is a process of connection. To do an attunement with

your deck:

 Make sure you’ve welcomed and cleansed the deck

 Hold the deck in your right hand (your right hand is said to
be your giving hand and you are going to be giving the
cards energy

 Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, visualise a

pure white light coming through your head, into your
heart, down your right arm and into the cards

 Imagine the cards being surrounded by the white light

 Place your left hand on your heart and tell the cards that
you place your heart and trust in them, that you will
protect them and thank them for serving you

26
 Open your eyes and place them into their chosen home
(pouch or scarf)

Meditate with them. If you are familiar with meditation, then

meditate with your deck. If you are just learning the art of
meditation and not familiar or comfortable with meditation
then I suggest you skip this, as the process of being distracted
while you learn to mediate as well as connect with the deck,
may convey a distracted energy to the cards.

Read the book

If your deck came with a book, read the book so that you can
understand what the authors intention for the deck is.

To get the best out of reading the book, take the card that you
are reading about in your hand and read the book at the same
time. If the author mentions a particular message or symbol,
take the time to focus on the card and really take in their
message and intention.

If in studying the book and card, you get a strong feeling about
a particular card, then journal that feeling.

Interview Them

There is one last one I want to touch on very briefly. I am

hesitant about exploring it in detail, it is because if you are a

27
newbie, I really see it as running before you can crawl. It
involves doing a spread called “an interview spread” and
reading a spread, before you know the basics of connection can
be counter intuitive.

The interview spread is a very popular initial connection

method. As its name suggests, it is a spread whereby you
interview the deck and ask a number of questions and let the
cards answer you. It’s a wonderful and fun way to get to know
your deck and really build an understanding of it’s purpose and
why the two of you came together. BUT, until you know how
to read the tarot, how to interpret symbols, know numerology,
the suits and how to access your intuition, it’s ineffective and
you will just bring confusion to the relationship with your deck.

I will show you the how to work with this spread later in the
book, once you have had an opportunity to experience some
other tools, as it is a great way for those of you who may
already be somewhat familiar with tarot and are adding to your
deck collection.

Shuffling

Shuffling the cards is another way of cleansing and connecting

with your deck. Personally, after I have brought a deck home
and gone through my cleansing process, I like to keep my cards
close and if I have some time I just sit and shuffle them, just an

28
overhand shuffle, but peacefully just hold them and connect
with them as I move them through my hands.

There are many different styles of shuffling (we’ve already

mentioned smooshing is one of them) and there are also
theories and science behind the effectiveness of various
shuffling methods. We will dive deeper into shuffling in its very
own chapter.

Get Exclusive

When you bring a new deck home, to really make it feel

welcome, get exclusive with it for a little while. Invest a little
extra energy into it.

Many tarot readers make tarot the first thing they do in the
morning and the last thing they do at night. This is an excellent
practice, particularly with a new deck. For at least the first
couple weeks pick your new deck up every morning and night
and do some kind of connection practice with them. Some
days you might flip through every card and some days you
might just hold the deck in your hands for a moment and
mentally thank it, welcome it or visualise it surrounded in white
light.

Thank your deck

Imagine how you would feel if someone was asking you

questions all day, every day – pretty drained right? Well
consider how your tarot deck feels! Remember that reading

29
tarot is all about energy and you want your deck to always be
full of positivity, clarity and guidance, if its energy is depleted
then it won’t perform at its best level for you!

So make sure that you are showing it thanks and appreciation

at every opportunity, that you spend time with your decks
outside of readings and questions and that you help it to
recharge often.

Most of these practices are also used to cleanse and reconnect

with your deck in between readings and as your tarot journey
grows. Later in preparing for your reading we will look at some
other ways to cleanse and reconnect with your deck between
readings. Keeping mind that shuffling is also a cleansing
process.

30
Chapter 3 – Storing and Protecting

Maintaining the bond and the connection with your deck is an

ongoing process and the more you invest in the connection, the
stronger your intuitive relationship with the cards will be, the
stronger your intuitive relationship, the clearer, deeper and
more accurate your readings will be and the more flexibility you
will have as reader.

Storing and Protecting your deck is part of maintaining that

bond.

Your cards store an energy imprint, so cleansing them before

you store them is a wonderful way of allowing them to rest
peacefully. Using some of the cleansing tips that we have

31
already discussed as well as the one’s we cover in reading
preparation will serve them before you store them.

Once again, storing your cards is personal, as long as it’s

respectful and protective then find what works for you. Here
are some suggestions:

 Wrapping them in a dark coloured silk cloth (deep purple

and deep blue are both beautiful spiritual colours)
 Placing them in a silk tarot pouch
 Keeping them in a wooden tarot or jewellery box
 Keep them in their original box
 Storing them in piles in your energetic reading space away
from distracting clutter
 Store them with crystals (crystals like clear quartz, selenite,
black tourmaline, amethyst all work well)
 A combination of all these elements

I store my personal cards wrapped

in a silk cloth, inside a pouch with
a small selenite crystal and my
reading cards in their boxes, in my
energy space with a crystal on top.

My energy space is light and

bright, has lots of crystals and all
things spiritual or items that hold
personal memories and I regularly cleanse that space and the

32
items in it. When I sage that area, I always ensure that I sage
around my cards.

Lastly, any decks that I am not using or that I feel I have lost
connection to, I move out of my energy space. Personally, I
keep all my decks in case they call on me at a later stage in life,
but I move them out of my energy space and into another area,
so that my reading space remains free of old or stuck energy.

When I bring a deck out of vacation or retirement, I treat it

exactly as I would a new deck and re-establish my bond with it.
This is a great opportunity to do an interview spread and get a
feel for where your connection with the deck is or if it has
changed.

Now that you’ve met and started to bond with your deck, let’s
move on and create your intuitive connection with the cards.
As you do this, you will deepen your bond with them at the
same time.

33
Chapter 4 – Tarot Basics

We’ve established how important creating a bond with your

deck is and looked at some suggestions on how you can do this.

The great news is that the more time you spend with your deck,
the stronger that relationship will become. Working with the
deck one card at a time is an awesome way to build your bond
and raise your intuitive connection to the cards.

Your intuition and personal interpretation is the strongest

communication method you can implement and I encourage
you to pursue that with heart, but I thought some basic
foundations could help you get started.

I believe that if you can understand the elements, and create a

connection to symbology and numerology, then it all flows

34
from there and you will be surprised how adaptable you
become as a reader.

Practical Activity

Take out one card from each of the four suits (cups, wands,
swords, pentacles). Any card is fine. Looking at the symbol for
the suit, describe in 3 words or less what you think it looks like
or means to you.

Wand
Sword
Cup
Pentacle

The Arcanas

The word arcana means secret or mystery. The deck is split

into a Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards).
You may hear the Minor Arcana also referred to as the Lesser
Arcana.

The Major Arcana represent our big mysteries and life lessons.
It is our deep unconscious energy. The Minor Arcana are the
smaller, day to day aspects and secrets of life and the areas we
are interacting in with those energies daily.

35
Suits, Elements and a touch of Astrology

As I previously mentioned, if you come to understand the suits,

their elements and the numbers, the rest falls into place.
Understanding where the numerology influence places you in
the cycle of the event then adds some clarity to the story. We
look at numerology coming up soon.

Keeping in mind that the elements represent the suits

connection to mother earth.

I find that when it comes to learning, “associations” are a

valuable method for remembering information. Here are some
of the short cuts I created for remembering and associating the
connections between the suits and the elements.

Included are also the

zodiac connections.
Despite being
mindful of not
introducing too much
astrology into this
learning, knowing the
connection of the
element to the
relevant zodiac signs is a ground level state of information and I
think it will be useful in your journey.

It helps to be looking at a card from the suit as you read these!

36
Wands (Element of Fire)

• Are made of wood

• They look like the wood of tree branches and wood and
tree branches burn. What burns wood? – Fire!
• Wands represent the element of fire
• Ever heard of the saying “to burn with desire?” Wands are
linked to desires.
• Fire can be unpredictable, destructive, devastating. It can
also be useful for keeping warm, providing light and for
cooking. Fire is often used purposefully to encourage
regeneration
• Fire is also about heat and passion
• When we desire or are passionate about something that
feeling comes from our soul. Wands are about our soul
passions
• As wood is also a fire starter, and wands represent igniting
passion (passions of the soul)
• Tree branches also support new growth and renewal
• When we feel that spark, that feeling that lights us up, we
become inspired and creative which provides a
combination of the burning fire and determination to grow

The zodiac signs related to fire are Aries, Leo & Sagittarius.

37
Practical Activity

Write down a brief description about fire and what it does.

What do you relate to when you think about fire? Also think
does it have a masculine or a feminine energy to it?

Can you create an association that will help you recall the
zodiacs attached to the element of fire?

Aries
Leo
Sagittarius

38
Swords (Element of Air)

• When we fight with swords we move them through the air

• Swords represent the element of air
• Air is always moving. It can be crisp and fresh or it can be
hot, stale and oppressive. Air can be still, provide a gentle
breeze or cut through us on a cold day, but also fierce
enough to create a storm
• Swords are associated with fighting and conflict
• Using swords requires skill, mental energy, concentration.
It requires us to think and use our intellect
• When using swords they have the ability to hurt
• Swords represent the mind, the issues that require mental
attention, the possibility of mental conflict and the ability
to inflict pain
• After we have been inflicted with pain (or pierced by the
sword) we require healing
• Think about the saying of a double edged sword and notice
if the sword is sharp or blunt and if the tip is visible

The zodiac signs related to air are Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

39
Practical Activity

Write down a brief description about air and what it does.

What do you relate to when you think about air? Also think
does it have a masculine or a feminine energy to it?

Can you create an association that will help you recall the
zodiac attached to the element of air?

Gemini
Libra
Aquarius

40
Cups (Element of Water)

• Cups hold liquid. Natures liquid is water

• Cups represent the element of water
• Water is fluid and goes with the flow. It cleans, clears,
hydrates, fills, replenishes and regenerates. It can be cool
and refreshing or hot and scalding. It can sustain great
temperatures and has the capacity to both freeze and boil
over and then can return to its original state
• Water can be as gentle as warm bath, lap at your feet and
yet powerful enough to support an ocean liner or as
dangerous as a tidal wave. It can dry up and evaporate to
cause a drought or rush with the intensity to cause a flood
• We often use a pump to pump water. Our body pump is
the heart moving our bodys fluids
• When we cry we release tears
• Cups are connected to our emotions and relationships (the
heart, our tears, the flow of life)
• Cups can overflow and spill over (just as can emotions).
The saying “my cup runneth over” links the Cups and our
emotions
• Cups can be seen as half full or half empty depending on
your perspective

The zodiac signs related to water are Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

41
Practical Activity

Thinking about emotions, write down a brief description about

the characteristics of water and link it to emotions. Also think
does it have a masculine or a feminine energy to it?

Can you create an association that will help you recall the
zodiac attached to the element of water?

I will give you a hint on this one – the sign of cancer is a crab
and crabs live in water

Cancer
Pisces
Scorpio

42
Pentacles (Element of Earth)

Pentacles are also known as the suit of coins and they look like
coins.

• Ever heard of planting a money tree? Well if you did, you

would place the coin in the earth
• Pentacles represent the element of earth
• The earth can be stable, nurturing and fertile providing the
nutrients required for growth. It can also be uneven, hard
rejecting of growth and open up and swallow you like an
earthquake
• As much as the earth is giving in its fertility, it also absorbs
much that is thrown at it. The heat of the sun, the
pounding of the rain, struck by lightning, carried away by
floods and also carried by the wind
• When you think about planting, we also think about the
ground. Pentacles deal with being grounded
• When the money tree you planted grows you will have
prosperity, security, stability and abundance
• Financial security brings material possessions – pentacles
relate to possessions
• When a tree grows it sprouts new foilage and as trees are
also related to nature and sprit, you will be working with
spiritual growth and abundance
• Pentacles represent spiritual and earthly possessions as
well as material one’s

43
• When you are in possession of high material abundance,
you may be challenged by a higher ego – pentacles shadow
side can represent the ego
• Mismanagement of your material and spiritual abundance
can lead to lack, but there is always opportunity to increase
and return your financial and spiritual abundance if you are
open and willing

The zodiac signs related to earth are Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

44
Practical Activity

Thinking about possessions, write down a brief description

about the characteristics of earth and link it to aspects of life
that create possessions (for example, working can generate
money) Also think does earth have a masculine or a feminine
energy to it?

Can you create an association that will help you recall the
zodiac attached to the element of earth?

Taurus
Virgo
Capricorn
Hopefully working through the elements this way has helped
you both associate and deepen your meaning of the suits as
well as illustrate the power of symbols. A simple cup can mean
so much as all the aspects tied to water. Hence a picture paints
a thousand words if we are open and receptive.

45
Court Cards and the Royal Family

Each of the four suits has a royal family traditionally and

commonly represented by the Page, Knights, Queen and King.

Think of them as the main characters of the story. When the

court cards appear in a reading, they typically represent
yourself or other people. Think friends, family, co-workers and
the roles that they play in your life or the life of the querent.

Practical Activity

Holding the court cards in your hand or out in front of you, for
each of the court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King), write a
description about:

• How you perceive that court card to be. Their personality,

and their role
• What age group do you think they are in?
• Do you see them as traditionally male or female energy? (a
male can have predominantly feminine energy or vice
versa, so think energy, not gender)

46
A Page

A Knight

A Queen

47
A King

Thinking about the court cards, if you had to attach an element

(fire, water, air or earth) what would you choose? Fill in the
blanks below and only use an element once.

Page
Knight
Queen
King

Fun Activity – send the cards on a date

Pull out all the court cards from the deck. Pick two court cards.
If they were on a date, what do you think they would tell each
other about themselves?

Once you have the story, shuffle the remaining cards and pick
one out randomly – what do you think the outcome of the date
was?

48
Some more connections

Above I asked you to write what element you thought the court
cards were connected to. Here are the answers below.

Page = Earth
Knight = Fire
Queen = Water
King = Air

If makes sense if you think about it.

A page has a feel of child, or growing. Children play in the dirt,

things grow from the Earth.

A Knight is teenage to young adult. A knight often charges

forward – like fire.

A Queen is the motherly energy. She has the emotional aspects

of a mother and the strength to support her King and her
family. Similarly, water represents the tears of emotion and is
strong enough to support ocean liners.

A King is the fatherly energy. As the King, the ruler and the
father he is required to be decisive and use his power and
intellect. Just as the swords require intellect. Kings of old often
inflicted pain via the sword and also used the sword to bestow
Knighthood on the Knights. Swords are of course Air.

49
What happens when the elements combine?

If the Queen is Water, but the Wands are Fire – what does the
Queen of Wands represent? Here we have a Queen who is both
emotional and passionate. She may be Queen, but she has her
own soul passions and desires. Look at the card for the Queen
of Wands. What feeling do you get about her? Compare her
now to the other Queens. Look at the different energy, the
symbols around them, their facial expressions.

Also recognising that energies can cross. A female can have

very dominant male energy and a male very female traits and
emotions.

Practical Activity

For every court card write a summary of their element

combinations and what they mean to you:

Page of Wands – Earth + Fire =

50
Page of Swords – Earth + Air =

Page of Cups – Earth + Water =

Page of Pentacles – Earth + Earth =

51
Knight of Wands – Fire + Fire =

Knight of Swords – Fire + Air =

Knight of Cups – Fire + Water =

52
Knight of Pentacles – Fire + Earth =

Queen of Wands – Water + Fire =

Queen of Swords – Water + Air =

53
Queen of Cups – Water + Water =

Queen of Pentacles – Water + Earth =

King of Wands – Air + Fire =

54
King of Swords – Air + Air =

King of Cups – Air + Water =

King of Pentacles – Air + Earth =

55
Chapter 5 – Symbology Word Association

We are surrounded by symbols every day, in every moment.

Symbology plays an integral role in reading tarot and especially
when it comes to reading intuitively. If you can connect with
symbology and what it means to you, then reading any kind of
deck (tarot and or oracle) becomes a much more natural and
effortless process.

Symbology has been a form of communication dating back to

the beginning of time. As the first form of storytelling, symbols
convey values, ideas, beliefs, concepts and memories.

56
As far back as the forbidden apple in the garden of eden or
paintings and etchings appearing on ancient cave walls,
symbols have played a significant part in interactions.

Symbols can serve as reminders, make us feel connected and in

understanding their deeper meanings, we expand both our
conscious and unconscious awareness.

Whilst certain symbology has defined meanings and

representations, at its essence, symbology is also personal. It’s
a language of your soul. A symbol can speak to a knowing deep
within you, something that you cannot explain and it can also
link us back to moments, experiences and feelings that have
left a psychological imprint on our physical and emotional
energy.

Symbols have no words and yet speak volumes.

In tarot, a cards meaning can change from deck to deck, as can

symbol meanings change depending on who you are reading
for and the cards around it.

Let me share a personal example. The way I interpret and feel

about the rabbit in the Queen of Pentacles has often changed.
Sometimes I feel it is new life (breeding like rabbits), sometimes
it represents a timeline (Easter), sometimes it is the need for
the querent to frolic in nature. Then one day I’m reading for
someone about their career and I hear myself saying, “I’m
drawn to the rabbit, it’s like he’s sprinting to the finish line. Are
you racing to meet a deadline?” Turns out the client was 2 days
away from completing a project that would earn him a
57
significant financial bonus if it was achieved on time. As I was
saying those words in that reading, I shocked myself, had no
idea where they came from or why, because that wasn’t my
usual meaning for the rabbit, but when you get the message,
just go with it… and it turned out to be accurate!

Some common spiritual symbols

There are hundreds of spiritual symbols, here are a small

sample of some common one’s and their meanings.

Hamsa

Its interpretation depends on the culture or

belief system and it is also known as
hamesh, chamsa, khasma, khamesh. In all
the contrasting cultures and interpretations
it has a common theme of being connected
to 5.

The “5 influence” varys dependent on the culture from 5

fingers of the hand, the 5th letter of the alphabet, 5 books of
the Torah, the five senses, the five pillars, a life cycle of 5, the 5
wounds of Christ, 5 virtues of the medieval knights, 5 points of
the star.

Universally it is a symbol of protection from negativity.

58
Tree of Life

You’ll find the Tree of Life in myths all

over the world and in different cultures.
It is said to be connected to the garden
of Eden and Adam and Eve’s encounter
with the forbidden fruit.

It represents a connection to the all the

elements (earth, wind, air and fire). The elements as we know,
are also a fundamental influence in the tarot. The elements are
all connected to universal energy and the tree represents that
despite our different branches and roots we are all connected
to a bigger life force.

Universally it is understood to be associated with birth, death

and rebirth in the circle of life. Remembering that the cycle of
birth to re-birth is not just a connection to the physical, but to
cycles of change and transformation. Even a business or
scientific idea can have a cycle of birth, death and re-birth.

The Yin Yang

A symbol of balance and of dualism.

Single elements, opposites, contained
equally in a circle, opposite yet
complimentary. One cannot exist
without the other if one is to feel
whole, no element dominating the

59
other but rather existing in harmony through balance. Balance
of the dark and the light, of the masculine and the feminine the
combination of opposing forces to create harmony

The harmony and balance of the universe can be found in the

ying and yang.

The Pentagram

In some cultures the pentagram

(which is the name of the 5
pointed star) is associated with
“satanic ideals”.

In tarot the pentagram sits within

a circle to create the pentacle.
The appearance of the pentacle
represents spiritual and material abundance.

The pentagram is connected to the 5 (see the hamsa above)

and the circle connected to no beginning or end (or eternity
and infinity). Despite the pentacle representing the earth
element in traditional tarot, the pentagrams five points signify
the four elements of air, earth, fire and water and the
quintessential spirit (quintessential derives from the ‘quin’ or
the 5).

60
When we place the pentagram in the circle we protect the
sacred elements for eternity.

In examining the traditional tarot suit,

you will notice that the points of the
pentagram rarely touch the circle… in
some instances you will see the points
of the star touch the circle ensuring that
they remain connected.

The Caduceus

The Caduceus is a traditional

symbol of Hermes (one of the
ancient Greek gods) and
representative of the planet
mercury.

Also a symbol of duality, the two

snakes represent the intertwining
of the feminine and the masculine. Their coming together
depict your primal life force energies spiraling upwards in
cooperation and the uniting of a common vision and opening
the wings of new life.

Snakes are often a symbol that trigger fear in the human self,
but considering that a snake sheds its dull lifeless skin and
comes out shiny and bright they also are symbolic of renewal.

61
The Lemniscate

Also known as the infinity symbol

it is originally a mathematical
symbol dating back to the 1600’s,
it represented a large positive
number.

It has developed many meanings in different contexts over

time.

• Chinese Philosophy sees it as good luck and success

• In metaphysics it represents stability and harmony
• Physics uses it to indicate endless repetition
• Christianity adopt it as a symbol for eternity
• In some spiritual circles growth without limits, in others
simplicity and balance.

To most of us it represents a forever, a continuous line, no

beginning or end.

When it appears in the tarot it takes on different influences.

Above the head an endless stream of thought or focus. In The
World card it combines with red and intertwines with the
victory wreath both at the top and the bottom, one above her
head and one at her feet. In the Two of Pentacles he is using it
as a balance, never ending flow of energy. With the pentacles
inside it, it is balancing the element of earth and all the

62
representations of the earth and the possessions of the
pentacle.

The YOD

The Yod is the 10th letter of the Hebrew

Alphabet. In the tarot it represents gifts
from the Universe, a blessing in
disguise, cosmic and karmic benefits.

A Yod can represent a journey of soul

purifications and connections to
integrity, balance and wisdom.

63
Practical Activity

Below you will find a list of words. Next to every word, write a
description of what that word symbolises to you. Remember
it’s your interpretation, so don’t feel influenced by what you
“think you should write” or feel like there is a right or wrong. If
you only have one word to describe your association of what it
means to you, that’s fine.

You can also use your tarot journal for this if you prefer.

Angel
Armour
Black Cat
Blindfold
Boat
Book
Bridge
Bird
Buildings
Bull
Butterfly
Castle
Chains
Chariot

64
Children
Cloak
Clouds
Coffin
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dawn
Devil
Dog
Dove
Eagle
Empress
Emperor
Fish
Flame
Garden
Glove
Grape Vines
Hat
Hermit
Horse
Key
Lantern

65
Lightning
Lion
Magician
Mountains
Moon
Naked People
Path
Pillar / Column
Rabbit
Rain
Rainbow
River
Rock
Scales
Scroll
Sea
Skull
Snake
Star
Sun
Sunrise
Sword
Throne
Tower

66
Tree
Trumpet
Veil
Water
Wheel
White Beard
White Hair
World
Wreath

Flowers

Roses
Red Rose
White Rose
Yellow Rose
Pink Rose
Lillies
White Lily
Water Lily
Sunflowers

67
Chapter 6 – Numerology

What is Numerology?

Laws of the universe influence everything around us.

Everything that is made can be related back to numbers. For

instance, sunflower seeds can generate the logarithmic spiral
pattern, and all florets make the golden angle. There are many
other facts showing us incredible things. Numerology opens the
hidden meaning of numbers for us.

The basic principles of

numerology work on a
theory that the cosmos of
your life is affected by your
birth date, birth name and
many other factors like
astrological placements,
which often provide
astounding insights into
yourself and others. The
term we use for divination using numerology is Arithmancy.

Numerology is a metaphysical science, based on relationships

between numbers and coinciding events. It was introduced
more than a thousand years ago by famous philosophers. Every

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number has a specific nature that creates certain vibrations,
and those vibrations create our personal frequency, which
handles particular patterns in life.

We often divide the numbers into 'lucky' and 'unlucky', but in

reality it may just be that the numbers are not suited to your
energy. It brings incongruity, and the person who follows a
direction that is opposite to their number frequency may create
disharmony in their life.

Although numerology isn't exact science, it is an invaluable tool

that will help to reveal insights and hidden potential. When we
know the impact of numbers and can use them to our benefit,
we can achieve more in this life. Numerology also helps us to
make more powerful decisions when we consciously use them.
Understanding the influences of numbers can at least help
understand certain events in your life and how you can bring
other influences in to shift the frequency or energy.

As individuals, we can often loose our sense of purpose. We

become overwhelmed and confused as to what we should be
doing in life, who we are, where we fit, why our relationships
are struggling, why we are being challenged in communications
with others and why we seem to get stuck in a pattern or cycle
that seems impossible to break.

In my coaching business, we work with clients to define their

direction. I often refer to numerology as a tool to gain insight
as to how the numbers may be influencing a particular block or
situation and identify what tools we can use to consciously alter

69
our choices and improve our outcomes and achieve our true
desires.

Understanding the numbers for Tarot

In tarot, understanding the numbers can play as big a part as

the symbology and meaning of the card themselves. For
example, a reading with a high percentage of 9’s (and numbers
that add down to a 9 – I’ll cover that in a second) can indicate
that the whatever message or situation is coming out in a
reading is completing its cycle. If the querent (the person
asking the question of the cards) has asked about a particular
problem, the problem could be near to a resolution or the
situation coming to an end.

If for example, there were a high number of 1’s, 2’s and 3’s, it
could indicate that the querent is just beginning the cycle, and
whilst there is movement and transition forward (depending on
how many you have of each number) there is still a while to go
in the journey.

I’ve seen readings that had an influence of 1’s and 2’s but in the
outcome positions we had 9’s and 10’s, indicating that they
were at the beginning of their journey in the particular
situation, but the outcome was close and positive.

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Numerology Representations on Tarot

In many decks in the tarot and in the Rider-Waite deck the

numbers are represented in Roman Numerals.

Here is a quick table to help you do the Roman numeral

conversions.

I= 1 XI = 11
II = 2 XII = 12
III = 3 XIII = 13
IV = 4 XIV = 14
V= 5 XV = 15
VI = 6 XVI = 16
VII = 7 XVII = 17
VIII = 8 XVIII = 18
IX = 9 XIX = 19
X= 10 XX = 20
XXI = 21

Double Digit Numbers

In numerology, we reduce numbers down to one digit

influencers, except for the Master Numbers (11, 22 and 33).
Although some numerologists only consider 11 and 22 Masters
and some go as far as to include 44. We will go into Masters in
the Tarot in just a moment.

In tarot, for the most part the highest double digit number card
is 21 (on rare occasion, the Fool is represented as 22). To
reduce the numbers to single digits, it’s as easy as adding the
numbers together (18 = 1+8 = 9).
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In numerology we go so far as to break down entire birth dates.
For example, 23rd December 1986 becomes 2+3+1+2+1+9+8+6
= 32 and 3+2 = 5. There are different versions of reductions.
Sometimes people do the day+month+year first = 5+3+24 (2+4
reduces to 6). Then 5+3+6 = 14. 1+4 reduces to 5. Either way,
the result is the same ☺

Let’s look at the reduction of double digit tarot numbers:

10 = 1 + 0 = 1

11 = 2 (but an 11 is a master number so it holds it’s power as an

11)

12 = 3 17 = 8
13 = 4 18 = 9
14 = 5 19 = 10
15 = 6 20 = 2
16 = 7 21 = 3

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Practical Activity

Looking at the scale below, and thinking about number

placement, write down at least 3 descriptions for each number
that you feel represents it’s energy and position in the cycle.
I’ve given you a few examples to get you started.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 Beginnings, New Ideas, Originality

2
3
4
5 Change, Transition, Movement
6
7
8
9
10 Beginning a new cycle

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Numerology Key Words & Associations

Let’s look at some common key word associations for the

numbers. See how they compare to yours and then do the
practical activity below to add some more key words.

1 Beginnings, opportunity, potential, originality,

new ideas

2 Balance, partnerships, choice, sharing, equality,

duality

3 Creativity, growth, expansion, celebration

4 Structure, order, practicality, stability, manifesting

5 Change, freedom, expression, instability, conflict

6 Communication, service, cooperation, harmony,

adjustment

7 Reflection, reassessment, knowledge, inner conflict

reflection

8 Power, mastery, action, accomplishment, success,

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 withdrawal, values

9 Attainment, fulfilment, completion, introspection,

wisdom, solitude, cycles ending

10 Completion, renewal, transcendence, regeneration

beginning a new cycle

The 10 also adds back to 1 and carries the energies and

influences both of the 1 and the 0

Practical Activity

Take each number from the Major Arcana and the suits.
Example: If looking at the 7’s you will take, The Chariot, The
Tower (16 – 1+6=7) and the 7 of Cups, Wands, Pentacles,
Swords.

For every number, 0, Aces and 1-9 associate the key words
above to the energy of the cards and create or add your own
key words to capture the energy of the number that is coming
through in the cards. So, The Chariot as a symbol represents
travel and movement. Do you feel those key words in the

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energy of any of the other 7’s or in its position in the cycle 1-10.
Could the 7 be the movement closer to completion or new
beginnings?

Understanding the 11, the 0 and the ACE

The Master 11

The 11 is the most intuitive of all numbers. It represents

illumination; a channel to the subconscious; insight without
rational thought; a connection to a higher wisdom. It brings
with it a deep spiritual insight, higher intuitive abilities, a
greater sensitivity, compassion and empathic nature.

The number 11 is representative of immense power and

influence in both the mental and physical realms.

Numerology's Master number 11 is considerably enhanced and

charged with charisma, leadership, and inspiration. People
born connected to the Master 11 are typically born to help
others and are often psychologists, healers and light workers.
It is a number with inborn duality, two sides or aspects,
(represented by the II – like two pillars). This duality can create
dynamism, inner conflict, and in its shadow side create fear and
phobias.

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In the Tarot you are typically only faced with one of the
Masters and that is the 11 (although occasionally, in some
decks the Fool does get represented by 22). The 11 always
holds the highest influence as it acts at the root of all the other
Masters. Regardless of whether you consider the 22, the 33 or
the 44 Masters, their root number is 11.

The 11 is assigned to the Major Arcana of the Justice card and

this card is all about balance, which links beautifully to the
balance of the two pillars and the duality of the 11. However, if
you look closely at the cards you will also find other aspects of
the 11 appearing. The 4 of Wands, has the appearance of the
11 and the High Priestess in the two pillars just as an example.

Zero

The ZERO resonates with the vibrations and energies of

eternity, infinity, oneness, wholeness, continuing cycles and
flow. It represents the beginning and the end point. It
represents the beginning of a spiritual journey, the connection
to infinite possibilities, all or nothing, both wide open yet
closed.

When we see the ZERO we think of potential and / or choice.

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The ACES

Now let’s debate the ACES…..

when you think of an ACE what
do you think of??

The ACES are a perfect example of why I think it’s so important

to read tarot intuitively.

Some tarot readers see the Aces as a 1 and signifying the

beginning of the suit, representing new beginnings or a new
offer. It makes sense, given that the first number in the minor
arcana suits is a 2 that the Ace could be a 1.

In traditional playing cards, the Ace has a double meaning. If it

presents as part of a number combination (in front of a 2) it is

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valued as a 1, but when it presents along side court cards or
other Aces it becomes an 11 and in some instances a trump
card.

Similarly, the Aces in tarot, to some tarot readers are the trump
cards of the deck rather than the new beginnings. They
represent the ultimate power, a triumph, a victory, the ultimate
success.

This can also change depending on the type of reading and

their position in the reading and the surrounding cards. For
example, in a relationship reading, the Ace could change
depending on:

• the question
• the life cycle of the relationship
• the position in the spread (past, influencer, potential
outcome)

It could represent a current relationship reaching a high peak or

the querent beginning a new one.

Practical Activity

Go through your deck and find the 0 and the 11 (you’ll find
them in the Major Arcana). Look at the card and see if you can
connect and see the energy of the numbers in the image.

Also go through your deck and see which cards you might find
the 11 appearing in (like the 4 of Wands).
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Make some notes here about your interpretations.

Practical Activity

Go through your deck and pull out the four Aces.

Taking one Ace at a time pick three random cards and place
them firstly face down.

Turn one up and place it against the Ace and interpret a

meaning and story. Then overturn the next card and place it
against the Ace. Did the meaning of the Ace change for you?
Do the same with the third card.

What happens if you place all three cards in a row against the
Ace…? How does the Ace feel now?

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What happens if you move the place of the Ace to the middle?
Or the end?

Repeat this with all four Aces and make notes of your findings
below (or in your tarot journal if you prefer).

The idea of this exercise is to guide you into developing a sense

of what the Aces will mean for you and to see how they may
potentially change, but this activity can be used with any card
in the deck, so use your imagination and explore!

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Ace of Cups

82
Ace of Wands

83
Ace of Pentacles

84
Ace of Swords

85
The Aces Change again

While we are on the topic of Aces, let me show you an example

of the value of symbology and using intuition and your own
interpretation to read the tarot.

Below is a picture of The Ace of Cups – well The Ace of Cups

from 12 different decks (and none of them include the
traditional Rider-Waite).

If a picture paint a thousand words, how many words are

painted in the picture below?

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Each one of these Ace of Cups cards has a different meaning or
interpretation to the traditional Ace of Cups. If you’ve learned
tarot by memorising the prescribed meanings of the Rider-
Waite, what happens when you want to get a new deck and the
card meaning shifts? Do you have to memorise 78 new cards?

Some of those cards don’t even have water in them and one of
those cards actually gives the Ace the number 1, so it’s clear
the author intends it as a new beginning.

I found this image on a stock image

site, for the purpose of this book - I
don’t even know if it’s from a deck or
the author, as a result I’m purely
reading off the image and the
symbology.

Let’s look at the card a little closer

and how I would interpret this card.

In this deck the author clearly intends

the Ace to represent the beginning
from the use of the 1.

I get the overall energy of calmness, stillness.

Yes, the card is numbered 1, but If you look closely at the cup,
you will see a snake wrapped around the cup. Remembering
how earlier we discussed that snakes can represent renewal?
Shedding their dull lifeless skin and coming out shiny and

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bright. Look how shiny and bright the cup looks. That
reinforces to me the intention of the beginning.

It appears that the sun is rising is the distance representing a

new dawn. You can see a fog, so it appears that there is a crisp
feeling in the air and the water is so still that you can clearly see
the reflections of the mountains and trees in it.

The sunrise and the mountains are in the horizon as are the
trees.

However, if you look at the base of the cup, you will notice it
looks like rain is hitting the water, but the card doesn’t show
the rain going into the cup. Often in the Ace of Cups we see a
full cup, or the water is overflowing from the cup (maybe
overflowing from success or triumph). This cup is yet to be
filled (beginning).

The cup seems to be resting on top of the water. It’s a gold

cup, it has jewels and would be heavy. The power of the water
is able to hold it up. Now we have the power of the water
combined with stillness and calmness.

There is a squirrel and squirrels are busy yet playful. They are
gatherers by nature and are always prepared.

Depending on the type of reading, the question and the cards

around it, to me this card could represent emotional reflection
required to reach that new beginning, the new dawn on the

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horizon. The querent may be drained, feeling like their cup is
empty and there may even be some disturbances in their
current emotions (the rain disturbing the water). The
mountains could indicate that there have been some ups and
downs. If they can focus on the stillness and calm and get in
touch with their emotions, gather their thoughts and learn to
find the balance of playfulness in their busy life (the squirrel)
then you can clearly see a new beginning is just ahead of them,
the horizon is close. There is new growth in the trees and it’s
time to shed their old skin (the snake) something new or a
renewal is available to them if they choose it. Stillness and
reflection is required here. It might be time for them to spend
some time in nature.

This card is still showing the element of water and the cup (as is
with the Rider-Waite system), connecting us to the astrology of
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. So, the querent could be one of
those signs, or the person who is causing the disturbance in the
water or draining of the cup could be one of those signs.

There is the possibility of emotional fulfillment here, love could

be in the horizon (maybe with one of those signs), they just
need to reach out and take it, allow their cup to be filled.

See how if you have built association to symbols and numbers

you can easily create a story without needing to memorise
cards?

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Practical Activity

Did you see or feel anything else from this card?

Compare it to the Ace of Cups is the Rider-Waite. How do the

stories compare?

Are you able to build any other stories when you look into
some of the other cards that are in the picture above?

The Power of 3

There is a connection in spiritual connections to the Power of 3.

This is why you will often see the use of cutting into 3 piles, 3
taps, 3 decks, 3 shuffles etc.

The Power of 3 is a little

different to the meaning of
the number 3 in
numerology (although 3
does represent expansion
and growth and most of
the powers have a
connection to spiritual
expansion).

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When we think about the power of 3 we think about all the
divine and life purposes that connect to the 3.

Here are some connections to the power of 3:

• Beginning, Middle, End

• Past, Present, Future
• Earth, Sun, Moon
• Body, Mind, Spirit
• The Holy Trinity (the Holy, Father, the Holy Son and the Holy Spirit)
• The 3 Wise Men
• Three Jewels of Buddhism
• A triangle (3 sides, 3 points, 3 angles)
• A trimester
• The length of a season (3 months)
• The 3 fates and the 3 graces of Greek Mythology
• The Third Eye
• and many more…..

That doesn’t mean you are bound by the 3 – you can cut or
divide as many times as you like – be guided by your intuition,
but if you were wondering why you see the 3 of something
happening so often in the tarot, that’s why!

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Chapter 7 – Colours

Colours, particularly bright colours are known to trigger and

engage our intuitive mind. It activates our creativity and invites
spirit to interact with our energy and the energy of the querent.

Knowing the meanings of colours will help you go deeper into

the meanings of the cards and interpretation of your readings.
It also will expand your ability to read across different decks.

Colours like numbers also have their own vibration. Think

about clothing and how certain colour clothing can affect our
mood. Similarly, colours in the Tarot cards can give us insights
into the mood and energy of the reading and potentially the
querent.

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Practical Activity

Under each of the colours below write,

1) a description of 3 words or more of what that colour

means to you
2) the energy that you feel around that colour

Red

Orange

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Yellow

Green

Blue

94
Purple

White

Grey

95
Black

Brown

Gold

96
Pink

Silver

97
 Some key words to support associating colours when reading
the Tarot

Let’s look at some common key words and associations for the
colours. See how they compare to yours.

Red: Passion, primal urges (sexuality), intense

emotions, power, action, vibrance, aggression. Red can
associate with love (the Red heart and Red roses). Associate
things like fire and blood.

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Yellow: Brightness, warmth, happiness, radiating,
confidence, creativity, positivity, clarity, intellectual balance,
illumination, consciousness. Associate things like the sun,
sunflowers

Orange: Aspirations, contentment, ambition, drive,

enthusiasm, courage or strength, vitality, openness and
warmth. Associate a flame. Red and Yellow make Orange, so
blending of the energies from the passion of the Red and
warmth of Yellow.

Green: Harmony, balance, fertility, healing, fresh starts,

growth, nature, lushness, peace, prosperity. Associate Green
grass. Blue and Yellow make Green so blending of the energies
from the brightness and warmth of the Yellow and the serenity
and depth of the Blue.

Blue: Openness, expansion, inspiration, freedom,

intuition, healing, peace, philosophy, peace, serenity, the
subconscious. Associate the sky. Deep and dark blue – think
depth of the sea, deep emotions, deep thinking

Purple: Compassion, power, spirituality, leadership,

nobility (royalty and wealth), mystery. Red and Blue make
Purple so blending of the energies from the fierceness and
power of the Red with calmness and freedom of the Blue.

White: Purity, innocence, protection, purification, hope,

faith, clarity, peace, cleansing, sterility. Association to snow or
sterile White gowns, towels, dressings etc etc

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Pink: Unconditional love, devotion, tenderness,
sensitivity. Red and White make Pink so blending the energies
of the passion and love of the Red with the purity and
innocence of the White.

Black: Negativity, sadness, mourning, loss, depression,

despair, mystery, blinded, forceful, formality, dignity, stability,
neutrality, depth, the unknown. Shadow sides. Add Black to
create a variation of depth and darkness to all the other
colours. Associate the dark night of the sky.

Light Grey: Wisdom, maturity, reliability, analysis,

conservative nature, impartiality, elegance, dullness. Dark grey
– think depression, stress, unsettled, uncertain, intensity.

Black and White make Grey so blending of the energies from

the purity of the White and the darkness of the Black. The
lighter the Grey, the more White influence, and the darker the
Grey the more Black influence.

Brown: Grounded, stability, nurturing, practical, solid,

wholesomeness, responsibility. Associate earth.

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Chapter 8 – Your Journal to the cards

If you want to fast track your understanding and relationship

with the cards then create a tarot journal.

This is the part in the book, where instead of me telling you

what each card means, I invite you to create your own
meanings.

Writing a summary of each card in a journal, seems like a huge

task I know! But when we write something down it creates a
connection and it’s a reinforcement mechanism to our brain
that assists with remembering. It also influences you to
examine the detail a little closer than you would if you were
just scanning visually.

If that seems overwhelming, consider the task of memorising all

the meanings of the 78 cards! Each time you buy a deck!

Using the Rider-Waite deck, taking each card one by one,

complete the following questions in your journal:

At the top of every journal summary, write the card name and
the element it connects to and the day and date eg Tuesday 7th
Month, Year

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1) What did you notice first?
2) If you had to describe this card in one word what would it
be?
3) What feeling did you get or do you get from this card?
(happiness, sadness, grief etc)
4) What is the element associated with this card?
5) How are the characteristics of the element being shown in
this card (eg if it’s a fire card, what characteristics and energy of fire
do you see?).
6) What is the numerology associated with this card?
7) What are the predominant colours of this card?
8) Are there people in this card? What impression do you get
of them? (father, mother, daughter, couple etc)
9) What nature is in this card? (trees, flowers etc or none).
10) What animals are in this card? (or none).
11) What is the terrain in this card? (river, sea, mountains, uneven
ground etc).
12) Are there buildings in this card? (castles, cities etc or none).
13) What clothing is in this card? What colours are the
clothing? (black cloak, red shoes).
14) Write 3 positive words that come to mind about this card
(trust your intuition and go with what comes to you)
15) Write 3 shadow (negative) words that come to mind about
this card (trust your intuition and go with what comes to you)
16) Is there any other symbology in this card that you notice?
(objects, symbols etc)
17) Write a brief paragraph that tells the story that you see in
this card

102
Chapter 9 – Shuffling & Cutting

As we discussed earlier, shuffling is an excellent way to connect

with and cleanse the cards.

There are a number of shuffling styles and like always there are
a number of personal factors that come into play when finding
your shuffle style. Some tarot readers are as expert at shuffling
as they are at reading!!.

Let’s look at a few of the shuffling styles and the personal

influences that affect them.

The Riffle Shuffle

The Riffle Shuffle is an effective method for achieving

randomness and for shifting the energy in the cards. Many
people feel daunted by the skill behind this method. But with
practice you would be surprised how easy it is to master, and
let’s face it, it looks really impressive!

I personally use other methods for shuffling as I find that this

shuffle style can create a bend or warp in the cards and I am a

103
bit finicky about bends and kinks in my cards. I am also a firm
believer in respecting the card and I figure that subjecting them
to kinks and bends isn’t very respectful. I completely
understand that many tarot readers would think me completely
crazy for saying that, but remember it’s personal.

Sometimes, I will use a mini version of the riffle where I line the
corners of the cards up and riffle them and then push them
together, I find that doing it this way every so often causes less
damage to the cards.

Riffling is likely to cause card reversals in your deck if you aren’t

vigilant on the cut and the combination of the riffle at the end.
Personally, I am one of those readers who doesn’t read
reversals (unless spirit physically orchestrates it and we cover
that in reversals). If I do happen to occasionally semi-riffle a
deck, I always go through it and make sure my cards are facing
the same way up using my cut and split method (also show
later).

Having said all that, the mathematics and the data

demonstrates that riffle shuffling a standard deck of cards 7
times will effectively randomise the deck. Given the tarot has
78 cards you need to riffle about 9 times to full randomise the
deck.

To achieve the same randomisation using an overhand shuffle

you would need to do that over 11,000 times – makes riffling
seem pretty effective!

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The Smoosh (sometimes called the Corgi)

We covered this method earlier. I like it not only for achieving

randomness but also for the connection you get to the deck. If
you centre and focus your energy into the deck, connect into
your intuition and just smoosh, you’d be amazed at the
messages that come through.

Sometimes I like to smoosh, then I close my eyes, ask a

question and then the first card I see when I open them is the
card I choose for my guidance.

To get a good smoosh, you really

need a flat smooth surface. Having a
cloth between the cards and the
table protects the cards from the
energy that the table may be
holding, so if you want to smoosh,
make sure that the cloth enables the
cards to slide around.

To achieve complete randomness the data says you need to

smoosh for around 60 – 90 seconds. Anything less than 60
seconds is not effective for randomness.

After smooshing, I turn all my cards upright so that there are no

reversals in the deck as I begin.

105
Overhand Shuffle

Most people know this one and

are most comfortable with this
method. To achieve randomness
in a deck of 52 cards it requires
about 10,000 shuffles – for a tarot
deck about 11,500.

Many readers use the overhand shuffle for asking the question
as it allows for ‘jumping cards’ and ‘flyers’ to occur a little
easier. That’s not to say I haven’t had a jumper in a smoosh or
a riffle, but there’s a different rhythm when you overhand that
creates a certain freedom in movement.

Your shuffle ritual

It’s personal! Find a way that works for you!

It is common for readers to riffle or smoosh prior to the reading

so that the client can then go straight into an overhand shuffle.
By doing this the reader achieves the cleansing and the
randomisation of the deck first and the overhand shuffle is the
clients connection to the deck, the question and the divine
guiding energy.

You might adopt the same approach if you are doing a video or
online reading for someone. Do the clearing and randomising
and then use the overhand to ask the question.

106
Work out your ritual and just run with it! The benefit of having
a ritual is that it also signals the divine that you are ready to
communicate.

Cutting the cards

You may have heard of a term called the “false cut”.

When cutting tarot cards, mythology says that the cards should
be cut with the left hand. As we discussed earlier, when we did
the practice of drawing in the white light, the right hand is the
giving hand. This makes the left hand the receiving hand.
Therefore, one of the reasons behind cutting with the left hand
is to open up to the receiving energy of the cards.

It has also been suggested that the left hand is closest to the
heart, establishing a loving energy and connection to the cards.

So what’s a false cut? When cutting the cards in preparation

for a riffle shuffle or a smoosh, some believe that a right
handed cut is acceptable as you are in cleansing mode and not
in connection mode, so the right handed cut becomes a “false
cut”.

Again, it’s up to you, but I believe that we should always be in

connection, respect and honour of our cards and that should
come from a place of love. Whenever I cut the cards, no matter
what I am doing, I cut with my left hand.

107
How many piles?

Typically, in cutting the deck, piles are cut into 3 (the power of
3). There’s no rule about this either, except that if you run the
cut left to right (1,2,3 or 3,2,1), then pick up in the opposite
direction or even centre, left, right (2,1,3) so that you aren’t
putting the piles back in the same order.

When reading for a client and the client does the cut, let them
then choose a pile and then as the reader, bring their piles back
together with the chosen pile on the top.

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A last quick cleanse, shuffle, cut tip

Sometimes you just need a really quick cleanse either during a

reading (if it’s a heavy reading) or in between readings. A quick
way I find to cleanse the remove the stuck energy in the deck
between the readings is to do what I call a “split and knock”.

Some readers often knock the deck 3 times (connected to the

power of the 3 as discussed earlier) as a quick way to shift the
energies of the deck between readings.

I also like to make 3 piles and then quickly move every card into
the piles one by one, turning upright as I go.

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You can lay them 1, 2, 3 or 2,3,1 or just mix it up as you go.
With some practice, you can do this in under a minute. When I
do this, I do this picture side up, that way if I happen to notice
any cards that need splitting I can put them in a different pile.

Once I’ve done all the cards, I then place all the piles back
together and knock on the deck three times. The deck is ready
to go into an overhand shuffle.

I would still do a deeper cleanse or shift as soon as I get a few

minutes and definitely at the end of the day when I lay them to
rest.

Bottom of the deck energy

Not all readers read the bottom of the deck. I find it an

effective insight. If you are inclined to incorporate the bottom
of the deck energy into your readings, here are some guidelines
for you to consider.

The bottom of the deck can be considered as the shadow card.

A subconscious influence. It can be interpreted as the aspects
that the client may not be completely upfront about, or
something that’s going on for them unrelated to their question.
Knowing the subconscious influence can bring clarity to the

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reading, particularly if the client is throwing confusing energy to
the cards.

Occasionally clients are actually too embarrassed to ask for

guidance on what is really bothering them and they will “test
read you”. Meaning that they will do an initial reading with you
or start the reading on an unrelated or vague question to test
your style and or accuracy before they build up enough trust to
ask you what they really want to. Knowing the bottom of the
deck energy can help you dig into what could be really going
on.

I often call it the destination card – it’s like knowing where you
are going before you set out for the drive.

Some readers like to look at the card and just store it in their
memory, some readers will turn the deck over with that card
facing up once they have done the spread layout and some
remove the card and place it to the top or side of the spread as
the “influencer”.

Practical Activity

Make sure all your cards are upright in the deck.

Pick 5 cards from the deck and place them together (keeping
them upright). Write down what they are and what order you
place them in (eg king of swords, 3 of cups, hermit etc). Put

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them in the deck anywhere, but keep them together and in the
order you chose.

Now using an overhand shuffle, shuffle until you feel ready to

stop. Once the minute is up, go through the deck and note if
the cards you chose are separated or together, or how many
stayed together and how many were separated.

Making sure that all the cards are upright again, pick the same
5 cards and repeat the first step above.

Now using either riffle shuffle or smoosh shuffle, shuffle the

deck and then bring it back together. Remember that if you
riffle, you need to do it about 9 times and if you smoosh you
need to smoosh for at least 60 seconds.

When all the cards are back together:

• note how many of your original cards are still together?

• how many are now reversed?
• on average how many of the cards in the entire deck
reversed?

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Chapter 10 – Preparing for your Reading

Your space and your preparation rituals are so important in

your reading process.

The first 3 steps in preparing your reading are:

 Prepare yourself
 Prepare your environment
 Prepare your cards

When we talk about rituals, we aren’t talking about cloaks,

coffins, witches cauldrons with a pinch of dragons tail. A ritual
in essence is a series of actions performed in a certain rhythm
and intent that often create a habit.

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As a tarot reader you are acting as a channel to the divine
source. The energy of the space you are working from and your
personal energy need to be in a place of welcoming in the
divine source and being receptive to the messages you are
going to receive.

As a channel, you are essentially a filter, and the messages

need to be delivered to the client with the same purity that
they are being delivered to you.

Rituals help you to maintain that integrity.

I will refrain from giving you much guidance in this area, it’s a
topic that really requires you to go deep within and capture
your intuitive self and what your soul feels called to do.

Suggestions for creating your ritual

When developing your ritual consider incorporating things like:

 Having a dedicated space for readings

 Keep it set up or set it up before you read with a choice of
cloth over the table, candles, crystals, incense, statues that
connect you to source, imagery and quotes that mean
something to you, salt lamps, sound bowls…. whatever
makes your heart sing.
 If you are reading for a client tissues close by can be helpful
as readings can stir deep emotions.
 Sage or cleanse the space

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 Meditate or visualise, creating stillness in your mind and
opening up your channel
 Talk to your deck, set the intention for your reading
 Decide if you will accept reversals, flying or jumping cards
and bottom of the deck energy
 Are you going to work with one deck or multiple decks in a
reading
 Shuffle and cleanse the deck
 Have a mantra
 Cleansing your deck and space after a reading
 When booking in client readings, allow time between
appointments to reset yourself and the space and to
cleanse your deck
 Thanking and showing gratitude to your deck

My personal mantra

I often say my mantra as I am doing my cleanse or my overhand

shuffle. You can say it in your head or out loud. A mantra could
be along the lines of “thank you divine wisdom (you could say
spirit or angels or whoever guides you) for being here today. I
welcome your divine guidance and wisdom. We are here today
to seek clarity for (insert client name) and provide them all they
need to know for their highest good. I serve as your channel,
please assist me in providing the clearest and most accurate
answers and in understanding, interpreting and delivering the
messages through the divination of the tarot as you intend

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them to be. (Client Name) seeks guidance in the area of (say
the area the client is interested in marriage, career, finance etc)
and is asking (insert their question).

If you create your own mantra, the words will come naturally
and you will remember them easily. If you copy someone
else’s, you will be a memory recital and will not come from
your heart.

Reading on the fly

Now let me assure you I have done many a reading on the fly
with some cards I carry in my bag at my friends kitchen table or
even in a coffee shop, where setting up my space wasn’t
possible. But this is where building the trust, connection and
respect for your cards is important, if you have that, then they
will support you and understand when the space isn’t quite
right. Also keeping them wrapped and protected in a silk cloth,
means that if you are out somewhere, you can unwrap your
cloth and set it down wherever you are and they are still
connected to their protective space.

I cleanse my cards after the reading and before I put them

away, (this may need to wait until I get home, but I make sure I
do it) this way they rest clean, and so when I pull them out for a
spur of the moment read, they are more prepared.

I still have a shuffle ritual and a mantra that lets spirit know I’m
ready to receive.

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Creating your ritual is a fluid process that takes time, so just go
with your inner guidance. As you grow, so will your process
evolve and change.

The logistic steps

Are you intending on reading for

clients? Preparation of yourself,
space and cards is integral to
reading for yourself and others. If
you are planning to read for
others there are some more
aspects you will need to
incorporate into the preparation /
reading process.

• This includes deciding on how you will welcome clients in.

If a client leaves while one is waiting (I don’t recommend
this, I prefer to have time to cleanse the space, reset the
energy and the cards, but I recognise it sometimes works
out that way) what will you do to realign yourself, space
and cards quickly?
• When you receive a client will you take payment first or at
the end? If you take payment first how will you reset the
energy from transactional to spiritual? A tip I offer here is
if you show appreciation to spirit as you receive the money
it keeps you in a spiritual place. A small affirmation said

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 either in your head or out loud. You could say something
like “spirit thank you for providing me the guidance and
wisdom that allows me to be the recipient of this
abundance”.

• Are you going to be recording the session and do you need

to set up technology? Again, this can break energy flow, so
if you offer recordings try to have equipment ready to go.
Maybe you will just allow the client to record on their
phone – if so, make sure it’s on silent.
• Do you have preparation information to share with the
client? How the process works, turning off their phones,
your style, how and when to ask questions, maybe you
have a minimum time frame between readings?
• Clients can suffer tarot or psychic addiction. Some readers
will not read for a client less than 3 months or even 12
months between appointments. This gives the time and
space aspect of the human world to unfold between
readings.
• Will you have a timer / alarm set to notify you when the
reading time is up? This can remove the distraction of
looking at the clock. Keep in mind that you will need some
time to tie up the reading after the alarm goes, so you
might set one 10 mins before and then again at the end of
time.
• What will you do as the client leaves? Walk them out?
Shake hands? Offer a hug? Go with the flow?

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Deciding on all the logistics ahead of time will enable you to
have a smoother more positive reading. You will be surprised
how working all this out in advance and incorporating it as part
of your process changes the energy of your readings!!

With all that done

The last phase of your reading preparation in the process in the

reading itself. This will vary slightly depending on if you are
reading for yourself or others

Choose the spread: Ask your client what they came in for (just a
general idea is sufficient you don’t need the exact question).
This information will guide you towards which spread you wish
to use. If you are reading for yourself, choose the spread and
set the intent. Part of selecting the spread also decides the use
of a significator.

Formulate the question: decide how you are going to word the
question to the tarot

Shuffle, cut and select the cards: this should be in line with the
process you already feel comfortable with

Lay the cards into the spread: lay the cards into your chosen
spread face down

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Flip the cards: once all the cards are laid out, flip them all over.

Read the story: take a moment and read the overall story.
What is the general energy of the reading? The upcoming
chapter on reading the story will help with this.

Tell the story: absorb for yourself or convey to your client the
story. Immerse yourself in its world and deliver the details.

The more relaxed, grateful you are and the more you remain in
a state of surrender and acceptance to the information coming
through.

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Chapter 11 – How to ask the burning questions

In my book on Intuition Development, we delve into how to

frame questions to enhance the responses we get from our
higher self. The same theories apply when asking the tarot.

I’ve learned in my spiritual evolvement that one of the

fundamental principles is that spirit will serve you if you remain
in a place of service.

Spirit will always want you to know what is for your highest
good and in your brightest guidance, even if it’s not what you
“want” to hear. In order to get the clearest answers from the
tarot the way you ask the question is a vast component of
receiving the right message, another is your willingness to
receive the message destined for you.

Shall we look at what you need to consider when talking with

the tarot?

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Ask open ended questions

Asking a Yes, No or Rhetorical question is creating a space of a

limiting response and they also typically result in wanting to ask
more questions. A rhetorical question is a question that we
tend to ask when we want someone to contemplate something
or that we pose for dramatic effect rather than expect an
answer to. Their frame is that whilst they often go
unanswered, they would lead to a yes or no response anyway.
An example would be, “Do you want to be a failure for the rest
of your life?”.

Frame your questions with an open end and you will open up
your world and possibilities to the wonder and wisdom of spirit.

Flip It!

‘Flipping It’ is my favourite way of moving from yes / no to a

place of service and surrender.

When you find yourself in a place of yes or no, such as “will I

get the job?” FLIP IT and ask “what information do I need to
know about this job?”. Removing the word will from the
beginning of a question is the first step to flipping it. By
flipping, you have opened yourself up to learning about
positives, possible shadows that might exist, external things or
even people that are influencing the situation and potentials of
improved outcomes! How much more exciting is that then just
yes or no?!

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Detach from the emotion

This is a challenging one as people are usually looking for tarot

readings at a point of turmoil, confusion, despair and
heartbreak amongst a range of other highly charged emotional
states.

Being in an emotional state skews the subconscious projection

into the energy field, so the question you are asking of the
tarot, will not correlate to the subconscious influence and our
higher source reads our subconscious. Think of it this way, it’s
like asking the tarot what the weather will be today, when what
you really want to know is the directions to the beach.

If you are reading for someone else, you should never, and I
mean never read if you are in an emotional state. You
personally must be in a centred space, connected to the divine
source.

If you are reading for yourself, the answer you get back from
the tarot will be as muddy and confused as the state of being
you were in when you asked it.

If you are receiving a reading, the same theory applies. I

understand that you may have sought a reading for clarification
of your turmoil, but the more centred, clear and focused you
are, the clearer your answer will be and also the more open you
will be to receive it.

Not to mention that your subconscious influence, is likely to

skew your response from the cards. Let’s say you are going

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through a break up and you ask the cards for guidance about
the future of the relationship, but all your subconscious can feel
and focus on is the grief – then subliminally that’s all you will
have returned by the cards, rather than a message of guidance
you need and actually want to hear.

If you find yourself a little out of sorts, step away from the
cards, thank them, cleanse them, rest them and rest you!
Come back later or when your soul feels realigned to source.

The same applies if you are going to read a client, it is always

better to cancel than to convey poor energy into the reading.

Same example applies, if you are in the pain of heartbreak and

you read for a client without being in the right space, your story
may come out in the cards rather than theirs!

Remain in a space of surrender and allowance

If you are ready to ask the question, are you ready to receive
the answer? Begin with the end in mind but be open to the
destination.

Leave your preconceived ideas and desires behind you and stay
in a place of openness, willingness to receive, surrender and
belief in the power of spirit and allowing and accepting of any
information that comes through to you. Understand that the
knowledge that spirit shared, was meant for you at that time.

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Let me illustrate this with a story. I have a number of friends
who are mediums and use their abilities to connect with souls
in the spirit world. One of the greatest barriers they face is
people’s preconceived expectations.

Let’s say Mary goes to see a medium because she desperately

wants to connect with her mother whose body has transitioned
from the earth plane. The medium has a spirit appear, who
keeps giving information and messages, but Mary keeps saying
that they aren’t relevant, because all she can think about is
wanting to hear from her mother and this is not her mother.
But the spirit is insistent, and the medium keeps trying and
trying to deliver messages.

Finally, Mary drops her guard and realises the spirit is the lady
who lived next door to them in her childhood. Marys mother
and this lady were friends. Once Mary drops her expectations
and acknowledges the neighbour in spirit, the neighbour starts
bringing through stories about Mary’s mother. Times that they
shared, memories they created, conversations they had. Mary
now in a space of reminiscing and connecting to those happy
times, in letting her guard down and leaving her expectations
behind, opens her heart and becomes allowing of the
information coming through. Her energy shifts and as she
does, the medium starts to connect directly with her mother –
brought through courtesy of the neighbour (her mothers’
friend). They are still hanging out together in spirit, but Marys
mother needed help coming through and the neighbour helped
with this.

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I use this story as an example of how having a preconception or
expectation can block the messages you may need or even
want to hear. Be in a state of surrender and allowing and what
you need will be yours.

Good frame ups

Some examples of open frame up beginnings are:

“What can I do to..”

“Which way can I….”

“What do I need to know about…”

“Provide me guidance about….”

“What is in my highest good regarding….”

“Show me…..”

“May I have clarification about…..”

“What process do I need to know about (or to follow)….”

“What is it about (situation) that I need to know for my highest

good”

“What lessons can I learn from…”

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and remember always say please and thank you! You will note
that most readers who channel always thank and acknowledge
spirit after they receive guidance on a question.

Holding your question in your mind or aloud with an open heart

and mind, in a space of surrender, as you shuffle and select
your cards helps direct and infuse the energy to the tarot,
allowing it to reflect deeper, wiser and more accurate
responses.

As I read, my energy is already communicating with spirit, so

often, they give me the cards I need or ask for before I even get
the question spoken aloud or the sentence finished.

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Chapter 12 – The cards meant for your reading

If I’m repetitive when I say this, it’s because I cannot stress

enough that there isn’t a right or wrong way when it comes to
so many aspects of the tarot and the same applies for how you
allow the cards to be chosen.

However, I will advocate that before choosing the cards, you

must have set the intention first.

That means preparing the space, going through your ritual.

Some readers include card choice as a ritual and some are more
flexible with this, and adjust according to the energy of the
client. You need to know and have asked the question, and

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know which spread you are going to use, or at least the basis of
the spread before you choose the cards.

As a reading flows, it’s not unusual for the reader to alter the
spread a little by pulling clarifiers or adding oracles etc, but
begin the reading knowing what type of spread you intend to
use and the basis of the reading. 3 card, horseshoe, Celtic
cross, 3 x3, and so forth.

We look at spreads coming up soon, but for now let’s explore a

few ways that you can use for card selection.

Just one important thing before we head in. No matter what

method you choose, remember to cut and choose with your
left hand AND when you turn the cards over turn them over by
flipping from left to right, or right to left, not from top to
bottom or bottom to top.

This isn’t just linked to whether you choose to read reversals or

not, it’s to ensure that the ‘intent’ of the card is upheld, so if it
was upright it doesn’t become reversed and if it was reversed it
isn’t turned upright.

Top to bottom will reverse the intended placement and

intention of the card.

Cut and from the top

Go back to the cut into 3 piles method in the shuffling chapter.

Once the piles are cut into 3 you can ask your client to pick a

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pile and then read from that pile just taking from the top as you
go. Alternatively, once you have placed the piles back together,
take from the top of the pile and lay into the spread (turning
them left to right as you go).

Falling away

Hold the deck in your left hand and gently tilt it. The deck will
fall or part revealing a card and then choose the top card of the
part.

Shuffle and stop

This involves shuffling the cards until you are guided to stop
and then just take from the top as you would for cutting the
deck above.

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Hand Fan

Fanning the cards out and

holding them down so that
they cannot be seen and
then asking the client to use
their left hand to choose
the cards that resonate or
call out to them and place
them down on the table.

In this method, as the reader, you will need to

• tell the client how many cards to pick (to match your
intended spread)
• ensure that the client places the card down directly and
doesn’t turn them from top to bottom (causing an
unintended reversal)
• that they place them in the order that they were drawn
so that you know the order in which they place in your
intended spread.

Table Fan

Fan the cards out on the table

and ask the client to pull out
the cards that resonate to them
(using their left hand). With
this method, you can ask the

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client to partially move out the cards that resonate and you can
then pull them the rest of the way out and place them in the
spread, or they can pull them out with their left hand and hand
them to you and you can place them into your spread.

You can also use this method for yourself, and pull the cards
that call out to you.

A great way to choose cards this way is to use the energy from
your hands to guide you in your card choice. The way to do this
is once the cards are fanned on the table, run your hand slowly
over the cards and as you feel a tingle, heat or cold on the palm
of your hand, stop and choose the card you are drawn to. To
strengthen the power behind it, there are a couple exercises
you can do to activate your hand chakra.

• Rub your hands together for about 10 seconds as if you

are warming them up
• Visualise white light coming into your palms and in your
head or aloud say “I am open and willing to receive and
serve”, then clap three times
• Hold your left hand out palm facing up, and with your
right index fingertip, draw circles in your left palm. You
should feel the energy in your hand start to charge. 8 -
12 circles is usually enough. If you feel you need a few
more in between picking cards then be guided by what
you feel.

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Pick from the smoosh

Smoosh shuffle!!

You can do this method

for yourself or even get
your client to do it (just
remember to smoosh for
at least 60 seconds) then
pick from the smoosh,
(again turning over left to right) – but be prepared to read
reversals.

Flying, Flipping and Jumping cards

I’ve always worked with flying and jumping cards as have many
of my tarot reading friends. When I did a course on tarot,
(remembering I certified after 15 years of working with tarot)
we ignored flying cards and put them back in the deck, if they
came out again then they were validated.

I believe strongly in flying and jumping cards, especially if they

happen as you are asking questions. For the most part, that’s
how I run my readings, I overhand shuffle, while asking my
question and take the cards as they fly, flip or jump and then
place them into the spread.

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You will know a true flying card for the way it jumps and lands.
Sometimes, 2 or 3 may fly out at once and I’ll take those too.
Sometimes if I feel like too many fly out, I will say “thank you
spirit, that’s too many, please be more specific” and return
them to the deck. This is why learning tarot by intuition is so
important, because it’s in those times that you really need to
tune in and be guided by spirit.

Difference between flying, jumping and flipping

This is how I experience the difference between them.

A flying card is a card that has clearly flown out from the deck.

A flipping card may flip itself over but remain in the shuffle, like
in these pictures.

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 A jumping card for me is a
card that may jump but stay
in the deck or it jumps out
slightly from the deck and
turns on an angle in the
shuffle. I typically know these
cards as my eyes or energy
also pays more attention or gets drawn to it.

As always with tarot, keep in mind that the cards draw in

energy, so whether you are reading for yourself or for a client,
always hold reverence, respect and love for your cards and
ensure that your client does too.

Experiment and find your style.

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Chapter 13 – Reversals

About 50% of readers choose not to read reversals – I am one

of them. I’m going to talk about them because they seem to be
something that learners are really interested in.

Some readers believe that reversals are depressing and

negative energy. Some readers believe
that they serve as a protection message
or warning. Some readers believe that
reading them forces them to interpret a
message or influence that is artificially
orchestrated (like the card hitting
something as it flew out or the shuffle
process). In the Thoth, the author
designed the system with the clear intent
that reversals not be read in that
structure, however many readers do and
also advocate it.

Personally, I believe that if we are in tune of the positive and

shadow energies of the cards, we do not need reversals to
highlight the blockages. Our intuition and the energy of the
spread will tell us what positives and what protections we need
to understand and relay.

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Reversals is another reason why I am a firm advocate of
learning tarot intuitively rather than reading the cards by
learning / memorising their meanings.

Let’s look at it this way. There are 78 cards in a deck, each can
be read for a number of life areas (eg, love, family, career,
money, health, travel etc etc) they have people and personality,
symbology, numerology, elements, astrology, colour and a
story influencing them. Every card and every spread will share
both positive and shadow traits (regardless of whether they are
reversed or not). That’s literally thousands of things you need
to remember about the deck, and then depending on the cards
placement in the spread, that can change it all again.

If you choose to memorise the card meanings and then bring in

reversals you may be facing needing to double up the amount
of information you need to memorise.

Influencing reversals is also your interpretation of how you

perceive they should be read and every reader will have a
different view on what a reversal conveys to them:

They could serve as:

• a warning
• a problem to be faced or solved
• highlighting negative feelings
• a protection message
• a pattern or cycle ending
• a block the querent has on the topic

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 • a block that someone in the reading is carrying
• representing the querents inward experience
• a subconscious influence the querent is dealing with
• a depressing or negative trigger in the reader or the
querent

Every card has a positive and shadow aspect regardless of the

orientation and if you are reading the tarot intuitively and the
story as it is unfolding, you will see and convey the blockages
and the inward concerns that are coming through.

Is it truly reversed intent?

Reversals can come about in the shuffling process, and if you as

the reader did the cleansing shuffle (the riffle or the smoosh)
before the clients reading, your energy may have influenced
the reversal rather than theirs.

This is why I always begin with an upright deck (even after the
shuffle) and here’s where my reversal exception comes in
(remember this is personal to my style). If I or the querent are
doing an overhand shuffle, and one of the flying cards lands
clearly in the reversed position in the reading space (not on the
floor or in my lap etc) as that question was being asked, then I
will read it as a strong sign that spirit is drawing my attention to
the blockage in this area.

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If a flying or jumping card does fly to the floor, I take it as
meant for the reading, but I read it upright.

My personal reason for only accepting them in the reading

space and not the floor etc, is because I can determine if they
were truly reversed or if they were influenced by an object. For
example, the card may have popped out or been a flyer, but it
hit the edge of the table or the leg of the table and that’s what
caused it to flip. Some will argue that spirit still caused it to hit
the table and there is some merit in that, but I like the purity
and power that comes with the flip in the open reading space.

When I accept a reversal into the reading, I interpret that as a

message that spirit would like me to pay particular attention to.
I see it like a highlighter rather than an influencer and I don’t
focus that it’s completely negative – even reversed a card has a
positive aspect and can bring a positive message. If you are
intending reading reversals, then the same way you should
interpret both the positive and the shadow side of the upright
cards, you should also see the positive influence of a reversal.

If you are familiar with your cards and intuitively connected,

then reading reversals becomes easy – it just requires you to
“reverse” the meaning of whatever that card means for you!

The magic question is how do you decide whether to

incorporate reversals into your readings or not? My answer is
simply – find what works for you! The only way you will know
is if you try it out. Do readings with uprights first and then do
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them with reversals. If you feel that the reversals are
enhancing your readings and adding depth to your
interpretations then keep going. But, if they are clogging your
flow and you are having to stop and think about your readings
more, or if they are changing your visual interpretations then
maybe leaving them behind is a better path for you.

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Chapter 14 – Card Spreads

In 1998 I bought my first tarot book from a little crystal shop in

a quiet country town. I was just starting out with tarot back
then, didn’t even own a deck yet.

In it was over 100 spreads and variations of each of them, using

anything from 3 to 26 card in a spread, as well as a summary for
every card and a brief summary of its reversed meaning.
Needless to say, that I was so overwhelmed by that book that I
didn’t look at tarot again for about 5 years (choosing to pursue
oracle instead). 22 years later I still own that book and even
with 20 years of card reading behind me, I still find it daunting.

Recently I saw an article on “500+ tarot spreads”. My mind was

blown!

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When it comes to spreads, my suggestion is start small 3 – 5
cards and grow them as your confidence grows. Spreads are
something that you have to have in your memory to an extent.
Many readers have created their own spreads and styles which
I love. But going into a spread and a reading whether it’s your
own or a spread created by someone else, it's important to
have set out the intent and representation for the position of
the cards.

For example, if you are using a 3 card spread, before you lay
the cards out, you should have decided that:

• card 1 will represent the past,

• card 2 the present and
• card 3 the outcome

You might create a 5 card spread where you ask about your
destiny and what you need to know. In creating the spread you
will have worked out that:

• card 1 will represent future career,

• card 2 will represent future relationship,
• card 3 will represent future finances
• card 4 will represent the opportunity to travel,
• card 5 will represent any conflicts or hidden influences

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Now the ability for me to show you the potential of spread
options is equivalent to a breadcrumb in a loaf!! But they might
give you some inspiration. Shall we explore some spreads?

Past, Present, Future – 3 Card Spread

Daily Guidance – 3 Card Spread

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Required Action – 4 Card Spread

Love, Money, Home – 4 Card Spread

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Past, Present, Future, Conscious & Subconscious -

6 Card Spread

This spread is a version of the 3 card spread, but we bring in the

elements of the Conscious and Subconscious influences. The
top row serves as what might be going on in your head or at
the surface of the situation and the bottom row the issues that
are happening at the soul level.

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Creating Calendar Spreads

You can create forecasts for the week, month or year in your
choice of area (love, finance, general guidance and other
topics)

For example you could do a weekly general guidance reading:

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This expands into creating monthly and yearly forecasts, but I
will refrain from exploring those in this book as trying to go too
far into the future will become overwhelming until you have a
firmer understanding and ease with the cards themselves.

The Horseshoe Spread

This is a nice spread to move into as you become more

comfortable and want to expand into incorporating more cards.

Just a side note on this spread. There is a superstition that

when you hold a horseshoe upside down that the luck runs out,
so some tarot readers will run this spread with the arch at the
bottom rather than the top. Either way is fine as long as you
hold the intent of your position placements (ie you know 3 is
hidden influences etc)

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More spread tips

Let’s keep going with some more suggestions about how to

spread your tarot wings…

One of the things I love to do with spreads and I think it’s a

useful practice to do when learning, is pick a major arcana card
relevant to your question and then do a reflections / influences
spread around it. I call it “The Arcana Influence”

For example:

You are
considering
moving – so you
choose The Chariot

Another example
might be you are
in 2 minds about an issue and need a different perspective so
you choose The Hanged Man as your Arcana Influence.

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Another alternative to amplify the energy of a reading is to read
just with the cards from a relevant suit.

If you are asking a question about love, use just the card from
the suit of cups. If you are asking a question about finances just
use the pentacles.

The Interview Spread

We mentioned earlier that the Interview Spread is a really great

way to get to know your deck, but it does require you to have
some knowledge of the tarot.

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Like most things in Tarot there are different versions and
sequences of this spread. You can create your own questions,
just as long as you set the number sequences, the questions
and your intent before you begin the spread layout.

A suggestion for some interview questions could be:

• What are your strengths as a deck?

• What are your weaknesses or limits as a deck?
• How do you prefer to be cleansed?
• What types of readings do you think you are best suited
to?
• How do you see yourself?
• Which card best sums up your personality?
• Which card best describes how you see me?
• How can I best work with you?
• What is the potential outcome of our reading relationship?
•

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Chapter 15 – Reading the Story

The time has come to

read the story in front of
you. If you have
followed the process, it’s
time to just relax and
enjoy the process. Trust
your instincts and if you
feel something then say
it….the things that I have
told clients that seemed
absolutely crazy that
made perfect sense to them is mind blowing!! And in the same
instance, there were many times that I held back and later
heard myself saying “I was going to say…”

Now, some final words of wisdom about reading the cards.

There are no bad cards

It’s technically not about spreads, but let’s look at some of the
“turbulent” cards in the deck.

There are no bad cads in the deck for every card has a positive
and a shadow side. Life is about ups and downs and every
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cloud has a silver lining. This too is for the cards – even the
turbulent cards in the deck have a positive element.

Next to every card listed below are some positive perspectives

to these “scary” cards.

Death transformation opportunity, end of a cycle,

regeneration, new beginnings, change

The Devil respect, structure, commitment, truth,

liberation, healing found in darkness

The Tower necessary change, release, an awakening,

revelations, opportunity to re-evaluate, an epiphany, rebuilding

3 of Swords growth through emotional pain, cleansing and

releasing

9 of Swords the need for worry is over, a completion,

answers are in front of you, perception, a new dawn is coming

10 of Swords renewal, the cycle has ended and there is a new

beginning, emotions are calming and there is a new day rising

5 of Pentacles change, hope, growth, a way out, future

possibilities, seeing the light ahead

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Practical Activity

Pull out all the cards above and look for the positive aspects.
Use the reference above to help you.

Cheat Sheets

If you are using the method of memorising cards rather than

read intuitively, then that’s when people use cheat sheets.

I am encouraging you to understand what tarot means to you

and so cheat sheets aren’t required.

I guarantee you that the use of cheat sheets doesn’t assist your
learning process with the tarot.

My theory is two fold:

1) you will come to rely on them rather than remember –

it’s just how the brain works. You will train it to look for
and rely on the sheet rather than to interpret the card
for itself. To truly read intuitively you must do so with
open mind – using cheat sheets, closes your mind to
messages coming through
2) cheat sheets are someone else’s words and
interpretations and this will create a block to you
understanding your own.

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Initial Analysis

When all the cards are out in the spread take a snapshot and
look for the major messages.

1) What is the general feeling / energy around the cards?

Does it look cheerful? Gloomy? Balanced?
2) Did you use an influencer / significator card?
3) Is there a huge shift from the signifcator to the outcome?
For example, is the significator The Hermit and the
outcome position the Ten of Cups – showing that there is a
major transition happening.
4) Is there a high instance of repeating numbers? A high
number of 3’s appearing indicate there is an influence of
growth and expansion. A high number of 9’s that a cycle is
completing. Remember to reduce numbers – so 21 in the
Major Arcana will reduce to a 3
5) Is there a prominent suit coming through? Majority of
swords indicating conflict, majority of cups an issue around
emotions, a 50/50 split of swords and cups could indicate a
mental conflict around emotional issues
6) If there is a prominent suit, what element is it connected
to? What does that element mean and how could it be
influencing? A prominence of fire could mean that there is
a lot of passion driving the issue or fiery situations
occurring

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7) If there is a prominent suit, what zodiac signs are
represented in that suit? That zodiac sign could be
influencing the situation
8) Is there are colour jumping out or a repeating colour?
9) Are there repeating symbols? or one symbols that your eye
went to immediately?
10) Are there family and relationship connections? The
presence of the Court Cards? A King and Queen or even
The Empress and The Emperor appearing together to
signify a couple? The Queen and a Page indicating a
mother and child connection or even a nurturing
relationship, where one person in the relationship has to
look out for, nurture or mother the other person?

Now this may seem like it’s a great deal to take in and you
might be thinking how is that a “snapshot”? I promise you, that
once you know your cards and you have formed the
relationship with them, you will see and know all of that in 30
seconds or less!!

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Don’t be afraid to ask!

If you need a clarifier ask! Ask spirit, and draw another card or
listen and look for a message or sign or ask your querent.

Let me share a story. One day I was reading for someone. Prior
to the reading, I had done my rituals, I felt clear and confident.
The instant the client came in, I got a headache. My thoughts
were confused, cloudy. I had a thought about whether I would
be able to go ahead with the reading. It literally hit me out of
nowhere. As I sat and started my reading process, the
headache got worse, my vision was blurring and I’m not feeling
any connection to the cards or to spirit. Then I it dawned on
me…. I asked the client “is there any chance you have a
pounding headache right now?”. She was shocked and said
“Yes! How did you know? I was going to cancel, but I was
concerned about cancelling at short notice and so I forced
myself to come anyway”.

I explained to her what was happening to me. We talked and

decided that it was best to reschedule the reading. That
neither of us were going to be in a space of clarity.

She left, I cleared the space and within about 15minutes of her
leaving, my headache had disappeared.

So ask!

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The Responsibility of Reading

Learning to read for others is super fun and exciting!! The

more validation you receive the higher your vibration becomes,
the higher your vibration, the clearer your messages and it
becomes a positively enthralling cycle of emotions.

With that in mind, it’s important to remember that you are

dealing with other peoples emotions also.

You and your querent are going to be potentially diving into

unchartered waters and touching on intimate and private
details. You have a responsibility as a reader to handle these
situations ethically, respectfully, with compassion, with
maturity and with integrity.

Be mindful of your language. The word death can be very

emotional and confronting for people. Watch the use of this
word. The death card is not about death, it’s about conclusion,
ending, transformation. See how those words have a different
energy in their delivery than the word “death”?

Sometimes tarot readers are hired to do group readings. I

recommend that you have years of experience before you
enter this environment. Group readings can bring in crossed
energies and crossed messages.

If you are in this situation, be aware of what you say to

someone in front of others. Set the rules and expectations up
for the group before you begin. Keep readings light, fun and
funny. Ensure that you don’t embarrass or make fun of

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anyone. Do a brief welfare check and make sure everyone is ok
before you leave.

Refrain from, in fact don’t read while intoxicated, or under the

influence of substances that have the ability to impair your
judgement.

Always remind any querent that the cards are never set in
stone. That they are a way of providing insight into patterns
and influences and that absolutely no one can predict the
future with any kind of certainty.

Most importantly, as with any divine guidance there is always

free will. They are the author of their story and despite any
predictions, they hold the power to change it. As the same for
others in their story – the universe guides all of us, but we all
have free will. In a relationship reading, the energy may
indicate that the querent is going to meet their dream partner,
but then that intended partner may exercise their own free will
that takes them on a path that the universe did not intend for
them. So, your querent may have to wait a while longer for
their person to come along.

Time is a human condition. The universe knows no time as we

know it, there is only divine timing. Be mindful of making time
predictions like within 3 months, weeks or years.

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As with any divine guidance there is always free will. You are
the author of your story and despite any predictions, you hold
the power to change the plot, the characters and the ending.

Read always from a space of love with good intentions and the
energy of being of service to spirit and others. If you hold that
space, then you will always be on the right track in your
readings.

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Chapter 16 – Where to from here?

The answer to that is really simple – PRACTICE!!! Read for as

many people as you possible can!! Friends, family and anyone
else who might like to experience the tarot.

Always explain that you are still learning and finding your way,
but never hold back….. if something comes to you then say it.
As long as you are open, honest, but most of all stay in a place
of service and love then you will always be on the right path. If
you know any readers with more experience than you, then ask
them if you can read for them.

Ask your querent to engage and give you validation or feedback

throughout the reading. If something doesn’t strike a chord,
don’t be disheartened, keep going and look for different
perspectives. Sometimes taking a really deep breath and asking
your Angels, Spirits and Guides for assistance can help you re-
centre.

If you get really stuck, experiment with adding a tarot or oracle

card to support the message.

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Always have an energy exchange

In your tarot journey you will inevitably do free readings for

family and some friends, but do not let your inexperience get
you into a mentality or groove of not charging for readings.
Once you have done a few free readings for family and friends
start an energy exchange. It might just be a coffee, lunch or
dinner, but make sure that you bring some value to your
readings. It sends the message to the universe that you value
yourself and your skills!

The most important thing of all

Relax, have fun and trust in the magic

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