Transitions can be challenging in the best of times. This year I found myself even more introspective, questioning, and unsure of the future. One resource I lean on when I feel myself facing the unknown is my tarot deck. Tarot helps me connect with messages from my inner voice. Tarot can be a powerful and empowering way to access the wisdom and self-knowledge that’s always within me, but sometimes feels out of reach. 

Tarot is ~ a deck of cards ~ a language of symbols and imagery ~ a map towards a deeper understanding of our own truth ~ a spiritual guidebook disguised as a game. 

I love tarot because the cards

  • inspire me 
  • help me problem solve and explore potential outcomes
  • calm my mind
  • invite peace and rest into my life
  • allow me to recognize my unconscious fears and dreams
  • give space for me to feel pain and grief 
  • offer visions for the future
  • offer new perspectives
  • help me identify and process my emotions
  • show me how to grow
  • create space for ritual

Also reading tarot is fun! The cards are beautiful! Remember, there is no right or wrong way to use tarot. So take what makes sense and leave the rest. 

Whether you are a beginner or renewing your tarot practice, I suggest trying a weekly or monthly tarot reading. Find a peaceful space, get comfortable, and pull some cards! Here are some tips and tricks:

  • Pull just one card, asking for the guidance you need in the present moment. 
  • If you try a larger spread, I recommend spreads with 6 cards or less. Less is more! 
  • Try one of these prompts: What energy should I embody as I move into the future? Where do I have room to grow this week? What can I do to serve my relationships?
  • Take a moment to sit with your cards before checking their meanings from a book or website. What do the images make you think of, what is the story, what memories come up, what colors do you notice, how do you feel in your body? 
  • Keep a tarot journal and make notes. 
  • Talk it out! Explaining and exploring your reading out loud will really get your intuition flowing.
  • There is no perfect deck for beginners, so just choose one that speaks to you. And yes, you can buy your own deck.
  • Connect with others. Ask a friend if they want to learn with you. Trade tarot readings. Find tarot community online.
  • Visit https://littleredtarot.com/ for lots of amazing tarot resources, including

Finally I’ll offer a mini reading for us all. What card can we embody as we move forward?

Strength, often this card shows a person wearing flowers, gently opening a lion’s mouth. The way forward is through softness, balance, and quiet power. This card reminds us to pull from our never-ending reserve of inner strength. We have the ability to uproot old systems or ways of being that no longer serve. Remember that being strong doesn’t always mean brute force or having total control all the time. Our power comes from creativity and passion. We can push through resistance, blockages, and whatever stands in our way with an open heart and fiery spirit. As we move forward, we can embody this card’s courage and harmony. We can always find our center and call on our inner strength. 

Mary Shock
Mary Shock is a Tarot reader and works on the administration team at Mend. She published The Summer Tarot Deck in 2017. She founded the meetup BMore Tarot Club. Mary’s mission is to open space for healing and radical self-love. 
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