How to Read Tarot for Yourself (Without Overthinking It)
- Abi
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Reading tarot for yourself can be both exciting and frustrating. You pull a card, stare at it, and suddenly, a thousand thoughts rush in—Am I reading this right? Is this what I want to hear? What if I’m just making things up? If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Tarot is meant to be a tool for guidance, not a source of stress. So, let’s break it down into simple steps to help you read for yourself with clarity and confidence.
Before listing your tips below, add one last sentence that sums up your paragraph or offers a smooth transition to your listicle.
Tip #1 - Set the Right Mindset and Intention
Before you even pick up your deck, take a deep breath. Tarot isn’t about fortune-telling; it’s about gaining insight and perspective. Set a clear intention for your reading. Are you seeking clarity on a specific situation? Looking for general guidance? Frame your mindset as open and curious rather than desperate for a certain answer. The more relaxed you are, the clearer the messages will be.
Tip #2 - Clear and Shuffle Your Deck
Just like clearing your mind, it’s important to clear your deck’s energy too. You can do this by knocking on the deck, blowing on it, or shuffling with intention. Some people like to say a quiet affirmation, like “I clear this deck and open myself to guidance.” There’s no wrong way to do this—find a method that feels natural to you. Then, shuffle your cards in a way that’s comfortable, focusing on your question as you do
"The tarot is a mirror to the soul, reflecting what you already know deep inside. Trust yourself, and the answers will reveal themselves."
Tip #3 - Choose a Spread for Self-Reflection
You don’t need a fancy 10-card spread to get meaningful answers. Simple spreads work best for self-reflection. Here are a few to try:
One-card pull: A daily insight or message.
Three-card spread: Past, present, future—or mind, body, spirit.
Clarity spread: One card for the situation, one for the challenge, one for advice.
Pick one that suits your question and keeps things straightforward. Tarot is about connection, not complication!
Tip #4 - Interpret the Cards Intuitively vs. Using a Guidebook
The biggest trap when reading for yourself? Over-relying on the guidebook. While it’s useful, your intuition matters just as much—if not more! Before looking up meanings, sit with the card. What feelings or thoughts come up? What symbols stand out to you?
If you're stuck, then check the guidebook, but let it be a supporting tool rather than the ultimate authority. Tarot is about personal insight, and your interpretation is always valid.
Tip #5 - Avoiding Bias When Reading for Yourself
Let’s be real—when reading for yourself, it’s easy to twist meanings to fit what you want to hear. The key is to stay open. Ask yourself: Am I interpreting this objectively? If a card doesn’t make sense, resist the urge to redraw or ignore it. Instead, sit with its message. Sometimes, tarot tells us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear.
A helpful trick is to read as if you were pulling cards for a friend. How would you explain the meaning to them? This can help you step back and see the message more clearly.
Final Thoughts
Tarot is a conversation with yourself, not a test you need to ace. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. Trust your intuition, stay open to the messages, and, most importantly, have fun with it. Tarot is a tool for empowerment—so embrace it, and enjoy the journey!
Comments