Tarot cards are a great way to self reflect, practice self love, and gain insight into what’s going on in your life. Making a little DIY daily tarot reading part of your morning routine can honestly be pretty life changing.
I do find that many people are incredibly intimidated by tarot cards. There are hundreds, if not thousands of decks to choose from. Many first timers or beginners often feel the pressure to know the “meaning” behind each card right away. I’m here to tell you that readings don’t have to be complicated and they definitely don’t have to be difficult. In fact, a daily tarot reading is typically recommended to be kept as simple as possible.
And yes, you can totally reference a guide book to decode the card (or cards) in front of you!
How to do a daily tarot reading yourself.
Pick the perfect deck for you.
Legend and lore have it that you shouldn’t buy your first tarot deck for yourself – it has to be gifted to you. Honestly, I love a good tradition. But this ain’t it.
Tarot decks are very personal and should inspire the user. If you’re not inspired by and in love with your tarot deck, you’ll ultimately never have the urge to pick it up and do a daily tarot reading. It’s far more important that you love your deck than that someone else gift it to you.
I recommend all beginners opt for some version of the traditional Rider Waite tarot deck. This deck is by far the most well known and used deck across the globe, containing all major arcana and minor arcana.
It’s important to give thanks to the actual illustrator of this historical deck: Pamela Colman Smith. “Pixie” is who we have to thank for the deck that sets the standard for all tarot readings and decks we have today. She is so frustratingly often left out of the conversation when it comes to tarot – and deserves her moment to shine!
The Rider Waite deck has been adapted and revised over the years. You can now find themed versions of the Rider Waite deck packed with modern day icons, different illustrations, colors, galore. Into famous female authors? There’s a Rider Waite tarot deck for that. Into cats? There’s a Rider Waite tarot deck for that, too! The meanings of the cards always remain the same, but the art style can be incredibly unique and personal. Choose a deck you love and that inspires you to pull a daily tarot reading each and every day.
Let go of all your preconceived notions.
Many of us come to the metaphorical tarot table with a whole lot of baggage and thoughts about what tarot is or should be. Let me tell you what tarot is and what it isn’t.
Tarot is NOT
- Otherworldly magic. Tarot cards can’t predict the future. Tarot cards don’t have mystical, magical, otherworldly power.
- The answer to all your problems. The cards can’t give you straight up answers to your problems and they certainly cannot solve them for you.
- Scary. I feel like we only see tarot cards in pop culture moments of fear, devil worship, and danger. I distinctly remember an episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina that revolved around tarot cards predicting terrible outcomes to everyone who sat in front of them. The death card was pulled (probably more than once). The thing is…that’s not really the reality of tarot. Tarot cards aren’t scary, evil things that can predict your demise. They’re actually just pieces of paper that get you to think.
Tarot IS
- A form of magic! “Magic” or “Magick” means something different to everyone. Tarot cards, at their core, are a form of card magic that can influence action and outcome by challenging you, the reader, to think.
- A mirror. Tarot cards are often called a “mirror” and this couldn’t be more true. Tarot cards are up to interpretation and thus often reflect whatever you have going on internally.
- A great way to set a daily intention. Pulling a single tarot card daily can actually help you set the mood, tone, and intention of your day! Talk about a magical morning routine.
Shuffle up.
Remember that whole thing about tossing preconceived notions out the window? Again – now’s the time!
There is no right or wrong way to shuffle a tarot deck. I repeat, there is no right or wrong way to shuffle a tarot deck!
Feel free to shuffle your deck like a good ol’ pack of cards. Personally I’m into the throw it on the table, spread it out, and gather it all up method. I love making a mess all over the floor or table. LOL!
I do, personally, “split” the deck once prior to pulling a tarot card of the day. Basically this means after I gather up my cards into a pile, I “split” the deck into three stacks, and then re-stack them in random order into one pile. This “splitting” of the deck is often seen as cleansing.
Pull just one daily tarot card!
Let’s toss all the complex tarot card spreads out the window. For a daily tarot reading, you really only need to pull one card.
That’s right – just one card.
With your freshly “split” and then stacked deck, pause for a moment with your hand above your deck. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask the universe one question (aloud, or to yourself). I love to ask, “what do I need to know today?” This question helps set a focus for the card select. Now you’re ready to flip over your top-most card!
A daily tarot card reading is a great space in which to practice. It’s okay not to recognize or know the card you’ve pulled. Most tarot decks come with a guidebook. After you pick a tarot card for the day, just pop out your guidebook and have a read at the meaning behind the card.
DIY daily tarot card readings are an amazing way to practice tarot reading in general – but also just make for a healthy, intention setting morning routine. When I pull a tarot card a day, I’m giving myself the space to pause and set an intention for what I’d like out of my day. I always end up a little more focused and a whole lot happier.
Try these other easy spreads.
If you’re hungry for even more tarot, you can try these other easy one card tarot spreads for beginners.
Are you learning how to do a daily tarot reading on yourself? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!