Ask 10 people about tarot cards, and nine of them will probably say they predict the future.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries,tarotwas a simple parlor game.

Within another 100 years, though, it had become a popular tool for divination.

Jessica Timmons

The trick tofinding the right deck?

It’s simpleopt for one that really speaks to you.

The standard tarot deck has 78 cards, and each one has its own imagery and symbolism.

Sarah Regan

The cards are split into two categories: 22Major Arcana cardsand 56 Minor Arcana cards.

A Major Arcana card is often complex and significant, and its appearance will influence the entire reading.

It’s often a prompt to reflect on your life’s broader lessons and overall themes.

Three Tarot Card Spread

They represent our thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs.

Understanding the general meaning of each card is just the beginning.

Grab the deck you’d like to work with (making sure it’sfreshly cleansed).

Five Tarot Card Spread

It should be clear and open-ended.

Pull your card(s).

Again, there are multiple ways to go here.

Cutting the deck with your left hand and pulling the card on top is a simple, no-nonsense approach.

Instead of answering one question,tarot spreadscan speak more broadly to your situation or life path.

Once you’ve chosen your card or cards, lay them facedown in your spread.

As I mentioned, there are an infinite number of ways to spread out your cards.

After shuffling,pull three cardsfrom the stack.

As you turn over each one, consider how they speak to the following.

It can be helpful tojournalabout your thoughts and feelings on each card for deeper interpretation.

Meditation and mindfulnessare essential skills in this day and age, and tarot is a path to building both.