How to Do Tarot Card Reading with Playing Cards

If you’re interested in tarot card reading but don’t have a tarot deck, don’t worry! You can still perform accurate and insightful readings using a regular deck of playing cards. While traditional tarot cards have their own unique symbolism and imagery, playing cards can be just as effective in unlocking the mysteries of the future. In this post, we will guide you through the process of using playing cards for tarot card readings.

Understanding the Card Correspondences

Before delving into the actual reading, it’s important to understand the card correspondences associated with playing cards. Each suit represents a different element and has its own set of meanings:

Keep these associations in mind as we move forward with the reading.

Shuffling and Drawing the Cards

Begin by shuffling the deck thoroughly. As you shuffle, concentrate on the question or issue you want guidance on. Once you feel ready, stop shuffling and cut the deck into three separate piles. Merge them back together in any order you choose.

Now, you can start drawing the cards. The number of cards to draw will depend on the spread you choose. The easiest spread for beginners is the three-card spread:

1. The first card represents the past and the factors leading up to the present situation.
2. The second card represents the present and the immediate influences impacting the situation.
3. The third card represents the future and the potential outcome or resolution.

Alternatively, you can create your own spreads or explore other popular ones such as the Celtic Cross or the Horseshoe spread. The key is to choose a spread that resonates with you.

Interpreting the Cards

Once the cards are drawn, it’s time to interpret their meanings. Remember that intuition plays a significant role in tarot readings, so trust your instincts and let the cards speak to you. Here’s a generalized interpretation guide for each suit:

Hearts (Cups)

• Ace: New beginnings, emotional fulfillment
• Two: Harmony, partnership, balance
• Three: Celebration, joy, abundance
• Four: Stability, security
• Five: Loss, grief, disappointment
• Six: Reconciliation, healing, second chances
• Seven: Choices, multiple options
• Eight: Growth, progress, moving forward
• Nine: Emotional fulfillment, attainment
• Ten: Completion, fulfillment, emotional happiness

Clubs (Wands)

• Ace: Inspiration, new opportunities
• Two: Planning, decision-making
• Three: Implementation, action, momentum
• Four: Stability, reaching goals
• Five: Setbacks, challenges
• Six: Success, victory
• Seven: Hard work, perseverance
• Eight: Movement, progress
• Nine: Energy, motivation
• Ten: Accomplishment, completion

Diamonds (Pentacles)

• Ace: Material wealth, new investments
• Two: Planning, decision-making
• Three: Growth, expansion
• Four: Stability, security
• Five: Financial loss, instability
• Six: Abundance, generosity
• Seven: Opportunities, choices
• Eight: Career advancement, diligence
• Nine: Fruition, accomplishment
• Ten: Prosperity, fulfillment

Spades (Swords)

• Ace: Mental clarity, new ideas
• Two: Difficult decisions, uncertainty
• Three: Sorrow, heartache
• Four: Rest, recuperation
• Five: Conflict, adversity
• Six: Transition, moving on
• Seven: Challenges, obstacles
• Eight: Restriction, self-discipline
• Nine: Anxiety, worry
• Ten: Endings, release

Conclusion

Reading tarot cards with playing cards can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and insight. By understanding the correspondences and learning to interpret the cards, you can gain valuable guidance and perspective on various aspects of your life.

Remember, tarot card reading is a skill that develops with practice, and it’s important to trust your intuition. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spreads, ask specific questions, and explore the cards’ deeper meanings.

So, grab a deck of playing cards, dive into the mystical world of tarot, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and divination!