There are many revelations a tarot reading can provide, and everyone is capable of doing a reading. However, some people are more comfortable with letting a more experienced tarot reader show them what the cards have to say. Becoming a professional tarot reader
There is merit to being that experienced reader, but you can’t just go into it willy-nilly. After all, there are things you need to know before becoming a professional tarot reader, and we’re going to look into each one.
How To Become A Professional Tarot Reader
First and foremost, Tarot reading is not a regulated profession. There are no official certifications needed, nor are there qualifications you need to have when becoming a professional tarot reader.
However, there are some websites and schools that offer certification courses on the basics of tarot. And while it is not mandatory, having the certifications can give you a sense of legitimacy.
Know The Different Types Of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards come in two types: the major and the minor arcana.
Each Tarot deck consists of 78 cards. 22 of which are major arcana, while the remaining 56 are of the minor arcana.
The major arcana are cards that represent major turning points in the life of a person. They can range from an event in the past, present, or even the future. Specifically, they can represent lessons that they need to learn, challenges they need to overcome, breakthroughs they can look forward to, and other possibilities in life.
The minor arcana are meant to supplement the major arcana. While the major arcana represent the large sweeping changes in a person’s life, the minor arcana represents the mundane. They show the day-to-day challenges of life and can shed light on your feelings and experiences in the short term. While not as grand or as sweeping as the major arcana, the minor arcana still show significant events in one’s life.
Learn The Meaning Of Each Card
Before becoming a professional tarot reader, you need to know how do tarot cards work. To that end, learning the tools of your trade inside out is important. While your physical tools may vary, the meanings of each card generally stay the same.
The exact interpretation of each card can vary depending on context. But you need to know what each card represents to have something to base your personal interpretations on.
With that said, here are the general meanings of each Major Arcana card:
- The Magician: Strength from within and Manifesting your will
- The High Priestess: Divinity and Connection with the mystical
- The Empress: Femininity and Nurturing
- The Hierophant: Spiritual wisdom and Knowledge
- The Lovers: Passion and Reciprocated love
- The Chariot: Progression and Staying in control
- Strength: Inner Strength and Courage
- The Hermit: Introspection and Solitude
- The Wheel of Fortune: Destiny and Luck
- Justice: Maintaining Balance and Fairness
- The Hanged Man: Trials and New perspectives
- Death: Metamorphosis and Personal Change
- Temperance: Drive and Patience
- The Devil: Drive to destroy and Desire
- The Tower: Great upheaval and Freedom from something
- The Star: Rebirth and Hope
- The Moon: Aspirations and Delusions
- The Sun: Joy and Success
- Judgment: Renewal and Moving onwards
- The World: Movement and Appreciation
Additionally, we can’t forget about the Minor Arcana.
While the minor arcana is plentiful, you should still keep in mind what each suit represents.
The suit of cups represents what you feel deep inside. It includes your intuition, creativity, and emotions. These cards make an appearance when there is something they need to say regarding your relationships.
The suit of pentacles represents our material world. It includes work matters, your money, and your material possessions. These cards show up to tell you about changes in your work or wealth.
The suit of swords represents communications. Matters regarding your words, thoughts, and actions are under its domain. These cards pop up to tell you about issues regarding decision making, asserting yourself, and making your ideas known.
Lastly, the suit of wands represents energy. It talks about passion and motivation. These cards appear when you need to know about your purpose, spirituality, or new ideas.
Find A Proper Tarot Deck
The basics we covered so far can make it seem like all Tarot decks are the same. But a key part of becoming a professional tarot reader is having the right tools for the job. Tarot readings are extremely personal, and as such, you need to have a good handle on your deck.
There are many different Tarot decks. Each one has its own unique design, illustrations, symbols, and even mythology. The general go-to deck is the Rider-Waite deck. You may have heard of it in your research, and many articles and mentors refer to it for a good reason. It is simple and has symbols that anyone can easily understand. This ease of understanding can help you more easily connect with your intuition.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Knowing how to read tarots is key to becoming a professional tarot reader.
While you may have the tools, and you may have the theory, there is no substitute for putting your knowledge into practice. Like with any other skill, you only improve if you do readings over and over consistently.
The benefits of this repetition are twofold. First, you learn to master your tools. You start to memorize and internalize the meanings of the cards you hold in your hands. Starting out, you may be fumbling through a guide booklet or website, looking for card meanings. But in time, you may be able to pull that knowledge off the top of your head.
Second, you learn to master yourself. Your tools are an extension of your own will and energies that you use to discern your intuition. The more you get used to your cards and their meanings, the easier it is for you to see the connections between them. At first, it may seem like you are actively looking for something that makes sense. But as you grow more skilled, the connections may just come to you as naturally as you breathe.
