Tarot is a tool for me to understand myself better. It’s not just about predicting the future; it’s about learning who I am and how I can grow. When I use tarot for self-discovery I see my thoughts, feelings and actions more clearly. This helps me make better choices and live a happier life. In this article I’ll share everything I know about using tarot for self-discovery.

Tarot is a deck of 78 cards. These cards are divided into two groups; the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana has 22 cards that represent big life lessons and important events. The Minor Arcana has 56 cards divided into four suits; Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles. These cards represent everyday experiences and challenges.

Each card has its own meaning and symbolism. For example, The Fool card means new beginnings and The Tower card means sudden change. When I use tarot I see how these meanings relate to my life.

Tarot helps me see things about myself that I wouldn’t see on my own. It’s like a mirror, showing me my strengths, weaknesses and hidden feelings. By using tarot I can;

Understand my emotions better

Find out what’s holding me back

Learn how to make better choices

Find out my true passions and goals

For example, if I pull The High Priestess card it might mean I need to trust my intuition more. If I pull The Devil card it could mean I am stuck in a bad habit. These insights help me grow and improve.

First step is to pick a tarot deck that feels right for me. There are many types of decks, like the Rider-Waite-Smith deck or the Thoth deck. Some decks have modern designs, others have traditional artwork.

When I choose a deck I trust my feelings. I hold the deck in my hands and see how it feels. If it feels good it’s the right deck for me.

Before I start I learn the meanings of the cards. I use the guidebook that comes with the deck or look up meanings online. I start with the Major Arcana cards, they are the most important. Then I move on to the Minor Arcana.

Also look at the symbols and images on the cards. For example, The Star card has a woman pouring water into a river. That means hope.

Before I read I think about what I want to get out of it. Do I want to know more about my emotions? Or do I want help with a decision? Setting my intention helps me focus and get more clarity.

I find a quiet spot where I won’t be interrupted. I light a candle or burn some sage to make the space feel sacred. I sit and take a few deep breaths to clear my mind.

I shuffle the deck while thinking about my question or intention. When I’m ready I draw the cards and lay them out in a spread. A spread is a pattern that helps me understand the cards.

This is the simplest spread. I draw one card and think about what it means. For example if I draw The Lovers card it might mean I need to make a choice or think about my relationships.

This spread has three cards. The first card is the past, the second card is the present and the third card is the future. This spread shows me how my past actions affect my present and future.

This is a more in depth spread with ten cards. It shows my current situation, challenges and possible outcomes. Great for deep self reflection.

This spread shows me my strengths and weaknesses. It has six cards to show my current self, my strengths, my weaknesses, what I need to let go of, what I need to embrace and my future self.

When I look at the cards I think about how they feel. What do the pictures and symbols mean to me? I use the traditional meanings as a guide but I trust my intuition.

For example if I draw The Hermit card it might mean I need some time alone to think. If I draw The Sun card it could mean I’m feeling happy and confident.

Writing down my readings helps me understand them better. I keep a tarot journal where I record the cards I draw, what they mean and how they relate to my life. Over time I see patterns and learn more about myself.

For example if I keep drawing The Tower card it might mean I’m going through a lot of change. Writing this down helps me see how that change is affecting me.

Tarot helps me grow as a person. By knowing my thoughts and feelings I can make better choices and improve my life. For example if I draw The Chariot card it might mean I need to take control of my life.

I also use tarot to set goals. For example if I want to be more confident I ask the cards for advice. Drawing The Strength card might mean I need to be brave and believe in myself.

Some cards like The Tower or The Devil can seem scary. But these cards are not bad; they are just showing me areas where I need to grow. For example The Tower card means sudden change but it can also mean a fresh start.

It’s normal to feel unsure when I first start using tarot. But with practice I get better. I trust my intuition and remember tarot is a tool to help me not to scare me.

Tarot is helpful but it shouldn’t make all my decisions for me. I use it as a guide but I trust myself to make the final choice.

Tarot is a great way to understand myself and my mental health. Studies show self reflection can reduce stress and improve wellbeing. For example a study by the American Psychological Association found that journaling can help people manage anxiety and depression.

But tarot is not a replacement for professional help. If you’re struggling with mental health issues you should talk to a therapist or counselor.

Practice regularly to get better

Be kind to yourself; learning tarot takes time

Trust your intuition; it’s your best guide

Use tarot as a tool for growth not just for answers

By using tarot for self discovery you will learn more about yourself and grow as a person. It’s a journey that takes time but it’s worth it. You should start today and see how tarot can help you understand yourself better.