Intention, Spreads, and Personal Reflection
Tarot is much more than a tool for predicting the future. When used with intention, tarot decks become powerful companions for self-reflection, emotional clarity, and inner dialogue.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to work with a tarot deck step by step: how to set an intention, use different spreads, and bring the messages you receive into your daily life.
1. Set an Intention: The Heart of Every Reading
Before shuffling your deck, take a moment to set an intention. Your intention acts as a compass; it gives direction to the reading.
You might silently ask yourself:
“What guidance do I need right now?”
This could relate to a relationship, a decision, an emotional state, or simply a desire for general insight.
You don’t need to say it out loud; clarity in your mind is enough.
Tip:
Open-ended questions work better than yes/no questions. Tarot speaks in symbols, stories, and suggestions rather than fixed answers.
2. Drawing Cards: Tarot Spreads You Can Use
One of the most enjoyable aspects of working with tarot is experimenting with different spreads. Each spread offers a new perspective and depth.
Here are some of the most commonly used and effective tarot spreads:
One-Card Spread – Daily Inspiration
When to use it:
– At the start of the day
– When you need quick clarity
– When you feel emotionally unsettled
How it works:
Draw a single card from the deck.
This card represents the overall energy of the day or the message you most need to hear in that moment.
This spread is perfect for building a daily tarot ritual.
Three-Card Spread – Past / Present / Future
When to use it:
– When you want to understand the flow of a situation
– When seeking clarity around a process or transition
Card meanings:
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Card → Past (what led you here)
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Card → Present (current energy or lesson)
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Card → Future (potential direction or advice)
This spread is especially helpful for reflection and decision-making.
Story Spread – A Personal Narrative
When to use it:
– When exploring a life theme more deeply,
– For journaling, creative writing, or intuitive work
How it works:
Draw several cards and read them not individually, but as parts of a story.
Recurring symbols, emotional tones, and connections between cards form a personal narrative.
This method is ideal for those who enjoy a more intuitive and creative relationship with tarot.
3. Reflect & Write: Bringing the Cards Into Your Life
Drawing cards is only part of the process. Reflection is what transforms a reading into meaningful insight.
Focus on the card’s keyword and ask yourself:
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What does this mean for me today?
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Where does this show up in my life?
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What is this card asking me to notice?
Writing helps ground the message and make it conscious.
You can try:
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A single reflective sentence
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A short poem
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A journal entry
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An affirmation
“This card reminds me today that…”