You Don't Need the Tarot to Do a Reading - Quick and Easy Answers Using a Regular Playing Card Deck

By Heather Lagan  |   Submitted On June 15, 2009

source www.ezinearticles.com

If you need an answer to a question or insight into a situation, you do not need to know the tarot -- there is an option and anyone can use it! All you will need is a (preferably) new deck of regular playing cards and some basic information, which is coming up!

The process is quick and easy. Sit comfortably with both feet flat on the floor (this 'grounds' you), close your eyes and hold the deck in your hands. If you are feeling stressed, take a deep breath: in through your nose and out (slowly) through your mouth -- relax and focus on what you are doing, which is opening a 'line of communication' between yourself and your oracle.

Visualize the situation or problem and ask a single and direct question that can be answered by 'yes' or 'no' (the purpose of which is to provide the strongest 'director' energy) -- again, simplicity is the key -- try not to 'layer' your query. Drawing one card at a time will provide much clearer results.

Focus your thought on the question, shuffle gently and when you feel your concentration is at its highest peak, cut the cards (just allow the deck to fall open in your hands, then lift one section up and place it behind the other section). It sounds more complicated than it is: you are simply cutting the deck in your hands as opposed to on the table (once the deck is placed down, the energy flow and connection is 'broken').

Cut the deck three times, then flip the top card. If you have an 'intuitive flash' when you see the card, this is part of the message. Then look at the colour, suit and number or face card and link their meanings as described below (and you may turn two more cards from the top of the deck for further clarity, or to read the past, present and future energies of the situation in question).

The Colours
* Black cards indicate an uneven energy and suggest caution...the worst case scenario would be a 'no'.
* Red cards indicate a responsive or generally supportive energy...the best case scenario would be a 'yes'.

The Suits
* Spades refer to thoughts, communications and decisions -- and can also refer to authoritative, controlling or even abusive energies. Facing difficult experiences, such as health issues or shifts in relationships fall under the influence of the spade.
* Clubs are connected to the fire and passion of the physical body, its actions, fertility, growth and the social arena. Here is where intense interests and desires reside along with the focus and drive to realize them.
* Diamonds refer to logic, practicality, ambition, money, security and relate to education, careers, homes and personal motivation with an eye to personal success. A diamond may appear if money, the home or a job is the focus of the enquiry.
* Hearts point to the emotions: being in love, strong friendships, family unity and nurturing of the self. This is a warm, flowing and loving energy -- but it can also carry the heartbreak and pain of separations, depression and loss.

The Numbers
* The Ace (number 1) is an original force, a new start, a breakthrough and the will to survive. This card will show up when something new is underway, as in a relationship, domestic move or job. This energy requires that the past be left behind so that the future may be fully embraced.
* Number 2 is the couple, the two sides, the duality and the balance (or imbalance) between them. This number will show up when there is a situation involving 2 people, places or things and refers to the state of balance between the consultant and another element.
* Number 3 is the (magical) trinity, creativity, birth and the physical activity of the body and brain. This card will show up if there are 3 aspects to the question or if it involves fertility and growth.
* Number 4 is the foundations in life: health, job, family and finances -- the elements of security and stability. This number will show up if the question surrounds basic issues and can indicate foundations that are either firm or infirm.
* Number 5 is change, the senses, independence, freedom and (the need for) open communication. This number will show up if unusual activities or events are apparent or upcoming or if there is a need to break free from a restraint of some kind.
* Number 6 is domestic and familial love, returning to the fold, care, nurturing and safety. This number will show up if the question concerns love in any of its forms -- we can love our jobs, our mates, our houses and many other things!
* Number 7 is logical thought and investigation...of both the scientific and the metaphysical. This number will show up when there is a need for careful evaluation or when there is an unknown or mysterious element to the question - it can also represent heeding the voice of intuition.
* Number 8 is power, control, authority and holds the potential to entrap and overwhelm. This number will show up when potent energies are at play -- this can be feeling confined or controlled by a person, place or thing or reaching a level of tranquil balance between the spiritual and material worlds -- there are two dramatically different energies in the 8: the power of ego versus the power of serenity.
* Number 9 is beginnings and endings (that are usually connected), imagination, creativity, intuition and compassion. This number will show up when subjects of a sensitive, mystical or metaphysical nature are addressed as well as ones concerning situations that are rapidly losing power over the consultant's life and must be ended.
* Number 10 is the actual end, the finalization, the finish line crossed -- it opens the door to the Ace. This number will show up when the consultant is standing at the threshold of the door and is ready to enter a new experience. This card equates to the Fool (the first card) in the Tarot.

The Face Cards
* Jacks refer to an important message that pertains to its suit. This card will show up when the consultant is waiting for a communication of some kind, like an agreement or an offer, but can also take the form of a direct and personal one to the querent.
* Queens refer to a woman who may assist or hinder, connects to the suit and can represent the consultant's state of mind or position in life.
* Kings refer to a man who may assist or hinder, connects to the suit and can represent the consultant's state of mind or position in life.

The Jokers (these may be removed prior to the reading if one so desires)
* The Red Joker refers to the the unexpected with positive overtones.
* The Black Joker refers to the unexpected with negative overtones.

As an example, if one is thinking about a new relationship and draws the 7 of Hearts, the message is one of cautious optimism...or if one is thinking about changing jobs and draws the 2 of swords, the message is one of caution, period, as there is a negative overtone in the form of imbalance between the consultant and an element of the potential job.

As a final example, if one is asking whether a move is in their future and draws the Ace of Diamonds...start packing!
Keep it simple and have fun! And by the way? If you choose to divine in the future using this simple system, keep the deck strictly for this purpose -- do not use it to play poker!

Author Heather Lagan is a spiritual advisor in Surrey, B.C., where she has provided counselling services for over 25 years. Heather's primary tools of reference are the Tarot and Chaldean Numerology, the latter being the subject of her book 'Babylon's Secret...The Truth About Your Name'. Check out her website at http://thereadingroom101.com/ for more information on various subjects pertaining to the metaphysical world. Heather also offers readings locally and by special order...details online.