Secrets of the Shuffle/How I Learned to Talk to Tarot

Being an only child, you become an expert at finding ways to entertain yourself. For me, that meant discovering the dusty, mysterious world of tarot cards.

A person delicately arranges tarot cards on a dimly lit table, creating an atmosphere of mysticism and introspection.

There it was on the bookshelf, an old Rider-Waite deck in a tattered yellow box that looked like it had seen some things.

I had no clue what they were for, but I was drawn to them like a moth to a very intriguing, picture-filled flame.

I’d sit for hours, fanning those cards out like a Vegas magician, mastering the "pick a card, any card" move before I even hit fifth grade.

But it wasn't about tricks. The stories in those illustrations were spellbinding. Even at nine years old, I knew these cards were special.

Then, in 1985, our house fire took almost everything, including that beloved deck. It was a loss, but life moved on. I didn’t get another deck until my twenties, and the moment I did, that same fascination came rushing back.

My friends and I would have tarot nights, learning the cards and doing readings for each other. It never got old. And honestly, It still hasn’t.

Illuminated by the warm glow of candles, tarot cards lay on a wooden table, inviting introspection and reflection.

So, How Do You Actually Use Tarot? (Spoiler: It's Not Scary)

Let's get this out of the way: You do NOT need to be a psychic to read tarot. The only power you need is curiosity.

Think of a tarot deck less like a crystal ball and more like a deck of story prompts for your life. The knowledge builds over time, and your deck will start to feel like an old, wise friend who gives it to you straight.

Helpful Tip #1: Keep Your Questions Simple.

When I have a decision to make or I'm curious about a situation, I sit quietly, hold my deck, and ask a clear, focused question in my mind.

Think "What do I need to understand about my career path?" instead of "Tell me everything about my entire future."

Then, I shuffle and simply say, "Show me what I need to know." More often than not, a card will jump out of the deck. It’s like an invisible hand is guiding the answer.

Helpful Tip #2: Journal Everything!

This is my number one tip for beginners. Get a notebook and create a tarot journal. For every reading you do for yourself, write down:

• The Date

• Your Question

• The Card(s) that appeared

• Your initial thoughts on what they mean.

  
  

Looking back on these entries is where the real magic happens.

You’ll be amazed at how accurate you were, and it helps you build a personal relationship with the symbolism.

But Wait, Are Tarot Cards Evil?

Some people hear "tarot" and think "devil's playground." For me, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Tarot is a tool for introspection, clarity, and personal growth. It’s not about predicting a fixed future; it’s about exploring possibilities and understanding your own intuition.

If your intention is positive, the experience will be too.

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Your Starter Pack/ The Perfect Tarot Duo

Here's what I recommend for starting with Tarot.

Box of The Rider Tarot Deck featuring "The Magician" card artwork, highlighting the classic design with vibrant colors and symbolic imagery.

Cover of 'Easy Tarot Guide: Expanded New Edition' by Marcia Masino, featuring tarot illustrations of The Magician, The High Priestess, and Nine of Pentacles.

The illustrations are incredibly detailed and symbolic, every little element in the picture, from the colors to the characters' poses, holds a clue.

Pro Tip: Don't just glance at the card.

Stare at it! What's the story? How does it make you feel?

Your first impression is usually the most powerful.

Pair it with the "Easy Tarot Guide" workbook.

This was one of the first books I used when I got back into tarot, and it’s a fantastic step-by-step guide.

You’ll get detailed meanings for each card and learn different spreads, from simple one-card pulls to the classic Celtic Cross.

[Buy the Perfect Tarot Duo Today!]

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A warm, candlelit scene showcases an arrangement of tarot cards, evoking a sense of mystery and introspection.

The Real Magic Happens When You Just Know

The ultimate goal? To eventually put the book down. As you practice, you’ll start to increase your intuition and psychic abilities naturally.

The symbols and emotions in the cards will click faster. There will come a point where you’ll look at a spread and just know what it’s telling you.

Your clairvoyant senses will wake up.

It takes time, but building that flow with your cards is so worth it.

Remember, the most important rule is to have fun and not take it too seriously.

Happy shuffling!

By Dana Jensen, Psychic Medium

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