This is my latest discovery and I'm loving it's modern approach in design. The pictures stay very close to the Rider Waite themes so I find it very easy to read. It fits very nicely in to the palm of my hand as well. (Some decks feel a bit big for smaller hands, making shuffling a little more difficult) I would definitely recommend this deck if you have yet to own your own

If you are going to be a serious Tarot reader then the ritual practices I touched on yesterday are really important. And the good news is they are easy Some people shy away from creating rituals because they can't find, or maybe even afford financially, all the " equipment" they think they must have. But in reality you need very little and you likely already everything you need in your home already. Some readers go all out and make fancy reading corners/alters. They gather specialty candles, smudging herbs, specialty table covers, etc. Then they will spend 15 to 30 minutes meditating before they handle their Tarot carda. Theis is all fine of course. For some these feel necessary to "set the stage" but ... You do you. Do what feels natural FOR YOU The only real rituals necessary to prepare to read or to read are: - having a specific cloth to lay your cards out upon (and it can be the same one you keep your cards wrapped in) - Shuffling your cards the same way each time you use them - Setting your intentions in your mind before you lay a spread Those are the basics. Having specific simple rituals you use EACH TIME you use your Tarot cards not only helps you get in the correct mind set it helps the universal energies around you know what to expect so they can ensure an accurate reading (so that the cards you pull will be the ones they want you to see) In the classroom the Level 1 course on Tarot Reading goes in to this more fully for you

Forming "habits", or rituals, is a great way to train yourself to start and accomplish any task. We start these when we're are young (like brushing your teeth), ten as we get older it's setting the alarm to get up in time for school or work, but when it comes to studying I think many folk forget that rituals can help focus your mind when it's most needed So many first year university students struggle because they don't set themselves up with purposeful goals, routines, and rituals to help them focus. Many are away from home for the first time, being allowed to run their own lives. They get lost. I believe for many people who are looking to learn how to read Tarot cards and then set up their own business practice doing so need to set up rituals to help keep them focused. And morning rituals I feel is the best place to start When you get up first thing in the morning (it doesn't matter the actual hour) keep your mind calm. Stretch your body (no heavy exercise), breathe, listen to the calm around you (for some that may mean playing quiet inspiring music), and take a little time with your Tarot cards, even if that means gently shuffling them. This quiet and focused start to your day is good for mind, body , and spirit, and will help set you up for a more productive and focused day

Anyone can learn to read Tarot cards, literally anyone. And the simplest way to start is NOT by memorizing what your decks book says about a card but simply by saying/writing down what you SEE Take a look at this Queen of Cups from the Rider Waite deck. Here is what I see: - Green background - Elaborate cup held in her right hand (gloved) - Flowing water under her feet (wavy black & green material?) - She is wearing a long white garment - She is wearing a white and green cape - Elaborate crown on her head - 2 cherubs on the back of her thrown; a third cherub on the side of the thrown - Yellow ? hills/mound behind her thrown - Red flowers on the ground And that is the easiest way to start, simply saying what you see. And then an easy second step is simply to write down, in a word or two, how this card makes you feel I learned thus when I was taking a digital course written by John Edward (Medium). It is the easiest and best first step to get to know the Tarot, one card at a time. Seems simple and yet you will surprised by what you discover First small steps will eventually lead to a better understanding So, a weekend project for you?

I had a very interesting dream last night, a first of its kind, and I decided to use my Tarot cards to help me understand what exactly the dream meant (I have never tried this before) Someone (female) was giving me a "sales pitch" and was clearly wanting me to pay attention, to understand not just the pitch but the "how to". The only real details I remember is someone (male) speaking about the environment and the words "the fury" When I first started to shuffle, the "High Priestess" fell from the deck. I noted this in my mind then placed the card back in the deck and continued to shuffle. When I finished my shuffle the first cards I pulled were two swords cards and one cups. Really not surprised by the swords at all, and happy to see the "Ten of Cups" I then asked for further explanation and started to shuffle again. I could not do it well, and the first card to fall from the deck was the "3 of Cups" and tried shuffling agin...nope, but the "Chariot" fell from the deck Now I have my own interpretation of the message given me but seeing how this community is meant to help you learn and sharpen your skills ... how do you read these cards? Trust your instincts. What do you see? Feel?