You've got questions, and I've got answers. Below are questions I've received  along with my answers about how to use Tarot cards and how they work.

Now this is based on my own experience and knowledge. Everybody may not have the same references I do, and a lot of this stuff depends on what you follow and believe. I encourage all to keep an open mind and to keep searching until you find the answers that make sense to you, that reflect your thoughts and ways.


Q. When you use more than one card, how do you get the answer?
A. Tarot Cards are best used with spreads. A Tarot spread is a particular way of laying the cards into positions, and each position has a question, and the card in a given position answers that question. Usually the book that comes with the deck has a few Tarot spreads with diagram. Llewellyn Publishing also has books with various spreads; my favorites are by Sylvia Abraham. When you’ve had more practice reading and are more comfortable with the cards, you can write your own!

Q. I have just bought a Tarot deck, and I am a beginner. I was wondering is it possible to read or ask a question about someone else with out that person actually being present.
A. Thank you for the question. The Tarot cards are a useful tool because they tell you what could happen by absorbing the energy around the person the reading is for. It is definitely possible to give accurate Tarot readings online, over the phone, via email, and even without the querrent knowing the reading is going on.

Q. I just got my first Tarot deck, but I am not really grasping what I read in the book and I seem to not be able to do a reading for myself. Can you help me?
A. Yup, I went through the same thing. I highly recommend finding books published by Llewellyn Publishing. The ones that have helped me most were "How to Choose Your Own Tarot" by David Godwin and "How to Use Tarot Spreads" by Sylvia Abraham. The web page links on my page are good resources also. Once I learned a good system for memorizing the card meanings and found spreads other than the Celtic cross, it all started to make a lot of sense. By the way, it is really bad luck to do readings for yourself. I suggest finding another reader to learn what's ahead for yourself.

Q. Is there a way I should store my cards when not in use? I read somewhere that they should be wrapped in a silk scarf in a wooden box.
A. Traditionally, Tarot cards are stored in black silk and a wooden box. I am not a very traditional person though, and I tend to do things according to what feels natural. My first deck is stored in material from my favorite black t-shirt because I didn't have silk. My next deck is stored in material from my favorite orange dress, partly because it matches the deck. The third is stored in material from yet another favorite dress. I believe that having my decks in pieces from my favorite clothing puts my spirit into the cards as well. I keep my decks in my bag of divination tools... my crystals and runes are in this bag too.

Q. I have noticed that when people learn I am interested in Tarot, they think its weird. My best friend and I came up with its because if they don’t understand something they feel its weird. Any idea why?
A. Yes, folks do think Tarot is a fraud, baseless, defies logic. I'd say you and your friend are right, people are afraid of what they don't know. Tarot is one of those occult-type non-secular things people believe is taboo or evil, or simply a waste of time and money. I believe anything utilized with good intensions, and anything that heightens your understanding, preparedness and spirituality is good. My motto: If it works, use it :) I usually don't tell people I am involved with Tarot until I find out they have an interest. Its just safer and easier that way.

Q. What does the death card mean? I was doing the cards and the death card showed up. Thank you.
A. The death card signifies the end of a situation. This card does not necessarily mean a person will die, but situations will, and that death opens the door for new situations and experiences. Again, it is bad luck to do your own readings, and I strongly advise against it.

Q. Hello, I just had a 6 card spread tarot reading. The pictures on the cards were animals. I can't remember all of the six categories. I don't remember the first one, the second was romance, the third was career, the fourth was finance. I can't remember the fifth. The sixth was general. Could you tell me the other two categories and the name of the cards with the animals?

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Q. I'm just learning tarot and I did a 3 card draw and I got the pope and on the bottom of the card it says Mistrust and Disloyalty and I'm not really sure what it means can u help?
A. Without knowing the deck, the spread, or the position titles, I have no idea what readings I don't give mean. If you do have questions, either the reader or your reference materials should put you in the right direction. If you have trouble understanding the results of your readings often, I suggest switching decks or readers.

Q. I'm just learning to read tarot cards. I recently learned it is bad luck to do your own readings. Is that true?
A. I believe it is bad luck to do your own readings and advise against it. I believe it even effects your karma; because you're reading for yourself after being advised not to, the universe may pay you back. But even before I found that out, it felt unnatural to do my own readings.

Q. I read that the color of silk scarf you wrap your cards in should be your soul color. I wanted to know if you knew where I could find out what my soul color is.
A. Honestly, I am not familiar with the term "soul color." It may be another term for aura, which is the color that surrounds you. Look in the new age section of your library or bookstore for info on how to find out what color your aura is, or search the web. However, My 3 decks are wrapped in pieces of cloth from favorite clothes I've outgrown. I think it's important that the cards be wrapped in something that is meaningful to you.

Q. I had heard from several sources that it is bad luck to buy your own tarot cards, that they should be a gift, and they should first be used by an authentic. Is there any truth to this? 
A. No, it is not bad luck to buy your own Tarot deck. Actually, I would be more apprehensive to take a deck that is used. If we relied on others to give us decks, we'd probably never have a deck that feels comfortable, and if the deck feels right to you it will be easier to read and learn them.

Q. I use Ryder-Waite Tarot cards, what do you think of them? Also I do readings on myself & they are helpful & very true. What is the problem with reading for yourself?
A. The Ryder-Waite deck is a good basic deck to learn Tarot with, and I believe it has the cards labeled in English, Spanish, German and French, and I think that's cool. However, I personally like decks with more diverse images. While doing your own readings is said to be bad luck, there are decks like the Self Awareness Cards and decks for self-discovery you can use for yourself. Check the Learn Tarot -Decks link below to view a wide range of decks.

by Mystic Moon, First Edition, 1993