Can we read tarot cards for ourselves?

If someone asked me if you can read tarot cards for yourself, my spontaneous answer would be: of course! Usually, those who are passionate about cartomancy enter this world for the first time precisely to be able to read the cards for themselves. However, upon deeper reflection, it's not that simple: the answer is more complex. I believe it's sometimes easier to read the cards for someone else rather than for ourselves. One must consider some fundamental aspects before approaching a reading where the interpreter and the querent are always and only ourselves. Everything you need to know on the subject.

Guide to Reading Tarot: The Cards are Fluid and Interpretations are Personal

In a spread, the cards are fluid, meaning they assume a different significance depending on their position, their combinations with other cards in the spread, and especially according to our intuition, our interpretation, and our relationship with the cards themselves. When I was learning to read tarot, particularly the Major Arcana, I studied one card each day, familiarizing myself with each one, and studying the symbolism and meanings they might conceal. I then associated - some voluntarily, others involuntarily - events that happened to me during that specific day, or small details I noticed. Every time I try to read the cards for myself, consequently, that specific memory comes to mind, which in my head is now closely linked to a particular card. Our interpretation of the cards, the meanings we give them, are fundamental. For this reason, it's not at all easy to do readings for ourselves while remaining totally impartial and objective.

How to Read Tarot? Managing Expectations

The second issue to absolutely consider is expectations. When we read tarot for ourselves, our expectations must necessarily be set aside. We might indeed have a somewhat distorted view of the situation, whether positive or negative, and we could be influenced by our expectations of the cards or the reading. For example, if the topic we want to question the cards about touches us deeply and we have many fears, or many hopes, perhaps it's better to leave it for a while. There's no point in questioning the deck when we are overwhelmed by emotions regarding a specific circumstance. The risk could be that we seek confirmation or refutation in the tarot at all costs, skewing the cards' message. Wait: a day or a week, as long as necessary.

Some Tips for Reading Tarot for Yourself

Number one: choose a stuffed animal, or maybe your cat, your dog, or your goldfish: in short, something that represents you, and place it on the table. A pillow will do too. Pretend that object is your substitute and read the cards for it. A small trick that helps you be less involved and therefore more impartial.

Number two: speak out loud. Speaking out loud forces you to give form and specific weight to the impressions you receive from the cards. This way, you avoid staying vague and skimming the surface. Try to be as precise as possible and explain the meanings to yourself in detail, as you would to any other person who knows nothing about Tarot.