Active reading is a way of reading Tarot without using defined spreads. When most people read Tarot they use spreads. Spreads are layouts for the cards. Each position has a meaning and you read the card not only according to the question or issue but also what position it falls in.
For example, here is a simple Past, Present, Future layout that I use:
The card pulled in the Past position will tell me the background or how I got to this point. The Present position tells me what is currently going on, and the Future position suggests what will happen if nothing changes.
Using Active Reading for Tarot
In what I call “Active Reading” no positions are used. Instead, I start with a question or topic such as “What one change can I do to make a positive difference in my life?” I shuffle and pull a card and get the Three of Swords. Oof!
The Three of Swords suggests I need to let go of something that causes me a lot of heartache, something that I might be obsessing over. I’m not quite sure which “thing” I need to focus on letting go of, so I pull another card.
Concentrate on a Follow-Up Question
My follow-up question for this active reading is “what specific heartache do I need to resolve?” And I pull the Two of Swords.
Modern Witch Tarot
The Two of Swords tells me that I’m putting off a decision. Instead of dealing with the decision once and for all, I’m ignoring it and all of the turbulent emotions arising from this situation. In my case, though I was just doing this as an example reading, I am indeed putting off a decision, so I don’t need to delve further into the “what do I need to resolve” issue. I could pull more cards that would explain the situation more clearly or I could ask “what is the background of this issue?” or “how did this situation come about?”.
Active Reading for Background
Knowing how you got yourself into a situation helps you in several ways.
- If the situation involves a wrong you did, you might be able to fix it or apologize.
- You can see how your decisions led to your present situation.
- Depending on how deep you take your queries into the origins of the situation, you might realize no action needs to be taken, you just need to let it go and move on.
For the background, I drew the Six of Cups.
Modern Witch Tarot
This card is all about childhood memories and suggests the issue has its roots in my childhood, but is still coloring my present-day interactions.
Active Reading for Solutions
But what should I do? Since I know the situation is due to not making a final decision about something, I can ask what would happen if I chose either way. Active reading is pretty interesting here because I can pull cards and see a story building up.
In my case, the issue is a financial one and the Ace of Pentacles reversed with the Four of Pentacles backs this up. If I choose “yes” as my decision my ability to make money or start new ventures might be hindered, but I will hold onto the money I already have. This situation does revolve around a business venture, so I read this as if I get into the new venture it is probably going to use up my time in such a way my other ventures and perhaps other business ideas, will stall. I may not gain money from the venture, but I will hold onto what I currently have.
Look at Both Options
Now I can look at what might happen if I say “no”. I drew the King of Swords and the Nine of Swords.
If I say no, the King of Swords suggests I’ll be making the correct decision, based on logic and seeing everything clearly. However, I’m going to regret it in the long run. The Nine of Swords is all about nightmares, regrets, and even obsessing over something.
Making a Decision
So the new venture isn’t really going to increase my finances and will tie me up with work, limiting the time I could spend elsewhere. It is logical to say no, but I will regret the missed opportunity.
I could go on like this, asking questions about the situation, drilling down into my options, and even asking if there are additional choices that I’m not seeing (the Two of Swords is big on that meaning). Active reading encourages this dialog and can lead to some pretty important breakthroughs for you.
Active Reading and Drawing Cards
When doing an active reading, I fan the cards out and then hover my palm over them with the question in mind. My palm will feel tingly, warm, or even hot over a certain card or cards, and I’ll pull that card or cards. I don’t return cards to the deck, just keep pulling by sensing with my palm.
However, because Tarot reading is deeply personal and intuitive, you can get a good result just from shuffling as normal and pulling the cards off the top of the deck. This is what I did for this reading (which was just intended as a demonstration) and yet I was presenting with a problem and solution that I can still really use.
I hope this adds a different method of Tarot reading to your toolbox. And, as always, if you need a neutral third party to help guide you through your readings or want to experience a tarot reading yourself, contact me at readings@sophrosynetarot.com.
What Clients are Saying about Sophrosyne Tarot
I was advised to ask open-ended questions instead of predictive questions which I thought was helpful because I never would have known if it weren’t for the reader. The reader provided the reading along with some advice too so the entire reading was very thorough and explained in an understandable manner.
Everything said was accurate and helpful for me to identify my flaws in order to grow as a person. I have learned a lot about tarot and what it does to help me.
Fascinating! I know nothing about tarot and enjoyed the way you share how you read the cards and interpret the takeaway.
I know essentially nothing about Tarot either. But I really enjoy reading about how you applied your reading to your life.
Interesting! I like the idea of having a question in mind and then asking follow-up, clarifying questions.