Creating your own tarot spread can be a profoundly personal and enlightening experience. I’ve always found that crafting a tarot spread around a specific event or question in my life not only helps me gain clarity but also makes the entire process much more intimate and tailored. Here’s how you can create your own spreads that resonate deeply with your life’s currents and undercurrents.
Selecting a Topic
When it comes to tarot, the magick starts with choosing a topic. Think of a situation in your life that’s been on your mind. Maybe it’s a significant life change, or you’re just curious about the upcoming months. For instance, I once created a spread when I was contemplating a big move—it really helped sort out my feelings and the practical steps I needed to take.
Don’t shy away from less intense topics though; even something as simple as the change of seasons or a new moon phase can be perfect for a tarot spread. And hey, if you’re feeling particularly creative, why not draw inspiration from your favorite movie or song? The possibilities are endless!
Choosing the Number of Cards
Picking the right number of cards for your spread is more art than science. Typically, I stick to 3 to 7 cards—enough to give depth but not so many that the reading becomes overwhelming. Remember, the number of cards might hold special significance.
If you’re like me and believe that numbers have their own energy, integrating this belief into your tarot spread can add an additional layer of personal meaning. For example, I tend to use 5 cards when I’m seeking balance, as 5 symbolizes harmony and wellbeing.
Formulating Questions
After you’ve pinned down your topic and decided on the number of cards, it’s time to think about the questions that will guide your spread. This step is crucial because it shapes the insights you’ll receive.
Reflect on what you really want to know about the topic. During my big move, questions like “What should I look forward to?” and “What challenges might I face?” were incredibly helpful.
Frame your questions in a way that they open doors to the knowledge you’re seeking, rather than leading you down a path of wishful thinking.
Deciding on the Spread Pattern
The layout or pattern of your tarot spread plays a significant role in how you interpret the cards. It’s like setting the stage for a play; each position represents a different aspect of the story you’re exploring.
You might choose a simple line or a circle, or maybe a more complex figure that represents your specific situation. When I work on relationship-themed spreads, I often arrange the cards in a heart shape to visually and symbolically focus on love and connection.
Creating the Tarot Spread
Now that we’ve got our topic, number of cards, questions, and spread pattern sorted, it’s time to actually put it all together. This is where your tarot spread comes to life! Start by jotting down a brief title or theme at the top of your journal page or digital note-taking app—this sets the intention for your reading.
I find that sometimes the title comes naturally during this brainstorming phase, capturing the essence of what I’m seeking. Next, outline the positions of your cards based on the spread pattern you’ve chosen, and next to each, jot down the question or aspect it represents. This step transforms your abstract ideas into a tangible, actionable layout.
Designing the Tarot Spread Layout
The final touch is designing the physical or visual layout of your spread. If you’re artistic, this is your chance to shine! Sketching or creating digital graphics that reflect the theme of your spread can enhance the reading experience. When I’m working through a theme like heartbreak, I might sketch tiny hearts or tear drops around the cards to visually express the emotion involved.
Designing a layout online can make your spread shareable or even printable. Not only does this make your spread more personal, it can also help in meditating on the results later.
The process of creating your own tarot spread is a blend of intuition, creativity, and introspection. Whether you’re seeking answers to specific questions or just looking for general guidance, your personal tarot spread can be a powerful tool in navigating the complexities of life. The key is to make the spread your own. Let it reflect your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
