If you are curious about tarot cards and want to learn more about them, you might be interested in trying a free online tarot reading. A tarot reading is a way of using a deck of 78 cards to gain insight into your past, present and future. Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for divination, guidance and self-discovery.
In this article, we will explain what a tarot reading is, how it works, and where you can find free online tarot readings.
What is a tarot reading?
A tarot reading is a process of shuffling and drawing cards from a tarot deck and interpreting their meanings based on their symbols, colors, numbers and positions. Each card has a specific meaning that can vary depending on the context of the question and the spread (the layout of the cards). A tarot reader can use their intuition, knowledge and experience to provide insights and advice for the person who asked the question.
There are many types of tarot readings, such as general readings, love readings, career readings, health readings and more. You can ask a specific question or let the cards guide you to what you need to know. Some common questions that people ask in tarot readings are:
- What is the current situation or challenge that I am facing?
- What is the best course of action or decision that I can make?
- What are the possible outcomes or consequences of my choices?
- What are the hidden influences or factors that I need to be aware of?
- What are the lessons or opportunities that I can learn from this situation?
How does a tarot reading work?
A tarot reading usually involves three steps: preparing, shuffling and drawing, and interpreting.
Preparing
Before you start a tarot reading, you must prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Find a quiet and comfortable place, relax your body and mind, focus on your intention or question, and invite your guides or higher self to assist you. You can also light a candle, burn some incense, or play some soothing music to create a sacred space.
Shuffling and drawing
Next, you need to shuffle the tarot deck and draw the cards that you feel drawn to. You can shuffle the cards in any way that feels natural to you, such as cutting the deck, fanning the cards, or mixing them up. As you shuffle, you can ask your question out loud or in your mind. You can also let the cards fall out of the deck or pick them randomly. There is no right or wrong way to do this, as long as you trust your intuition.
The number of cards that you draw depends on the type of spread that you use. A spread is a pattern or card arrangement that has a specific meaning and purpose.
You can choose from different types of spreads, such as the three-card spread, the Celtic cross spread, the horseshoe spread, and more. Each spread has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can experiment with different ones until you find one that suits your needs.
Interpreting
Finally, you need to interpret the meaning of each card based on its position in the spread and its relation to other cards. You can use a guidebook, an online resource, or your own intuition to do this. You can also look at the images, symbols, colors, numbers and words on the cards and see what they mean to you. The most important thing is to be open-minded and flexible when interpreting the cards, as there are no fixed or absolute meanings.
Where can I find free online tarot readings?
There are many websites and apps that offer free online tarot readings. Some of them are:
Biddy Tarot
This website lets you connect with a tarot reader in exchange for feedback.
Free Tarot
This website has a simple and easy-to-use interface. You have the option to do the daily tarot reading wherein you will pick just one card for reading. Or you can try the detailed tarot reading where you draw multiple cards. If you want a live tarot reading, you can also connect to tarot readers through the website for a fee.
Labyrinthos
This is a free app that you can download from App Store or Play Store.
This app has a sleek and modern design that offers personalized tarot readings. Aside from the free readings, it also has free tarot lessons.
Tarot.com
This website has a variety of free online tarot readings that cover different aspects of life, such as relationships, work, wellness and spirituality. You can also explore different types of tarot decks and learn more about their history and symbolism.
Trusted Tarot
This website has a unique feature that uses real shuffled cards instead of computer-generated ones. You can also get a free daily card reading by email.
What is the history of tarot cards?
The origin of tarot cards is shrouded in mystery and controversy. Some scholars believe that they originated in ancient Egypt, while others trace them back to medieval Europe.
The most widely accepted theory is that they were first created in Italy in the 15th century as a game called “tarocchi”.
The game consisted of four suits of 14 cards each, plus 22 special cards called “trumps” or “major arcana”. The cards had allegorical images that represented different aspects of life, such as virtues, vices, planets, elements and seasons.
The game of tarocchi became popular among the nobility and the upper classes, who commissioned artists to create elaborate and beautiful decks.
Some of these decks are still preserved today, such as the Visconti-Sforza deck, the Sola-Busca deck and the Tarot of Marseilles.
The game also spread to other countries, such as France, Spain and Germany, where it acquired different names and variations.
In the 18th century, some mystics began to use tarot cards for divination and esoteric purposes. They claimed that the cards had hidden meanings and symbols that revealed the secrets of the universe and the human soul.
They also associated the cards with various systems of knowledge, such as astrology, numerology, Kabbalah and alchemy. Some of the most influential figures in this movement were Antoine Court de Gébelin, Etteilla, Eliphas Levi and Arthur Edward Waite.
In the 20th century, the popularity of tarot cards increased among the general public, thanks to the publication of several books and decks that made them more accessible and appealing.
Some of the most famous decks from this period are the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Thoth deck and the Crowley-Harris deck. These decks introduced new designs, colors and interpretations that reflected the modern sensibilities and interests of their creators.
Today, there are hundreds of different tarot decks available, each with its own style, theme and vision. Some of them are based on traditional or historical sources, while others are inspired by contemporary culture, art and spirituality.
Conclusion
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for self-exploration and guidance. They can help you gain clarity, perspective and direction in your life.
If you want to try a free tarot reading, you can use any of the websites or apps mentioned above. Remember to be respectful, curious and open-minded when doing a tarot reading, and have fun!
