The use of tarot cards as divination tools is nothing new. Some of you will agree that using it as a tool for change or transformation also isn’t new. I find that this wonderful bit of information is sometimes lost or unknown to people that are just looking for a reading. I used to work part time giving readings to the general public. I got so burnt out. I got asked the same questions over and over.

"Does so and so love me?"

"Will I win the lottery?"

Now, there is nothing wrong with these kinds of questions, but they don’t take full advantage of tarot. I wanted to do more for people, help them more. So I stopped giving reading to the general public and started taking creativity coaching classes. I have studied different methods of coaching and realized I needed something more in tune with my interests. I returned to tarot. I still do some private readings, but I am far more focused on readings that point out solutions or needed change. My clients get much more out of a reading.

The great thing about tarot is that you don’t need any special training or skills. You can learn on your own or take a class. The tarot or any type of divination cards are a connection to your higher self. They can bring to the surface the knowledge that you already contain with in you. There is a huge variety of decks out there. Some are different spins on the original basic tarot and some are not based on the tarot at all. It doesn’t really matter which kind you choose as long as it clicks with you. Take your time choosing. Look for a deck that has artwork that you enjoy. I have to warn you though, collecting decks can be addicting!

After you get your deck, get yourself a notebook. You will need a place to record your own impressions of each card. Knowing what the images and symbols in a card mean to you will make the tarot a more useful tool. Tarot decks will come with books that describe each card and have sample layouts for you to try. To work with tarot or any other divination deck you don’t need to memorize that information unless you want to. Simply shuffling the deck and flipping a card will work. Ok, there is a little more than that but not much.

All you need to do is to calm yourself with some deep breaths and focus. Try to get a clear simple question in your mind or just focus on your current situation. Shuffle all the cards until you feel you have shuffled enough and the flip the top card over. Write down any thoughts, impressions, ideas or feelings the card inspires in you. Then you can turn to the book that came with the deck and read about the card. How does the information relate to your question or situation? Don’t worry if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time. It will get easier with practice.

When using the tarot as a tool for change or transformation, it is best to focus on finding solutions to problems or learning how you go into a situation in the first place. This will bring out cards that can point out the changes that need to be made. This isn’t fortune telling. This is giving your higher self, guides, angels, unconscious mind, or what you want to call it another way to communicate with you. I believe that all we need to know to full fill our life’s purpose is already contained within us. We just need to listen.