To connect with your Astral Tarot Deck, begin by holding the cards in your hands for a few moments before each session. Think about the question or area of your life you want to explore. This simple step helps you focus your intention before drawing any cards.
Shuffling the Deck: There is no single correct way to shuffle tarot cards. The overhand method involves transferring small groups of cards from one hand to the other in a continuous motion and is a good option for keeping the cards in good condition. The riffle method involves splitting the deck in two and interleaving the cards together. You can also simply cut the deck into several piles and reassemble them in a different order. Use whichever method feels comfortable and natural to you.
Single-Card Daily Draw: This is one of the most straightforward ways to work with tarot. Each morning, shuffle the deck while thinking about your day ahead, then draw one card. Take a moment to look at the image and note your first impressions before consulting the guidebook. This practice builds familiarity with the cards over time.
Three-Card Spread: For a simple past, present, and future reading, shuffle the deck and lay three cards face down in a row from left to right. Flip them over one at a time. The first card represents past influences, the second reflects your current situation, and the third points to a likely outcome or direction moving forward.
Journaling Your Pulls: Keep a dedicated notebook alongside your deck. After each reading, write down the cards you drew, the spread you used, your question, and any thoughts or feelings that came up. Reviewing past entries helps you track patterns and deepen your understanding of the cards over time.
Beginner Tip: The guidebook included with the Astral Tarot Deck is a useful starting point for learning card meanings, but do not overlook your own instincts. If a particular image or detail in a card stands out to you, that reaction is worth paying attention to. Over time, your personal relationship with the deck will develop alongside your knowledge of traditional meanings.
Storing Your Deck: When not in use, keep your cards in a fabric pouch or the original box to protect them from bending, moisture, and general wear. Storing them in a consistent place also makes it easier to build a regular reading habit.