How To Do a 7-Card Tarot Reading
If you’ve been reading tarot cards for some time now, you probably have a favorite spread you use. If you haven’t explored it yet, a 7-card tarot reading is one of the most popular basic spreads. This kind of layout can work well for simple, open-ended questions.
Usually, 7-card tarot readings are laid out in the shape of a horseshoe. Some readers spread their cards out with the open end up or the open end down. Depending on what you and your Querent are comfortable with, you can use either method. The Querent, of course, refers to the person you’re reading for.
What makes this type of spread appealing to me — and many other people — is that each card is positioned in a way that breaks the problem down into different aspects. This way, you can gain a lot of valuable insight that can help your Querent gain clarity.
Prepare for the Reading
There are many ways to prepare for a tarot reading whichever spread you use. The important thing is to cleanse your deck and brush up on the basics of tarot. If you only partially know the meanings, then this will just result in a partial reading. This might not effectively help your Querent, or yourself if you’re doing a personal reading.
As part of your preparation, also decide whether you’ll be doing “reversals” in your reading. Most beginners tend to interpret the cards the same way even if they come out reversed. If you decide to do reversals, be consistent about them. Don’t just interpret the cards in reverse when it suits you.
Shuffle the Deck
When you’re reading for a Querent, let them shuffle the deck, so it can pick up on their energy. If you sense negative energy from the Querent, don’t forget to cleanse your deck after the reading. Otherwise, you can shuffle the deck yourself and just let the Querent cut the deck into three piles after.
While shuffling or cutting the deck, the Querent should silently ask the question the reading will focus on.