When it comes to embracing the world of tarot, you don’t always need a traditional tarot deck to get started. In fact, you can use a regular deck of playing cards as a bridge into understanding and interpreting the mystical and insightful messages of tarot. Here are 11 simple ways to use playing cards as tarot cards.

1. Understanding Correspondences

The first step is to understand the correspondences between playing cards and tarot cards. The four suits in playing cards represent the four suits in the tarot Minor Arcana – hearts correspond with cups, diamonds with pentacles, clubs with wands, and spades with swords.

2. Assigning Major Arcana:

Since playing cards do not include the Major Arcana, create a second deck with 22 blank or marked cards. Each card will represent a specific Major Arcana card.

3. Simplify Card Meanings:

To effectively read playing cards as tarot, simplify the meanings of tarot cards to fit the playing card interpretations. For instance, adapt the detailed symbolism of The Tower to symbolize a sudden change or disruption.

4. Practice Reading:

Practice reading spreads using your adapted playing card deck to familiarize yourself with their meanings and how they relate to traditional tarot spreads.

5. Consider Numerology:

Incorporate numerology into your readings – each number on a playing card can provide additional insight into its meaning in relation to its corresponding suit.

6. Develop an Intuitive Connection:

As you practice using playing cards for tarot readings, work on developing an intuitive connection with your deck. This is crucial for tapping into deeper insights and guidance during your readings.

7. Create Custom Spreads:

Design custom spreads tailored to your needs or specific questions in mind while using playing cards as your tarot deck.

8. Explore Different Decks:

Experiment with different styles of playing cards, as the artwork and design of a deck can impact your readings and the energy you draw from them.

9. Integrate Oracle Cards:

Consider integrating oracle cards into your playing card tarot readings for additional insight and messages from the universe.

10. Keep a Tarot Journal:

Document your experiences, thoughts, and insights during your playing card tarot journey. This can prove beneficial for tracking your growth, understanding patterns, and refining your skills.

11. Trust Your Intuition:

Above all, trust your intuition when using playing cards as tarot cards. Allow yourself to be guided by your inner wisdom during your readings – it will lead you towards the answers you seek.

By implementing these 11 simple ways to use playing cards as tarot cards, you can access a new realm of self-understanding and spiritual growth through this versatile and accessible practice. Embrace the power of playing card tarot readings and embark on a fulfilling journey of self-discovery.