Should You Read Your Own Tarot Cards: Tips, Insights, and Personal Experiences

Reading tarot cards for yourself can be a deeply enriching experience but it also comes with both advantages and challenges. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of self-interpreting tarot cards, offering practical tips and sharing personal experiences to guide you in making an informed decision.

Advantages of Reading Your Own Tarot Cards

There are several compelling reasons why you might want to read tarot cards for yourself:

Personal Insight

Deep Personal Reflection: Reading for yourself provides a profound level of introspection, helping you understand your emotions and experiences more clearly. By reflecting on your feelings and situations, you gain a deeper self-awareness that can be incredibly valuable.

Intimacy with the Deck

Stronger Connection: Repeated exposure to the tarot deck fosters a strong emotional and intellectual connection. Over time, you become deeply familiar with the meanings and nuances of each card, enhancing your understanding and intuition.

Cost-Effectiveness

Economic Benefits: Avoiding fees associated with a professional tarot reader makes self-interpretation a financially sound choice. Plus, the insights gained may be more personal and relevant to your specific situation.

Challenges of Reading Your Own Tarot Cards

While self-interpreting tarot cards offers numerous benefits, there are also some significant challenges to consider:

Subjectivity and Bias

Objective vs. Personal: One of the major obstacles is maintaining objectivity when interpreting the cards for yourself. Personal emotions can cloud your judgment, leading to biased interpretations.

Unconscious Influence

Expectations and Fear: Your own desires, fears, and expectations can unconsciously influence the readings. You might see what you hope to see or what you are afraid of, rather than a clear, unbiased interpretation.

Overthinking and Analysis

Overthinking: Engaging in self-interpreted tarot reading can lead to excessive analysis, making it harder to accept straightforward interpretations. This overthinking can detract from the original purpose of seeking clarity and insight.

Tips for Reading Your Own Tarot Cards

To navigate the challenges and maximize the benefits of self-reading, consider these practical tips:

Set Clear Intentions

Define Your Goals: Before starting a reading, clearly define what you hope to gain from it. Whether it's insights into your personal life, career goals, or relationships, having a specific goal in mind helps frame the experience.

Create a Calm Environment

Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable place for your reading. Eliminating distractions and creating a peaceful atmosphere allows you to focus more deeply on the cards and their meanings.

Keep a Journal

Document Your Insights: Writing down your readings and interpretations over time can help you track your progress and notice patterns. Regular journaling enhances your self-awareness and provides a valuable record of your personal growth.

Practice Regularly

Become More Expert: Consistent practice improves your ability to read the tarot accurately. As you become more familiar with the cards, your interpretations become more intuitive and reliable.

Personal Experience

In my personal experience, reading tarot cards for myself was not disappointing in terms of the cards themselves. However, the aftermath of the readings left me with an ominous sense that lingered for weeks. This experience made me realize that reading for yourself can be emotionally taxing. I felt like I was opening an umbrella inside—blocking out the light but also the breeze—or smashing a mirror, reflecting reality but also fracturing it.

For some reason, when I tried reading my own cards again, the exact same cards were picked, much to the alarm of my entire family. They became so concerned that my second attempt at reading caused them distress. Personally, I found it much easier and less stressful to read tarot cards for others. The detachment provided by not being personally involved allowed me to read the cards more objectively and with a clearer mind.