Do you feel trapped in the present and in your life? But you don’t know where to start or how to break free? First, don’t panic. We all go through moments of doubt. Then, why not seek the answer through spiritual growth? When my friends ask for advice about self-discovery, I hand them a tarot deck and ask them to draw four cards.
Want to understand why and try it out?
Tarot for Self-Discovery
First Card – Future Path
Start by choosing a deck of cards. You can choose the Tarot of Marseille or the Rider-Waite. Then, hold it in your hands and shuffle the cards while asking yourself: “Where is my life headed?” This first step may take a few seconds or minutes. Only you know what you need to pick the first card. Next, spread the cards in front of you on a table and draw the card you want, placing it in front of you. What comes to mind as you see it? How do you feel about it, even without knowing its meaning? Joy, fear, questions, etc.?
Second Card – What’s Blocking You?
When you feel ready, ask yourself a second question (out loud or in your mind): “What is preventing me from growing?” Like with the first card, take your time and draw a card, placing it next to the first one. What do you think of it? Does this card reveal a fear, habit, or limiting belief?
Third Card – Inner Strength
For the third card, ask yourself: “What strength or wisdom do I already have to overcome my challenges?” Draw a card and place it next to the two previous ones. This card represents your hidden power. Write down how you think it expresses the way you use this form of power in your daily life.
Fourth Card – Guidance from the Universe
Finally, for the last card, ask yourself: “What message does the Universe have for me right now?” Draw a card and place it next to the other three. This card represents you. Look at it carefully, then close your eyes. Meditate for a few moments, and visualize the energy of this card surrounding you.
Try These 10 Simple Three-Card Tarot Spreads for Quick Clarity
Understanding the Message of the Cards
Two options are available to you:
Interpret on your own
Interpret using tarot card meanings
Interpreting on Your Own
By looking at the four cards and your thoughts, what do you think? Did the cards offer you a clear message? Do you feel they accompany you on your self-discovery? How can you act for your spiritual growth?
Interpreting with Symbolism
Here is a quick guide to the most common meanings for each tarot card, based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
Remember: Tarot is more than just a tool for divination; it’s a powerful guide for self-discovery and personal growth. Each card carries deep symbolism that reflects different aspects of your journey, emotions, and challenges. This list of common meanings will help you interpret your readings with clarity, offering insight into your path and guiding you toward self-awareness. Don’t forget, tarot is meant to support your self-discovery, bringing you serenity and comfort as you navigate different situations. There’s always a way to grow, heal, and move forward, no matter what the cards reveal.
Major Arcana (Life’s Big Lessons & Transformations)
You can also read our full article about the Major Arcana Tarot Cards.
The Fool – New beginnings, spontaneity, a leap of faith
The Magician – Manifestation, power, resourcefulness
The High Priestess – Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom
The Empress – Nurturing, creativity, abundance
The Emperor – Structure, stability, leadership
The Hierophant – Tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity
The Lovers – Love, relationships, choices
The Chariot – Determination, control, willpower
Strength – Inner strength, courage, patience
The Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, solitude
Wheel of Fortune – Change, cycles, destiny
Justice – Truth, fairness, karma
The Hanged Man – Letting go, new perspective, surrender
Death – Transformation, endings leading to new beginnings
Temperance – Balance, moderation, healing
The Devil – Addiction, materialism, feeling trapped
The Tower – Sudden upheaval, chaos, revelation
The Star – Hope, inspiration, renewal
The Moon – Illusions, intuition, confusion
The Sun – Joy, success, clarity
Judgment – Reflection, spiritual awakening, rebirth
The World – Completion, achievement, wholeness
Minor Arcana (Daily Life Situations)
You can also read our full article about the Minor Arcana Tarot Cards.
Wands (Fire – Passion, Action, Creativity)
Ace of Wands – New inspiration, creative spark
Two of Wands – Planning, future decisions
Three of Wands – Expansion, progress
Four of Wands – Celebration, homecoming
Five of Wands – Conflict, competition
Six of Wands – Victory, recognition
Seven of Wands – Defensiveness, standing your ground
Eight of Wands – Speed, movement
Nine of Wands – Resilience, perseverance
Ten of Wands – Burden, responsibility
Page of Wands – Curiosity, enthusiasm
Knight of Wands – Passion, adventure
Queen of Wands – Confidence, independence
King of Wands – Leadership, vision
Cups (Water – Emotions, Relationships, Intuition)
Ace of Cups – New love, emotional renewal
Two of Cups – Partnership, connection
Three of Cups – Friendship, celebration
Four of Cups – Apathy, contemplation
Five of Cups – Loss, regret
Six of Cups – Nostalgia, childhood memories
Seven of Cups – Illusions, many choices
Eight of Cups – Walking away, seeking deeper meaning
Nine of Cups – Wishes fulfilled, contentment
Ten of Cups – Happiness, family harmony
Page of Cups – Creativity, new emotional experiences
Knight of Cups – Romantic gestures, idealism
Queen of Cups – Compassion, deep intuition
King of Cups – Emotional balance, wisdom
Swords (Air – Thoughts, Challenges, Communication)
Ace of Swords – Truth, mental clarity
Two of Swords – Indecision, stalemate
Three of Swords – Heartbreak, sorrow
Four of Swords – Rest, recovery
Five of Swords – Conflict, hollow victory
Six of Swords – Transition, moving on
Seven of Swords – Deception, strategy
Eight of Swords – Feeling trapped, mental blocks
Nine of Swords – Anxiety, nightmares
Ten of Swords – Painful endings, betrayal
Page of Swords – Curiosity, vigilance
Knight of Swords – Swift action, recklessness
Queen of Swords – Independence, clear thinking
King of Swords – Authority, truth
Pentacles (Earth – Money, Stability, Practical Matters)
Ace of Pentacles – New financial opportunity, prosperity
Two of Pentacles – Balance, juggling priorities
Three of Pentacles – Collaboration, teamwork
Four of Pentacles – Security, holding on too tightly
Five of Pentacles – Financial hardship, feeling left out
Six of Pentacles – Generosity, giving and receiving
Seven of Pentacles – Patience, long-term planning
Eight of Pentacles – Skill-building, mastery
Nine of Pentacles – Independence, luxury
Ten of Pentacles – Wealth, family legacy
Page of Pentacles – Learning, new ventures
Knight of Pentacles – Hard work, responsibility
Queen of Pentacles – Nurturing, financial security
King of Pentacles – Abundance, leadership
An Example Tarot Spread for Self-Discovery
I didn’t want to leave you alone, so here’s an example of a tarot spread and its possible interpretation.
Spread
First Card: Wheel of Fortune
Second Card: The Devil
Third Card: Strength
Fourth Card: The Star
Interpretations
Future Path – Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune represents movement and how we’re influenced by external forces. It’s an invitation to accept that life is not fixed and that there are always opportunities for transformation. Therefore, the tarot encourages you to seize opportunities to advance on your path of self-discovery.
What’s Blocking You? – The Devil
The Devil symbolizes invisible chains that hold you back. This card asks you to become aware of the traps you impose on yourself, whether they be toxic relationships, addictions, or an irrational fear of change. To move forward, it’s essential to break these chains and free yourself from negative influences.
Inner Strength – Strength
The Strength card reminds you that your true power lies in your ability to face challenges with calm, determination, and inner courage. Even when things seem tough, you have the ability to remain centered and face difficulties with a positive attitude.
Guidance from the Universe – The Star
The Star represents hope and inspiration. It offers a light of hope and guides you toward clarity and peace of mind. It’s an invitation to believe in your dreams and not lose faith in your spiritual growth and the future that awaits you.
Cross-Interpretation
This tarot spread shows you that you have within you the strength and resources to overcome your inner obstacles. Moreover, with the Wheel of Fortune, you see that transformation is already underway. Each tarot card reveals an aspect of your self-discovery toward a deeper understanding of yourself, which in turn nurtures your spiritual growth.
Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards: What’s the Difference?
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