How To Make Sense Of Your Birth Chart - Refinery29
Using these facts, an astrologer (with the help of astrology software) can map out which sign each astral body was in at the moment of your ...
tarot readings
While horoscopes, <anchor>tarot readings</anchor>, or other forms of divination work best when you have a question in mind, a birth chart is much more thorough (and doesn't require any particular query). Belgrave said to think of it as a snapshot of all the directions your life could take: "Within the natal chart you can see personality, drives, fears, parental relationships, siblings, children, psychological patterns, and more on one sheet of paper."
Tarot Card Spreads Meanings And Readings For Beginners
Tarot Card Spreads Meanings And Readings For Beginners

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#### 5 Different Tarot Card Spreads For The Beginner

[Story from Spirit](/en-us/spirit)

# 5 Different Tarot Card Spreads For The Total Beginner

[Sara Coughlin](/en-us/author/sara-coughlin)

[April 5, 2018, 8:30 PM](/en-us/archives/2018/04/05)

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[Next Slide](/en-us/how-to-read-tarot-cards-spreads-beginners#slide-1 "Next Slide") [Begin Slideshow](/en-us/how-to-read-tarot-cards-spreads-beginners#slide-1 "Begin Slideshow")

Photographed by Megan Madden.

It's easy to fall under the spell of tarot cards: [Their meanings](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/tarot-cards-meanings) are universal enough to apply to just about anyone, and nowadays it's easy to find and purchase a deck that fits your aesthetic to a T. But, once you decide to give them a try, how do you, you know, _use_ them?

Tarot reader [Theresa Reed](https://www.thetarotlady.com/about/) tells us that it's actually quite simple to ease your way into a robust tarot practice, but there are a few tricks to making it stick. First, start small. Second, practice with clear mind. Finally, keep in mind that tarot is not a memory test.

If you're just starting out, Reed explains, don't feel like you need to go into your first reading blind. Draw a card then feel free to look it up in a tarot book or online to find its meaning. Or, if you aren't 100% clear on how to set up a certain type of spread, your reference materials almost definitely have a template for it, so consult them before laying out a dozen cards willy-nilly.

To that same end, don't try to tackle all the overarching problems in the world with a single reading. While you shuffle your deck, come up with a specific question or concern that you hope the cards will address. Reed says that practicing out of general worry or confusion will lead to a muddled and biased reading.

Ahead, we'll take a closer look at that first tip from Reed: Start small. That's your best course of action as far as creating tarot spreads (aka card formations) goes. Read on to get the lowdown on how to put your deck to use.

**Read these stories next:**

[A Tarot Reader Weighs In On What's In Store For 2018](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/01/186773/2018-tarot-reading-predictions)

[Why Representation In The Spiritual Community Matters](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/06/159756/women-of-color-spiritual-practices-tarot)

[These Podcasts Will Get You In Touch With Your Spiritual Side](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/best-spirituality-podcasts)

[Begin Slideshow](/en-us/how-to-read-tarot-cards-spreads-beginners#slide-1)

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Tarot Card Spreads Meanings And Readings For Beginners

[Spirit](/en-us/spirit) • [The Latest](/en-us/the-latest) • [Wellness](/en-us/health)

[written by Sara Coughlin](/en-us/author/sara-coughlin)

Photographed by Megan Madden.

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