Tarot cards have long been used for connecting with the universe (or higher powers) and self-reflection. While often associated with predicting the future, I’ve found them to be incredibly helpful in a more proactive way: goal setting. Here’s how I use tarot to gain clarity and direction at all phases and stages of life:

1. The Shuffle:

• Meditation: Before even touching the cards, I take a few deep breaths to clear away anything that doesn’t serve me in that moment. I close my eyes and visualize my goals, big or small (for me, usually giant) and I ask things like, how do I navigate this particular part of my life? Or – what obstacles might I face when trying to reach X goal?
• The Shuffle: I shuffle the deck mindfully, focusing on my intentions. Sometimes, as I shuffle, a few cards will jump out of the deck. I take these as messages directly from the universe, no second guesses.

2. The Three-Card Spread (or Intuitive Guidance):

• Intuitive Selection: I always use my intuition as a guide. You know that gut feeling? That’s your intuition. So if I feel like I need a 3-card spread, I do that. If only two cards pop out on their own, that’s good for me. I don’t stick to a rigid number or rule, I draw more or less based on an inner feeling.
• Personal Interpretation: Before consulting any external sources, I try to form my own thoughts based on what the card is showing and how I’m feeling or what I’m dealing with. What emotions come up? What does it feel like the cards are trying to say? How do these images relate to my current goals?

3. The Biddy Tarot Check-In:

• External Validation: Once I’ve taken a few minutes for my own interpretations, I visit the Biddy Tarot website. This isn’t about finding “the right” answer, but expanding my understanding. Biddy usually offers insights I hadn’t considered, opening up my perspective. In a typical Rider-Waite style deck, the theme of each card will remain the same no matter what website you use so try finding a website that you connect with, intuitively!

Important:

• Trust Your Intuition: The most valuable part of this process is connecting with what you know in your heart to be true. The tarot cards serve as a tool for reflection and self-discovery. Meditation, a few quiet moments with yourself, will help you feel more connected with you and the universe.
• Flexibility is Key: This is not a rigid system. Some days, I draw only one card. Other times, I feel drawn to a bigger spread. I typically save longer spreads for times like the new year and my birthday or if a big life change is happening and I want to get a clearer picture on how I can navigate, or live to my fullest potential. Otherwise, a few cards works just fine for me.

Using tarot for goal setting has become a valuable practice in my life! It helps me:

• Gain Clarity: Identify and define my goals with better focus.
• Uncover Obstacles: Recognize potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Find Motivation: Stay inspired and focused on my aspirations.
• Embrace Unexpected Opportunities: Remain open to new paths and possibilities, always.

I encourage you to experiment! You might be surprised at the insights and inspiration you uncover with the cards. Even if you think it’s too “woo woo” (get over it) it doesn’t hurt to have a message of guidance every now and then.

You can even start with a simple deck of playing cards, which is called Cartomancy, used similar to a tarot deck; shuffle, choose, interpret – this time using a website to decipher each card’s meaning. The link will take you to the exact site I used when I was fresh out of high school and didn’t even know what tarot was, but stumbled on this particular post one day after checking my horoscope. It took me a few more years to get into doing tarot myself (with encouragement from friends), but only recently did I start to really appreciate it for what it is and what it can do.

Open up your mind to let the tarot cards (the universe) guide you into who you want to become by showing you the ups and downs, the good, the life changing, the bigger picture that you can’t quite yet see. It’s all there and waiting for you!