How Breaking the "Rules" Can Make You a Better Reader
When you first dip your toes into the world of Tarot, you might feel overwhelmed by all the "rules" you’re supposed to follow. There’s a guidebook for everything: which cards to pull, how to shuffle, what spreads to use, and don’t even get me started on the supposed "correct" meanings for each card. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But here’s the thing: if you want to really connect with Tarot, it’s time to throw those rulebooks out the window. (Or at least let them gather some dust on your bookshelf.)
The Problem with Rules
The moment you start telling yourself there’s a right and wrong way to read Tarot, you’re setting yourself up for a world of frustration. I’ve seen it time and again—people get so caught up in following the "rules" that they forget to actually enjoy the process. They worry they’re not shuffling correctly, or that their spread isn’t perfect, or that they’re interpreting the cards "wrong."
But here’s the truth: Tarot isn’t about rules. It’s about intuition. It’s about tapping into something deeper, something that can’t be captured by a set of rigid guidelines. Sure, structure has its place, especially when you’re first starting out. But once you’ve got a handle on the basics, it’s time to let go of the rules and let your intuition take the lead.
My Journey with Tarot: Breaking the Rules
When I first started learning Tarot, I was all about the rules. I wanted to do it "right." I followed the books, memorized the meanings, and did my best to stick to the tried-and-true methods. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that this approach was more stifling than it was helpful. I wasn’t connecting with the cards; I was just going through the motions.
It wasn’t until I had a major wake-up call (more on that in a previous post) that I realized something needed to change. I started to experiment—playing with different spreads, interpreting cards based on what I felt rather than what I’d read, and even inventing my own rules as I went along. The result? My readings became more accurate, more meaningful, and—most importantly—more fun.
Why Breaking the Rules Works
When you stop worrying about the rules and start focusing on your intuition, something magical happens. The cards begin to speak to you in a way that’s deeply personal and uniquely yours. You start to see connections you wouldn’t have noticed if you were stuck following a script. You find yourself more engaged, more creative, and more open to the messages the cards are trying to share.
Take the Court Cards, for example. Traditional interpretations might tell you that the Kings represent authority figures, or that the Queens are about nurturing. But what if, in a particular reading, a King feels more like a warning about being too rigid, or a Queen seems more like a call to embrace your inner power? When you allow yourself to step outside the box, the cards can reveal layers of meaning you never would have discovered otherwise.
How to Start Breaking the Rules
Ready to throw out the rulebook? Here are a few ways to start:
Make Up Your Own Spreads: Who says you have to stick to the Celtic Cross or the Three-Card Spread? Invent your own layouts based on what feels right for the question at hand. You might be surprised at how well they work.
Trust Your Gut Over the Guidebook: If a card is telling you something that doesn’t match the traditional meaning, go with your gut. Your intuition is often more accurate than any guidebook could be.
Play with Reversals (or Don’t!): Some people swear by reversed cards, while others ignore them completely. Experiment with both approaches and see what resonates with you.
Switch Up Your Decks: Don’t feel tied to one Tarot deck. Each deck has its own energy and voice. Rotate between different decks and notice how your readings change.
Interpret the Imagery: Focus on the artwork, colors, and symbols on the cards rather than just the meanings. What do they say to you in the context of your question? This is where your personal connection with the cards can really shine.
Embrace the Chaos
Here’s the thing: Tarot isn’t a science; it’s an art. It’s about creativity, intuition, and, yes, a little bit of chaos. The sooner you embrace that, the sooner you’ll start to really connect with the cards. So stop worrying about doing it "right," and start focusing on what feels right for you. Trust me, your readings will be all the better for it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Tarot is about you. It’s about your intuition, your creativity, and your unique perspective. The rules can be a great starting point, but they’re not the end-all, be-all. Don’t be afraid to break them, bend them, or throw them out altogether. The more you make Tarot your own, the more meaningful and powerful your readings will become. So go ahead—break some rules, and watch the magic happen.
