Tarot readings can be deeply insightful and illuminating, but sometimes, the messages we receive can be confusing or seem nonsensical. If you find yourself puzzled by a reading, don’t worry—it’s a common experience even for seasoned Tarot enthusiasts. Here are some steps to help you make sense of a perplexing Tarot reading.

1. Stay Calm and Open-Minded

Initial Reaction: It’s natural to feel frustrated or disappointed if a reading doesn’t make immediate sense. Take a few deep breaths and approach the situation with an open mind. Remember that Tarot is a tool for guidance and self-reflection, and its messages might not always be immediately clear.

2. Review the Question

Clarity of Intent: Revisit the question or intention you had in mind when conducting the reading. Was it specific and clear? Vague or overly broad questions can lead to ambiguous answers. If needed, rephrase your question and try the reading again.

3. Examine the Cards Individually

Card Meanings: Take a closer look at each card in the spread. Study their traditional meanings, symbols, and imagery. Sometimes, focusing on individual cards rather than the spread as a whole can provide clarity.

Intuitive Interpretation: Pay attention to your intuitive responses to the cards. What feelings or thoughts do they evoke? Personal associations and gut reactions can offer valuable insights.

4. Consider the Card Positions

Spread Context: Reflect on the positions of the cards within the spread. Each position in a Tarot spread has a specific meaning, such as past influences, present situation, or future possibilities. Understanding the role each card plays in the spread can help clarify its message.

5. Look for Patterns and Themes

Repetitions and Symbols: Identify any recurring symbols, themes, or colors in the reading. Patterns can reveal underlying messages or areas of focus that may not be immediately obvious.

Elemental Balance: Check the balance of elements (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) in the spread. An imbalance can indicate specific areas of your life that need attention.

6. Journal Your Thoughts

Write it Down: Document your reading, including your initial impressions and any insights that arise as you review the cards. Writing can help organize your thoughts and may reveal connections or meanings you didn’t see initially.

Reflect Over Time: Sometimes, the meaning of a reading becomes clearer with time. Revisit your journal entries later to see if new insights emerge as your situation evolves.

7. Seek External Input

Ask for Help: If you’re still struggling to make sense of the reading, consider discussing it with a trusted friend, a fellow Tarot enthusiast, or a professional reader. They may offer a fresh perspective or highlight aspects you overlooked.

Online Communities: Join Tarot forums or social media groups where you can share your reading and receive feedback from a broader community.

8. Accept Ambiguity

Embrace Uncertainty: Accept that not every Tarot reading will be immediately clear. Sometimes, the cards reflect subconscious thoughts or future developments that aren’t yet apparent. Trust the process and be patient.

Reframe the Experience: View confusing readings as opportunities for growth and exploration. They can prompt deeper self-reflection and encourage you to look at your situation from new angles.

9. Revisit the Reading Later

Give it Time: Set the reading aside and revisit it after some time has passed. Your understanding and circumstances may change, providing new insights into the cards’ meanings.

Follow-Up Reading: Conduct a follow-up reading with the intention of gaining clarity on the confusing aspects of the original spread. Ask for guidance on understanding the previous messages.

Conclusion

Encountering a Tarot reading that doesn’t make sense can be challenging, but it’s also a natural part of the Tarot journey. By staying patient, open-minded, and reflective, you can uncover the deeper meanings behind the cards and use them as a tool for personal growth and understanding.

At Living Color Tarot, we believe in the transformative power of Tarot. Explore our resources and community to deepen your practice and gain new perspectives on your readings.