This step is important. Sometimes tarot readings are light and uplifting, but sometimes they’re intense and you walk away feeling like there’s just a lot going on. You might wonder what you should do next, now that your tarot reading is over.
The suggestions in this article are what I’d recommend for anyone who gets a reading from me, but no matter who your reader is or how your reading goes, even if you’re doing one for yourself, it’s a good idea to take a little time out for yourself afterwards.
Take time to re-integrate
A tarot reading can cover a lot of information, and sometimes the insight can be unexpected or complex. Trying to take it all in and understand it can feel overwhelming – not always, but certainly sometimes. If this is the case, your brain probably needs time to process, decompress and assimilate, so allow yourself space for that in whatever way makes sense to you. You could go for a walk, exercise, journal, dance, cook, or even lay down and rest for a while.
Generally speaking, activities that are meditative and physical are great to do because they allow your conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind to do their thing at their own pace. I find that it’s best to go with what feels natural. I typically connect with nature or move my body, and by the time I’m done, so many dots will have connected in my mind that I have to write it all down! Then I might want to move about again, or eat, or nap.
Be mindful of your content consumption
Something to avoid, however, is excess stimulation that inputs more information into your brain, like reading a book, watching a show, scrolling on social media, or any kind of cerebral work that requires attentive and active brain functioning. Overly-stimulating (and also mind-numbing) activities are likely to tire you out quickly – remember that your brain uses a whole lot of energy! – and it’s probable that you’ll have difficulty focusing on them, anyway. If you do choose these activities, be mindful of your content consumption choices, and opt for things that are low-stakes, low-impact, and comforting.
You want to let things settle or get them out of your head, not put more stuff in. So, if you can, stick to activities that are grounding, physical, calming, and second-nature. Your mind will thank you for the break and the opportunity to settle and clear up!
It’s also good to remember that there’s no pressure to immediately apply all the insights you’ve received. You don’t have to rush right into your next decision or action step. If you feel confident and ready to, which is very possible, that’s wonderful! But, if you’re not quite there yet, that’s all right, too. Everyone is different. The processing, decompressing and assimilation time may be just what you need.
Return to your tarot reading when you’re ready
If you have a recording of your reading you can revisit it after some time and listen to it with fresh ears. It’s kind of like re-reading a great book. Each time you do, you might find that it reveals new insights or makes things clearer. The number of times you listen, and how often, really depends on the nature of the reading and what feels right to you. I tend to re-listen to a reading one or two more times over the course of a few days, and each time I get a little more out of it.
These methods are all optional. They’re my suggestions, but you can ultimately do anything you like after a reading. The most important things are to have courage, be compassionate with yourself, and to trust your own intuition.
>Modern Tarot: What It Is, Where It Came From, And How It Works
Featured image & cover photo credit: expandingsapience.com
