How to Choose a Tarot Card During a Reading

How to choose a Tarot card. One of the most magical parts of tarot is simply choosing a card. Beginners often wonder if there is a right or wrong way to pull a card, but here is the truth: there is no wrong way and no wrong card. Whichever card you feel drawn to is the one you were meant to pull.

Tarot is about trust, intuition, and allowing your energy to guide you. The way you choose a card can become part of your ritual, or you can switch it up every time. Below are some simple, intuitive methods to help you connect with your cards.

How to choose a Tarot card

Shuffle and Stop

1. Shuffle the deck using your preferred method.
2. Pay attention to your rhythm and notice the moment that feels complete.
3. Stop shuffling and draw the card on top of the deck.
4. Trust that this card is aligned with your question or intention.

Cut the Deck

1. Hold the deck, grounding yourself with a slow breath.
2. Cut the deck into two piles.
3. Turn over the card on top of either pile.
4. Accept it as your message without second-guessing.

Intuitive Browse (My Favorite)

1. Hold the deck gently in your hands.
2. Flip through the cards one by one.
3. Notice if a certain card pulls at you. It may feel heavier, brighter, or simply catch your eye.
4. When that happens, stop. That is your card.

Spread and Select

1. Lay all the cards face-down in a wide spread.
2. Hover your hand slowly over the cards.
3. Notice where your hand lingers, tingles, or feels warmer.
4. Pick up that card. It is calling to you.

When a Card Jumps Out

1. Shuffle or handle your deck as usual.
2. If a single card falls, flips, or jumps out unexpectedly, pause.
3. Consider this card a direct message meant to grab your attention.
4. You can read it on its own or place it alongside the card you planned to draw.

Tip: A single jumper or sometimes two is often a message. More than that usually just means the deck slipped. Trust your intuition and keep it simple.

The way you pull a card can become part of your ritual, or it can change every time you read. Some days you may shuffle until a card jumps out, and other days you might quietly browse until one feels right. Tarot is a conversation with your intuition, so let yourself experiment, play, and create your own style.

Mantra:

I trust the card I pull is always the message I need.

Journal Prompt:

After your next reading, write down how you felt when choosing your card. Did you notice a pull, a pause, or a sign? How did that affect your trust in the message?

FAQ
Q: Can you pick the wrong tarot card?
A: No. The card you pull is always the one meant for you, no matter how you choose it.