Tarot, the occult art of reading cards to divine the future, began in the 1800’s in Europe, mostly traced back to Italian origin where they would initially be read from a normal 52 pack of playing cards. Later decks would replace the suits with swords, wands, pentacles, and cups, as well as adding in the Major Arcana, cards with no suit, but significant energy. Tarot decks come in all shapes an size nowadays, but the most popular is the Rider-Waite or Rider-Smith deck, written by A.E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. The origin of the cards is usually attributed completely to Waite, but seasoned Tarot readers will tell you imagery is one of the most profound elements of the cards and Smith’s contributions do significant heavy lifting in interpreting the scholarship of Waite.

While witchcraft has been historically associated with malicious acts, occult practices are often used for healing and enlightenment. Spiritual practices like tarot are meant to guide and help the user, so no need to fear!

A beginner’s guide to Tarot:

While every reader has their own personal style, here are a few helpful first tips for the witch in training:

1. Shuffle those cards! Try to imbue some energy or intention even in this beginning stage.

2. Set the cards down in a stack, ask a question, either aloud or in your mind, and make it clear, unambiguous, and try to stay away from yes or no questions! Tarot can be illuminating in those situations but generally, you will receive clearer guidance if the question is more open-ended.

3. Knock on the cards three times.

4. After knocking, pick your cards back up, take most of the pile and shift them from hand to hand, using the lower hand's thumb to pull at the stack. This will control the pile while also allowing for cards to jump out.

5. When cards do emerge, pay attention to which direction they've landed in, a card being reversed can vastly change it's meaning but is not always negative!

6. Many people like to pull three cards and then read them as past, present, and future, but you can also pull a single card, or as many as you like. It's about what you feel is right in the moment and can sometimes be like assembling a puzzle!

Read some guides and research your deck more as you practice, and don't stress about memorization, learn as you go and make it fun! Do readings on yourself and your friends, you might find some profound insight even in light situations. Remember Tarot is a personal practice so experiment and find whatever reading style suits you!

We here at Cloak & Dagger love a witchy woman, Stevie Nicks being one of the most notable celebrity witches and a staple of almost all of our playlists. We think some of our styles are very suited to the modern witch. The Joni Sleeveless Crochet Dress is dark and sleek, the Cami Muslin Babydoll Dress, the Organic Cotton Crepe Muslin Dress, and the Vintage Eyelet Edwardian Dress are all wonderfully suited to spellcasting. We hope you give tarot a try!

-Delia Kenagy