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Understanding Clarifying Tarot Cards: History and Practice

Understanding Clarifying Tarot Cards: History and Practice

Understanding Clarifying Tarot Cards

Tarot readings can be an enlightening experience, offering insights and guidance on various aspects of our lives. Sometimes, though, the messages from the cards can be complex or ambiguous, making it challenging to fully grasp their meanings.


This is where clarifying tarot cards come in, helping us dive deeper into the reading and uncover the subtle nuances of the original spread.


In this blog, we'll explore what clarifying cards are, when to use them, and their historical significance.



What Are Clarifying Tarot Cards and Why Use Them?


Clarifying tarot cards are additional cards drawn during a reading to provide more insight or detail about a specific card or position in the spread. They act as supplementary information, helping us understand the primary card's message more clearly. For instance, if a card appears particularly ambiguous or puzzling, a clarifying card can offer further context, making the reading more comprehensive and meaningful.


Using clarifying cards can significantly enhance our tarot practice. They allow us to break down complex readings into more digestible insights, providing a more nuanced understanding of the messages we receive.


By offering additional layers of meaning, clarifying cards can help us make more informed decisions and gain deeper clarity about our questions and concerns.



Common Situations for Using Clarifying Cards 


Knowing when to use clarifying cards is crucial for effective tarot readings. Typically, we turn to clarifying cards in the following situations:


  • Unclear Messages: When the initial card's meaning is vague or not making sense in the context of the reading.


  • Conflicting Cards: When there are conflicting messages within the spread, and you need more information to understand the dynamics or reconcile the differences.


  • Complex Situations: When dealing with a complex issue that requires more nuanced understanding or details.


  • Court Cards: When a court card appears, and you need more information about the person it represents or their role in the situation.


  • Outcome Cards: When the outcome card is particularly ambiguous or needs more context to understand how to achieve the potential outcome.


  • Client's Request: If the client asks for more information or clarity on a particular aspect of the reading.


  • Intuitive Prompting: When your intuition suggests that more information is needed or when you feel an inner nudge to pull an additional card.


Using clarifying cards thoughtfully ensures that our readings remain focused and insightful, allowing us to navigate our questions with greater precision and understanding.



The Historical Significance of Clarifying Tarot Cards


The practice of using clarifying cards has roots in the rich history of tarot reading. Historically, tarot has been a tool for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. The use of additional cards to clarify or expand on a reading has been a common practice among tarot readers for centuries, reflecting the evolving nature of tarot as an adaptable and intuitive art form.


In traditional tarot practice, readers often relied on their intuition and experience to determine when additional cards were needed. This practice was used frequently in complex or high-stakes readings, where greater clarity and depth were required. Over time, the use of clarifying cards has become a standard technique, embraced by modern tarot practitioners to enhance their readings and provide more comprehensive insights.

Incorporating clarifying tarot cards into our readings can greatly enhance the depth and clarity of the messages we get.


By pulling extra cards, we can break down the complexities of the original spread, giving us a richer, more detailed understanding. Knowing what clarifying cards are, when to use them, and their historical significance can make our tarot practice more insightful and effective. As we keep exploring and honing our tarot skills, using clarifying cards wisely helps keep our readings meaningful and spot-on.


If you're ready to deepen your understanding of tarot and enhance your reading skills, consider joining the High Priestess Tarot School! 


Here are some benefits you will get instant access to upon joining:


  • 9 bite-sized modules that provide you with step-by-step tarot training

  • ​Including all the worksheets and journals that you need to understand the cards

  • ​An ever-growing resource library with journals, workbooks, resources and planners

  • ​Access to the Private Facebook group for accountability, connection and support

  • ​Feedback on your progress in the Facebook group

  • ​2 Live Q&As every month

  • ​New resources every month


Sign up for the High Priestess Tarot School today and start your journey towards mastering the art of tarot reading with clarity and confidence. Together, we'll explore the profound wisdom of tarot and unlock its transformative power in our lives.


high priestess tarot school

Sunny xo



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