What Is Cartomancy, and How Do I Use It?

With all of the ways that spirituality and spiritual tools can be used to help center your life, you may have found yourself getting a little curious about cartomancy and what it means. If you’re interested in all things witchy and spiritual, cartomancy might be for you — especially if you have a little experience with divination tools and you’re eager to learn more. Here’s what you need to know about cartomancy and how to use it.

What Is Cartomancy?

Okay, here’s the thing. Cartomancy sounds like a fancy term for a fancy practice — and it totally can be — but cartomancy actually means any form of divination or fortune-telling using cards. While many people use tarot cards, that’s just one specific practice of divination among many card-based divination techniques. You can also use things like oracle cards and even runes to tell your fortune. Plenty of practices worldwide have their own forms of cartomancy.

Who Can Use Cartomancy? 

In short, anybody can! There are so many forms of cartomancy that you can find one that works with your practices and beliefs, and you can also try out a variety of decks, tools and spreads until you find one that feels right for you. When it comes to things like tarot cards, oracle cards and many other card decks, there are no requirements. All you need to do is practice your chosen forms of divination and keep going until you find the right match for you. 

Tarot Cards

One of the most common and universal forms of cartomancy is tarot cards. While there are a variety of practices and belief systems associated with tarot, anybody can use tarot cards and find their groove with the practice. 

Oracle Cards

Oracle cards are another practice that involve card-based divination, and you can find a variety of different oracle cards to choose from and explore. Although some people think they’re the same as tarot cards, they present plenty of differences that make them their own practice. Oracle cards often have fewer rules than tarot cards, and tend to have a bit more theme and variety. Tarot cards tend to follow a suit and archania structure, whereas oracle cards rely on individual cards and archetypes. Oracle cards are often easier to use and start out with, which is why they tend to be the first step many people take into cartomancy. 

How to Do It

Since there are different methods and different tools that you can use, there are so many different ways that you can practice cartomancy. Do you want to start with oracle cards, you can start with a single card spread in order to warm yourself up. If you want to start with tarot cards, try using some basic spreads like the past, present and future spread or the mind, body and spirit spread. All you need in order to practice this form of divination is cards and a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Finding Your Spreads

If you’re using oracle cards and runes, you might already have your methodology down. However, if you are getting into tarot cards for the first time, it can take a little while before you find the spread that works best for you. You can start off using some basic three card spreads and move on to more complicated formations like the Celtic cross or the seven day spread. Regardless, finding the one that works best for you or a few that you like to rotate between can truly help you find your groove.

Receiving Readings

Additionally, if you simply want to have your Taro cards or oracle cards read by somebody else, there are so many options for you to explore to get a great reading from a qualified professional. Ask around to find a psychic or reader that you know or have a friend or loved one read for you. They will guide you through the process and tell you all of the necessary information that you need to know about interpreting the cards and applying them to your life.

Reading For Others

One of the best ways to practice any kind of card reading is to practice on others. Most of the time, people who are interested in divination techniques will be more than happy to let you read their cards. It’s a good idea to strike a balance between practicing on others and practicing on yourself.

Using Cartomancy

There are so many ways that you can get started reading cards. Whether you prefer oracle cards or tarot cards, and no matter where you are in your journey, anybody can get into cartomancy. It really is about going with the flow and finding what works best for you.