How to Do a One Card Tarot Reading

Know the symbols on your Tarot cards. The Thoth deck features the serpent on many of its cards, which is always a symbol of transformation. On cards rich with symbols, like the Thoth deck, understanding the symbols expands interpretation possibilities in a one card reading.

Formulate an open question. Getting too specific in a one card spread is inappropriate because you don't have the benefit of other cards to give you direction when interpreting the answer. Questions such as "What should I be aware of in this situation?" or "How can I get through this situation?" are more effective than "Will I get the job?"

Shuffle the deck at least three times. While you do, concentrate on your question and the situation you're asking about. This is especially important in a one card Tarot reading to get a relevant answer.

Fan the cards out on the table in a row and gently move your left hand over the cards. Concentrate on the situation you want to clarify and choose the card you feel is calling to you.

Set the deck aside and place the chosen card on the table under good light. Before you interpret it, concentrate on the card's images, sorting out the symbols and their meanings. Bring up your question and let your intuition guide you to the answer.

Add the day and month of your birthday and the current year for a different kind of one card Tarot reading. Then add the digits till you get a number that's less than 21. Interpret the Major Arcana card that corresponds to that number to find out what you should focus on in the coming year.