When I wrote the “How to Start Your Spiritual Journey” post, I wanted to show the wide variety of ways you can tap into a spiritual/magickal practice that can work for you. 

I plan to update it every time I hear of a new spiritual path or practice to keep it current, so make sure you review it from time to time for new additions. 

But that’s still just theory, right? It’s material for you to read and consume, but where does the practice part come into play?

While there are many ways you can start practicing, I would like to share mine with you. 

I’ve mentioned I’ve been into tarot off and on since I was a pre-teen but I didn’t really start taking it seriously until last year after I stopped working with an Iyanifa for nearly a decade. While I love the Ifa tradition, I wanted to find my own way and what makes me magickal.

I started to read different books to create a ritual that works for me, and so far, Capricorn Witch by Ivo Dominguez and Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis have been very influential.

Capricorn Witch emphasized different magickal practices Capricorns would be good at and how we can harness our desire for success and productivity in magickal ways. Tarot Plain and Simple has helped me look at tarot from a different perspective, especially around reversal card meanings and the tarot’s connection to astrology and numerology.

For example, I have two tarot decks. I used Tayannah McQuillar’s “Interview With My Tarot Deck” spread to ask each deck how it wanted me to use them, including if I should use the decks to read others or just for myself. It’s been emphatically clear that I need to focus on reading for myself right now. It is strongly advised for me to NOT read for others at this time, so I want to honor that. 

While I was disappointed, I was able to accept that I’m not able to read for others at this time. When I was an Orisha devotee, I was told some people who are initiated are meant to help the masses (Babalows, Iyanifas, Iyalorishas, etc.), whereas others were meant to focus on themselves, their families, and/or their immediate communities (friends, neighbors, etc).  

So what do you do with tarot cards when you don’t read for others?

I used one tarot deck for specific uses, like for full moon and new moon pulls. I’ve also used it for major decisions I needed support with and guidance when I need clarity. However, I was grossly neglecting my other deck. 

So one night, I went to my altar, got the other tarot deck, and asked the following questions:

When should I use and pull these cards? Is it a specific day? A specific topic or situation? Is it a certain timeframe like daily or weekly? 

While these are multiple questions, I asked them as if they were one question.

Without sharing the exact cards, I got a minor arcana card with the number 6 on it. I interpreted that as the 6th day of the week. The number 6 is also associated with the Lover’s Card, according to Tarot Plain and Simple, so I also interpreted that matters related to love, romance, partnerships, home and family may come up in my weekly check-ins. Since the card was reversed, I pulled another card and got a major arcana card, which represents career, money, business ventures, and the benefit of education, even if it’s not formal education. 

Sidenote: Some people do not acknowledge reversal cards so you do not have to pull a second card if you don’t feel called to do so. 

How did I put this reading for myself into practice?

Every Saturday (the 6th day of the week), I pull cards asking the following questions:

• Lessons from last week 
• Wisdom for this week
• Focus for this week 
• Encouragement for the week

Saturday is Saturn’s Day and Capricorn is ruled by Saturn (ironic, huh?). If you weren’t aware that each day of the week is associated with a different planet, you can learn more here.

Using this spread has helped me:

• Prioritize what I need to get done for the week
• Know what obstacles I may face so I’m not blind sided
• Build resiliency instead of quitting my goals even when I’m not getting the results I want
• Help me navigate personal relationships (romantic, work, platonic, etc)
• Encourage me when I’m being hard on myself

I’m not saying you have to do exactly as I do. I’m just sharing this example to show how you can put your spiritual and magickal interests into practice by creating a simple ritual that works for you. 

How long does it take?

Some Saturdays I spend about an hour or more at my altar with this spread whereas other days I’m at my altar for less than 30 mins. I record the cards and the meaning in a notebook, so that can contribute to how long it takes me to pull cards for the week. I have some friends who just write down the cards and keep it moving, so use your discretion and preference. 

What if tarot cards aren’t your thing?

If tarot cards aren’t your thing, here are other options:

You can try Oracle cards. 

• You can also use a pendulum that has a specific gem stone or color so you can ask yes or no questions.
• You can buy two candles with specific colors associated with your intentions, where you can ask yes or no questions and keep track of how the flames are moving/burning.
• You can basically use any way that resonates with you, even if it’s a method I didn’t mention. 

While I enjoy reading / listening to books I referenced above, the point of my spiritual journey (and yours) is to go from study and theory to practicing what works best for me. I encourage you to do the same so you can create a ritual that works for you. 

Need help figuring out what rituals will work for you? Book a session with here.