Is Tarot Real? Here’s What Happened When I Tried It

 Talking with T ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

🎀Today's Topic🎀 - Tarot

🌼Today's Product🌼 - Anua Skincare

28/July/2025

"I used to roll my eyes every time someone brought up tarot. Now? I pull cards with my coffee. Let’s talk about how that happened."

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I used to think tarot was something fortune tellers used in dimly lit tents to tell you your love life was doomed. Dramatic, mysterious, and probably fake. But after months of pulling cards for myself (and yes, side-eyeing every result), I’ve learned that tarot isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about getting honest with yourself.

And honestly? I kind of love it now.

So today on Talking with T, let’s unpack a few myths, share what I’ve learned through readings, and give you some tips if you're curious about reading tarot for yourself. I’ll even do a quick collective reading at the end. Let’s go.

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Fact or Fiction?🪬🔮

🔮 Myth 1: Tarot Tells the Future

🪬 What I Learned: Tarot doesn’t really predict, it reflects. It pulls themes, energies, and things you might be avoiding or not seeing clearly. Think of it as a mirror for your inner world, not a crystal ball for the external one.

🔮 Myth 2: You Have to Be Psychic to Use Tarot

🪬 What I Learned: You don’t need powers. You need intuition, which you already have, and tarot helps sharpen it. The more I read, the more I realise I already know what I need… the cards just nudge me to admit it.

🔮 Myth 3: You Should Never Buy Your Own Deck

🪬 What I Learned: That’s outdated. The deck I bought for myself was the best gift I ever gave me. It called to me, and that connection matters more than whether it was gifted or bought.

🔮 Myth 4: Tarot Is Evil or “Dark Magic”

🪬 What I Learned: Tarot isn’t inherently dark, it’s a tool. Just like a journal, a mirror, or a meditation practice, it reflects your inner world. Sure, it can feel intense when you’re facing shadowy truths, but that’s growth, not evil. Intention matters more than anything. If you come to tarot for clarity, reflection, or healing, that’s what it becomes.

🔮 Myth 5: You Have to Memorise All 78 Cards to Start

🪬 What I Learned: Nope! Tarot is a conversation, not a test. It’s okay to use the guidebook (I still do). Start with the major arcana, learn in layers, and give yourself space to absorb meanings naturally. Some days you’ll connect instantly with a card; other days it’ll take a while, and that’s all part of the magic.

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How Tarot worked for me ✨

When I first started reading tarot, I wasn’t expecting clarity, I just wanted something to help me feel a little more grounded. I wasn’t asking the universe for signs or hoping to predict my future. I was just… lost in my thoughts, and the cards gave me a way to slow down and actually hear myself. Over time, I noticed that certain cards would show up when I was avoiding something or when I needed a nudge I didn’t want to admit. It wasn’t magic in the flashy sense, it was quiet, subtle, and deeply personal. Tarot helped me ask better questions and trust the answers I already knew deep down. It became a way to check in with myself, not change my life overnight --- and honestly, that’s what made it powerful.

It also surprised me how much it helped me emotionally. Some days, I’d pull a card and immediately feel seen, like the deck knew exactly what I didn’t want to deal with. Other days, it gave me gentle reminders to rest, to let go, or to shift my mindset. It wasn’t about “being right” or getting perfect answers; it was about learning to sit with my feelings without judgment. The more I read, the more connected I felt to myself. Tarot became a kind of quiet self-care ritual, a way to reflect, reset, and show up a little more honestly in my own life.

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Tutorial for Beginners 

So you’ve got your first tarot deck and you’re ready to pull a card, but now what?

Don't worry, you don’t need to memorise all 78 cards or be a full moon witch to get started. Here's a step-by-step guide on how I learned to read tarot for myself, and how you can too.

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🌜 What You’ll Need:

• A tarot deck (I recommend something traditional like the Rider-Waite for beginners)

• A quiet moment

• Optional: candle, music, crystals, journal, whatever helps you feel grounded <3

1. Set the Scene (Optional but Helpful) 🌞

Light a candle. Take a deep breath. Shuffle your cards slowly. You don’t need a ritual, but creating a calm vibe makes it easier to tune in.

T’s Tip: Some people knock on the deck, cleanse it with incense, or hold it to their heart, do what feels natural. No wrong answers here.

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2. Ask a Question 🪐

Keep it open-ended. Instead of “Will I get the job?” try:

• “What energy should I bring into this interview?”

• “What’s blocking me from career growth right now?”

• “What do I need to know about this situation?”

Clarity in the question brings clarity in the answer.

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3. Shuffle with Intention 🕯

Think about your question as you shuffle. Stop when you feel ready. You can pull:

• One card for quick guidance

• Three cards for past / present / future or mind / body / spirit

• Or get creative with your own spread

T’s Favourite Beginner Pull:
One card a day — ask: What energy do I need today?

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4. Look at the Card Before Grabbing the Guidebook 🌞

What stands out? The colour, the imagery, the emotion?
Take a moment to connect intuitively. You might surprise yourself with how much you already sense.

Then check the meaning. Most cards have layers, so trust the one that resonates most.

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5. Write It Down🪐

Jot the card, the question, and what it made you feel. Over time, you’ll spot patterns, emotional themes, repeated cards, little warnings or nudges.

Example: “Pulled The Empress after asking about self-care. Maybe it’s time to actually listen to what my body’s been saying...”

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6. End with Gratitude🕯

Even if you didn’t love the answer, thank the process. That energy matters. Tarot meets you where you're at.

🖤 Things to Remember:

• You’re not “summoning spirits.” You’re connecting with your subconscious.

• If you feel blocked, take a break. Tarot should feel like guidance, not pressure.

• There’s no “right” way. The more you use the cards, the more your way will emerge.

🔮 T’s Beginner Resources:

• Decks I Love: Rider-Waite, Modern Witch, The Light Seer’s Tarot

• Free Apps: Labyrinthos, Golden Thread Tarot

• Books: Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack, Tarot for Yourself by Mary K. Greer

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🧚 A Card Just for You: A Collective Reading

If you’ve made it this far, this message might be meant for you. I pulled a single card while writing this post, something for anyone reading right now, whether you’re new to tarot or already deep in your journey.

~~~~~~~  Card Pulled: The Six of Swords

💭 Message:

You’re in the middle of a quiet transition. Maybe you haven’t told anyone yet, or maybe you don’t even fully understand it yourself, but something inside you is shifting. This card is all about leaving behind what’s heavy and slowly moving toward clarity, healing, and peace. It’s not about rushing. It’s about honouring that you're on your way, even if you're not there yet.

The waters might still be choppy, but you're not standing still anymore. You’re moving forward, and that matters.

🖤 T’s Take:

Give yourself credit for the progress you don’t always see. This card is soft encouragement, not pressure. You’re allowed to take your time.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: 🫧🫧Anua Skincare 🫧🫧

I’ve been on the lookout for skincare products that actually deliver results without feeling heavy or harsh --- especially since my skin can get sensitive and a little unpredictable. When I heard about Anua, a brand known for using gentle, natural ingredients, I knew I had to try it. Plus, I love products that feel like a small ritual of self-care rather than just another step in a routine.

What I Used: Serum & Pore Cleanser

I focused on two key products: the Anua Heartleaf Serum and their Pore Tightening Cleanser. The serum is lightweight, almost like water, but deeply hydrating. It absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue, which is a huge plus for me. The scent is very subtle, fresh, clean, nothing overpowering.

The pore cleanser is gentle yet effective. It foams up nicely and doesn’t strip my skin of moisture. After using it, my face feels really clean but not tight or dry. I noticed it helped reduce the appearance of my pores over time, which is a win.

How to Use These Products

I usually start my evening routine with the pore cleanser. I massage a small amount onto damp skin, focusing on areas where my pores tend to get congested, then rinse with lukewarm water. It’s gentle enough that I can use it every day without irritation.

After cleansing, I apply a few drops of the serum onto my face and neck, gently patting it in. Sometimes I use it in the morning too, especially on days when my skin feels dry or sensitive. It layers well under moisturiser and makeup, which is great.

My Results After 4 Weeks

After about a month of consistent use, my skin feels calmer and more balanced. The redness I sometimes get around my cheeks has decreased, and my pores definitely look smaller and less noticeable. My skin texture is smoother overall, and I’ve gotten a few compliments on my natural glow. The best part? No irritation or breakouts, which tells me these products really respect my skin’s sensitivity.

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 Pros & Cons    

Pros:

• Gentle yet effective formulas

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum

• Pore cleanser that cleans deeply without dryness

• Subtle, fresh scent

• Great for sensitive or combination skin

Cons:

• The pore cleanser isn’t very foamy if you like lots of bubbles (but that’s normal for gentle cleansers)

• Available mostly online, so shipping can take a few days depending on where you live

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m giving Anua Skincare a full 5 stars because it genuinely delivers on its promise, gentle, natural, and effective. These products feel like a breath of fresh air for my skin, and the ritual of using them has become one of my favourite parts of the day. Whether you’re new to skincare or just looking to switch to something kinder for your skin, I highly recommend giving Anua a try.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! If you want skincare that’s simple, soothing, and actually works, Anua is a fantastic choice. It’s especially good if your skin is sensitive or you’re looking to reduce redness and shrink pores without harsh ingredients.

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Thanks for joining me on this first dive into tarot --- I hope it’s given you some clarity and sparked your curiosity to explore the cards yourself. Remember, tarot is less about predicting your future and more about connecting with your inner voice.

Next time, we’ll be diving into a fascinating book called “Strange Pictures Uketsu”,  exploring its mysterious imagery and how it can inspire deeper readings. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and hear your thoughts!

Until then, keep your decks close and your intuition open. ✨

— T