Experience is paramount when reading tarot cards, especially if you want accuracy. While there are certain tarot cards out there that you can read without too much hassle, the truth is most of them are complex and require a subjective interpretation.
Things get even more complicated when it comes to angel cards, yet these cards offer more detailed messages, so interpretation isn’t that difficult. If this is new to you, let’s explore angel cards and how they are different from tarot cards.
Becoming Familiar With Angel Cards
Sometimes referred to as oracle cards, angel cards are available in a multitude of shapes and designs. Normally, the deck brings in different numbers, depending on its profile. In other words, there is no such thing as a standard.
Most angel cards have messages on them, so they’re crystal clear. Some of them come with images as well, which can add some layers to your interpretation. Generally, these messages are positive and encouraging.
Tarot cards, on the other hand, have a set format. They can be positive or negative. They can be encouraging, but they can also act as brutal warnings. Angel cards represent a softer alternative that’s mainly focused on positive messages.
Different Types of Readings
While there are quite a few similarities between tarot and angel cards, there are crystal clear differences as well, so you can’t really get confused, especially when it comes to readings.
A complex tarot card reading goes in more directions. Most importantly, it’s well structured and allows you to find answers, often within yourself. They seem to follow a certain formula, something that angel cards don’t do.
When it comes to an angel card reading, things can go in two directions. You can find text only, but you can also find text with images. In some cases, angel cards may have images only. In this case, they’re more difficult to interpret.
From these points of view, angel card readings are more positive. They’re harmless and offer a safe approach in terms of readings, basically transmitting some positive messages only.
How to Prepare Angel Cards for a Reading
Different psychics have different rules when it comes to reading angel cards, but they mainly focus on obtaining a positive atmosphere.
Usually, the table is covered with a cloth, something warm. It could be velvet or perhaps silk. Fresh flowers also help. You don’t need a massive arrangement, but a small one that adds some life to your reading. You can pick any colors you want.
Spiritual figurines could help, too, giving the reading a more mystical feel. You can obviously add whatever you feel spiritual about, be it an angel or even a fairy. Some people even use animal guides, not to mention natural things like pebbles.
Candles are widely used to provide some light to the reading. Angelic colors are preferred here. Plus, you can add an incense stick for the atmosphere or even an oil burner.
Crystals and stones are very useful in angel card readings due to enhancing the messages and providing more clarity. For example, a clear quartz tends to amplify the energy, helping you get a more accurate reading.
If you’re about to conduct a relationship reading, rose quartz is ideal for relationships.
Amethyst is just as powerful and may show more than just the message on the angel card.
You can be spiritual before the reading and say a little prayer or perhaps request guidance from the angels.
How to Read Angel Cards
Again, angel cards vary widely in design and messages, so it depends on the deck you get.
The classic way to read such oracle cards implies using a spread, similar to how you read tarot cards. The spread implies making a pattern of cards on the table. You can pick the meaning of each card before displaying them.
Like for tarot readings, there are all kinds of spreads out there, but a few of them are simple and straightforward.
Three Card Spread
The three cards spread on your past, present, and future are classic. It’s one of the most popular spreads out there. The cards go in line, moving from you. The first card goes in front of you and represents the past. It’s closest to you.
The card next to it is the present. As for the furthest card, that’s the future.
The past card will tell you what happened to you and may show some insights that define who you are today. The present card tells you what you’re going through, while the future card reveals the future.
Two Card Spread
This is a simple spread for day-to-day readings when you need a bit of guidance for the day or an unexpected situation. Set the mood, extract two cards, and put them on the table. Both of them should be facing down, one on top of the other. One should be placed vertically and the other horizontally.
Ask the question you’re after, then reveal the card at the bottom. That’s the answer you’re after. The second card will provide a bit of extra guidance or even show the path to more answers.
Obviously, understanding angel cards and how they are different from tarot cards implies using other spreads as well. Just like tarot cards, you can have four or more card spreads in different patterns.
The simplest spread implies keeping the deck on the table and taking a card a day, only to find a bit of guidance regarding the respective day.
