Angels are messengers who are here to help and support us as we journey through life and it so comforting to know that each of us has access to these angelic messengers.
One way of gaining angelic insight is to use 'angel' cards. But people often get stuck or confused as to the best way to do angel readings.
Here are some guidelines to get you started...but the real trick is to relax and have fun:
When you first get your pack of angel cards, spend some time familiarising yourself with the pictures and phases on each card. Just hold each card and really study it. Read the instruction book or leaflet that is provided. Spend time getting comfortable with shuffling and laying out the cards on a table. It is important that you get a real feel for the cards. It's a bit like building up a relationship with the cards. Spend time playing with them...get to know them well. Practice makes perfect!
Next, you will want to prepare your cards before you begin your reading. It doesn't really matter what words you use but it is a good idea to say something over the cards. I always say a prayer to help me to work with the angelic realm.
"Dearest angels, I ask for clear communication and guidance for the highest good. I am open to receive your angelic wisdom with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your help. And so it is."
This opens up a channel to the angels. But it's personal choice as to what you say.
Scents & Aromatherapy Oils: Drawing the pack of cards through the smoke of a smudge stick (such as sage for purification), or holding the pack over scented incense, (you can choose a scent that resonates with you). This would be the conventional method of preparing your cards. Placing a few drops of your favourite essential oil in an oil burner is a beautiful way to create the perfect ambiance for your reading.
Candles: Burning candles while doing your angel reading is great for opening up the lines of communication to the angels. Candles have been used for centuries in rituals and magic as well as religious ceremonies. Lighting candles signifies bringing in 'the light', or the higher realms. And angels often communicate much better if you light candles. You can blow out your candles at the end of the sitting to conclude your reading. (You may also like to play some classical or 'angel' music, although this is not necessary).
Looking after your cards: It is very important to keep your angel cards in a special place. You can wrap you cards in a piece of silk, black velvet or in a drawstring pouch. If you want to keep your cards free from the energy of others, then you can keep them safely in a little box after each use. (Keep your cards for your own use. If you allow others to handle them they will become infused with other people's energies. It is a good idea to cleanse your cards after you've used them for a while. Just hold each card one by one and infuse them again with your energy or use the scent and oil suggestion). I always keep a quartz and amethyst crystal with my cards and place them in a box on my angel altar.
Before you begin your reading, make sure you are relaxed and you will not be disturbed. If you have lit a candle then just sit and focus on the flame. Take several deep cleansing breaths in and out. When you feel totally relaxed ask the angel whatever you need guidance on. Keep focusing on the question as you shuffle the cards. When the cards feel tight and hard to shuffle they are ready for you to use. (Sometimes a card may 'jump' from the deck and this is an important card). Decide which kind of spread you would like to use. For example, a good starting point would be a simple one card (kind of like a message for the day)...or a three card spread, (which represents the past, present and future).
It is best to do an angel reading when you are positive, calm and optimistic. If you are feeling low, angry, worried or stressed, this will affect your reading. Also, when you have asked your question and received the guidance, remember to say 'thank you' to the angels. It is also a good idea not to keep repeating the same questions daily. Leave a gap of about a month. Remember to write down your readings as it is a good idea to keep a record of your readings for future reference.
Working with Spreads: So what exactly is a spread? Usually, cards are laid out in spreads (in designs on the table). Although you will find lots of different 'designs' in various books, there is no right or wrong way to do this and you can easily make up your own, (that's what I do).
With a spread, each card represents a question or part of an answer - the lay out of the cards helps you to remember which card is for which question!
Three Card Spread: A three card spread is a simple way to start. Lay your cards out in a line. The first card signifies your Past (place it to your left), the middle card represents your present (place the card in the middle) and the third card signifies your future (place it to the right).
A Six Card Spread: Lay out cards as above. Place a second row of cards alongside the first. Each of these second cards can be used to expand on the first card...it might be the card you use to 'clarify' why things happened the way they did in the past, how they are developing in the present, and as a guide to how to work out what action to take for the future!
What the angels would like you to know Spread: This is a four card spread. The first card represents the theme of the message and it goes on your left. The second card represents possible blocks and it goes underneath the first card. The third card represents the guidance the angels are giving you and this goes to your right beside the first card. The last card represents the possible outcome to the situation and this goes underneath the third card. So when you have placed all the cards they make a square pattern.
Specific Questions: Most people want to know about love, money, relationships or career situations, and you can easily work with a single question and use one card. But as with tarot cards, it is much better to use at least three cards - but you are free to use as many as you want to answer your question. You could make up your own shape spreads with each set of cards indicating certain questions. Cards in the shape of a heart might be used to answer questions about romance or a money shape may be for finances and so on.
How to read the cards: Always follow your instincts first. It is important to go with your feelings. Each card can have several meanings and they may not be included in the instructions. If you select a card that says 'LOVE' for instance and you feel that you or the person you are reading for needs to 'GIVE' love then say that. If you feel the card means that their angel is 'SENDING' love, then say that. If you feel happier saying what you think the card means, wait for a response (see if it makes sense and resonates with you), then verify the meaning in the instructions. Work quickly and do not spend too much time worrying about getting it wrong. It's all about how each card resonates and feels for you...go with your gut instinct as this is one of the ways that angels communicate with us. But most importantly...have fun and enjoy doing the angel readings.
Remember, angels fly because they don't take things too seriously!
Angel blessings to you all. ^i^