My Tarot Practice for Daily Focus
Let’s be honest: most modern professionals have about as much time for elaborate spiritual routines as they do for assembling IKEA furniture without swearing. So when it comes to finding daily focus, I rely on a quick, practical tarot practice that fits into my real-life workday—no incense, robes, or chanting required. If you’re looking for a way to ground yourself before work (without feeling like you’re cosplaying as a 1990s movie witch), here’s exactly what I do, why it works, and how you can start in under 15 minutes.
Why a Daily Tarot Practice?
Tarot isn’t about predicting your boss’s next email or magically making your inbox zero. For me, it’s a tool to anchor my mind and set a clear intention for the day. Studies show that intentional morning rituals—no matter how simple—can reduce stress and improve focus (Source: NCBI).
“I used to scroll through social media first thing. Now, five minutes with my tarot deck gives me more clarity than 30 minutes of doomscrolling.”
Case in Point: Monday Morning, Pre-Coffee
Last week, I woke up to 17 unread Slack messages and a sense of impending chaos. Instead of panicking (okay, after a tiny internal scream), I did my usual 3-card draw. Within 10 minutes, I had a mini action plan—and enough focus to not just survive but actually start my week right.
My 15-Minute Pre-Work Tarot Ritual
If you’re ready to try it, here’s my step-by-step routine. No velvet tablecloths or moon rituals required.
What You’ll Need
- Your favorite tarot deck (see my recommendations below)
- A notebook or app for jotting reflections
- Optional: Your coffee, tea, or water—hydration is focus, too
Step-by-Step: 15-Minute Focus Tarot Practice
- Set the timer for 15 minutes. This is key. No overthinking, no dragging it out.
- Shuffle your deck. While shuffling, ask yourself: “What focus or energy will help me today?”
- Draw three cards. Lay them out in a row.
- Assign each card:
- Card 1: Main focus for the day
- Card 2: Potential challenge or distraction
- Card 3: Best mindset/approach
- Quick reflection: Spend 2–3 minutes jotting down one actionable takeaway for each card. For example, if “The Hermit” comes up as focus, maybe you block off 30 minutes for deep work.
- Close the ritual: Take a deep breath, thank yourself (because self-appreciation is free), and get started on your day with intention.
“Most days, this practice takes less time than waiting for your computer to reboot.”
Choosing Your Deck: Quick Comparison Table
Here are three decks I’ve personally used for daily focus, with honest pros and cons:
| Name | Key Feature | Size/Material | Price Range | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider-Waite Tarot | Classic imagery, easy to learn | Standard, cardstock | $15–$25 | Check price on Amazon |
| The Modern Witch Tarot | Diverse, modern art | Sturdy, matte finish | $20–$30 | See today’s deal |
| Light Seer’s Tarot | Gentle, intuitive imagery | Slightly larger cards | $20–$30 | Check price on Amazon |
- Rider-Waite: Great for beginners, but the art is traditional (read: not super diverse). Best for learning the basics.
- Modern Witch: If you like bold, inclusive imagery and a modern vibe. Cards are sturdy, but the box is a bit bulky for travel.
- Light Seer’s: Beautiful, gentle art. Slightly bigger cards can be tricky for small hands.
Checklist: Your 15-Minute Daily Tarot Focus
- Pick a deck that feels right for you
- Set a 15-minute timer (use your phone)
- Shuffle and focus on your day ahead
- Draw three cards (focus, challenge, mindset)
- Write one actionable takeaway per card
- Breathe, close, and get on with your day
Recommended Tools & Resources
- Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: Reliable classic, easy to find.
- Modern Witch Tarot Deck: For a modern, inclusive feel.
- Light Seer’s Tarot Deck: For gentle, intuitive readings.
- GoodNotes or Google Keep: For digital journaling.
- Insight Timer: Free app for setting a ritual timer.
Final Thoughts
Tarot doesn’t need to be mystical or time-consuming to be effective. For me, it’s about creating a pocket of intention and focus before the workday starts. If you need something practical to ground you (and maybe even inspire you) before you open your email avalanche, give this 15-minute routine a try. You might be surprised at how much clarity you’ll gain—no magic wands required.
Some links may be affiliate. You pay the same price, and this blog may earn a small commission.