The Purpose of a Tarot Atmosphere

When learning how to read tarot, it is important to have the right mindset. You should be focused and relaxed, and building a good tarot atmosphere during your reading can help you achieve the mindset necessary to get the most out of your reading. This means choosing to include things like candles, incense, and dim lights in your atmosphere if you find it helpful. All of these things can serve as a reminder to your brain and subconscious that you are getting ready to do something important.

It’s a known fact that scent and our olfactory sense plays a role in our memory and our emotions.

One of the most characteristic features of odor memory in humans is the rather unique ability of odors to vividly trigger the evocation of emotional experiences.

The Neurobiology of Olfaction – Chapter 15

We can use this to our advantage when learning tarot, but first – you have to set the atmosphere. Figure out the best scent to use when learning tarot to train your brain, and that is going to be specific to you.

Using Scent for Memory

Different scents can naturally trigger different physiological responses – whether they are psychosomatic or not is debatable – and can be used to help you relax during your reading. The most notable scent used for relaxation is lavender. Try lighting a lavender candle during your readings and note how it affects you. Does it help you relax? Does it make you nervous? This is going to differ depending on your experiences and if your brain connects lavender to any particular memory.

I also recommend lighting a scented candle while you read books or do any studying on the subject of tarot. We know that scent is connected to our memory, so lighting a candle while you study can help connect what you learn to that scent. This will benefit you when you perform a reading. Light a candle with the same scent and your brain connects the scent with the process of learning the cards and knowing their meanings.

If you have allergies like me, you can switch the candle out for a specific genre of music or a specific place in your home. Repetition is a proven method for learning and when your brain can make a quick connection between location, scent, or sound to the action that you’re performing, you set yourself up for success.

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