How to Use Anchor Cards: Rediscovering Joy with the Six of Cups

Image description: Title reads: “Using Anchor Cards: Rediscovering Joy with the Six of Cups” The title is in black italic text in front of a robins egg blue background. Behind the title is a close up photo of sunflowers. Next to the title is the Six of Cups from the Rider-Waite-Smith. The Six of Cups depicts one child giving a cup filled with flowers to another child. It represents joy, innocence, and nostalgia.

What is an anchor card?

An anchor card acts as a central card that sets the tone and theme for a reading. It is selected intentionally and pulled out of the deck before any other cards in the reading.

Why would you want to use one?

It may seem counterintuitive at first— you’re consulting the tarot to find answers, why would you pick a card you already know? Using anchors can provide an intentional focal point that provides a baseline for the rest of the reading, adding depth and cohesion.

Many developing tarot readers struggle to build a cohesive story when linking the cards together in larger spreads. If you’re exploring working with spreads and having a hard time seeing the big picture, practicing with anchor cards can help you improve your ability to see the overall story.

How to use an anchor card in a spread

First, you want to select a card that represents your intention for the theme of the spread. You can use common interpretations found in guidebooks or you can use your own personal associations for the cards. Either method will work. Your intention and reasoning in selecting the card will define the energetic anchor in the spread. You might write a statement that represents why you chose the anchor card and what you are intending with the spread.

From there, identify questions you might like to include in the spread for the other card positions. If you are just starting out with building spreads, keep the number of cards in the spread low. Starting with three cards in a spread is a great way to begin practicing using spreads. Keeping the number of cards low as you are beginning can help you get comfortable to build up to larger spreads.

Next, center yourself for the reading in whatever way is most comfortable for you and begin. Place the anchor card down first and focus on the intention you have set for the spread. Hold your cards while you focus on the intention. When you feel centered and ready, pull the rest of the cards. Take your time and allow yourself to focus on the story that connects the cards.

Below is an example exercise for you to practice with an anchor card already selected.

Example Exercise: Rediscovering Joy with the Six of Cups

The theme of this spread is rediscovering joy. It uses the Six of Cups as an anchor card. A common interpretation of the Six of Cups is that it represents happy memories, nostalgia, and an innocent feeling of connection with others. Friendship is another theme, and perhaps even an expansive, uplifting feeling like anything is possible. It’s the perfect card to call on for rediscovering forgotten joys.

For this spread, pull the Six of Cups out prior to shuffling. Hold the Six of Cups in your hands. Focus your energy and center yourself. Take a deep breath and affirm:

I open myself to remembering forgotten joys. I welcome happiness into my life.

Place the card in the center. It will anchor your reading, shaping the energy of the cards you pull. Now, pull cards for positions 1 through 3 as you focus on each question. As you evaluate the spread overall, you can use the imagery in the 6 of Cups to support your interpretation of the other cards.

Try to build a narrative with the cards in the spread using the Six of Cups as a starting point. Journal your reading so you can reflect on it later.

Congrats! You’ve successfully used an anchor card.

Six of Cups Tarot Spread: Rediscovering Joy. The Six of Cups depicts one child giving a cup filled with flowers to another child. The cards in the spread include the Six of Cups, followed by: "1. A joyful part of myself I have forgotten..., 2. A way I can reconnect with this part of myself... 3. What this reconnection will spark in me..." The background is blooming sunflowers.

Thanks for reading this blog. I offer tarot readings on a wide variety of topics, including spiritual journeys and self discovery. If you are looking for support and guidance on your tarot journey, I offer one-on-one tarot mentorships. If you have any questions or would like to chat, please reach out.