What You Need
- Any tarot deck (or our budget deck picks).
- Three small objects or photos to represent the piles — crystals, cards, coins.
- A notebook.
Step by Step
- Choose a topic and a clear question.
- Shuffle while focusing on 'whoever picks this pile'.
- Deal three piles of 3–5 cards each.
- Photograph the closed piles for your audience.
- Reveal and interpret each pile in order.
- Write a short summary and one piece of advice per pile.
Writing Good Pile Readings
- Keep messages broad enough to apply to many people.
- Include the card names so readers can learn.
- End with a practical, kind action.
- Avoid fear-based predictions.
Ethics
See Examples
Our pick-a-pile readings follow exactly this structure.
Example: Writing One Pile
Cards drawn: The Star, Eight of Pentacles, Page of Cups. Draft: 'You've been through a draining stretch, and the worst is behind you. Small, consistent effort is rebuilding your confidence. Expect a gentle surprise — a message or invitation that reminds you why you started.' Advice: 'Keep a simple routine for two weeks.' That's it — clear, kind and actionable.
Presenting Piles Online
- Use clear photos with numbers or distinct objects.
- Ask viewers to choose before scrolling.
- Post each pile's reading separately or with timestamps.
- Include a short disclaimer that it's general.
Practicing Interpretation
Making piles is excellent practice. You learn to read combinations, write concisely and think about how a message lands for different people — skills that improve every reading you do.
Keep Reading
What Is Pick-a-Pile?
Pick-a-pile — also called pick-a-card — is the tarot format that took over YouTube and TikTok. H
≡Three-Card Spread
Three cards are enough for a real story — and simple enough to read on your own.
FAQ
How many cards should be in each pile?
Three to five is typical; three keeps it simple.
Want a personal answer?
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