Every one as a different way of doing this mine is to
Shuffle well to remove energies from any previous reading
Centre myself (clear my mind and relax) this helps when listening to my intuition/inner voice
When ready I shuffle then cut the cards into three piles with the left hand, then put them back together in any order while asking the question I want to put to the cards
I look at the spread as a whole before reading, the cards interact with each other and the reading as to make sense when its all pulled together.
I also use a spread cloth, crystals and incense these are to promote the right atmosphere when I read for others, there not needed when I read for myself.
Its always a good idea when new to tarot to use a spread this way as you lay the cards you can connect better with what the card in its position is telling you.
I don't believe there are any set rules its what works for you
