How to Read Tarot Cards: A Beginner's Guide

Getting Started with Tarot

Learning to read tarot cards can seem overwhelming at first. With 78 cards, each containing multiple layers of meaning, where do you even begin? The good news is that tarot is a practice that develops over time, and you don't need to memorize every meaning before you start. The most important thing is to begin.

This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of tarot reading, providing you with a solid foundation to build upon. Remember, every experienced reader was once a beginner, and the journey of discovery is part of what makes tarot so rewarding.

Step 1: Choose Your Deck

Your first tarot deck is an important choice, but don't stress too much about it. For beginners, we generally recommend starting with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck or one of its many clones. Why? Because it's the most widely used deck, which means most tarot books and resources reference its imagery.

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck features illustrated scenes on all 78 cards, making it easier for beginners to intuit meanings from the imagery. Other popular beginner-friendly options include the Morgan-Greer, Robin Wood, and Universal Waite decks.

That said, the most important thing is that your deck resonates with you. If another deck calls to you, follow your intuition. You can always learn the traditional meanings and apply them to any imagery.

Step 2: Understand the Structure

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two main sections:

Step 3: Learn to Shuffle and Draw

There's no single "correct" way to shuffle tarot cards. Some readers prefer the traditional overhand shuffle, while others like to spread the cards on a table and mix them around. The key is to focus on your question or intention while shuffling.

Here's a simple process for beginners:

1. 1. Clear your mind and hold your cards. Take a few deep breaths.
2. 2. Focus on your question or simply ask for general guidance.
3. 3. Shuffle the cards until you feel ready to stop.
4. 4. Cut the deck into three piles and restack them in any order.
5. 5. Draw your cards from the top of the deck.

Some readers pay attention to cards that "jump" out during shuffling, viewing them as significant. Others prefer a more structured approach. Find what works for you.

Step 4: Start with Simple Spreads

A "spread" is the pattern in which you lay out the cards, with each position having a specific meaning. As a beginner, start with simple spreads:

As you gain confidence, you can explore more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross, but there's no rush. Many experienced readers still rely primarily on simple spreads.

Step 5: Interpret the Cards

This is where many beginners feel stuck. Here's our advice: don't try to memorize all 78 meanings at once. Instead, use these approaches:

• Look at the imagery. What do you see? What emotions does it evoke? Your intuitive response is valuable.
• Consider the card's position in your spread. How does its general meaning apply to that specific aspect?
• Use reference materials. Keep a book or app handy. There's no shame in looking things up.
• Pay attention to patterns. Multiple cards from the same suit? Several Major Arcana? These clusters add meaning.
• Trust your gut. Sometimes a card will speak to you in a way that differs from the "official" meaning. Honor that.

Step 6: Keep a Tarot Journal

One of the best ways to learn tarot is to keep a journal of your readings. Record:

• The date and your question
• The cards you drew and their positions
• Your interpretation at the time
• How you felt about the reading
• Later: What actually happened

Over time, you'll develop your own relationship with the cards and notice patterns in your interpretations. This personal connection is what transforms tarot from a set of arbitrary meanings into a powerful tool for self-reflection.

Common Beginner Questions

Final Thoughts

Learning tarot is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every reading, even ones that don't seem to make sense, teaches you something.

Remember that tarot is a tool for reflection and self-discovery, not a crystal ball. The cards reflect possibilities, not certainties. Use them to gain insight and perspective, but always trust your own judgment when making important decisions.