Learn Tarot
Embark on your journey into the mystical world of tarot. From ancient origins to modern practice, discover everything you need to begin reading the cards.
History of Tarot
The tarot has a rich and mysterious history spanning over 600 years. Originally created in 15th-century Italy as playing cards for games like Tarocchi, the deck evolved into a powerful tool for divination and self-discovery.
15th Century - Origins
Created in Northern Italy as elaborate playing cards for nobility. The Visconti-Sforza deck is one of the earliest surviving examples.
18th Century - Occult Connection
French occultists like Antoine Court de Gébelin linked tarot to ancient Egyptian mysticism and Kabbalah.
19th Century - Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn developed detailed esoteric interpretations, influencing modern tarot deeply.
1909 - Rider-Waite Deck
Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith created the iconic Rider-Waite deck, now the most popular worldwide.
Today, tarot is used worldwide for meditation, self-reflection, creative inspiration, and spiritual guidance. While some view it as a mystical oracle, others appreciate it as a psychological tool for exploring the unconscious mind.
Deck Structure
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
🌟 Major Arcana (22 Cards)
The Major Arcana represents life's karmic and spiritual lessons. These cards depict archetypal themes and significant life events. When they appear in a reading, pay special attention—they carry profound messages.
Explore Major Arcana →🃏 Minor Arcana (56 Cards)
The Minor Arcana reflects daily trials and tribulations. Divided into four suits, each containing 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four Court Cards).
Wands
Fire • Action
Cups
Water • Emotions
Swords
Air • Intellect
Pentacles
Earth • Material
Court Cards (16 Total)
Each suit contains four court cards representing different aspects of personality or people in your life:
How to Read Tarot
Reading tarot is both an art and a practice. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing your first reading:
Set Your Intention
Find a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths. Clear your mind and focus on your question or the area of life you want guidance on.
Shuffle the Deck
Shuffle the cards while focusing on your question. There's no wrong way—overhand, riffle, or simply mixing them on a table all work.
Draw Your Cards
When you feel ready, cut the deck or fan it out and select your cards. Trust your intuition—let your hand be drawn to the right cards.
Observe the Imagery
Before consulting meanings, look at the card. What do you notice? What feelings or thoughts arise? Your first impressions are valuable.
Interpret the Message
Combine traditional meanings with your intuition. Consider the card's position in your spread and how it relates to your question.
Upright vs. Reversed Cards
↑ Upright
The card's energy flows freely. Its traditional meaning applies directly. Generally represents the positive or active expression of the card's themes.
↓ Reversed
The energy is blocked, internalized, or in shadow. May indicate delays, resistance, or the need to look inward. Not necessarily "negative."
Common Spreads
A spread is a specific arrangement of cards, each position carrying its own meaning. Here are the most popular spreads for beginners:
Single Card Draw
Perfect for daily guidance or quick answers. Draw one card to receive the day's message or insight into a specific question.
Try Daily Reading →Three-Card Spread
The most versatile spread. Classic interpretation: Past, Present, Future. Variations include: Situation, Action, Outcome or Mind, Body, Spirit.
Try Timeline Reading →Yes/No Oracle
For direct questions requiring simple answers. Each card carries a Yes, No, or Maybe energy based on traditional associations.
Try Yes/No Oracle →Advanced: Celtic Cross (10 Cards)
The most famous complex spread, offering deep insight into a situation. Best learned after mastering simpler spreads. Learn more about spreads →
Beginner Tips
Start Simple
Begin with single card pulls and three-card spreads. Master these before moving to complex layouts like the Celtic Cross.
Keep a Journal
Record your readings, interpretations, and how they manifested. Learn how to build a practice →
Trust Your Intuition
Book meanings are guides, not rules. Your personal connection to the imagery matters most. If a card "feels" a certain way, honor that.
Daily Practice
Draw a card each morning. By day's end, reflect on how its message appeared in your life. Consistency builds skill.
Create Sacred Space
Light a candle, burn incense, or simply take three deep breaths. Ritual helps shift your mindset from everyday to intuitive.
Ask Open Questions
Instead of "Will I get the job?", try "What do I need to know about this opportunity?" Open questions yield richer insights.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- × Asking the same question repeatedly until you get the answer you want
- × Fearing "negative" cards—every card has wisdom to offer
- × Relying solely on book meanings without developing personal interpretations
- × Reading when emotionally distressed—center yourself first
Ready to Begin?
The best way to learn tarot is through practice. Start with a simple daily draw and let the cards speak to you.