Are you drawn to the mysterious world of tarot cards, but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. With their rich symbolism and centuries-old traditions, tarot cards have captivated seekers for generations. Whether you’re hoping to unlock intuitive insights, find clarity, or simply explore a new spiritual practice, this introduction to tarot: how to start reading cards will guide you through every step.
We’ll cover the basics of tarot, how to choose your first deck, tips for doing your own readings, and ways to build your skills with practice. Plus, if you’re ready to go deeper, discover how our Tarot Certification Course can help you become a confident, certified reader.
Why Learn Tarot? The Power of Card Reading
Tarot is more than a fortune-telling tool. It’s a mirror for your soul, a creative way to access your intuition, and a powerful method for self-reflection. When you learn to read tarot cards, you gain:
- Deeper self-awareness and clarity on your path
- A spiritual tool for daily guidance and meditation
- New ways to support friends, family, or clients
- A deeper connection to symbolism, myth, and archetype
No special psychic abilities are required—just curiosity and an open mind.
What Is Tarot? A Quick Overview
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism, and story. The deck is divided into:
- Major Arcana (22 cards): Represent life’s big lessons, spiritual themes, and turning points (e.g., The Fool, The Lovers, Death).
- Minor Arcana (56 cards): Reflect day-to-day experiences and emotions. These are split into four suits (Cups, Wands, Swords, Pentacles), each with ten numbered cards and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
When you do a tarot reading, you draw cards and interpret their meanings in the context of your question or situation.
How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck
With hundreds of tarot decks available, picking your first can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find the right one for you:
- Follow your intuition: Look for artwork and symbolism that resonates. Popular beginner decks include the Rider-Waite-Smith, The Light Seer’s Tarot, and the Modern Witch Tarot.
- Consider guidebooks: Many decks come with a booklet to help you learn card meanings.
- Handle the cards: If possible, visit a metaphysical shop to see the cards in person.
- Don’t stress about tradition: There’s no rule that your deck must be a gift. Choose what inspires you.
Getting to Know Your Tarot Deck
Before you start reading, spend time bonding with your cards:
- Look through each card and notice what images, colors, and feelings arise.
- Read the guidebook and jot down keywords for each card.
- Shuffle the deck and pull a “card of the day” to get a feel for its energy.
- Store your cards in a special pouch, box, or on your altar to honor them.
Introduction to Tarot—How to Start Reading Tarot Cards: Step-by-Step
Ready to try your first reading? Here’s a simple process to get started:
1. Set Your Intention
Before shuffling, take a few deep breaths. Center yourself and focus on your question or the guidance you seek. You might say, “I am open to wisdom and insight for my highest good.”
2. Shuffle and Draw Cards
Shuffle the cards in a way that feels good to you—overhand, riffle, or simply mixing them on a table. When you feel ready, cut the deck and draw one or more cards.
3. Lay Out Your Spread
For beginners, start with simple spreads, such as:
- One Card: Insight for the day or guidance on a specific question.
- Three Card Spread:
- Past
- Present
- Future
Or: Situation – Challenge – Advice
4. Interpret the Cards
- Look at the imagery: What emotions or ideas does the card evoke?
- Recall the keywords: Use your guidebook or notes for reference.
- Trust your intuition: Go beyond the book—what do you feel the card means for you?
- Consider the card positions: The meaning can change depending on where the card lands in your spread.
5. Reflect and Journal
Write down your question, the cards you pulled, and your interpretation. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and deepen your understanding.
Tips for Learning Tarot as a Beginner
- Practice regularly: Pull a card each morning and reflect on its message.
- Keep a tarot journal: Record your readings, thoughts, and experiences.
- Study the cards: Focus on one suit or card at a time to avoid overwhelm.
- Join a group or course: Share with others, ask questions, and get feedback.
- Be patient: Mastery takes time—enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Common Tarot Card Meanings for Beginners
Here are a few quick interpretations to get you started:
- The Fool: New beginnings, adventure, taking a leap of faith.
- The Lovers: Relationships, choices, harmony.
- Death: Transformation, endings making way for new beginnings.
- The Empress: Creativity, fertility, abundance.
- Ace of Cups: New emotional beginnings, love, intuition.
- Ten of Swords: Completion, release, the end of a tough cycle.
Remember, every card has light and shadow meanings, and context is key.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Tarot
Q: Do I need to be psychic to read tarot?
A: No! Tarot is a tool for intuition and self-reflection. Anyone can learn with curiosity and practice.
Q: Can I read tarot for myself?
A: Absolutely. Self-readings are a powerful way to build intuition and self-trust.
Q: What if I get a “bad” card?
A: Cards like Death or The Tower can be intimidating, but they often signal necessary change or transformation, not doom.
Q: Is it okay to use tarot for others?
A: Yes, with permission and sensitivity. Always approach readings with respect for privacy and free will.
Taking Your Tarot Skills Further: Our Tarot Certification Course
If you’re ready to move from beginner to confident reader—or even want to read for others professionally—consider enrolling in our Tarot Certification Course. This course offers:
- In-depth training on card meanings, symbolism, and advanced spreads
- Guided practice sessions and feedback
- Ethics and best practices for reading for others
- Certification upon completion—a valuable asset for personal or professional growth
Our course is designed for all levels, from curious newcomers to budding tarot professionals. You’ll learn at your own pace with the support of an experienced, heart-centered community.
Learn more and enroll in our Tarot Certification Course here!
Join Our Sacred Circle Community
Want ongoing support as you learn tarot? Join our Sacred Circle Community for live workshops, group readings, and a welcoming space to share your journey.
Join the Sacred Circle Community and build your tarot confidence with like-minded seekers!
Begin Your Tarot Journey Today
This introduction to tarot—how to start reading cards—is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure in self-discovery, intuition, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re seeking answers, healing, or creative inspiration, tarot offers a rich tapestry of wisdom for every step of your path.
Start with a deck that inspires you, practice simple spreads, and trust your intuition. With time, patience, and support—like our Tarot Certification Course and Sacred Circle Community—you’ll become a skilled and confident reader, ready to unlock the mysteries of the cards for yourself and others.