Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

How To Start Reading Tarot So You Can Find Guidance In The Cards

If you are curious about how to start reading tarot cards, you're in the right place! Tarot reading can be a wonderful tool for meditation, reflection, and exploring various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, and personal challenges. Whether you're seeking insight into your future or simply looking for a new way to connect with your inner self, learning the basics of tarot card reading can be an exciting and rewarding journey. 

To begin your tarot journey, you'll need a tarot deck that resonates with you.

There are countless designs and themes available, so take your time to find one that speaks to your intuition and aesthetic preferences. I personally recommend you start with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck because most other modern decks are based on this set in one way or another. That means you will find it easier with all the other decks as you progress. But don't be afraid to explore more unique options if you feel drawn. Once you've selected your deck, spend some time getting acquainted with the cards. Look at each card, notice the imagery, colors, and symbols, and see how they make you feel.

How To Start Reading Tarot Cards

Understand The Structure Of A Tarot Deck

A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana contains 22 cards that represent significant life events and spiritual lessons. Each card, like The Fool, The Magician, or The World, tells a story and offers profound insights. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. These cards deal with day-to-day events and situations, with each suit representing different aspects of life (Wands for creativity, Cups for emotions, Swords for intellect, and Pentacles for material concerns). 

How To Start Reading Tarot Meanings For Each Of The Cards

One of the best ways to learn tarot is to study the meanings of the cards. Start with the Major Arcana, as these cards are often more straightforward and impactful. Each card has both upright and reversed meanings, adding depth to your readings. For example, The Lovers card upright might indicate harmony and partnership, while reversed it could suggest conflict or imbalance. There are many excellent books and online resources that provide detailed meanings for each of the cards in a tarot deck. But don't get bogged down by memorizing every intricate detail; instead, you will want the cards to speak to you on a deeper level. Trust your instincts and let the imagery and symbolism guide you toward personal insights and revelations. Additionally, keeping a tarot journal where you write down your interpretations and observations can be incredibly helpful.

Connecting With Your Intuition

Tarot reading is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge. When you draw a card, take a moment to breathe deeply and tune into your inner voice. What feelings or thoughts come up when you see the card? How does it relate to the question you're asking? Trusting your intuition can bring a deeper, more personal meaning to your readings. Don’t worry if it feels challenging at first - like any skill, it gets easier with practice.

To truly master the art of tarot reading, it's essential to establish a regular practice. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to shuffle the cards, draw them, and reflect on their messages. Start with simple one-card or three-card readings, gradually building up to more complex spreads as your confidence grows.

Practicing Basic Spreads

A spread is the layout of the cards during a reading, and different spreads can offer different insights. The three-card spread is a great starting point, covering the past, present, and future or mind, body, and spirit. As you gain confidence, you can explore more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross, which provides a comprehensive overview of a situation. (Find eight tarot card layouts here)

Finding Guidance And Community

Starting your tarot journey can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don't have to do it alone. There are many resources and communities available to support you. Consider joining a local or online tarot group where you can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others. Watching video tutorials, attending workshops, or even getting a reading from an experienced tarot reader can also provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Comments And FAQs About Learning The Basics Of Tarot Card Reading

How To Start Reading Tarot Cards?
  • To start reading tarot, begin by choosing a tarot deck that resonates with you visually and thematically. Familiarize yourself with the meanings of the 78 cards, which are divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. It's helpful to study each card's symbolism, traditional interpretations, and different spreads (layouts of cards) used for readings. Practice regularly by pulling daily cards for yourself to see how they reflect your day or try simple spreads to answer specific questions. Keeping a journal of your readings can enhance your understanding and intuition over time. Additionally, many find it beneficial to take a course on Tarot to deepen their knowledge and skills.

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Tarot Card Guidance - by Jennifer (Canada)
I believe that tarot cards are an amazing way to interact with present energies and influences that might be present in your life. Tarot cards speak from an ancient whisper of long ago. Depending on the deck you choose to bond and connect with, there are many ways in which to look far beyond the boundaries of the mind. The cards speak to us, and offer us a universal door, a scope to reach our sub-conscious mind and deliver information. The best part about this is that when the oracle speaks it offers us impressions from the universal mind. The tarot is another yet very effective method of reaching far beyond the quarters of the ego-mind, for guidance, influences, energies, etc

Mistakes Tarot Readers Make & How To Avoid Them

Mistakes Tarot Readers Make & How To Avoid Them - by Kelsey Alexander - USA

Tarot is my number one tool. I read whichever cards are chosen and relate them to the matter at hand. I first like to confirm the situation and the answer from the cards then I like to try to give advice on how the client can proceed to help achieve a desired outcome or best deal with the circumstances at hand.

I also read anything else that may come from the cards. Oftentimes, I pick up on things that surprise both the client and myself.

Some mistakes I see some card readers make after they learn how to start reading tarot are:

  • Judging the person we are reading for. 
  • Neglecting to meditate before a reading. 
  • Reading too much into the cards.

Whether you are just learning how to start reading tarot, new to practicing your psychic abilities, or are a 5th generation clairvoyant it is important to remember these basic tips when it comes to reading Tarot cards.

As a Tarot card reader, you must rely solely on intuition when interpreting the meaning of the cards. Of course, you should also have a good grasp about what each card represents. However, as humans, sometimes we unintentionally judge the person we are reading, and that can influence the way we analyze the cards. Focus on the cards and what they say, not what you think they should say or what you think the recipient wants to hear. You may be surprised at how accurate the most unusual readings actually are!

Another one of the common mistakes tarot readers make is neglecting to meditate before a reading. (Even the most experienced Tarot readers can make this slip up). Again, we must keep our minds open and free from distraction or preconceived notions. Meditation helps the reader feel relaxed and receptive. Additionally, the psychic’s energy can be felt by everyone. If the reader is nervous, this could hinder their performance, and it could give the psychic reading recipient off-putting vibes.

Yet another of the mistakes tarot readers make is reading too much into the cards. When giving a reading, a good psychic knows that the message may not make sense to them, but it will resonate with the person receiving the reading. Though it may be tempting, refrain from over-analyzing what you think the cards could mean; simply stick to what the cards say - nothing less, nothing more.

No matter how inexperienced or seasoned a psychic Tarot reader may be, keeping it simple is always important. Second-guessing the cards or trying to over-decipher their meaning are critical but common mistakes tarot readers make. Remember, meditating is vital before a reading. Always read with a clear, open mind and a light heart. Trust your intuition, and trust the cards.

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