How to Read Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to Tarot Reading

In This Guide;

Understanding the Tarot Deck
Choose a Tarot Deck
Cleanse and Shuffle Your Deck
Set Your Intention
Perform a Tarot Spread
Interpret the Cards
Record Your Readings

Introduction: Tarot reading is a powerful tool for self-reflection, spiritual guidance, and understanding the complexities of life. Whether you’re curious about the future, seeking clarity on a situation, or simply interested in exploring a new form of divination, learning how to read tarot can be an enriching experience. This guide will walk you through the essentials of tarot reading, from understanding the cards to performing your first spread.

Understanding the Tarot Deck:

Before diving into reading, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the tarot deck. A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections:

The Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life events and spiritual lessons. Cards like The Fool, The Empress, and The Tower fall under this category and often indicate profound shifts or insights. (read more about the meanings of the Major Arcana)
The Minor Arcana (56 cards): These are divided into four suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles—each representing different aspects of life. The Minor Arcana deals with day-to-day events and influences. (read more about each tarot suit)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Read Tarot

Choose a Tarot Deck:

When starting, choose a tarot deck that resonates with you. The Rider-Waite deck is popular among beginners due to its rich symbolism and detailed imagery. Over time, you may explore other decks, such as the Thoth or Marseille decks, depending on your preferences.

There is an old superstition around being gifted your first deck, this is untrue. It was a form of gatekeeping long ago by tarot reading associations to ensure the income of tarot readers. Of course there are many insightful readers out there, but tarot is first and foremost a useful tool for personal growth and connection with your higher self.

If the prospect of learning the meanings of all the cards feels overwhelming or you want to jump start your tarot reading, consider using a deck that has the meanings in keywords printed on the face of the cards. Our Solis Divinity Tarot keyword decks have been hugely popular for beginners, the meanings on the cards creates a smoother and more intuitive tarot reading expirience.

Cleanse and Shuffle Your Deck:

Before performing a reading, cleanse your tarot deck to remove any lingering energy. You can do this by holding the cards in your hands, visualizing white light surrounding them, or using sage or crystals. Shuffle the cards thoroughly while focusing on your question or the situation at hand. (read this article about how to cleanse your tarot deck)

Set Your Intention:

Tarot reading is as much about intention as it is about the cards themselves. Before drawing cards, take a moment to center yourself. Ask a clear and focused question, such as “What do I need to know about my career?” or “How can I improve my relationship?” The more specific your question, the clearer the reading will be.

Perform a Tarot Spread:

There are countless tarot spreads, from simple one-card pulls to complex Celtic Cross spreads. As a beginner, start with a three-card spread:

Past: Represents past influences or events.
Present: Indicates the current situation or challenges.
Future: Offers potential outcomes or advice for the future.

Interpret the Cards:

Understanding the meaning of each card is crucial. While many readers rely on the traditional meanings, intuition plays a significant role. Look at the imagery, symbols, and colors on the cards—what do they evoke for you? Consider the card’s position in the spread and how it relates to your question.

Example Interpretation: If you pull the Two of Swords in the Present position, it might suggest that you’re facing a difficult decision and need to weigh your options carefully. In the Future position, the Ace of Cups could indicate a new emotional beginning or a fresh start in relationships.

If you need to, use your guidebook to look up the meanings of your cards. If you don't have a guidebook, you can use the Tarot Meanings here to look up and check your interpretation. Alternatively you can use a deck with keywords on the cards to get you started. Shop your keyword deck here

Record Your Readings:

Keeping a tarot journal is an excellent way to track your progress and deepen your understanding. Write down the cards you pull, their positions, and your interpretations. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and develop a stronger connection to the cards. ( see our tarot journal article )

Practice Regularly:

Like any skill, reading tarot improves with practice. Start by doing readings for yourself, and as you gain confidence, offer readings for friends or family. The more you work with the cards, the more intuitive your readings will become.

Conclusion: Learning how to read tarot is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. While it might seem overwhelming at first, with patience and practice, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the cards and how they can guide you in life. Whether you’re using tarot for personal insight or to help others, remember that the true power of tarot lies in its ability to reflect the energies and possibilities within and around you.

Ready to begin your tarot journey? Start today with a simple spread and see where the cards take you! Still looking for the perfect tarot deck - find our tarot decks here