Tarot for Beginners: How to Start Reading Cards with Confidence
Starting your journey with Tarot can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming at the same time. With so many cards, symbols, and spreads to learn, it’s easy to think you need years of study before you can begin. But the truth is, you can start reading Tarot confidently with just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into how to make Tarot approachable and fun for beginners.
Step 1: Choose Your First Tarot Deck
Your journey begins with choosing the right deck. Many beginners start with the Rider-Waite Tarot deck because of its classic status and rich symbolism. While its imagery can take time to fully interpret, its detailed scenes provide a great foundation for learning. Alternatively, you can explore other beginner-friendly decks with simpler or more modern artwork if they feel more intuitive to you. The key is to pick a deck that resonates with you personally.
Step 2: Get Familiar with the Cards
Tarot has 78 cards divided into two main groups:
-
The Major Arcana (22 cards): These represent big life themes and events, such as new beginnings (The Fool) or transformations (Death).
-
The Minor Arcana (56 cards): These focus on everyday situations and are divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
Spend time looking at each card, noticing the colors, symbols, and figures. Don’t worry about memorizing everything right away—just get to know the cards like new friends.
Step 3: Start Small with One-Card or Three-Card Spreads
Begin with simple spreads to ease into Tarot reading. Two great options are:
-
One-Card Pull: Ask a question like, “What energy should I focus on today?” and pull a single card.
-
Three-Card Spread: Use positions like Past-Present-Future or Situation-Obstacle-Advice to explore a question in more depth.
These spreads are perfect for beginners because they’re easy to interpret and don’t overwhelm you with too many cards.
Step 4: Simplify Your Interpretations
Focus on the imagery and symbols instead of complicated definitions. Ask yourself:
-
What is happening in the card?
-
How does this relate to my question?
-
What message or feeling does the card give me?
For example, if you pull The Sun, think about joy, success, and positive energy rather than trying to decode its deeper philosophical meaning.
Step 5: Keep a Tarot Journal
Write down your readings and interpretations. Keeping a journal helps you track your progress and notice patterns. Over time, you’ll build confidence in understanding the cards and trusting your intuition.
Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become. Start by reading for yourself, and when you’re ready, offer readings to friends or family. Don’t worry about being perfect; every reading is an opportunity to learn.
Step 7: Trust Your Intuition
While guidebooks are helpful, your intuition is your most powerful tool. If a card’s meaning feels different from what the book says, trust your instincts. Tarot is as much about your inner voice as it is about the cards.
Final Thoughts
Tarot for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a deck you love, starting with simple spreads, and trusting your intuition, you can begin reading cards with confidence. Remember, Tarot is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process, and let the cards guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Take Your Tarot Journey Further?
Explore our "Tarot For Beginners: A Comprehensive Foundation Program," designed for anyone starting their Tarot journey or looking to refine their skills. Backed by over 20 years of practice, this course offers a structured approach to mastering the art of Tarot reading.
Program Overview
Our newly enhanced beginner Tarot course is built around Purac Soul’s proprietary 4 Intelligences© framework, engaging you with Tarot on multiple levels. With 8 hours and 45 minutes of comprehensive instruction, this program ensures an in-depth learning experience. By the end, you’ll confidently interpret Tarot cards and understand the core principles of reading.