How to read Tarot Cards :A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction to Tarot Cards

Alrighty, let's get cozy and chat about something truly fascinating—tarot cards! Imagine holding a deck in your hands, each card whispering stories and secrets from the past. In this ultimate guide for beginners, we'll stroll through the history of tarot cards and peek into their structure—divided neatly into 78 cards across the Major and Minor Arcana, each segment telling part of our collective human story. By the end of our talk, you’ll see why so many people find solace and insight in these captivating cards.

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Ready to learn how to read tarot? Pull up a chair (or a card!)

What are tarot cards?

• Ever think of having a chat with your inner self? That’s what tarot cards facilitate. Each of the 78 cards serves as a conduit to understanding our innermost layers, helping us see beyond the noise of daily life. They don’t tell us what will happen—they help us understand what could happen based on our internal landscapes.

• So next time you’re feeling stuck or unsure about a decision, drawing a tarot deck can be like asking an old friend for advice, offering insights that resonate with your personal journey.

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History of tarot cards

• Tarot cards emerged in 15th century Europe, initially for games, evolving by the 18th century into divination tools. Each era has added layers of interpretation, transforming them into modern instruments for spiritual introspection.

• The Rider-Waite deck, one of the most popular tarot decks used today, exemplifies this evolution with its detailed illustrations that open deeper dimensions of energy and meaning.

a couple of mirrors sitting on top of a table

Understanding the Tarot Deck Structure

• A tarot deck is like a book with two sections: the Major Arcana of 22 life-theme cards and the Minor Arcana of 56 daily life cards divided into four suits—Cups reflecting emotions; Pentacles focusing on material aspects; Swords cutting through mental challenges; Wands igniting passions—adds its own flavor to readings making every draw uniquely insightful. Together they offer a full spectrum of guidance from profound events in existence to daily interactions.

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Major Arcana Cards

• The Major Arcana cards are like main characters in the story of your existence, acting as guides that help illuminate paths through their archetypal energies—from initiating new journeys with The Fool to concluding cycles with The World.

Minor Arcana Cards

• While Major Arcana cards capture grand themes...

‍Minor Arcana brings attention back to everyday concerns. These 56 cards are divided into four suits—Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands—each representing a di fferent facet of human experience. Within each suit, you will find characters such as the Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

• Each figure—from Knight to Queen to King—plays a unique role in conveying messages about maturity levels, leadership qualities, and personal growth through their actions and attitudes in various life scenarios.

The Four Suits : cups, pentacles, swords, and wands

• Cups focus on emotions and relationships, often highlighting feelings during significant emotional events. For example, the Two of Cups symbolizes deep, respectful partnerships.

• Pentacles address practical matters like finances and health, urging caution and stability. The Four of Pentacles represents financial security or conservatism.

• Swords deal with intellectual challenges and decision-making, often during conflicts or pivotal insights. The Ace of Swords suggests a breakthrough or new idea.

• Wands represent energy and ambition, encouraging proactive steps toward goals. The Eight of Wands indicates swift progress in endeavors.

Align with your stars, embrace your true self.

Preparing for your first Tarot Reading

Choose a tarot deck that resonates with you, and consider starting simple with three-card spreads before progressing to more elaborate setups like those found in traditional Rider-Waite teachings.

Choosing your tarot deck

Selecting the perfect tarot deck for yourself involves tuning into how each deck’s imagery and symbolism aligns with your intuition. As you browse different options, focus on how the visuals of each card make you feel—are they inviting or intriguing? Do they provoke thought or offer comfort? The symbolism in tarot is powerful and personal; it should stir something within you, helping to unlock insights during readings. Whether it's a beautifully detailed historical deck or one with simple, contemporary art, ensure that it resonates on a deep level. This connection is essential as these cards will be tools for reflection through their symbolic language.

Ever wondered why your astrological diagram looks different from your friend's, even if you share the same sun sign? It's all about the house system! In astrology, different house systems divide the 360-degree wheel of your chart into twelve unique sections, each representing a distinct area of life.

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a person holding a card in front of a fan

Creating the right environment

Create a conducive environment for tarot readings by selecting a quiet space with soft lighting, like dimmed lamps or candles.

Enhance the area with calming elements such as crystals or soothing artwork, ensuring comfortable seating for a relaxed experience.

How to phrase your questions for tarot reading

Phrase tarot questions to be open-ended yet specific to maximize insights. Avoid yes-or-no queries; instead ask reflective questions like 'How can I improve my relationship with X?' This approach fosters deeper understanding and actionable advice.

Do's:

‍Do ask open-ended questions:

✨ Example: "What can I do to advance in my career?"

This allows the cards to provide a range of insights and possibilities that can help guide your actions.

Do focus on yourself:

✨ Example: "What steps can I take to improve my relationship with my partner?"

Tarot readings are most effective when you focus on your own actions and attitudes, rather than trying to uncover or control the actions of others.

Do be specific about the area of inquiry:

✨ Example: "What should I be aware of when starting my new business?"

Being specific about the context or area helps in getting more directed advice that is relevant to your situation.

Don'ts:

Don’t ask yes-or-no questions:

‍✨ Example: "Will I move to a new city this year?"

Yes-or-no questions tend to close off deeper exploration and limit the scope of the reading.

Don’t ask overly broad or vague questions:

‍✨ Example: "Tell me about my future."

Such questions can lead to generic answers that might not provide practical guidance or relevance to your current concerns.

Don’t focus on other people’s thoughts or actions:

‍✨ "Is my boss happy with my work?"

Questions aimed at probing into others' minds or predicting their behavior often stray from the introspective and self-guided principles central to tarot readings.

Align with your stars, embrace your true self.

The basics of Tarot Reading

Understanding tarot card meanings

Starting with tarot involves memorizing traditional meanings but the real magic lies in tuning into your intuition. Each card, like a friend sharing insights, reflects your personal experiences.

Listen to the stories each card tells and how they make you feel. For example, The Fool might symbolize a new beginning—consider whether it feels like an exciting leap or a gentle step forward.

By combining traditional meanings with intuitive insights, you create a deeply personal tarot reading experience that guides your path with wisdom.

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a tarot card with a sword and scales on it

The significance of reversed cards

Ever pulled a reversed tarot card and felt a wee bit anxious? No worries, let's demystify these upside-down messengers. Reversed cards often get a bad rap, but they're just bringing you insights from a different angle—like hearing an old song in a new way.

They might point to areas where you’re facing resistance or where there’s room for personal growth. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, take another look here; something important needs your attention!”

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Popular Tarot Card Spreads

Let’s spread out the cards and dive into some of the most beloved tarot spreads! Popular tarot spreads can range from simple to complex, each designed for various queries. These layouts help focus your intentions, offering clarity on specific issues or broader guidance.

The one card spread

• Ever thought a single card could give you enough food for thought for an entire day? Enter the one card tarot spread, your go-to for daily guidance or quick answers.

• This minimalist approach cuts through the noise, delivering clear and concise insights without overwhelming you with details. Just shuffle, draw, and reflect—whether it's about a particular situation or existence in general. It's amazing how much wisdom can be packed into one little card!

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The three card spread

• Let’s triple the insight with the three card tarot spread, a versatile favorite among tarot enthusiasts and a versatile tool for glimpsing past, present, and future, or examining aspects like body, mind, and spirit. This spread offers insights into where you've been, your current state, and potential future directions.

• To use it: Shuffle your deck while focusing on your question. Draw and lay out three cards side by side. The first card represents past influences, the second shows current circumstances, and the third reveals potential future outcomes.

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The celtic cross spread

• The Celtic Cross spread is the grandmaster of tarot layouts, renowned for its complexity and the depth of insight it offers. This ten-card spread is a favorite for those seeking a comprehensive overview of their life or a particular situation. It’s like having a detailed map when you’re on a complex journey, providing guidance at every turn.

• The layout covers everything from your current situation and potential challenges to your hopes, fears, and eventual outcomes. It’s perfect for when you need an in-depth analysis and are prepared to delve deep into the underlying themes and future possibilities.

a woman covering her face with a deck of cards

Align with your stars, embrace your true self.

Daily tarot

The first card represents past influences, the second shows current circumstances, and the third reveals potential future outcomes.

Step-by-step Guide to reading tarot cards

Understanding how to handle and interpret tarot cards is crucial for any aspiring tarot reader.
Here's a simple cards step guide to get you started:

Laying out the cards in a spread

When laying out tarot cards, think of each position in your chosen spread as holding a unique piece of your query’s puzzle. Different spreads serve different purposes; for example, a linear spread might represent a chronological sequence like past-present-future, while a circular or cross-shaped layout could focus on exploring core issues from multiple angles.

Begin by placing the first card as directed by your chosen spread—this often sets the tone for the reading. Continue laying out each card according to its designated spot and significance within the spread, maintaining focus on your question and how each card’s placement adds depth to your answers.

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Cutting the deck and Interpreting

Shuffle and cut your tarot deck to set intentions and align with your energy. Hold the deck, take deep breaths, and focus on your query while shuffling in any style you prefer. Cut the deck into three piles with your left hand for intuition, then stack them as feels right, personalizing your reading.

When interpreting tarot cards, think of yourself as a detective piecing together clues from each card within the context of your question and layout. Each card offers unique insights, but their true power lies in how they relate to one another within the spread!