Ian Parkin is the author of this article.
If you’re curious about how to start reading tarot cards, you’ve come to the right place! Tarot readings can be an excellent tool for meditation, reflection, and exploration of all aspects of life, such as relationships, career, and personal challenges. Whether you’re looking for insight into your future or are simply looking for a new way to connect with your inner self, learning the basics of tarot reading can be an exciting and rewarding journey.
To begin your tarot journey, you need a deck of tarot cards that resonate with you.
There are countless designs and themes to choose from, so take the time to find one that matches your intuition and aesthetic preferences. I personally recommend you start with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, as most other modern decks are based on this deck in some way. This means that as you progress, you’ll find it easier to use all other decks. But if you’re interested, don’t be afraid to explore more unique options. Once you’ve chosen your deck, take some time to familiarize yourself with the cards. Look at each card, paying attention to the images, colors, and symbols to see how they make you feel.
Understand the structure of tarot cards
The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana contains 22 cards representing important life events and spiritual lessons. Each card, such as The Fool, The Magician, or The World, tells a story and provides insight. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. The cards deal with everyday events and situations, with each suit representing a different aspect of life (Wands for creativity, Cups for emotions, Swords for intelligence, and Pentacles for material concerns).
How to start interpreting the meaning of each tarot card
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 direct and impactful. Each card has a forward and reverse meaning, adding depth to your reading. For example, the Lovers card may indicate harmony and partnership when turned upright, while reversed may suggest conflict or imbalance. There are many excellent books and online resources that provide detailed meanings for each card in the tarot deck. But don’t get bogged down in remembering every intricate detail; instead, you’ll want the cards to speak to you on a deeper level. Trust your intuition and let the images and symbols guide you to personal insights and revelations. Additionally, it can be very helpful to keep a tarot journal and write down your interpretations and observations.
Connect with your intuition
Tarot reading is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge. As you draw the cards, take a moment to breathe deeply and tune into your inner voice. What feelings or thoughts come to mind when you see this card? How does it relate to the question you asked? Trusting your intuition can bring deeper, more personal meaning to your reading. 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 is crucial to establish a regular practice. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to shuffle the deck, draw the cards, and reflect on the messages. Start with simple one or three card readings and gradually build up to more complex decks as your confidence grows.
Practice basic spreads
Spreads are the layout of cards during reading, and different spreads can provide different insights. The three-card expansion is a great place to start, covering past, present and future or mind, body and spirit. As you gain confidence, you can explore more complex spreads, such as the Celtic Cross, which provides a comprehensive overview of the situation. (Find the eight-card tarot card layout here)
Find 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 readings from experienced tarot readers can also provide valuable insight and encouragement.
Reviews and FAQs about learning the basics of tarot reading
- To begin reading tarot cards, start by choosing a deck of tarot cards that resonate with you visually and thematically. Familiarize yourself with the meanings of the 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. It is helpful to study each card’s symbolism, traditional interpretations, and the different unfolds (card layouts) used for reading. As a regular practice, pull out daily cards for yourself and see how they reflect your day, or try simple distributions to answer specific questions. Keeping a journal of your reading can enhance your understanding and intuition over time. Additionally, many people find that taking tarot classes helps deepen their knowledge and skills.
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tarot card guidance ——Jennifer (Canada)
I believe Tarot is an amazing way to interact with current energies and influences that may be present in your life. Tarot cards tell ancient whispers from long ago. Depending on the decks you choose to combine and link, there are many ways to expand your horizons well beyond the boundaries of your thinking. These cards speak to us and provide us with a universal door, a scope to reach our subconscious and deliver messages. The best part is that when the oracle speaks, it provides us with impressions from the universal mind.Tarot is another very effective way to gain guidance, influence, energy, and more by going far beyond your own musings
Common Mistakes Tarot Card Readers Make and How to Avoid Them – Kelsey Alexander – United States
Tarot cards are my number one tool. I read the selected cards and relate them to the matter at hand. I first want to acknowledge the situation and the answers on the card, and then I want to try to provide advice on how to continue to help the client achieve the desired outcome or best handle the current situation.
I also read what else might be on the card. I often discover something that surprises both my clients and myself.
Some mistakes I see some card readers make after learning how to start reading tarot cards are:
- Judgment of the person we are reading.
- Neglect meditation before reading.
- Reading too many cards.
Whether you’re just learning how to start reading tarot cards, a novice practicing your psychic abilities, or a fifth-generation clairvoyant, it’s important to remember these basic techniques when reading tarot cards.
As a tarot card reader, you must rely entirely on your intuition when interpreting the meanings of tarot cards. Of course, you should also have a good grasp of what each card represents. However, as humans, we sometimes unintentionally judge the person we are reading from, which can affect how 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 might be surprised at how accurate even the most unusual readings actually are!
Another common mistake tarot readers make is neglecting to meditate before reading. (Even the most experienced tarot readers can make this mistake). Again, we must keep an open mind and stay away from distractions or preconceived notions. Meditation can help readers feel relaxed and accepting. In addition, everyone can feel the energy of the soul. If the reader is nervous, this may affect their performance and may create an unpleasant feeling for the psychic reader.
Another mistake tarot readers make is reading too much into the cards. When giving a reading, good psychics know that the message may not make sense to them, but will resonate with the person receiving the reading. Although it may be tempting, don’t overanalyze what you think the cards might mean; just follow what’s on the card – no more, no less.
No matter how inexperienced or experienced a psychic tarot reader may be, it’s always important to keep it simple. Second-guessing a card or trying to over-interpret its meaning are crucial yet common mistakes tarot readers make. Remember, meditation before reading is crucial. Always read with clarity, an open mind, and a relaxed mind. Trust your gut and trust the cards.
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