How to read tarot cards?

A Beginner’s Guide

Tarot cards have fascinated people for centuries. Some use them as a spiritual tool, others for self-reflection, and many as a way to gain guidance when life feels uncertain. If you’ve ever wondered “How do I read tarot cards?”, this guide will walk you through the basics step by step.

1. What Is Tarot?

The tarot is a deck of 78 cards divided into:

• Major Arcana (22 cards): These represent life’s big lessons, such as The Fool, The Lovers, or The World.

• Minor Arcana (56 cards): These focus on day-to-day experiences and are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles).

Think of the Major Arcana as the “chapters” of your life story and the Minor Arcana as the “pages.”

2. Get to Know Your Deck

Before doing a reading, spend time with your tarot cards. Shuffle them, look at the images, and notice what emotions or thoughts they spark. Every deck has its own style—some are more mystical, others more modern or symbolic.

👉 Example: Many beginners start with the Rider-Waite deck because its imagery is simple and full of symbolism.

3. Set the Mood

Tarot is about connection—between you, your intuition, and the cards.

• Choose a quiet space.

• Take a deep breath, relax, and clear your mind.

• Some people light a candle or play calming music to focus better.

4. Shuffle and Ask a Question

Shuffle your deck while focusing on your question. Be clear but open.

• Instead of: “Will I get married next year?”

• Try: “What do I need to know about love in my future?”

Open-ended questions work better because they allow the cards to guide you instead of giving a simple yes/no answer.

5. Pull the Cards

There are many spreads (layouts) you can use:

• One card pull: Great for daily guidance.

• Three card spread: Past – Present – Future.

• Celtic Cross: A deeper 10-card spread for detailed insight.

👉 Example: If you pull The Star in a three-card spread about your career, it may suggest hope, inspiration, and new opportunities ahead.

6. Interpret with Intuition

Reading tarot isn’t just memorizing meanings—it’s about listening to your intuition.

• Look at the symbols, colors, and imagery.

• Notice your first impression.

• Then check the traditional meaning of the card.

👉 Example: The Ace of Cups usually means new emotional beginnings (like love or friendship), but if it reminds you of an overflowing fountain, you might interpret it as a message about abundance in emotions.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to read tarot cards is a journey of self-discovery. Start small, trust your intuition, and remember: the cards are a mirror to your inner world.

✨ Whether you’re pulling a single card for daily guidance or exploring a full spread, tarot can help you connect with your intuition and uncover insights that were always within you.