Reading Tarot Cards for Beginners

Step 1: Understand the Tarot Deck Structure

A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two parts:

• The Major Arcana: These are the 22 cards that represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They are numbered 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World).
• The Minor Arcana: These are 56 cards that reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience daily. They are divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit has ten numbered cards (Ace to Ten) and four Court cards (King, Queen, Knight, and Page).

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself With the Cards

Spend some time getting to know your cards. Look at each one, read its meaning from a guidebook, and reflect on how it resonates with you. You might want to journal about your impressions or do a meditation with the card.

Step 3: Shuffle the Cards

Before each reading, you'll need to shuffle the deck. As you do this, you should concentrate on the question or situation that you're wanting to explore. You can also cut the deck into three's and reorder them. When you feel ready, lay the cards out in front of you.

Step 4: Draw the Cards

The way you draw your cards depends on the type of spread you're doing. There are many different Tarot spreads, but a simple one to start with is a three-card spread, representing the past, present, and future.

Step 5: Interpret the Cards

This is where your intuition and familiarity with the cards come into play. Here are some points to consider:

Look at the card as a whole: What's your initial reaction to it? What feelings or thoughts does it bring up for you? How does it relate to your question?

Consider the symbolism: Every Tarot card is rich in symbolism that can help you to interpret what it means in relation to your reading.

Remember the Suit and Number: The suit can give you an idea about the card's energy, while the number can indicate the kind of action you might need to take. For example, the Ace of Cups is about new beginnings and the number 1, so it's a good card to draw if you're starting a new project. The Ten of Swords is about endings and the number 10, so it's a good card to draw if you're trying to let go of something.

Step 6: Connect the Cards

See how the cards relate to each other. Is there a common theme? Do the cards contradict each other or do they tell a coherent story?

Step 7: Reflect on the Reading

Take some time to contemplate the message of the reading. Remember, Tarot is a tool for guidance and it's always up to you to make choices in your life.

Step 8: Practice Regularly

The more you practice reading Tarot, the more intuitive and insightful your readings will become. You might find it helpful to keep a Tarot journal where you can note down your readings and reflect on them over time.