Learning to read tarot cards is like opening a direct line to your own inner wisdom. It’s a journey that begins with choosing a deck that truly speaks to you, learning the symbolic language of its 78 cards, and seeing how their stories unfold within a spread. This isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about illuminating the present and empowering you to create the future you want.

Your Journey with Tarot Begins Here

Welcome to the beautiful and insightful world of tarot. Forget what you’ve seen in movies—this practice isn’t about a fixed, scary fate. Instead, think of the cards as a mirror, reflecting the truths, challenges, and incredible opportunities that are already swirling within you.

So many of us are drawn to tarot because it gives us something tangible to hold onto as we connect with our intuition. It’s not some mysterious outside force. Learning to read tarot cards is more like learning a new language—a vibrant, visual language of symbols and archetypes that your subconscious mind already understands. That’s why a good reading can feel so uncannily accurate and personal.

Getting to Know the Tarot Deck

A standard tarot deck is a system of 78 cards, each with its own energy and story. They are split into two main groups:

The Major Arcana: These are the 22 heavy hitters of the deck. Cards like The Fool, The Empress, or The Tower represent major life events, soul-level lessons, and the big archetypal themes we all experience on our journey. They signal pivotal moments of transformation and growth.
The Minor Arcana: These 56 cards are all about the day-to-day stuff—the situations, feelings, and practical challenges that make up our lives. They’re divided into four suits (usually Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), with each one governing a different area of human experience. For a deeper dive, you can explore what a tarot reading entails in our other guide.

While this structure provides a solid foundation, the real magic happens when you start weaving your own intuition and life experience into the stories the cards tell.

Tarot is a key that can unlock the door to your inner wisdom. The cards don’t hold the power; they simply help you access the power that already resides within you.

Why Do We Turn to the Cards?

When life feels uncertain, it’s only natural to seek comfort and clarity. Tarot offers a unique, reflective space to help you make sense of tangled emotions or navigate tricky situations. It’s no surprise that the demand for spiritual guidance, including tarot readings, saw a huge surge during the pandemic as people looked for ways to ground themselves in unsettling times.

While tarot provides a fantastic framework for self-discovery, it’s just one of many paths to insight. It can be compared to a psychic or mediumship reading, which relies more on direct spiritual channelling. An intuitive reading, like the ones I offer, often blends the symbolic wisdom of tools like tarot with that direct intuitive connection. This creates a deeply personal and insightful experience, tailored just for you.

Finding and Connecting with Your First Tarot Deck

Think of your tarot deck as more than just paper and ink—it’s your partner on this intuitive adventure. The bond you form with your cards starts the moment you decide to find them, making this first step a beautiful, personal ritual all on its own.

A lot of newcomers begin with the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and for good reason. Its imagery is iconic and has become the foundation for so much of modern tarot. But don’t feel locked into it! The world of tarot is bursting with creative energy, offering decks that are modern, minimalist, whimsical, or deeply artistic. The most important thing is finding one that feels like an extension of you.

Choosing a Deck That Speaks to You

When you’re searching for that first deck, let your gut feeling lead the way. Forget about picking the “right” one and focus on what feels right for you.

Notice your immediate reaction to the artwork. Do the colours pull you in? Do the symbols make you lean in closer, full of curiosity? The visual language of the deck is the language you’ll be speaking together, so it’s crucial that it resonates with you on a deep level.

It’s also worth considering how the cards physically feel in your hands. Some people love a thick, sturdy cardstock, while others prefer a smoother, more flexible feel that makes shuffling a breeze. Size matters, too—you want a deck that’s comfortable to hold and handle.

Your ideal deck should feel like an engaging conversation waiting to happen. The images should spark your imagination and invite you to explore their stories, not leave you feeling intimidated or confused. That initial spark is the very beginning of your intuitive connection.

The incredible boom in personal spiritual tools has led to an explosion of wonderfully diverse decks. This mirrors a wider cultural shift, especially in places like California, where practices like tarot are being embraced by people from all walks of life. In fact, recent studies show tarot is particularly popular among younger people and the LGBTQ+ community, who are about three times more likely than other adults to consult tarot cards. You can dive into the full findings on why people are turning to these practices on the Pew Research Center.

Creating a Sacred Connection with Your New Deck

Once you’ve brought your new deck home, it’s time to truly make it yours. This is all about clearing away any lingering energy from its journey to you and infusing it with your own personal intention. Think of it as officially welcoming the deck into your spiritual practice.

There are so many beautiful ways to do this:

Smoke Cleansing: Gently pass your deck through the smoke of cleansing herbs like sage, palo santo, or lavender.
Sound Cleansing: Use a singing bowl, a bell, or chimes to break up any stagnant energy around the cards with vibration.
Intention Setting: Simply hold the deck in your hands, close your eyes, and state a clear, heartfelt intention for how you will work together.

Cleansing your deck is such an important step, preparing the cards to sync up with your unique energy. For a deeper look into this process, you might enjoy our article on how to properly cleanse your tarot cards.

After you’ve cleansed them, just spend some quiet time together. Look through the cards one by one, shuffle them in a way that feels good, and simply hold them. This initial bonding period is where the real magic starts, building the intuitive relationship that will be the heart of all your future readings.

Learning the Language of the Cards

Stepping into the world of tarot is like being handed a beautiful, mysterious book written in a language your soul already recognizes. The symbols might seem complex at first, but you’ll soon find they speak with surprising clarity. This section is your personal Rosetta Stone, helping you translate the profound visual language of the 78 cards.

Learning to read tarot cards really starts with understanding the deck’s two main parts. Think of it as a story with two distinct acts: the grand, sweeping narrative of the Major Arcana and the detailed, relatable scenes of the Minor Arcana. Together, they create a full picture of the human experience.

The Major Arcana: Your Spiritual Roadmap

The Major Arcana is made up of 22 cards, beginning with The Fool (0) and culminating in The World (21). These aren’t just cards; they’re powerful archetypes representing the most significant milestones and soul lessons we encounter on our journey through life.

When a Major Arcana card shows up in a reading, it’s a sign to pay close attention. It’s flagging a major theme, a pivotal moment, or a profound shift in your awareness. These cards speak to the universal energies we all navigate:

Beginnings and Endings: The Fool’s courageous leap of faith or Death’s call for deep transformation.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Tower’s sudden, unexpected upheaval or The Chariot’s determined victory.
Spiritual Lessons: The Hermit’s quiet call for introspection or The Hierophant’s connection to tradition and belief.

Think of these as the major plot points in your life’s story. They give you the bigger context and shine a light on the spiritual lessons you’re currently working through. Getting a feel for their essence is a huge step toward reading tarot with real depth and confidence.

The Minor Arcana: Everyday Life in Detail

While the Majors paint the big picture, the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana fill in all the details. They reflect the day-to-day situations, emotions, thoughts, and practical matters that make up our lives. Essentially, they show us how the big themes of the Major Arcana are playing out on the ground.

The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each corresponding to a specific element and area of life. Understanding these elemental connections is a powerful shortcut to remembering the meanings of all 56 cards—it genuinely simplifies the learning process.

Tarot doesn’t predict a fixed future. It illuminates the energies of the present moment, empowering you to make conscious choices and co-create your path forward with greater wisdom and clarity.

This is where the structured system of tarot provides such an incredible foundation. Unlike a reading that might rely solely on channelled information, tarot gives you tangible symbols to work with. The magic happens when you blend this knowledge with your own inner knowing—an approach that’s at the very heart of an intuitive reading.

The Four Suits and Their Elements

Connecting each suit to its element—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—is the key to unlocking the Minor Arcana. This framework gives you an intuitive anchor, making it so much easier to interpret the cards without constantly reaching for a guidebook.

Here’s a quick look at how these suits break down. Think of this table as your cheat sheet for understanding the core energy of a card at a single glance.

The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana at a Glance

Suit	Element	Core Themes	Keywords
Wands	Fire	Passion, creativity, action, willpower, inspiration, and energy.	Ambition, growth, drive, projects
Cups	Water	Emotions, relationships, intuition, love, and feelings.	Connection, creativity, dreams, heart
Swords	Air	Thoughts, communication, challenges, beliefs, and intellect.	Clarity, truth, conflict, decisions
Pentacles	Earth	The material world, finances, work, health, and manifestation.	Abundance, security, nature, career

When you pull a card, start by just identifying its suit. If it’s a Cup, you know right away the message is about your emotional world. If it’s a Pentacle, the focus is on your practical, earthly concerns. This simple step immediately provides context and helps narrow down the possible interpretations.

This elemental language is the foundation for learning how to read tarot cards. It allows you to move beyond rote memorization and into a more fluid, intuitive understanding. It’s this beautiful blend of established meaning and personal insight that elevates a simple card pull into a truly meaningful conversation with your inner self.

Getting into Your First Meaningful Readings

Alright, you’ve spent some time with the cards and you’re getting a feel for their individual personalities. Now for the exciting part—where the magic really starts to happen. This is the moment when all that theory and symbolism comes alive, shifting from abstract concepts into deeply personal wisdom. It’s time to put your skills to the test.

Starting simple is the secret here. You don’t need to dive into a massive, ten-card Celtic Cross spread to get a profound message. Trust me, some of the most powerful insights I’ve ever received have come from just a couple of cards. Keeping it simple builds your confidence and gives your intuition the space it needs to speak up. This is a crucial step in learning how to read tarot cards for yourself and, eventually, for others.

The Magic in a Simple Three-Card Spread

The three-card spread is your best friend when you’re starting out. It’s focused, clear, and tells a complete story without being overwhelming. Think of it as a little narrative with a beginning, a middle, and an end. The real beauty is seeing how the cards talk to each other, weaving a message that’s so much richer than what any single card could tell you on its own.

Here are a few of my favourite three-card spreads to get you going:

Past – Present – Future: This is a classic for a reason. It’s fantastic for seeing the momentum behind a situation—where you’ve been, where you are right now, and the likely direction things are heading.
Mind – Body – Spirit: A perfect little self-check-in. This spread shows you how your thoughts, physical health, and spiritual self are (or aren’t) in alignment.
Situation – Obstacle – Advice: When you’re stuck on a specific problem, this spread cuts right through the noise. It helps define the real issue, points out what’s holding you back, and gives you a clear, actionable step forward.

Remember, a card’s position gives it context. The same card can mean something very different if it’s showing up as your past versus the advice you need to hear today. This infographic really captures that sense of a journey, from The Fool’s first steps through all the archetypes that bring our readings to life.

This visual is a great reminder that every reading is a progression. Each card builds on the last, creating a story that makes sense.

Asking Questions That Unlock Real Wisdom

The depth of your reading almost always comes down to the quality of your question. I know it’s tempting to ask a straight “yes” or “no” question, but that really boxes the cards in. Tarot truly shines when you ask open-ended questions that invite a conversation.

So, instead of asking, “Will I get the job?” try reframing it. Ask something like, “What can I do to align myself with the best career opportunity for my growth?” See the difference? That simple shift moves you from being a passive observer to an active creator in your own life.

Here are a few examples of powerful, open-ended questions to inspire you:

What perspective am I missing in this situation?
What is the most important lesson for me to learn right now?
How can I best support myself through this change?
What energy do I need to release to move forward with clarity?

The most insightful readings come from questions that empower you. They open a dialogue with your own inner wisdom, rather than just looking for a fortune-teller’s prediction. This is what using tarot for genuine self-discovery is all about.

This approach is at the very heart of how I conduct intuitive readings. While tarot gives us a beautiful framework, an intuitive reading layers in a direct connection to your energy, uncovering messages meant just for you. It’s a blend of the cards’ system and channeled insight, creating a uniquely supportive experience.

As you keep practising, you’ll find your own perfect mix of book knowledge and gut feeling. This is where your journey truly begins—not just reading the cards, but becoming fluent in their language.

Weaving the Cards into a Cohesive Story

You’ve learned the individual notes; now it’s time to make some music. A truly powerful reading isn’t just a list of separate card meanings. It’s a story—a flowing narrative where each card adds a new layer of depth and insight to the ones that came before it.

This is the moment you shift from simply reciting definitions to having a real conversation with your deck. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, spotting connections, and trusting those intuitive nudges that pop up when you look at the spread as a whole. This is the art of synthesis, and it’s where your unique voice as a reader really starts to shine.

Seeing the Patterns in the Cards

Before you dive into interpreting each card one by one, just pause for a moment. Take a breath and look at the entire spread. What’s the first thing that catches your eye? Are there any obvious patterns staring back at you?

These patterns are your first and most vital clues about the reading’s overarching theme. Think of them as signposts pointing you toward the core message.

Here are a few things I always look for:

A Flood of One Suit: Did you pull a lot of Cups? That’s a huge clue that this reading is heavily centred on emotions, relationships, and the querent’s inner world. A spread full of Pentacles, on the other hand, immediately tells me we’re talking about practical matters like career, finances, or physical well-being.
Repeating Numbers: Seeing multiple Fours might suggest a theme of stability and structure is at play, while a cluster of Eights could be about mastery, progress, or stepping into one’s power.
Major vs. Minor Arcana: Is the spread dominated by the big players—the Major Arcana? This signals you’re dealing with significant life lessons and major energetic shifts. A majority of Minor Arcana cards suggests the focus is more on day-to-day situations and the immediate future.

Noticing these details helps you anchor the reading in a theme before you even start digging into specifics. It’s a simple technique that adds incredible depth and accuracy.

Listening to Your Intuition

This is where the real magic happens. The card meanings you learn from books are your foundation, but your intuition is what breathes life into the reading. It’s that quiet inner voice, that gut feeling, or that sudden image that flashes in your mind when you look at a card.

Your intuition is your most valuable guide in tarot. The cards provide the structure, but your inner wisdom provides the soul. Trust the feelings and symbols that emerge for you personally—they are often the most profound part of the message.

This intuitive connection is what transforms a standard tarot reading into something more personal and direct, much like an intuitive reading session. While tarot uses a symbolic system, an intuitive reading blends this structure with a direct energetic connection, channelling insights that go beyond the cards alone. It’s this combination that so often provides the most profound clarity. Learning to trust your gut is the first step toward developing this deeper capability.

And people are definitely catching on. The psychic services industry, which includes tarot, has seen steady growth across North America, with a vibrant community of practitioners offering guidance. California, for instance, is one of the leading states for these services, showing just how many people are turning to these tools for support. You can dive deeper into these trends and the growing psychic services industry if you’re curious.

Connecting the Cards into a Narrative

Alright, let’s put it all together. Imagine you’ve asked, “What do I need to know about my current career path?” and you pull these three cards:

The Eight of Pentacles – The Tower – The Star

Instead of just looking at them one by one, let’s weave them into a story.

First, we see the Eight of Pentacles. This tells a story of diligence, of someone honing their craft and really dedicating themselves to their work. There’s a real sense of mastery and focused effort here.
But then, boom—The Tower. This card signals a sudden, disruptive change is either happening or just around the corner. That structure you’ve been building so carefully might get shaken up—maybe through a layoff, a project getting cancelled, or even a personal realization that this path is all wrong.
Right after the chaos, The Star arrives. What a beautiful promise. This card speaks of hope, healing, and divine inspiration. It assures you that after the dust from The Tower settles, a period of peace, clarity, and renewed purpose is waiting.

Do you see the story forming? “You have been working incredibly hard and have become skilled at what you do (Eight of Pentacles), but a sudden shake-up is coming that will dismantle your current situation (The Tower). Don’t despair, because this is clearing the way for a more authentic path filled with hope and inspiration (The Star).”

That narrative is so much more powerful than three separate definitions.

This is the heart of learning how to read tarot cards—becoming a storyteller who can translate the symbolic language of the cards into meaningful, empowering guidance. It takes practice, for sure, but every single reading you do will strengthen that intuitive muscle and build your confidence. You’ve got this.

Elevating Your Practice with Intuitive Reading

Once you’ve built a solid relationship with the classic tarot system, something truly magical starts to happen. You’re ready to open the door to a more intuitive approach, one that lets you put the guidebook aside and forge a deeper, personal connection with your deck.

Think of the traditional system as an essential, beautiful skeleton. An intuitive reading breathes life into it, channelling insights meant specifically for you or the person you’re reading for in that exact moment.

A standard reading relies heavily on the established, historical meanings of the cards. An intuitive reader, on the other hand, tunes into the unique energy of the spread right then and there. This allows for far more personal and nuanced messages to come through, blending the timeless structure of tarot with pure, energetic insight.

Shifting from System to Sensation

Making this transition is all about learning to trust the quiet whispers and subtle nudges you receive. The next time you lay out a spread, don’t immediately grab for a book. Just pause. Breathe.

What do you notice first? Let your eyes wander over the cards. Pay attention to the colours, the direction a figure is looking, or any feelings that start to bubble up from within. This is where the conversation with your own inner wisdom begins.

The cards are the prompt, but the most profound guidance often emerges from your own spirit. To learn more about strengthening this inner connection, our guide on how to develop your intuition is a great place to start.

An intuitive reading doesn’t throw away traditional meanings; it builds on them. It uses the cards as a jumping-off point for a richer dialogue with your spirit and the energy of the person you’re reading for.

Intuitive vs. Other Reading Styles

It really helps to see how this beautiful practice fits in with other forms of spiritual guidance.

Tarot Reading: This approach primarily works with the established symbolic system of the 78 cards to find insight and clarity.
Psychic Reading: This relies on direct psychic abilities—like clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), or clairsentience (feeling)—often without any tools at all.
Intuitive Reading: This is the gorgeous marriage of the two. It uses the tarot cards as a focus point while drawing on psychic and intuitive senses to interpret their message in a deeply personal way.

This blended practice is where I feel most at home. If you want to truly feel the clarity and depth this approach offers, I invite you to book an intuitive reading session with me. You’ll get to see firsthand how a professional combines the ancient wisdom of tarot with direct spiritual guidance, creating a powerful experience tailored just for you.

Your Top Questions Answered

Starting your tarot journey is exciting, but it’s totally normal for a few questions (and maybe a little self-doubt) to pop up along the way. Let’s clear the air on some of the most common worries so you can dive in with confidence and have fun with it.

Do I Need to Be Psychic?

Absolutely not! This is probably the biggest misconception out there. Think of tarot as a beautiful, visual language for your own inner wisdom. It’s a tool that helps you tap into the intuition you already have.

While some people might have natural psychic leanings, reading tarot is a skill you can learn and develop. It’s about introspection and self-discovery, not a magical power you have to be born with.

Is It Bad Luck to Buy My Own Tarot Deck?

This is a persistent myth, but let’s put it to rest. While receiving a deck as a gift is a beautiful gesture, there is something incredibly powerful about choosing your own.

When you’re the one who picks out a deck—the one whose art speaks to your soul and whose energy just feels right in your hands—you’re already starting to build a deep, personal connection. It’s an act of intention, and it’s the first step in making the practice truly yours.

The most challenging cards, like Death or The Tower, rarely point to literal events. They symbolize profound, archetypal energies of transformation—endings that clear the way for new beginnings and the necessary collapse of old structures to allow for growth.

While tarot provides a structured path to insight, an intuitive reading can offer a deeper layer of personalized guidance. To experience this for yourself, book an intuitive reading session with Amy The Psychic at https://amythepsychic.ca.

Tagged how to read tarot cards, intuitive tarot, tarot card meanings, tarot for beginners, tarot spreads

How to Read Tarot Cards for Beginners