So, you’re curious about tarot—welcome! Starting your tarot journey can feel a bit intimidating. I mean, 78 cards filled with mysterious symbols and names? It’s a lot. But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you understand the basics of tarot, debunk some common myths (yes, including the “devil practice” thing), and get you started with confidence.
What is Tarot, Really?
Let’s get one thing straight—tarot isn’t about predicting your future like some kind of crystal ball or dark magic tool. At its core, tarot is a tool for reflection, guidance, and gaining clarity. It’s like holding a mirror up to your subconscious, helping you see things from a new perspective. Tarot has been around for centuries, originally starting as a card game in 15th-century Europe.
Over time, spiritual practitioners began using it as a way to explore life’s mysteries. Today, people from all walks of life use tarot for personal growth, self-care, and even decision-making.
Debunking Misconceptions About Tarot
For a long time, tarot has been surrounded by myths, often making people hesitant to try it. Let’s clear the air:
“Tarot is Evil” or “Devil Worship” This is probably the most common misconception about tarot, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Tarot has nothing to do with invoking spirits or practicing anything dark. In fact, it’s a tool for personal insight, much like journaling or meditation.
Why the myth? Historically, anything mystical was often misunderstood or labeled as “witchcraft.” But modern tarot is about empowerment, self-reflection, and connecting with your intuition—not anything spooky.
“Tarot Tells the Future” While tarot can provide guidance or insight, it doesn’t predict your future in a set-in-stone way. Think of it as a tool to help you understand your present situation and explore possible outcomes. You always have the power to shape your path.
“You Need to Be Psychic to Read Tarot” Nope! Tarot is for everyone. You don’t need special powers—just a willingness to learn, reflect, and trust your intuition.
“You Have to Be Gifted a Deck” This is an old superstition that can discourage beginners from buying their first deck. The truth? You can absolutely choose your own deck, and in fact, it’s better because you’ll pick one that truly resonates with you.
Breaking Down the Tarot Deck
A tarot deck has 78 cards, and it’s divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Here’s what you need to know about each:
The Major Arcana These 22 cards are the “big picture” cards in the deck. They represent major life themes and lessons. Cards like The Fool, The Empress, and The Tower aren’t just random—they’re like signposts on your life journey. For example, The Fool represents new beginnings, reminding you to embrace the unknown with trust and curiosity.
The Minor Arcana The remaining 56 cards focus on the day-to-day stuff—emotions, challenges, and decisions. They’re split into four suits:
Cups: Emotions, relationships, and intuition.
Pentacles: Money, career, and the material world.
Swords: Thoughts, conflicts, and clarity.
Wands: Energy, creativity, and passion.
Each suit has numbered cards (Ace through 10) and court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King), which add more depth to readings. Think of the Minor Arcana as the smaller, everyday moments that make up your life.
How Do You Start Reading Tarot?
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be an expert to start reading tarot. All you need is a deck, an open mind, and a little curiosity.
Pick a Deck You Love Your first tarot deck doesn’t have to be “the one gifted to you.” (That’s a myth!) Choose a deck that speaks to you visually. A popular beginner deck is the Rider-Waite-Smith, but there are so many beautiful ones out there—browse until you find one that feels right.
Get Familiar with the Cards Take some time to look through the deck. Notice the imagery, colors, and symbols. Don’t worry about memorizing meanings right away—just focus on what the cards make you feel or think about.
Start with Simple Spreads You don’t need to do elaborate readings to begin. Start with a 1-card pull for the day or a simple 3-card spread (like Past, Present, Future). This helps you get comfortable without feeling overwhelmed.
Trust Your Intuition You don’t need to rely on the guidebook forever. When you pull a card, ask yourself, “What stands out to me? How does this connect to my life right now?” Tarot is more about intuition than rigid rules.
Tips for Beginners
Don’t Overthink It: Tarot is a tool—it’s meant to help, not stress you out. Let your curiosity guide you.
Be Consistent: Even pulling one card a day can help you build a connection with your deck.
Keep a Journal: Write down your readings and impressions. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and deepen your understanding.
Why Tarot is Worth Exploring
Starting with tarot isn’t just about learning a skill—it’s about building a practice that helps you connect with yourself. Each card tells a story, and when you take the time to explore them, you might just discover something new about your own story.
So, grab a deck, shuffle those cards, and see what the universe has to say. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.
Ready to start your tarot journey? Check out my Pinterest for flashcards to make learning easier!
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