Tarot Made Simple: Step-by-Step Guide to Card Reading
Tarot doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. While its rich history and symbolism can seem overwhelming at first, anyone can begin reading tarot with just a little guidance and practice. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the basics of tarot card reading, making it simple for beginners to connect with the cards and uncover their insights.
Step 1: Choose Your Tarot Deck
There are hundreds of tarot decks, but beginners often start with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck because of its clear imagery and widely available resources. That said, the best deck is the one you feel most connected to—whether traditional or modern, artistic or minimalist.
Step 2: Get to Know the Cards
A tarot deck contains 78 cards:
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22 Major Arcana – These represent life’s big themes and lessons (e.g., The Fool, The Sun, The World).
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56 Minor Arcana – These depict everyday situations, divided into four suits:
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Cups – emotions and relationships
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Pentacles – work, money, and material concerns
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Swords – thoughts, communication, and challenges
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Wands – creativity, energy, and passion
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Tip: Start a tarot journal. Write down your impressions of each card before memorizing “official” meanings. This builds your intuition.
Step 3: Create the Right Space
Before a reading, set the tone:
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Find a quiet, comfortable place.
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Shuffle your deck slowly, focusing on your question or intention.
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Some readers light a candle, play calming music, or meditate briefly.
Step 4: Ask a Good Question
The quality of your tarot reading often depends on the question you ask. Instead of yes/no questions, try open-ended ones:
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“What should I focus on right now?”
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“What can I learn from this situation?”
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“How can I move forward in my career/relationship/spiritual journey?”
Step 5: Try a Simple Spread
Start small with beginner-friendly layouts:
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One-Card Pull: Daily guidance or clarity.
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Three-Card Spread: Past, Present, Future (or Situation, Challenge, Advice).
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Five-Card Spread: A fuller picture of influences and outcomes.
Step 6: Interpret the Cards
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Look at the imagery first—what symbols or emotions stand out?
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Consider the card’s traditional meaning (upright or reversed).
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Notice how the cards relate to one another. For example, The Devil beside The Star may suggest breaking free from old patterns and stepping into hope.
Step 7: Practice, Reflect, Grow
Tarot is a skill built over time. After each reading:
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Journal your thoughts and outcomes.
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Reflect on how the cards applied to your situation.
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Trust your intuition—it’s your strongest guide.
Tarot isn’t about predicting a fixed future—it’s about insight, reflection, and empowerment. With practice, you’ll find the cards become a trusted companion, helping you navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys. The more you work with your deck, the more naturally the messages will flow.
