The tarot is a versatile divination tool that is often used for fortune-telling as well as providing spiritual guidance. It's a great way to connect with your inner wisdom and view the world with new eyes.Â
Here are the basics of tarot reading that you should know:
Get to Know Your Tarot Deck
One of the first basics of tarot is getting to know your tarot deck. Each deck is unique and has its own symbolism and meanings. Spend some time with your deck, shuffling the cards and getting a feel for them. Is each card smooth or textured, heavy in your hand or too large to hold comfortably?
It's important to get to know your tarot deck before you start reading because each deck is uniquely designed with artwork and symbolism. This is especially true if you are using a deck that has artwork or imagery that is unfamiliar to you.
One way to familiarize yourself with your tarot deck is to just spend some time with it. Shuffle the cards and get a feel for them. Pay attention to the artwork and symbols on each card to see what emotions or associations they bring up for you. You might even want to give each card a personal meaning based on your own experiences and associations. For example, if you have had a lot of positive experiences with water in your life, you might associate the suit of cups in the tarot with feelings of clarity and refreshment, or family fun from trips to the lake.Â
By taking the time to get to know your tarot deck, you will be better able to connect with the cards and understand their meanings during your readings. It's also a good idea to keep a journal or notes on the meanings and associations that you come up with for each card. This can be a useful reference as you continue to learn and grow as a tarot reader.
Choose a Card
There are many different spreads (or layouts) that you can use when reading the tarot. Some spreads are more complicated than others andÂ
reveal more detailed information. For a basic reading, try using a three-card spread. To choose your cards, you can either shuffle the deck and pick the cards randomly or you can focus on a specific question or topic and choose the cards that feel most relevant.
When you're ready to start a tarot reading, the first step is to choose the card deck and card spread for that reading. There are many different spreads, or layouts, that you can use when reading the tarot, each of which can reveal different types and amounts of information. Some spreads are more complicated than others and can reveal more detailed information, while others are simpler and are more suitable for getting a broad overview of a situation.
For a basic reading, you might want to try using a three-card spread. This is a simple spread that can be used to answer a specific question or to get a general overview of a situation. Typically, one card represents the past, one card the present and the last card represents the future as they relate to the specific question or topic being asked. Â
If you are focusing on a specific question or topic, it can be helpful to set your intention before you choose your cards. Take a moment to clear your mind and focus on your question or topic. Then, choose the cards that feel most relevant to you. Trust your intuition and go with the cards that stand out to you the most.Â
If you are shuffling the deck and picking the cards randomly, try to clear your mind and let the cards choose themselves. Trust that the cards you choose will be the ones that are most relevant to you and your question or situation.
Interpret the Cards
Once you have chosen your cards, it's time to interpret their meanings. Each card has a traditional meaning that you can look up in a guidebook or online. However, it's also important to use your own intuition and personal associations to understand the messages of the cards.Â
When you're ready to start a tarot reading, the first step is to choose the cards that you'll be using. Of the hundreds of types of layouts that you can use when reading the tarot, each can reveal different depths of information.Â
To interpret the cards, start by looking at the symbolism and themes in each card. Consider the images, colors, and other elements that are depicted on the card. How do these symbols and themes relate to your question or situation? What emotions or associations do they bring up for you?
It can also be helpful to look at the position of the card in the spread. Each position in a tarot spread has a specific meaning, and the position of a card can give you additional context for interpreting its meaning.
Another way to add further interpretation for a basic tarot reading is to use your intuition and personal experiences to understand their meanings. Trust your gut and listen to the messages that the cards are trying to convey. With practice, you will become more confident in your ability to interpret the tarot and use it as a tool for self-discovery and growth.
Make Predictions
One of the most common misrepresentations of tarot card reading is that they make predictions about the future. While the tarot can give you insights into what might happen, it's important to remember that the future is always subject to change. Tarot is a tool for self-discovery and guidance, not a crystal ball. Use your reading to get a sense of what might be coming and make choices that align with your goals and values.
No one should be taking a tarot card reading as a prediction of the future. While the cards can be used as a tool for introspection and outward reflection,  it's important to remember that the future is always subject to change.
But, if you still want to use the tarot to make predictions, it's important to keep an open mind and to be willing to adapt to changing circumstances. The tarot can give you a sense of what might be coming, and it's up to you to make choices that align with your goals and values. Trust your own judgment and listen to your inner wisdom when making decisions.
It's also important to remember that the tarot is not a replacement for common sense or practical planning. While it can be a useful tool for gaining insight and guidance, it's not a substitute for taking action and making responsible decisions. Use your tarot readings as a complement to your own intuition and judgment, not as a replacement for them.
Receive Guidance
As was already stated, the tarot is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Use your readings to gain insights into your own thoughts and feelings and to receive guidance on your path. Trust your intuition and the messages of the cards and allow them to inspire you to make positive changes in your life.
To receive guidance from the tarot, it's important to be open to the messages that the cards are trying to convey. Pay attention to the symbolism and themes in the cards and try to see how they relate to your question or situation. Think about what the cards are trying to tell you and how they might apply to your life.
It's also important to trust your own intuition when receiving guidance from the tarot. Your inner wisdom is a powerful source of guidance, and by trusting your gut and following your heart, you can make positive changes in your life. How many of us have learned to disregard our own instincts and gut feelings? Using tarot card readings can build up those important and valuable skills.Â
Finally, it's important to remember that the tarot is just one tool among many that you can use for personal growth and self-discovery. It's up to you to take action and make positive changes in your life. Use the guidance of the tarot as a starting point and trust in your own ability to create the life you want.
Celebrate!
After you have completed your reading, take some time to celebrate your progress and the insights you have gained.
Celebrating is an important part of the process. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of life and to forget to take the time to appreciate our achievements and growth. By taking a moment to celebrate, you can acknowledge the progress you have made and the insights you've found in reading the tarot cards.Â
There are many different ways to celebrate after a tarot reading. One option is to journal about your reading. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process your experience and reflect on the messages of the cards. You can also try meditating on the messages of the cards, which can help you to integrate the insights you have gained into your daily life.
Another option is to share your experience with a trusted friend or mentor. Talking about your reading with someone you trust can help you to gain new perspectives and to feel supported as you continue on your journey.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the important thing is to take some time to appreciate your basic tarot reading progress and the insights you have gained. This will help you to stay motivated and to keep moving forward on your path.
Learn More About the Tarot
The tarot is a complex and multifaceted tool that can be, and has been, studied and practiced for a lifetime. There is always more to learn and discover when it comes to the tarot, and there are many resources available to help you on your journey.
If you are interested in delving deeper into tarot reading, there are many books and online courses that can help you to learn more about the symbolism, meanings, and history of the tarot. Reading about the tarot can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the cards and can give you new ideas for how to use them in your readings.
In addition to books and courses, there are also many tarot communities online and in-person where you can connect with other tarot enthusiasts and learn from each other. These communities can be a great source of support, guidance, and inspiration as you continue on your tarot journey.
Remember, tarot reading is a wonderful way to connect with your inner wisdom and gain insight into your life. By following the basic steps outlined in this guide and by continuing to learn and grow, you can use the tarot as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Happy reading!
