How to Read Tarot Cards for Beginners: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’re curious about Tarot? Awesome! Whether you've got a deck sitting on your shelf or you just love the mystical vibe of Tarot cards, you're in the right place. Learning how to read Tarot cards isn’t as complicated—or spooky—as some people make it out to be. You don’t need to be a psychic, a witch, or a fortune-teller. You just need a little curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to practice.

Let’s break it down in a fun, friendly way—no fluff, no fear, just real talk.

What Is Tarot, Really? (And Why It’s Not Scary)

Let’s clear the air first—Tarot isn’t magic or evil. It’s just a tool. Think of it like a mirror for your thoughts, feelings, and current energy. Tarot doesn’t tell you what’s set in stone—it helps you reflect on what’s going on and make more conscious choices.

You won’t summon ghosts, read someone’s soul, or find the winning lottery numbers. What you will get is clarity, insight, and a deeper connection to your inner voice.

Step 1: Choose a Tarot Deck You Like

This is your first fun step!

Rider-Waite-Smith is the most popular starter deck because the imagery is clear and most books are based on it.
But hey, if you see a modern, dreamy, or artsy deck that speaks to you—go for it! There’s no “wrong” choice.

Just make sure it has all 78 cards (some decks are “Tarot-inspired” and not complete).

Step 2: Get to Know the Cards

A full Tarot deck has 78 cards, and they fall into two groups:

Major Arcana (22 cards): Big-picture themes and spiritual life lessons (like The Fool, The Lovers, Death—don’t worry, not as scary as it sounds!).
Minor Arcana (56 cards): Day-to-day stuff, broken into four suits:
- Cups = emotions
- Wands = action and passion
- Swords = thoughts and challenges
- Pentacles = money, work, stability

You don’t need to memorize everything at once. Start small!

Step 3: Clear Your Deck’s Energy

New deck? It’s nice to give it a fresh vibe before your first reading.

Easy ways to cleanse your deck:

Tap on the top three times
Shuffle really well
Leave it in the moonlight overnight
Hold it in your hands and imagine white light around it

Just pick what feels good to you.

Step 4: Set a Clear Intention

Before you pull any cards, take a breath and think about your question.

✨ Good questions to ask:

“What do I need to know right now?”
“What energy is around my job?”
“What can help me feel more confident?”

Avoid yes/no questions (unless you’re using a special spread for that). Keep your vibe calm and open.

Step 5: Shuffle and Pull Your Cards

There’s no one “right” way to shuffle. Do what feels natural:

Overhand shuffle (like playing cards)
Mix them on the table with your hands
Riffle shuffle (gently if your deck is delicate)

When it feels right, pull one or more cards from the top—or wherever you feel drawn.

Step 6: Try Easy Tarot Spreads First

Start small! Here are a few beginner-friendly spreads:

1-Card Draw: Ask a daily question like “What should I focus on today?”
3-Card Spread: Classic layout—Past / Present / Future or Situation / Challenge / Advice
Yes/No Spread: One card for “yes” or “no” energy (Major Arcana = yes, reversed = no, for example)

Step 7: Look at the Images and Trust Your Gut

Before checking any guidebook—just look at the card. What do you see? How does it feel?

Your intuition is powerful. Sometimes you’ll get a “whoa, that makes sense” moment just from the art alone.

Then, if you want, look up the meaning to confirm or deepen your understanding.

Step 8: Learn the Meanings Gradually

Don’t pressure yourself to memorize all 78 cards at once. That’s overwhelming!

Start with your favorite cards or the ones you pull often.
Write them down in a notebook or Tarot journal.
Note what the card meant for you in that moment.

Over time, you’ll build your own personal Tarot language.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Here’s what trips people up:

Trying to memorize too fast: Learn by using, not cramming.
Asking the same question over and over: It muddies the message.
Overthinking the “right” meaning: Relax! There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Relying only on guidebooks: Trust your own insights too.

What About Reversed Cards? (Flip or Skip?)

Reversed cards = upside down. They often mean blocked energy or the “shadow” of a card’s message.

But guess what? You don’t have to use reversals at first. Many beginners choose to skip them—and that’s totally okay!

Add them in when you feel comfortable.

Do You Need to Be Psychic to Read Tarot?

Nope. Not even a little. You just need to be present, curious, and open to learning.

Tarot is less about predicting the future and more about understanding the present—and how you can shape what’s next.

Best Tips to Improve Your Tarot Reading Skills

Pull a card every day and write your thoughts
Use Tarot as a mood check or journaling prompt
Read for friends (with permission)
Watch YouTube readers or join Tarot forums to see different styles

The more you practice, the better (and more confident) you’ll get.

Helpful Tools for Learning Tarot Faster

Books: Start with something like Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom or The Ultimate Guide to Tarot.
Apps: Try Labyrinthos or Golden Thread Tarot.
Videos: Look up beginner lessons on YouTube—plenty of free stuff out there!

FAQs: How to Read Tarot Cards

Q: What’s the best Tarot deck for beginners?
A: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is super beginner-friendly.

Q: Can I read Tarot for myself?
A: Absolutely. In fact, that’s the best way to learn.

Q: What if I pull a “bad” card like Death or the Tower?
A: Don’t panic! Those cards usually mean change, not doom. Growth often comes from disruption.

Q: Can Tarot predict the future?
A: It shows potential and current energy—it’s more about insight than certainty.

Conclusion: Tarot Is for Everyone—You Just Have to Start

Reading Tarot isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning to trust yourself, your feelings, and the little nudges of your inner voice.

The more you use your cards, the more confident you’ll get. There’s no secret club, no special powers—just you, your deck, and the journey ahead.

So go ahead—grab your cards and start reading. You’ve got this! ✨