Introduction
Welcome to the world of tarot! Whether you’re curious about tarot cards or looking for tools to help guide your intuition and self-discovery, this article is a great starting point. Tarot is not about predicting the future; instead, it serves as a tool to tap into your inner wisdom and help you focus on areas in your life that need attention. In this beginner’s guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about tarot, tips for starting your own practice, and ideas for simple tarot spreads you can try.
This is the first part of a new miniseries exploring fun self-discovery tools, which will also include topics like astrology and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). If these are areas you’re interested in, stay tuned for more!
What is Tarot?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards used for introspection, guidance, and tapping into your intuition. It’s not about fortune-telling but rather a way to connect with your subconscious mind. Each card holds symbolic imagery and messages, and the way you interpret these cards depends on your current mindset, experiences, and intuition.
When you work with tarot, you’re essentially having a dialogue with your inner self, asking for insights or clarity on a situation. The cards can guide you to pay attention to things you might not have noticed consciously.
Choosing Your Tarot Deck
The first step is selecting a tarot deck that resonates with you. There are many styles, from traditional decks like the Rider-Waite to modern, minimalist, and artistic designs. Choose one that appeals to your taste and personality. The deck I use is called The Fountain Tarot, which I found on Amazon. I picked it because I love its modern, dreamy art style with pastel and watercolor tones.
Ultimately, don’t overthink it—go with a deck that speaks to you. If you’re not sure where to start, check out online shops or local metaphysical stores to browse the options.
How to Do a Tarot Reading
Follow these steps for a basic tarot reading:
Step 1: Focus on Yourself
Relax, clear your mind, and set an intention for your reading. You can meditate for a few minutes or simply take a few deep breaths to center yourself. As you calm down, think about what guidance you’re seeking. Are you asking a specific question, or are you just looking for general guidance?
Step 2: Shuffle the Cards
Hold your intention in your mind as you shuffle the cards. You can shuffle them like a regular deck of playing cards, or spread them out on the table and mix them around to make sure they are well-mixed. Ensure some cards are facing up and others down for variations in meaning.
Step 3: Draw a Card (or Multiple Cards for a Spread)
Decide on the type of spread you want to do. As a beginner, it’s easiest to start with a single card draw, but you can experiment with more complex spreads as you get comfortable.
Step 4: Interpret the Card
Look at the card you’ve drawn. What immediate thoughts or feelings arise? What do the colors, symbols, or imagery remind you of? If you’re new to tarot, don’t worry if nothing comes to mind right away. Write down any initial impressions in a notebook to reflect on later.
Step 5: Refer to a Guidebook
If you’re using a beginner’s deck, refer to the guidebook that came with your cards for a detailed description. Note whether the card appeared upright or reversed, as the meaning can change depending on its position. Reversed cards often signify areas that need more attention or personal growth.
If you don’t have a guidebook, don’t worry! You can use online resources like Biddy Tarot to look up card meanings.
Step 6: Personalize the Interpretation
After reading the card’s description, take a moment to reflect. How does this message apply to your life right now? What lesson or insight is the card offering? Remember, tarot is highly personal, and your interpretation is just as valid as any guidebook’s.
Types of Tarot Spreads to Try
Once you’ve mastered single-card draws, you can move on to more complex spreads. Here are a few to get you started:
1. Daily One-Card Draw
This is the simplest spread you can do. Draw one card in the morning to set the tone for your day. Ask yourself: What should I focus on today? What guidance do I need?
2. Three-Card Spread (Past, Present, Future)
The three-card spread is a classic and versatile spread for gaining insights into a situation. Draw three cards, each representing:
- Past: What events or influences led up to the current situation?
- Present: What’s happening right now, and what should I focus on?
- Future: Where is the situation heading if I continue on this path?
3. Decision-Making Spread
If you’re struggling to choose between multiple options, draw a card for each option. For example, if you have two job offers, draw one card for each job and see what themes or energies each card presents. This can help you see the potential outcomes of each decision.
4. Monthly or Yearly Spread
This spread is great for setting long-term goals or intentions. Draw 12 cards—one for each month of the year. This gives you a theme or focus for each month, helping you plan and stay aligned throughout the year.
5. Goal-Focused Spread
This is a spread I created myself! It’s ideal for goal-setting. Choose one card for each goal you’ve set, and use the card’s message to guide your approach. For example, a card might suggest that you need to work hard, or perhaps it’s telling you to let go and surrender.
Conclusion
Tarot is a wonderful tool for self-reflection, creativity, and connecting with your inner voice. Remember that there are no strict rules—your tarot practice should be personal, intuitive, and above all, fun. Start simple, explore various spreads, and trust your instincts as you read the cards.
For more resources, be sure to check out the Biddy Tarot website, or listen to my podcast interview with Brigit Esselmont. There’s so much to learn and explore, and I hope this guide has given you a helpful introduction to tarot. Happy reading, and may you find the guidance and insight you seek!