What is Tarot? A Complete Beginner's Guide
Discover the fascinating world of tarot cards and learn how to begin your journey with confidence
What are Tarot Cards?
Tarot cards are a powerful tool used for divination and gaining insight into the past, present, and future through symbolic interpretation and intuitive guidance.
Tarot is a 78-card system split into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards in four suits). Readers draw and interpret cards as symbols—archetypes, patterns, and prompts—that reflect your question and context.
You don't need to be "psychic" to begin; curiosity and a thoughtful question are enough to start your tarot journey.
A Brief History of Tarot
The history of tarot dates back to the 15th century, evolving from European playing cards to a sophisticated tool for divination and self-reflection.
Tarot began as playing cards in Italy before gaining esoteric layers in the 18th–19th centuries. By the early 1900s, influential decks like the Rider–Waite–Smith and Thoth crystallized the imagery and meanings many readers use today.
Modern tarot emphasizes personal growth, mindfulness, and narrative insight, not only fortune-telling.
Timeline of Tarot Development
Understanding Major Arcana
The 22 cards representing life's major themes and spiritual lessons
The Fool
New beginnings, trust, open-hearted risk
The Magician
Willpower, skill, manifestation
The High Priestess
Intuition, mystery, inner knowing
The Empress
Creativity, abundance, care
The Emperor
Structure, authority, boundaries
The Hierophant
Tradition, learning, guidance
The Lovers
Values alignment, relationships, choice
The Chariot
Focus, determination, momentum
Strength
Courage, compassion, self-mastery
The Hermit
Reflection, wisdom, solitude
Wheel of Fortune
Cycles, fate, turning points
Justice
Truth, balance, accountability
The Hanged Man
Surrender, new perspective
Death
Endings, transformation, renewal
Temperance
Harmony, integration, patience
The Devil
Attachment, shadow, reclaiming power
The Tower
Upheaval, revelation, liberation
The Star
Hope, healing, guidance
The Moon
Uncertainty, dreams, subconscious
The Sun
Vitality, clarity, success
Judgement
Awakening, review, purpose
The World
Completion, wholeness, arrival
Popular Tarot Decks for Beginners
Choose the right deck to start your tarot journey
Rider-Waite-Smith
The classic beginner deck with clear, symbolic imagery that forms the foundation of modern tarot interpretation.
Modern Witch Tarot
Contemporary artwork with diverse representation while maintaining traditional symbolism.
Wild Unknown Tarot
Minimalist, nature-inspired artwork that encourages intuitive reading.
How to Perform a Tarot Reading
Step-by-step guide to your first tarot reading
Set your intention
Clarify your question in one sentence. Focus on "What lesson am I missing about...?" rather than yes/no questions.
Shuffle & cut
Focus on your question while shuffling. Trust your intuition about when to stop.
Choose a spread
Start with a one-card draw or three-card spread (Past–Present–Future).
Lay the cards
Turn cards over and note first impressions: colors, symbols, emotions they evoke.
Interpret
Blend traditional card meanings with your question and position meanings. Look for patterns.
Synthesize a message
Summarize your insights in one or two actionable sentences.
Journal
Record the question, cards, and takeaways. Review later to validate insights.
Deepening Your Tarot Practice
Advanced tips to enhance your tarot experience
Meditation Before Reading
Quiet the mind and sharpen intuition before each reading session.
Keep a Tarot Journal
Build a personal symbol dictionary and track accuracy over time.
Join Study Groups
Connect with others to accelerate learning and gain new perspectives.
Practice Theme Weeks
Focus on "Majors only" or "Court cards" to deepen specific knowledge.
Ethical Reading
Practice consent, privacy, and non-deterministic language to build trust.
Tarot and Modern Spirituality
Tarot fits comfortably into contemporary spirituality as a reflective practice and meaning-making tool.
Many use it alongside meditation, therapy, or mindfulness to explore values, reframes, and next steps.
Testimonials often highlight reduced decision fatigue, better self-awareness, and kinder self-talk—regardless of religious background.
Tarot in the Digital Age
The internet has transformed tarot: online readings, virtual study circles, and deck-creation communities thrive.
Apps and webcams make practice accessible, while digital journals and photo logs keep spreads organized.
Forums and Discord servers provide instant feedback, and livestreams let newcomers watch real-time interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tarot "fortune-telling"?
Many modern readers treat tarot as reflective guidance and self-exploration rather than fixed predictions about the future.
Do reversed cards matter?
Reversed cards are optional. Beginners can start reading cards upright only and add reversed meanings later for more nuance.
How often should I read tarot?
Read as needed. Daily single-card draws help build fluency, while bigger spreads are better for bigger life questions.
Do I need to be psychic to read tarot?
No, you don't need special psychic abilities. Curiosity, thoughtful questions, and willingness to reflect are enough to begin.
Ready to Begin Your Tarot Journey?
Start exploring the wisdom of tarot with our comprehensive resources