Getting Started with Tarot

So you want to be a Tarot Reader...

It's not as simple as it seems... It's also not as complicated as it seems

Everyone learns differently and at a different pace.  There are so many resources out there to learn how to read Tarot cards and just as many methods.  Start simple and don't overwhelm yourself.

Follow these steps and you will be reading Tarot cards in no time at all.

Step One: Choose an awesome deck that speaks to you

Put aside the myth that you can't buy your own deck.  Go explore the bookstore, Metaphysical shop, or browse online and find one that you connect with. And then buy it. 

It's best to start out with a Rider-Waite style deck for many reasons. They're easier to read at first because typically there is a person on each card and many symbols or scenes that help tell the story. But if you are called to that gorgeous deck that has spirals or 5 Cups in a country scene, by all means get it! You may just have to rely on your intuition or book descriptions a little more to read a "vague" deck.

Step Two: Hang out with your deck & Tune-in

Get to know it. Look through the cards examining each one. What do you feel when you look at the 3 of Swords or The Moon? Notice the colors, the people or designs, the symbols. 

Intuition is a huge part of reading. Everyone is capable of using it, you just have to tune-in. Intuition is likened to your gut-feeling, when you just know something for no other reason than just knowing. It helps to ground yourself and clear your mind to tune-in. It also helps when doing a reading or learning your deck. Take a card out of your deck and look at it. What is the first thing that pops into your head?

Step Three: Cross-Reference

Most decks come with a little white book, or LWB for short. What does it say about the card you just pulled? Is it in line with what you felt when you looked at it? It's okay if it doesn't match. A skilled reader will tell you that your intuition is the bigger picture. And once you know how to feel the cards and see the bigger picture in a spread, you will understand that your intuition is what drives a reading. What are your Spirit Guides trying to tell you? You will feel it, or if you are really in-tune you may even hear or see it! But it does help immensely when learning the cards to get a little background from the LWB.

Step Four: Read a few books... Or not

You don't have to go out and buy 50 books on how to read tarot cards... but you can. I have quite a few books in my library from when I was a beginner and I did learn a lot from them. Some decks come with a full size book in lieu of a LWB.

The book that your deck comes with will be tailored specifically for that particular deck and is the author's point of view on what each of their cards means. Books will give you a great idea of what each card means, but those meanings are from their own personal experiences. Once you have read for awhile, you will have your own meanings - and they may or may not be the same or similar to the books you may or may not have read.

Step Five: Experiment with spreads

I made the mistake of trying to learn how to read with the Celtic-Cross Spread.  It is probably the most popular spread in the world of Tarot and is in almost every book I have read. I do not recommend starting with a 10 card spread such as the Celtic-Cross. It's honestly just too much to take in when you're just starting out, and even too much for some experienced readers!

Start with a daily draw of 1-3 cards.  Eventually you can work your way up to 4 & 5 card spreads. I would wait until you are fairly comfortable with readings for any more than 5. When you can tell a story with 5 cards and see the bigger picture of a spread, then it will be time to move on if you choose.

Some people do not read reversals, and some do. I started off reading reversed cards and always have. Some people prefer to save that for after they master the upright meanings. Some read reversals as enhancing the card's meaning, or even as the opposite of the card's meaning. Don't think too much into it - read them or leave them.

(Coming Soon: Simple Tarot Spreads)

Step Six: Find a friend

It's always better to learn together, but if you do not have someone to learn with, find someone who may want to help you learn by "sitting" for a reading. 

If you aren't comfortable reading face-to-face quite yet, check out TarotForum.net. This forum is absolutely awesome for practice readings. You can offer up readings for feedback or even request an exchange where the person you read for will in turn exchange and read for you. (Warning: This site is extremely addictive and you may spend every waking hour browsing the forum and neglecting housework.)

Keep Practicing!

Learn something new every day. Different suits have different characteristics. Different numbers do as well. Read the journey of the fool (also in most books in some form or another). Experiment with different decks and spreads. Pull out two or three cards and see how they interact with each other.

Play with your cards every day if possible. The more you pick them up, the more you will connect with them and learn about them, and yourself.

What is your best tip for new Tarot Readers?

Leave a comment and share your journey!