Most beginners believe that tarot cards predict the future, but that is only part of the truth. Tarot cannot tell you what is going to happen, but more importantly, it can tell how you should face it. There are several ways to do a tarot reading. Either you can use professional help, contact a psychic to do your reading, or you can do a free tarot reading by going to Online Tarot Readings, and lastly, you can learn the basics of tarot reading and do it for yourself or friends. In the following sections, we are going to cover how you can master this practice on your own.
Basics of Tarot
Before you can start learning tarot reading, you must understand the foundational structure of the deck. A standard tarot deck consists of a total of 78 cards, and each card carries distinct symbols and layered meanings. These cards are split into two primary categories: Major Arcana cards, which include 22 cards, and the remaining 56 cards, known as Minor Arcana cards. If you want to dig deeper, our guide on How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Needs covers this well.
Major Arcana Cards
These cards are also called Trump Cards by traditional practitioners. From the total of 22 major arcana cards, 21 are numbered sequentially, while one unnumbered card is known as The Fool. Do not let the name deceive you, because this card actually has a vital role in learning life lessons as it moves through each stage of the deck. Beginners should pay close attention to these cards because they hold deep karmic and spiritual significance.
The Major Arcana cards have a significant influence on overall readings, reflecting broader life pathways or major lessons a person is currently experiencing. When multiple trump cards appear in a single layout, it signals a period of profound personal transformation rather than minor daily events.
Minor Arcana Cards
All 56 Minor Arcana cards relate to the daily life challenges of a person, offering a clear reflection of their current situation. Also, these cards represent a person’s temporary beliefs, daily experiences, and fleeting thoughts rather than lifelong themes.
The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four distinct suits that focus on different parts of human existence. You can think of them as the practical tools for navigating everyday occurrences and workplace hurdles.
- Swords: They represent the intellect, thoughts, communication, and decisive actions of a person.
- Cups: They represent feelings, deep intuition, relationships, and emotional processing.
- Pentacles: This tarot suit represents practical guidance, finances, career trajectories, and physical possessions.
- Wands: They represent raw energy, creative spark, passion, and personal drive.
How to do a reading
After gaining a general know-how of each card, you need to let your intuition handle the reading process. There are generally four simple steps involved in conducting a basic tarot reading for beginners.
Step#1 Ask a question
Start by asking a clear and open-ended question to your deck. For example, avoid asking questions that begin with “Will I…” because they close off the guidance. Instead, focus on a broader framework like “What do I need to know about my career path right now?” or “How can I move past this creative block?” Questions like these help you get actionable, clear answers. For more on this, our article on Understanding the New MOHRE Law in the UAE (2025) is a good next read.
Step#2 Shuffle the cards
Once you have locked the question in your mind, now is the right time to shuffle the tarot cards. You can start it off with a daily draw at the top of your journal, write down the date, and note what you think the shuffle feels like. Another way to shuffle is by spreading the cards face down on a clean table and sweeping them into a single messy pile before gathering them back up.
Step#3 Pull out your card or cards
After shuffling the cards together properly, you need to pull a single card for a daily reflection or several cards if you are doing a structured spread. Multiple card spreads can broadly tell a complete story about a person’s life path or current situation compared to just drawing one card.
Just like there is no rigid rule for shuffling, there is no specific way to pull the cards out of the deck. You can create a wide fan across your table and hover your hand until a specific card calls out to you. The choice is completely yours and depends entirely on your personal comfort.
Step# 4 Lay the cards face down in your spread
Now you can look at the card face by turning it up from the side and observing the words, symbols, and artistic images. While you are doing that, pay close attention to your initial gut reactions and internal dialogue. Every symbol and color on the card carries weight, so trust your intuition and notice what sudden thoughts appear in your mind.
How can you interpret the card or cards you pull?
The interpretation of tarot cards relies heavily on the intuitive capabilities and emotional intelligence of the reader. However, a beginner still needs to learn the standard meanings of symbols and words through a reliable reference book or trusted online resources. Keeping a dedicated journal will help you track your progress and build a personal connection with every card in your deck over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a specific tarot deck as a beginner?
No, you do not need an expensive or rare deck to start. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is widely recommended for beginners because its imagery is intuitive and most learning resources are based on it.
Can I do a tarot reading for someone else who is not present?
Yes, you can read for someone who is not in the room with you, provided you have their permission and focus your intention clearly on their energy while shuffling the cards.
What should I do if I pull a card that looks scary or negative?
Scary-looking cards like Death or The Tower rarely mean literal disaster. Instead, they almost always signify necessary change, personal growth,ing, or the end of an outdated cycle in your life.
How often should I cleanse my tarot deck?
There is no strict rule for cleansing cards, but many readers do so when the deck feels energetically heavy, after a particularly intense reading, or during a new moon.
Is it okay to store my tarot cards in a special cloth or box?
Many people store their cards in silk pouches or wooden boxes to protect them from physical damage and keep them separate from everyday items, though this is a matter of personal preference.