A Beginners Guide to Tarot
Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to Learning Tarot Reading
Learning to read tarot cards can be an enriching journey, blending intuition, symbolism, and personal growth. Whether you’re drawn to tarot for self-reflection, spiritual exploration, or simply curiosity, the key to mastering the art is starting with a strong foundation. Here’s a guide to help you embark on your tarot journey.
1. Choose Your First Tarot Deck
Your tarot deck is your gateway to this mystical practice. The most popular and beginner-friendly deck is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, known for its clear symbolism and detailed imagery. The Onyx Tarot deck is derived from the Ride-Waite, as most are. However, feel free to choose a deck that resonates with you. Whether it’s the vibrant colors, mystical themes, or modern aesthetics, your connection to the deck matters.
2. Understand the Structure of the Tarot
Tarot cards are divided into two main sections:
The Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent life’s significant themes and spiritual lessons, like The Fool, The Lovers, or The World.
The Minor Arcana (56 cards): These are divided into four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—each corresponding to aspects of daily life. They’re akin to a traditional deck of playing cards but infused with symbolic depth.
Spend time getting to know these categories and their meanings.
3. Start Small: One Card at a Time
Begin by pulling a single card daily. Look at the image, note how it makes you feel, and then read its meaning in your guidebook. Journaling your observations helps build familiarity with the cards and connects their messages to your experiences.
4. Invest in a Good Guidebook
Many decks come with their own guidebooks, (The Onyx Tarot Deck certainly does) but you might benefit from a more comprehensive one, such as "78 Degrees of Wisdom" by Rachel Pollack or "The Ultimate Guide to Tarot" by Liz Dean. These books offer deeper insights into the cards and their interpretations.
5. Learn the Basics of Symbolism
Tarot cards are rich with symbols, colors, and archetypes. Familiarize yourself with common themes like the significance of numbers, colors, and recurring motifs (e.g., water representing emotions, swords symbolizing thoughts).
6. Trust Your Intuition
While guidebooks are helpful, tarot is ultimately a personal practice. Don’t be afraid to interpret the cards based on what you see and feel. Your intuition is a powerful tool in unlocking the cards’ messages. Usually if you believe something means something it usually does.
7. Practice Simple Spreads
Once you’re comfortable with individual cards, try simple spreads like:
The Three-Card Spread: A classic layout representing Past, Present, and Future or Situation, Action, and Outcome.
The One-Card Pull: Perfect for focusing on daily guidance or a single question.
If you’re ready, head over to our Onyx Tarot page, so you can download some free beginner spreads!
8. Connect with the Tarot Community
Engaging with others can accelerate your learning. Join online forums, attend workshops, or participate in local tarot meetups to share insights and gain new perspectives. There are a TON of Facebook groups you can join!
9. Create a Sacred Space
Reading tarot is as much about mindset as it is about knowledge. Create a dedicated space for your readings, with calming elements like candles, crystals, or soft lighting. A serene environment encourages focus and connection with the cards.
10. Be Patient with Yourself
Learning tarot is a journey, not a race. Give yourself grace as you explore the meanings and nuances of the cards. With practice and patience, your confidence will grow, and the cards will begin to speak to you in profound ways.
