How to Begin with Tarot
Tarot is a fascinating tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and even guidance. Though often associated with mysticism, the Tarot can be a highly intuitive and empowering practice for anyone who seeks to explore it. If you’ve been curious about Tarot but don’t know where to start, this guide will help you take your first steps.
1. Understand What Tarot Is (and Isn’t)
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what Tarot is. A Tarot deck typically consists of 78 cards divided into two main categories:
The Major Arcana: These represent significant life themes and archetypes, like The Fool, The Lovers, or The World.
The Minor Arcana: These are divided into four suits (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands), each representing different aspects of daily life.
However, in our case, we work with a smaller deck of only 9 cards for online Tarot. These cards are carefully selected to provide meaningful insights and reflections within a simplified format.
Tarot isn’t about predicting the future in a definitive way. Instead, it offers insights, guidance, and perspectives on your life’s current situations and challenges.
2. Choose Your First Deck
One of the most exciting steps is choosing your Tarot deck. While traditional decks like the Rider-Waite-Smith are popular, for online Tarot, you’ll be working with the 9 cards provided. These cards are designed to give you clarity and guidance without overwhelming complexity.
3. Get to Know Your Cards
Once you have access to your 9-card set, spend time familiarizing yourself with each card. Here’s how you can connect with them:
Examine each card: Look at the images and reflect on what they mean to you intuitively.
Read the descriptions: Online Tarot platforms often include explanations or meanings for each card. Use these as a reference.
4. Learn Basic Spreads
Even with only 9 cards, you can create meaningful readings. Try simple spreads such as:
Single-card pull: Perfect for daily guidance or answering a specific question.
Three-card spread: This can represent past, present, and future or situation, action, and outcome.
5. Trust Your Intuition
While it’s helpful to learn the provided meanings, Tarot is also about intuition. Pay attention to the emotions, thoughts, or memories that arise when you look at a card. Your personal connection to the imagery is just as important as the described meaning.
6. Practice Regularly
Consistency is key to developing confidence in Tarot. Pull a card each morning and reflect on its message throughout the day. Or, do a weekly reading to gain insights into the upcoming week. Even with 9 cards, regular practice will enhance your connection to the deck.
7. Keep a Tarot Journal
Documenting your readings can deepen your understanding of the cards and track your growth. Record the cards you draw, your interpretations, and any thoughts or feelings that come up. Over time, patterns and recurring themes may emerge.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
As you grow more comfortable with your 9-card set, try experimenting:
Use Tarot for creative inspiration or journaling prompts.
Meditate with a card to explore its deeper meaning.
Combine Tarot with other tools like astrology or oracle cards.
9. Be Patient with Yourself
Learning Tarot is a journey, not a race. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but remember that it’s okay to learn at your own pace. Trust the process and enjoy the discoveries along the way.
10. Join the Tarot Community
You don’t have to learn Tarot alone. Join online forums, social media groups, or local workshops to connect with others who share your interest. Exchanging readings and insights with others can be incredibly rewarding and educational.
Final Thoughts
Starting with Tarot is like opening a door to self-discovery and intuition. By taking small, thoughtful steps—working with your 9 cards, practicing regularly, and trusting your instincts—you can build a meaningful relationship with this timeless tool. Remember, Tarot is as much about the journey as it is about the cards themselves.