Tarot for Beginners: How to Start from Scratch

Tarot for beginners can feel like a mysterious and intimidating universe at first glance, but here's the good news: anyone can learn it. You don't need a "special gift" or to memorize all 78 cards at once. Tarot is, above all, a tool for self-discovery — a symbolic mirror that invites us to reflect on our emotions, choices, and paths. If you're curious about how to get started, this guide was made exactly for you.

Executive summary

• Tarot is made up of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards), each group with its own symbolic role.
• Choosing the right deck is the first practical step — the Rider-Waite Tarot is the most recommended for those just starting out.
• Studying one card a day, keeping a journal, and practicing simple readings are the most effective methods for learning at your own pace.
• Intuition and symbolism go hand in hand: you don't have to choose between the two.
• Tarot is a tool for reflection and self-discovery — not a deterministic oracle that "predicts the future" in an absolute way.

What is tarot and where does it come from?

Tarot has origins dating back to the 15th century in Europe, where the cards were initially used in parlor games by Italian courts. Over the centuries, they were incorporated into the esoteric world and became one of the most popular self-discovery tools on the planet. Today, tarot engages in dialogue with Jungian psychology, astrology, Kabbalah, and various spiritual traditions.

More than "predicting the future," tarot works as a symbolic map of human experience. Each card represents universal archetypes — patterns of behavior, emotions, and situations that all of us encounter at some point in life. That's why the messages in the cards tend to resonate so deeply with those who consult them.

Important: Tarot is a tool for reflection and self-discovery. Readings are not a substitute for professional psychological, medical, legal, or financial advice.

Structure of the deck: getting to know the 78 cards

Before shuffling anything, it's essential to understand how tarot is organized. The 78 cards are divided into two main groups:

Major Arcana (22 cards)

The Major Arcana are the most well-known and powerful cards in tarot. They represent major themes, cycles, and forces of life — such as love, transformation, wisdom, and judgment. Numbered from 0 to 21, they form what is known as the Fool's Journey, a symbolic narrative of personal and spiritual development.

• 0 – The Fool: new beginnings, pure potential, leap of faith
• I – The Magician: willpower, skill, manifestation
• II – The High Priestess: intuition, mystery, inner wisdom
• III – The Empress: abundance, creativity, fertility
• XI – Justice: balance, truth, consequences
• XIII – Death: transformation, end of cycles, renewal
• XXI – The World: wholeness, integration, achievement

Minor Arcana (56 cards)

The Minor Arcana reflect everyday situations — challenges, relationships, work, and day-to-day emotions. They are divided into four suits, each associated with an element and an area of life:

Suit	Element	Area of life	Numbering
Wands	Fire	Action, creativity, work	Ace to 10 + 4 court cards
Cups	Water	Emotions, relationships, intuition	Ace to 10 + 4 court cards
Swords	Air	Mind, conflict, communication	Ace to 10 + 4 court cards
Pentacles	Earth	Money, body, stability	Ace to 10 + 4 court cards

The court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) in each suit represent personalities, stages of maturity, or ways of engaging with the energy of that element.

How to choose your first tarot deck

This is, without a doubt, one of the most common questions for those just starting out. There is an endless variety of decks available — themed, artistic, modern, traditional — and the choice can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical guidelines:

The Rider-Waite Tarot: the best starting point

Created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, the Rider-Waite Tarot (also known as the Waite-Smith Tarot) is widely considered the best deck for beginners. Here's why:

• All 78 cards feature illustrated scenes, which makes intuitive reading much easier.
• It is the foundation for the vast majority of tarot books and courses available on the market.
• Its symbols are rich and well-documented, making study straightforward.

Tips for choosing wisely

• Connect visually: if possible, look at the images before buying. You need to feel some attraction to the deck.
• Avoid starting with highly symbolic or abstract decks (such as the Thoth Tarot), as they require in-depth prior knowledge.
• Ignore the myth that your deck must be a gift: you can and should buy your own deck.
• Decks that come with an included guidebook are a valuable bonus for beginners.

How to study tarot: methods for beginners

Learning tarot is a journey — not a race. The secret lies in consistency and practice, not in the amount of information you absorb all at once. Below are the most effective methods for beginners:

1. One card a day (the most recommended method)

Choose a card at random when you wake up and spend the day observing how its themes show up in your life. At the end of the day, write down your impressions. This simple exercise builds a deep, personal relationship with each card over time.

2. Keep a tarot journal

Record your readings, feelings, and discoveries in a dedicated notebook. A tarot journal is one of the most powerful learning tools available, because it allows you to track your progress and notice patterns over time.

3. Study the symbols on the cards

Every image in tarot is loaded with symbolism: colors, geometric shapes, numbers, elements of nature. Take time to observe the details on each card. Ask yourself: "What catches my eye here? What makes me uncomfortable? What draws me in?"

4. Use good references

Books, courses, and online communities are valuable allies. Some classic works for beginners:

• 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card – Mary K. Greer
• Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom – Rachel Pollack
• The Beginner's Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot – Juliet Sharman-Burke

5. Balance reason and intuition

Many people believe they have to choose between "studying the meanings" and "trusting their intuition." In practice, both paths complement each other. Knowing the tradition gives you a foundation; intuition brings depth and personality to your readings.

Your first spreads: where to begin

Before attempting complex ten-card spreads, start with simple layouts. Here are the most suitable ones for beginners:

One-card draw

Perfect for daily practice. Ask yourself: "What do I need to be aware of within myself today?" and pull a card. Simple, powerful, and quick.

Three-card spread

One of the most versatile spreads. The three positions can represent different perspectives depending on what you want to explore:

Position 1	Position 2	Position 3
Past	Present	Future tendency
Situation	Challenge	Advice
Mind	Heart	Suggested action

Celtic Cross (for when you feel more confident)

The Celtic Cross is a classic ten-card spread that offers a broad view of a situation. Save it for when you're already somewhat familiar with the arcana — it rewards those who have a solid foundation.

Golden tip: Before any reading, take a deep breath, focus on your question, and shuffle with intention. The mental state you bring to tarot greatly influences the quality of the reading.

Things to keep in mind and beliefs around tarot

The world of tarot has its own traditions and "rules" — but it's important to distinguish what is symbolic from what is dogma. Some useful guidance:

• There is no "evil card": cards like Death, The Devil, or The Tower represent transformation, limitations, and necessary upheavals — not literal negative events.
• You don't need to store your deck in silk or under your pillow if that doesn't resonate with you. These are traditions, not absolute rules.
• Avoid repeated readings on the same question on the same day — this tends to create confusion rather than clarity.
• Respect your limits: if a reading stirs up intense emotions, it's perfectly valid to seek support from a mental health professional.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a special gift to read tarot?

No. Tarot is a skill learned through study, practice, and attention — much like learning to play a musical instrument. Intuition can be cultivated by anyone, and the meanings of the cards can be learned progressively. Sensitivity helps, but it's not a magical prerequisite.

Can I read tarot for myself?

Yes, and it's highly recommended! Reading for yourself is one of the best ways to learn and to deepen your self-knowledge. The only thing to be mindful of is maintaining an honest perspective and trying not to "force" the cards to say what you want to hear — which takes practice and self-awareness.

How many cards do I need to memorize before doing a reading?

There is no required minimum. You can start practicing with the Major Arcana (22 cards) and gradually incorporate the Minor Arcana. The most important thing is to interact with the cards regularly — the memory comes with practice.

Does tarot predict the future?

Tarot does not determine the future in an absolute way. It maps tendencies, patterns, and energies present at the time of the reading. The future is fluid and shaped by your choices — tarot is, above all, an invitation to reflect on the present and the possibilities that open up from there.

How often should I consult the tarot?

There's no rigid rule, but one card a day is a great starting point for beginners. Deeper readings can be done weekly or whenever a specific situation arises that deserves reflection. What matters is that tarot remains a tool for growth, not a source of anxiety or dependency.

Conclusion

Starting with tarot is, above all, an act of curiosity and courage — the courage to look at yourself honestly and openly. With a good deck in your hands, a notebook by your side, and the willingness to study one card at a time, you already have everything you need to take your first steps on this rich and transformative journey.

Remember: there is no right or wrong way to learn tarot. The best path is the one that resonates with you. Explore, question, take notes, make mistakes, and learn — and most of all, enjoy this process of self-discovery.

Why not start right now? Choose a card from your deck, observe its symbols, and ask yourself: what does this image awaken in me today? Tarot has already begun to speak.