Tarot for Beginners: How to Start from Scratch
Learning tarot is more accessible than it seems: with the right deck, a simple study routine, and plenty of curiosity, anyone can take their first steps in this art of self-discovery. This complete guide shows you exactly where to begin.
If you want to learn tarot but don't know where to begin, the most honest answer is: start with the basics, without rushing, and with an open sense of curiosity. Tarot is an ancient symbolic tool that can be used for reflection, self-knowledge, and personal development — and the good news is that you don't need any special gift or years of study to take your first steps. All it takes is a deck, a willingness to learn, and an understanding that each card is a mirror, not an absolute oracle.
Executive Summary
- Tarot is made up of 78 cards divided between the Major Arcana (22) and the Minor Arcana (56), each group with its own functions and symbolism.
- For beginners, the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is the most recommended starting point for its rich imagery and extensive supporting literature.
- Building a simple study routine — such as a "card of the day" practice — accelerates learning in a natural and intuitive way.
- Tarot works best as a tool for reflection and self-knowledge, not as a deterministic prediction of the future.
- With patience and consistent practice, anyone can learn to do meaningful readings for themselves.
What Is Tarot and What Is It For
Tarot is a symbolic system made up of 78 illustrated cards, originally used as a card game in 15th-century Europe and later incorporated into esoteric and divination traditions. Today, it is widely used as a tool for self-knowledge, meditation, and personal reflection.
Each card carries archetypal imagery — figures, scenes, and symbols that speak to universal human experiences. When you draw a card and contemplate it, the invitation is to notice what that image stirs within you, not to seek a ready-made, definitive answer about the future.
Remember: Tarot is a tool for reflection and self-knowledge. It does not replace psychological, medical, or legal advice, and its messages should be interpreted with discernment and personal freedom.
Deck Structure: Major and Minor Arcana
Before you start studying the cards individually, it's essential to understand how the deck is organized. This structure is the map that will guide your entire learning journey.
Major Arcana
The 22 Major Arcana are the most well-known cards in tarot — the ones featuring figures like The Fool, The High Priestess, The Wheel of Fortune, and The World. They represent major forces, themes, and transitions in human life: cycles, archetypes, and lessons of a deeper, more lasting nature.
Minor Arcana
The 56 Minor Arcana are divided into four suits, each associated with an element and a sphere of life:
| Suit | Element | Sphere | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wands | Fire | Energy, creativity, ambition | Ace through 10 + 4 Court Cards |
| Cups | Water | Emotions, relationships, intuition | Ace through 10 + 4 Court Cards |
| Swords | Air | Mind, conflict, decisions | Ace through 10 + 4 Court Cards |
| Pentacles (Coins) | Earth | Work, body, finances | Ace through 10 + 4 Court Cards |
Each suit has cards numbered from Ace to 10 and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King), which often represent people or facets of personality.
Choosing Your First Deck
Choosing your first deck is an important step — and one that tends to raise a lot of questions. There's a popular belief that a tarot deck must be given as a gift, but this is simply a myth: buying your own deck is completely valid and often preferable, since you get to choose the imagery that resonates with you.
Rider-Waite-Smith: the ideal starting point
For those just starting out, the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (created in 1910 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith) is the choice most recommended by the majority of tarot scholars. The reasons are clear:
- All 78 cards feature illustrated scenes, which makes intuitive interpretation much easier.
- It is the foundation of virtually all tarot literature available on the market.
- Most modern decks are inspired by it, so learning this system opens the door to any other.
Other beginner-friendly decks
If the aesthetic of the Rider-Waite-Smith doesn't appeal to you, some accessible and well-documented alternatives include:
- Tarot de Marseille: older and more geometric, excellent for those who appreciate tradition.
- Modern Witch Tarot: a contemporary and diverse take on the Rider-Waite.
- Everyday Witch Tarot: playful and welcoming, great for anyone who wants a lighter approach.
Tip: If possible, browse images of the deck before buying. You should feel a visual connection with the illustrations — this makes intuitive reading much easier.
How to Study Tarot: Methods for Beginners
There is no single right path to learning tarot. The secret lies in combining theoretical study with regular practice, allowing knowledge to settle in naturally.
The card of the day
The card of the day practice is the most recommended method for beginners. The process is simple:
- Every morning, shuffle the deck while breathing deeply and forming an open-ended question, such as: "What do I need to pay attention to today?"
- Draw one card and observe the image carefully: what figures appear? What are they doing? What emotion does the scene evoke?
- Write down your initial impression before consulting any book.
- At the end of the day, re-read your notes and see how the energy of the card showed up.
Tarot journal
Keeping a tarot journal is one of the most transformative practices for beginners. In it, you record the cards you drew, your personal impressions, what you were going through at that moment, and what you learned. Over time, this journal becomes a precious map of your own self-discovery process.
Study by suit or by card
Rather than trying to memorize all 78 cards at once, study in thematic blocks: spend a week focused on the Major Arcana, then explore the suits one by one. For each card, note:
- Keywords from the book
- What the image communicates to you personally
- A situation in your own life where that energy is present
Your First Spreads: Where to Begin
A spread is the arrangement of cards you use in a reading. Each position in the spread has a specific meaning that gives context to the card drawn.
1-card spread
Perfect for everyday use. A single card as a reflection for the day, the week, or a specific situation. Simple, direct, and powerful for practicing interpretation.
3-card spread
The most versatile spread for beginners. The three positions can represent different symbolic trios:
- Past / Present / Future
- Situation / Challenge / Advice
- Mind / Heart / Action
Celtic Cross
The most famous 10-card spread in tarot. It is more complex and recommended once you have some familiarity with the card meanings. It offers a broad, multidimensional view of a question.
Important: In your first few weeks, stick to 1- to 3-card spreads. The goal is not to deliver definitive answers, but to train your symbolic eye and deepen your connection with the imagery.
Golden Tips to Stay Motivated in the Beginning
It's very common for beginners to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information, or frustrated by not "memorizing" the cards quickly enough. Here are some guidelines to keep your enthusiasm and progress on track:
- Don't try to memorize everything at once. Tarot is learned through practice, not rote memorization. Intuition develops over time.
- Trust your first impression. Before opening a book, look at the card and ask: "What does this image tell me?" Your instinctive response is often the most revealing.
- Avoid obsessive readings. Drawing the same card multiple times about the same question doesn't bring clarity — more often than not, it has the opposite effect.
- Read for yourself before reading for others. Self-understanding is the foundation of good reading.
- Seek community. Study groups, forums, and tarot social media communities can be valuable sources of exchange and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special gift or ability to learn tarot?
No. Tarot is a symbolic language that anyone can learn with study and practice. The "intuition" that many tarot readers display is largely the result of years of familiarity with the cards' imagery and meanings — something that develops gradually with dedication.
How many cards do I need to know before I start practicing?
You can start practicing from day one, even knowing very few cards. Many beginners start by studying only the 22 Major Arcana and already do meaningful readings. The important thing is to practice regularly, even in simple ways.
Is there a "wrong" way to read tarot?
There is no single correct way to read tarot. There are many schools and approaches — some more intuitive, others more traditional or psychological. What matters most is that the reading be ethical, respectful, and focused on the well-being and reflection of the person being read for.
What should I do when a "scary" card, like Death, appears in a spread?
Cards like Death (XIII) rarely indicate anything literal — in most approaches, it symbolizes transformation, the end of a cycle, and renewal. In tarot, cards that seem negative at first glance often carry messages about the need for change, release, or a fresh start. Context and the combined interpretation of the cards are always fundamental.
Can I learn tarot on my own, without a teacher?
Yes, many people learn tarot through self-study with the support of books, videos, and daily practice. Having a mentor or teacher can speed up the process and bring important nuances, but it is not required. The most important thing is to maintain a consistent practice and an open, learning-oriented mindset.
Conclusion
Tarot for beginners can seem like a vast and complex universe at first glance — and in a way, it is. But every journey begins with a single step: choosing a deck, drawing the first card, and asking yourself, honestly, what that image stirs within you. There are no wrong answers in this process, only discoveries.
Tarot is not an oracle that determines your fate; it is a mirror that invites self-knowledge. And the more you look into it with curiosity and openness, the richer the experience becomes. Start simply, practice consistently, and let the cards tell you stories about who you already are — and who you might become.
Why not start today? Choose a deck, draw a card, and write down what it awakens in you. The tarot is already waiting.