Tarot for Beginners: How to Start from Scratch

Tarot for beginners can seem intimidating at first glance — 78 cards, mysterious symbols, and a centuries-old history. But the good news is that anyone can start learning tarot, regardless of prior knowledge in esotericism or spirituality. The secret is to take it one step at a time: choose the right deck, understand the structure of tarot, and practice with simple spreads. This guide was made exactly for that.

Executive summary

• Tarot is divided into Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards), totaling 78 cards.
• The most recommended deck for beginners is the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, thanks to its richly illustrated cards and the wealth of study material available.
• The best way to learn is to study one card per day and practice one- or three-card spreads.
• Tarot works as a tool for reflection and self-discovery, not as a definitive prediction of the future.
• Keeping a tarot journal accelerates learning and deepens your relationship with the cards.

What Is Tarot and Where Did It Come From?

Tarot is a set of illustrated cards originally used as a card game in 15th-century Europe. Over time, especially from the 18th century onward, it came to be used for divination, meditation, and self-discovery. Today, it is widely recognized as a symbolic tool that invites reflection on life situations, emotional patterns, and possible choices.

Contrary to what many people think, tarot does not "predict the future" in a deterministic way. It presents universal archetypes and symbols — a concept explored by psychologist Carl Jung — that help us see different angles of a situation. Above all, it is an inner mirror.

Important: Tarot is a personal reflection tool. Its use does not replace psychological, medical, or legal guidance. Use it as a support for self-discovery, with lightness and discernment.

How Tarot Is Structured: Major and Minor Arcana

Understanding the structure of the deck is the first real step toward learning tarot. The 78 cards are organized into two main groups:

Major Arcana

These are 22 cards numbered from 0 to 21, beginning with the Fool (0) and ending with the World (XXI). They represent the great themes of human life, cycles of transformation, and archetypal forces. These are the cards with the greatest symbolic weight in a reading.

• The Fool (0): innocence, new beginnings, a leap of faith
• The High Priestess (II): intuition, mystery, the inner world
• The Wheel of Fortune (X): cycles, change, destiny
• The Moon (XVIII): emotions, illusions, the unconscious
• The World (XXI): wholeness, fulfillment, integration

Minor Arcana

These are 56 cards divided into four suits, each with 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King). They deal with everyday situations and the practical details of life.

Suit	Element	Main themes
Wands	Fire	Energy, creativity, ambition, projects
Cups	Water	Emotions, relationships, intuition, dreams
Swords	Air	Thoughts, conflict, communication, truth
Pentacles	Earth	Work, money, the body, material matters

How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck

Choosing your first deck is a special moment — and one of the most common questions among beginners. There is even a myth that the deck must be "gifted" to you. Rest assured: you can and should buy your own deck. What matters most is that you connect with the imagery.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: the best deck to start with

Created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) is the most studied and recommended deck for beginners worldwide. Its detailed illustrations across all 78 cards make intuitive interpretation much easier, and there is an enormous amount of books, courses, and content based on it.

Other popular decks for beginners

• Tarot de Marseille: older and more traditional, with a medieval aesthetic. It requires a bit more study, but is symbolically very rich.
• Universal Waite Tarot: a colorized, modernized version of the RWS that is visually more accessible.
• Modern Witch Tarot: a feminist and diverse reimagining of the RWS, very popular among younger beginners.
• Everyday Witch Tarot: charming illustrations and a lighthearted tone, great for those who prefer a more whimsical look.

Tip: If possible, browse the deck's images before buying (many stores offer digital previews). Choose a deck whose imagery "speaks" to you — this will make learning much more natural.

Where to Start: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

With your deck in hand, it's time to take your first steps. Here is a simple and effective path for those just starting out:

1. Get familiar with the deck

Before studying any meanings, spend some time simply looking at the cards. Shuffle them, observe the images, notice which ones catch your attention, which ones make you uneasy, and which ones draw you in. This initial connection is essential.

2. Start with the Major Arcana

Studying the 22 Major Arcana cards before diving into the Minor Arcana is the most recommended approach. They carry the central themes and, once understood, make reading the Minor Arcana much easier. Study one card per day — observe the image, read about its symbols, and jot down your impressions.

3. Create a tarot journal

A notebook dedicated to your learning journey makes all the difference. Write down the meanings you've learned, the spreads you've done, the cards you've drawn, and what they meant for your current moment. Over time, this journal becomes a rich map of your own self-discovery process.

4. Start with simple spreads

Forget large 10-card spreads at the beginning. The best spreads for those just starting out are:

• 1-card spread: "What is the message of the day?" or "What do I need to focus on right now?"
• 3-card spread: Past / Present / Future — or Situation / Challenge / Advice.

5. Use supporting resources

Books, apps, and online communities are great allies. Some highly recommended resources include:

• Tarot: The Complete Guide, by Rachel Pollack — a worldwide reference for studying the RWS.
• 78 Degrees of Wisdom, also by Rachel Pollack — a more in-depth read.
• Apps like Golden Thread Tarot or Labyrinthos offer free flashcards and mini-readings.

How to Interpret the Cards: Intuition and Study, Hand in Hand

A very common question among beginners is: "Do I need to memorize all the meanings?" The answer is: not necessarily. Tarot combines two complementary approaches — studying traditional meanings and reading the images intuitively.

When looking at a card, try this process:

1. Observe the image: what do you see? What colors, characters, and symbols appear?
2. Feel the emotion: what feeling does the image evoke in you?
3. Connect it to the context: how does this symbol relate to the question or situation at hand?
4. Look up the traditional meaning: use a book or guide to enrich your reading.

Remember: there is no "wrong" interpretation. With time and practice, your readings will gain depth and a character all their own.

Common Myths About Tarot

Many people come to tarot carrying fears and beliefs that can get in the way of learning. Here are the most common ones — and the reality behind them:

Myth	Reality
Tarot predicts the future with certainty	Tarot points to tendencies and invites reflection; the future is shaped by your choices.
The Death card means literal death	The Death card represents transformation, the closing of cycles, and rebirth.
The deck must be gifted to you	You can and should choose and buy your own deck.
Only people with a "gift" can read tarot	Tarot is a skill that anyone can learn through study and practice.
Reversed cards always bring negative messages	Reversed cards generally indicate a blockage, internalized energy, or an aspect to be developed.

Frequently asked questions

How many cards does a tarot deck have?

A standard tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. Some artistic decks may include extra cards, but the traditional set always consists of 78.

Do I need spiritual gifts to read tarot?

No. Tarot is a symbolic reading tool that anyone can learn with study, practice, and an open mind. Intuition develops naturally over time, but it is not a prerequisite for getting started.

How often should I do readings?

For beginners, a daily one-card reading is an excellent practice. Avoid doing multiple readings on the same question on the same day, as this can create confusion. Give yourself time to reflect on the message you received before shuffling again.

What should I do when I don't understand a card?

Write the card down in your tarot journal, note what you felt when you looked at it, and consult a reference guide or book. Often, the meaning becomes clearer throughout the day, as you begin to notice how the card's message shows up in your everyday life.

Are tarot and religion incompatible?

This is a personal question and depends on each person's beliefs. Tarot itself is a symbolic tool and is not tied to any specific religion. Many people from different spiritual traditions use it as a tool for meditation and self-discovery without any conflict with their beliefs.

Conclusion

Learning tarot is a rich, creative, and deeply personal journey. There is no single right path: some people prefer a more systematic study of the meanings, while others develop a more intuitive style of reading from the very beginning — and both approaches work. What matters most is to begin with curiosity, without rushing and without pressure.

Choose a deck that resonates with you, set aside a few minutes each day to study a card, write down your discoveries, and above all, enjoy the process. Tarot is, first and foremost, an invitation to self-discovery — and the best time to start is right now.

Ready to take your first step? Explore the other content on Oraculia about tarot, astrology, and spirituality and go even deeper on your inner journey.