How to start tarot reading: 7 steps for beginners
Not sure where to begin with tarot? Follow these 7 steps, from writing a question and drawing your first card to reading the image and keeping a journal.
5 min read
If you want to start reading tarot but are not sure whether you need a deck first, or whether you have to memorize all 78 cards, the answer to both is no. A beginner can start with one card and one question. This guide gives you 7 steps you can follow today.
7 steps to start reading tarot as a beginner
- Decide whether you want someone else to read for you or you want to read for yourself. The two start slightly differently.
- Write your question as one sentence about your own life, phrased openly. For example: "What should I focus on at work right now?"
- Take a moment to settle. Breathe deeply and keep the question in mind.
- Shuffle the deck, or tap shuffle on the website, and draw one card.
- Look at the picture before you read any meaning. Ask what the person in it is doing and how they seem to feel.
- Read the meaning in the card library and pick only the parts that answer your question most directly.
- Write down the question, the card and what you decide to do. Look at it again in a week.
Do you need a physical deck?
Not at first. On-screen cards let you look up the meaning right away. If you find you like it and want to hold real cards, choose a deck with images that are easy to read. The reading steps are exactly the same.
An example of a first card reading
A beginner's first question
Question: What should I take extra care of in my life right now?
Cards: Four of Swords, position Answer to the question
Sample answer: The Four of Swords shows a knight lying at rest in a quiet church. This card is asking for real rest, not just stopping work while you keep thinking about it. This week, try keeping one day free: no plans, no replying to work messages. Then notice whether your head feels clearer.
Image (lying down to rest) → meaning (rest, recovery) → something you can do (keep one day free)
Mistakes beginners often make
- Packing several topics into one question, such as work, partner and money together, so you cannot tell which one the card is answering.
- Drawing fresh cards for the same question until you get the answer you wanted.
- Reading every keyword on the card instead of choosing the ones that fit your question.
- Fearing cards that look scary, such as Death or The Tower, when these two usually talk about change rather than disaster.
Tip: Start with the daily card on the home page, one card a day. It is free and needs no account. After a couple of weeks of doing it daily you will start to recognize the cards without memorizing them.
Summary
- You can start tarot with one card and one question.
- Look at the picture first, then check the meaning and take only the part that fits your question.
- Keep notes every time. You will see how much the cards help you think.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a beginner ask first?
- Something close to home and within your control, such as what to focus on today or which area of your life needs care. These are easy to read and easy to act on.
- Do I need to memorize all 78 cards first?
- No. You can look cards up in the library whenever you like. The meanings stick on their own the more you read.
- Can I read tarot for myself?
- Yes. Reading for yourself is one of the best ways to practice. Just take care not to pick out only the parts you want to hear.
- The card I got looks scary. Should I worry?
- No need to panic. Heavy-looking cards usually ask you to be careful or to prepare, and do not mean something bad will happen. Read the full meaning in the card library first.