Tarot 101: Getting Started

Let’s look at what it takes to get started on your personal journey with reading Tarot for yourself. This article will give some practical advice and recommendations for how to get started.

1.) Don’t Be Intimidated.

Remember that Tarot is a journey, not a destination. The more you use it, study it, embrace it, the easier it will become. If you feel overwhelmed over inundated with information, you need to step back and refocus on what you are trying to understand. Tarot should be a positive experience, not something that is overbearing or pushes you away.

2.) Grab Your Deck

Everyone needs a good deck to start with. With so many options out there, it can be confusing what to get. In general, you will “connect” with a deck eventually (and will more than likely buy several other decks), but for the purposes of learning, I highly recommend you start with a deck that uses the original illustrations by Pamela Coleman Smith (typically referred to as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck). There are some great decks out that use these illustrations.

The reason for this is because of the specific details that PCS added to each of her cards. Everything in the card from color to symbols to direction was done with reason. Using a “modern” deck will mean you lose out on many of symbolic representations of the original illustrations.

Here are a few recommendations from Amazon; however, I also recommend supporting your local metaphysical shop (if they sell Tarot) or even checking out Barnes & Noble (my local B&N has a larger collection of cards than our local metaphysical):

• [Recommended] The Rider Tarot Deck — the classic deck ($19.97 on Amazon)
• Classic Tarot — comes with a drawstring bag ($17.97 on Amazon)
• The Original Tarot by MagicSeer — borderless cards, comes with black velvet drawstring bag ($14.97 on Amazon)
• Tarot Vintage — has an “antique” look but the same illustrations ($26.95 on Amazon)
• A.E Waite Holographic Tarot — she real fancy, holographic sheen on the cards ($14.97 on Amazon)
• Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot — recolored, refined, very popular ($20.19 on Amazon)

3.) Grab a GOOD Reference Guide

Your Tarot deck will usually come with a small booklet which may be enough to get you started; however, there are MUCH better resources. I recommend purchasing a book rather than looking up meanings online because it’s VERY easy to get distracted when searching online. A good, physical guide book will help keep you in your moment.

I also want to explain that you do NOT need a book to read Tarot. Intuition is a big part of the process. Once you understand the elements, (fire, water, earth, air) and basic numerology, you can get an idea of what the card is about, not to mention looking at Pamela Coleman Smith’s amazing illustrations, without needing to look up the meaning. Even still, I recommend a good guide to help you learn about the Major Arcana and court cards, as they can be perplexing for many people.

• [Recomended] The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings — Brigit Esselmont (of Biddy Tarot) ($33 on Amazon)
• The New Tarot Handbook: Master the Meanings of the Cards — Rachel Pollack ($15.95 on Amazon)
• Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom — Rachel Pollack ($19.98 on Amazon) — this book can possibly be a difficult read for some

I would also like to recommend two fantastic podcasts which was foundational in my understanding the cards. Both are available on most podcast platforms.

• Root Lock Tarot: a well-organized walkthrough of the 78 cards of Tarot and how to understand them. Introduces the element/number system of reading of Tarot.
• The Tarot Diagnosis: less about the meaning of a specific card than about using Tarot as a way for personal healing. It’s hosted by two therapists and was very influential in my own use of Tarot for self-improvement.

4.) Get Comfortable With a Few Spreads

As this is a new task for you, do not be tempted to run before you can walk. I certainly recommend starting out with a single card daily draw: “What does the Universe need me to know about today?” That is usually what my blog is — a single, daily card draw. This will help you to get acquainted with each of the cards without being overwhelmed.

Progress from there to three-card spreads. The layout doesn’t really matter — they can be horizontal, vertical, in a triangle, in a circle — you do you. Here are some easy three-card spreads you can use for readings (personal or for others):

• Past, Present, Future: This spread provides insights into the past, present, and future aspects of a situation or question.
• Mind, Body, Spirit: This spread focuses on the different aspects of a person’s being, providing insights into their mental, physical, and spiritual states.
• Situation, Action, Outcome: This spread helps explore a specific situation or question by examining the current situation, suggesting an action or approach, and revealing the potential outcome.
• Problem, Solution, Advice: This spread is useful for identifying a problem, finding potential solutions, and receiving guidance or advice on the best course of action.
• Opportunity, Challenge, Lesson: This spread highlights the opportunities available, the challenges that may arise, and the lessons to be learned from a situation or question.
• Strength, Weakness, Advice: This spread helps assess personal strengths and weaknesses, and offers guidance on how to navigate a situation or achieve a goal.

5.) Go With What You Know

If we are working with the premise that the Universe is only going to give you things you can work with, then you should always feel confident in your ability to read the cards. Yes, sometimes you will pull a card and be like “…the fuck. What does that mean?” And that is 100% A-OK. Note the card and its position in the spread and keep it in the back of your mind. Think on it. Talk it over with friends. It will eventually make sense.

I also recommend that you do not begin reading Tarot with Reversals (where the cards are pulled upside down). If you pull a card and it’s upside down, just flip it around. Don’t get me wrong — there is DEFINITELY a place in Tarot for Reversals. But if you are serious about learning Tarot, you should work on getting a good understanding of the upright cards before tackling reversed interpretations.

6.) Create an Environment for Reading

Make sure that you are in the right frame of mind for doing a reading. Taking some time to do some deep breathing exercises, meditation, or whatever practice helps calm and center you will be helpful for doing a reading. If you are not in the right headspace, do not try to do a reading. It will only confound you. When reaching out for guidance and understanding, be humble and approach your request in gratitude.

After I do a reading, I often take a photo of the cards I pulled for future reference. From there, I recommend taking the time to journal (if you can) and think about the meaning of the cards in relation to your question. Or better yet, start a website so others can share in your experience!

Tarot is a great skill to have for so many reasons. It is a great tool to help you step out of yourself and look at your world from an unbiased perspective and set you on a path for positive change.