How to Read Tarot Cards

What is Tarot?

Tarot is a deck of 78 illustrated cards originally used for card games in 15th-century Europe. Over time, they evolved into a powerful tool for self-reflection, spiritual guidance, and divination. Each card carries archetypal imagery drawn from mythology, astrology, numerology, and Kabbalah.

Tarot does not predict a fixed future - rather, it acts as a mirror for your subconscious mind, helping you access intuitive wisdom and consider situations from new angles.

The 78-Card Deck

A standard tarot deck is divided into two main sections:

The Major Arcana - The Fool's Journey

The 22 Major Arcana cards follow The Fool's Journey - a metaphor for the human experience from innocence through wisdom. They are grouped into three stages:

The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana

Reversed Tarot Cards

A reversed (or inverted) card appears upside-down during a reading. It typically indicates that the card's energy is blocked, internalized, or manifesting in a challenging way. For example, The Star upright means hope and renewal - reversed, it can signal despair or disconnection.

Some readers choose not to read reversals. There's no right or wrong approach - trust your intuition.

Popular Tarot Spreads

A spread is the pattern in which cards are laid out, with each position having a specific meaning. Here are the most common spreads:

Tips for Beginners

1. Start with a daily single card pull. One card a day is the fastest way to learn the deck.
2. Trust your first impression. Before reading the definition, notice how the card image makes you feel.
3. Keep a tarot journal. Write down your cards and what they meant to you that day. Review after a week.
4. Learn the suit elements. Knowing that Cups = emotions and Swords = intellect gives you instant context for any card.
5. Don't fear 'dark' cards. The Tower and Death are not literal - they symbolize transformation and change.
6. Use our Card Library. Browse all 78 cards, read their meanings, and identify patterns in what you draw.