The Complete Guide to Learning Tarot for Beginners
Hey babes! ✨ I know looking at all these tarot cards might feel like A LOT at first (trust me, I've been there). But don't stress - reading tarot is literally just vibing with your intuition and letting the cards spill the tea on life. Whether you're just curious about what all these pretty cards mean or ready to tap into your inner witch powers, I got you! Let's break this down together in a way that actually makes sense. 💖
What is Tarot and how does it work?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism, and story. These cards are used for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. Learning tarot online or through courses can provide you with an understanding of how tarot works and how to begin using it effectively.
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
A traditional tarot deck is divided into two sections:
Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life events and archetypes. Cards like The Fool, The Magician, and The Lovers convey powerful spiritual lessons.
Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards are more focused on everyday life and personal interactions. They are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each representing a different aspect of life.
The more you understand the meaning behind each card, the better you will be at interpreting the messages tarot has for you.
Understanding Tarot Card Meanings
The foundation of learning tarot lies in understanding the meaning of each card. The Major Arcana cards are often seen as representing universal spiritual themes, while the Minor Arcana deals with day-to-day challenges and triumphs.
For instance, The Fool represents new beginnings and adventures, while The Tower signifies sudden upheaval or change. Understanding the core message of each card is key to reading tarot effectively.
When learning tarot online, a good tarot course will often provide exercises that help you internalize these meanings and start making connections between the cards during readings.
Card Reversals
In tarot readings, cards can appear either upright or reversed. Reversed cards often signify an imbalance or blockage in the area the card represents. For example, if The Lovers appears reversed, it may indicate disharmony in a relationship.
How To Choose Your First Tarot Deck
When learning tarot, choosing the right deck is essential. There are hundreds of different tarot decks available, each with unique artwork and interpretations of the card meanings. For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with the Rider-Waite Tarot deck due to its straightforward symbolism and widespread use.
Other beginner-friendly decks include:
The Light Seer’s Tarot: Known for its modern, vibrant imagery.
Everyday Tarot: A minimalist deck that is easy to use for daily readings.
Each of these decks can help beginners grasp the basics of tarot card meanings, making it easier to learn tarot online or through books.
The Complete Guide to Learning Tarot for Beginners
Learning tarot can seem daunting for those just starting out, but with the right approach, it can be an empowering tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Whether you’re curious about the symbolism of tarot cards or want to develop your intuitive abilities, this guide will help you understand how to read tarot cards and make the process more manageable.
What is Tarot and How Does it Work?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism, and story. These cards are used for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. Learning tarot online or through courses can provide you with an understanding of how tarot works and how to begin using it effectively.
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
A traditional tarot deck is divided into two sections:
Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life events and archetypes. Cards like The Fool, The Magician, and The Lovers convey powerful spiritual lessons.
Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards are more focused on everyday life and personal interactions. They are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each representing a different aspect of life.
The more you understand the meaning behind each card, the better you will be at interpreting the messages tarot has for you.
Understanding Tarot Card Meanings
The foundation of learning tarot lies in understanding the meaning of each card. The Major Arcana cards are often seen as representing universal spiritual themes, while the Minor Arcana deals with day-to-day challenges and triumphs.
For instance, The Fool represents new beginnings and adventures, while The Tower signifies sudden upheaval or change. Understanding the core message of each card is key to reading tarot effectively.
When learning tarot online, a good tarot course will often provide exercises that help you internalize these meanings and start making connections between the cards during readings.
Card Reversals
In tarot readings, cards can appear either upright or reversed. Reversed cards often signify an imbalance or blockage in the area the card represents. For example, if The Lovers appears reversed, it may indicate disharmony in a relationship.
How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck
When learning tarot, choosing the right deck is essential. There are hundreds of different tarot decks available, each with unique artwork and interpretations of the card meanings. For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with the Rider-Waite Tarot deck due to its straightforward symbolism and widespread use.
Other beginner-friendly decks include:
The Light Seer’s Tarot: Known for its modern, vibrant imagery.
Everyday Tarot: A minimalist deck that is easy to use for daily readings.
Each of these decks can help beginners grasp the basics of tarot card meanings, making it easier to learn tarot online or through books.
Common Misconceptions About Learning Tarot
As you begin to learn tarot, you may encounter several misconceptions. Here are a few to be aware of:
Tarot is only for predicting the future: While tarot is often used for divination, it’s primarily a tool for self-reflection and guidance.
You must be psychic to read tarot: Anyone can learn how to read tarot cards. Over time, you’ll develop your intuition, but it isn’t necessary to be psychic.
You must memorize all 78 card meanings: Learning tarot doesn’t require memorization. It’s more important to understand the general themes and develop your personal interpretation of the cards
Tips for Learning Tarot Effectively
Learning tarot online offers a wealth of resources, but these tips can help make the process smoother:
Start with Daily Draws: Pull one card each day and reflect on how its meaning applies to your life.
Use Tarot Spreads: A basic three-card spread (Past, Present, Future) is a great place to start for beginners. As you progress, try more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in reading tarot. Join online tarot communities to exchange readings and tips with others.
Best Tarot Courses for Beginners
If you want to learn tarot online, consider investing in a high-quality tarot course. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a course:
Comprehensive Card Meanings: The course should cover all 78 cards in detail.
Practical Exercises: Look for courses that include spreads and real-life examples.
Support and Feedback: A good course will offer a community or mentor feedback.
Recommended Beginner Tarot Courses:
Biddy Tarot: This online course is structured to guide beginners through the fundamentals of tarot.
Ethony Tarot Academy: Known for its intuitive approach to tarot learning, it provides extensive resources for students.
Final Thoughts
Learning tarot doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tarot deck, an understanding of tarot card meanings, and consistent practice, you’ll be reading tarot confidently in no time. Whether you decide to learn tarot online through a structured course or through self-study, tarot offers a unique way to tap into your intuition and gain clarity in life.