How to Read Tarot Cards for Beginners, According to Experts
The images fascinate you—but when you try tarot for the first time, lots of questions suddenly come up: How do you draw the cards, which spread should you use, and how do you interpret the imagery? Don’t worry: You don’t need psychic abilities. Tarot can be a tool for self-reflection. Here’s how to get started without feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities.
With an open-ended question, a little quiet, and a simple layout, you can find your feet. These 14 spreads offer different ways to explore your thoughts and personal concerns.
1. Get to know your tarot deck
A tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The 22 Major Arcana cards deal with overarching life themes, while the 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect everyday experiences. The latter are divided into Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has ten numbered cards, as well as a King, Queen, Knight, and Page. Start by taking a close look at these groups.
2. Take a moment to settle and draw your cards
Take a deep breath before drawing and give yourself a quiet moment. Shuffle the cards in whatever way feels comfortable, or fan them out in a horseshoe shape and choose intuitively. There’s no need for an elaborate ritual. If rituals appeal to you, you can tap the deck three times; simply looking at the images is also part of getting to know your cards.
3. Ask questions that leave room for interpretation
Instead of asking, “Does this person like me?” try, “What should I know about this connection?” Open-ended questions leave more room to look at a situation from different angles. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, your own hopes can influence your interpretation. So imagine you’re reading for someone uninvolved, and ask yourself whether you’d reach the same conclusion.
4. One card: A simple way to start
Ask your deck a question and draw just one card. Look at the image, read up on its meaning, then write down what stands out to you. Note how you connect the interpretation to your question instead of simply copying the explanation. If a regular practice helps you get started, you can make this short exercise part of your morning routine.
5. Two cards: Compare yes and no
This spread is an exception to the advice to ask open-ended questions. Formulate a decision question such as, “Should I leave my job?” and place two cards side by side. The left card represents yes, and the right one represents no. Consider the meaning of each in relation to the corresponding option, rather than simply looking for the card that seems more appealing.
6. Three cards: Past, present, future
Draw three cards and place them in a horizontal row from left to right. The left card represents the past, the middle the present, and the right the future within this reading. You could use this spread to reflect on a relationship or your desire for a career change. Read each card on its own first, then look at the progression you see between the positions.
7. Five cards: From the situation to change
Arrange five cards clockwise, with the third at the top, in the 12 o’clock position. Card one describes your situation, card two your reaction, and card three what’s holding you back. The fourth shows a possible change, while the fifth represents the outcome connected to it. Pay particular attention to the last two cards: What action and result are linked here?
8. Mind, body, and spirit: Look within
Draw three cards for mind, body, and spirit to turn your attention inward. The first represents your thoughts, and the second your physical sensations. The third is read as a spiritual message or a sign from your higher self. Write down your impressions for each position, keeping the three perspectives separate at first.
9. The Celtic Cross: Ten perspectives on your question
Place card one in the center to represent the situation, then lay card two across it to represent the challenge. Above them goes card three for past influences, and below them card four for the future. Place card five on the left for conscious thoughts and card six on the right for unconscious thoughts. To the right, make a rising column: seven for your self-image, eight for how others see you, nine for hopes and fears, and ten for the outcome.
10. The Horseshoe: Uncover hidden influences
Lay out seven cards in a horseshoe shape, starting at the upper left and ending at the upper right. The first three positions represent the past, present, and hidden influences. Next come obstacles and your environment, such as the people involved or relevant behaviors. Card six describes a possible solution, and card seven the outcome connected to it. Read these last two together rather than separately.
11. Yin and Yang: Recognize two sides
Draw two cards to shed light on different sides of your question. The first represents Yin, the unseen, receptive side; the second represents Yang, the visible, active side. Look at the images as if they were two people in conversation. What differences do you notice, and where do the images complement each other, even if they seem opposed at first?
12. Ten relationship cards: Explore how things are developing
Lay out five cards in a horizontal row for yourself, with five more beneath them for the other person. Each vertical pair represents a stage: the beginning of the relationship, the past, the present, the future, and the final outcome. Compare the two cards in each column before moving on. This helps keep each perspective distinct, whether you’re reading about a committed relationship or a connection with your crush.
13. The Compatibility H: What brings you together?
Lay out two vertical columns of three cards, one for each person. Place a seventh card horizontally between the middle positions to form the connecting bar of the H. The top cards represent the mind, the middle cards the heart, and the bottom cards sexual compatibility. Finally, consider the connecting card: It symbolizes what holds you together.
14. Fifteen cards: Get an overview of your life
Lay out three rows of five cards each. The top row represents your past, the middle your present, and the bottom your future. The individual positions within each row are intentionally left open. Take your time, then, to notice the connections between the cards instead of immediately assigning each one an additional fixed meaning.
15. The inverted pyramid: From the big picture to the outcome
Start at the top with three cards side by side to represent your current situation. Beneath them, place two cards for the circumstances surrounding your question or potential difficulties. A final card at the bottom forms the point of the pyramid and represents the outcome. Pay close attention to the imagery: Even the direction a figure is facing can inform how you interpret the neighboring cards.
16. The cardinal directions: Map out four areas of your life
Place four drawn cards to the right, left, above, and below. The right-hand card concerns your relationships; the left-hand card your self-image, or how you experience yourself. The top card represents your career or public presence, and the bottom card your roots and home. Consider each position in turn before looking for connections between the different areas of your life.
17. Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign: An astrological perspective
You’ll need to know your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign for this spread. Draw three cards and assign one to each astrological point. The Sun card describes the energy you radiate outward, while the Moon card represents hidden feelings and inner conflicts. The Rising sign card relates to how others experience you. Pay particular attention to the difference between your inner world and the image you present to others.
18. Your takeaway: Start small and stay attentive
You don’t need to master the most elaborate spread right away: One question and one card are enough to get started. Look up card meanings, write down your thoughts, and give yourself time to get to know the images. If you’re reading for yourself, be especially mindful of interpretations shaped by what you hope to hear. One final tip: Start with a simple spread and practice with it before adding more positions.