Reading Tarot Cards: Your Guide and Card Meanings

Are your thoughts going in circles and every decision feels complicated? Tarot cards can help you look at your feelings and wishes from a different perspective. Their images aren’t reliable predictions, but prompts for self-reflection. Here, you’ll learn how to draw your first cards, understand key meanings, and choose the right spread for your question.

1. Use Tarot as a mirror

Think of Tarot as a visual starting point for a conversation with yourself. What matters is the thoughts the imagery brings up for you. For example, ask yourself why an image of setting off on a journey excites you—or makes you feel uneasy.

2. Get to know your deck

A Tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 in the Major Arcana and 56 in the Minor Arcana. Start by looking at the different images. Choose artwork that appeals to you rather than searching for the supposedly perfect deck.

3. Set aside a dedicated space

Having a spot for your cards that’s easy to access makes it easier to get started. You don’t need crystals, incense, or scented candles. If you enjoy using them, you can make them part of your personal routine.

4. Ask a personal question

Ask about something you can reflect on yourself. Instead of “When will I find true love?” you could ask, “What’s making it hard for me to feel close to someone right now?” This keeps the focus on your feelings and the choices available to you.

5. Shuffle without pressure

Shuffle your deck in whatever way feels comfortable. Keep your specific question in mind as you do. Don’t try to anticipate the answer you want or stage a perfect ceremony.

6. Draw and reveal the cards one by one

First, choose your spread and decide what each position represents. Then draw the cards face down. Turn them over one at a time and consider how each image relates to its position and your question.

7. Connect the messages

Think of a spread as one connected story. A card about retreat takes on a different emphasis when it appears alongside an image of setting off than it would on its own. Consider what tension or connection you see between the images.

8. Start with a card of the day

In the morning, draw a card about something on your mind. First, read a brief explanation of its meaning. Then look at the image itself and ask which aspect feels most relevant to your everyday life.

9. Add a card if needed

If your question still feels unresolved, you can draw a second card. Focus it specifically on a possible way forward. Bring the two images together rather than replacing the first card with a more comforting answer.

10. Try the three-card method

Lay out three cards from right to left for past, present, and future. Alternatively, they can represent body, mind, and spirit. Decide in advance which set of three you’ll use so your interpretation has a clear focus.

11. Explore a possible path forward

“The Path” uses seven cards to explore the present and possible developments. Use this perspective when you’re thinking about which direction to take. Treat the cards as possibilities to consider, not guarantees about what will happen.

12. Explore relationships with a love Tarot spread

For a love Tarot spread, draw four cards about your connection with another person. Pay particular attention to your own feelings. Any assumptions about the other person are interpretations, not certain knowledge of their inner world.

13. Focus on your potential

A potential spread turns your attention to your own possibilities. Some versions use a significator chosen in advance. As you look at the cards, ask yourself which strength you already have but may not be making enough use of in everyday life.

14. Compare two choices

A decision spread explores two alternatives and their possible consequences. Before you begin, describe each path as clearly as you can. Then consider what hopes or reservations you associate with each option.

15. Discover your blind spot

The “Blind Spot” spread explores the difference between how you see yourself and how others see you. It invites you to question familiar assumptions. Consider whether your self-image might leave out some sides of who you are.

16. Be mindful when reading for others

When reading cards for someone else, you bring your own thoughts and feelings into the reading. These can influence your interpretation. Take a moment to center yourself beforehand, perhaps with a short meditation, and stay aware of your personal perspective.

17. Understand the Major Arcana

The Major Arcana explores fundamental experiences, changes, and stages of development. Its 22 cards deal with broad themes. Still, relate them to your specific question instead of treating every card as a major turning point.

18. The Fool and the Magician

The Fool represents a carefree spirit, but can also suggest immaturity. The Magician combines initiative with the resources available to you—and the possibility of overconfidence. Ask yourself whether you need to be bolder about starting or more responsible in how you use what you have.

19. The High Priestess, the Empress, and the Emperor

The High Priestess emphasizes intuition and wisdom, while the Empress represents growth and nurturing strength. The Emperor stands for power, order, and control. Consider whether you need more feeling, room to grow, or clear structure.

20. The Hierophant and the Lovers

The Hierophant represents values and beliefs that you’re allowed to question. The Lovers emphasize connection and belonging. Think about friendships or family, too—not just romantic relationships.

21. The Chariot and Justice

The Chariot symbolizes a journey and personal development without specifying exactly where you are. Justice points to truth and fair decisions. Consider where you want to go and what this path asks of you in terms of honesty.

22. The Hermit and the Wheel of Fortune

The Hermit turns your attention to retreat and inner growth. The Wheel of Fortune explores cycles. Ask yourself whether you need some distance right now or are going through a familiar pattern again.

23. Strength and the Hanged Man

Strength is about courage and inner resilience, not domination. The Hanged Man represents patience when circumstances can’t be changed. Consider whether you want to use your energy for bold action or for consciously waiting.

24. Death and Temperance

Death symbolizes an ending that creates space for something new. Temperance encourages careful consideration and a slower approach. Think about what you might need to let go of and which decision could use more time.

25. The Devil and the Tower

The Devil draws attention to entanglements and abuses of power. The Tower can represent a sudden, disruptive ending. Use these powerful images to question your situation, not as a reason to make frightening predictions.

26. The Star and the Moon

The Star symbolizes hope, direction, and success. The Moon connects longing, intuition, and hidden feelings. Ask yourself what gives you confidence and which feelings you’ve been reluctant to examine more closely.

27. The Sun, Judgement, and the World

The Sun represents joy and positive energy, while Judgement is about weighing things up and bringing them to a close. The World emphasizes maturity and seeing how things fit together. Consider which developments you can now understand or appreciate more fully in hindsight.

28. Wands: Discover your passion

Wands are associated with the element of Fire and represent enthusiasm and a zest for life. Relate them to your passions. Which project makes your eyes light up, and where would you like to become more active again?

29. Pentacles: Stay grounded

Pentacles are associated with the element of Earth. They deal with practical matters such as home, work, and the body. Ask yourself which practical aspect of your situation deserves special attention right now.

30. Cups: Tune in to your feelings

Cups are associated with the element of Water and explore emotions and relationships. Feelings can be turbulent or calm. Consider what mood is influencing you and how it affects your connection with others.

31. Swords: Sort through your thoughts

Swords represent the element of Air, the mind, and analytical thinking. Relate them to how you think about everyday questions. Which line of thought could bring clarity, and how can you make better sense of your situation?

32. Conclusion: Start small

A clear question and a card of the day are enough to get started. Learn the meanings gradually and connect them to your everyday life. The most important tip: stay curious without expecting certainty.