Tarot is something that captivates many but is also often misunderstood. But never fear! If you’re finding yourself drawn to the cards, but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place.
In short, tarot cards are a divinatory tool used in the pursuit of wisdom–or guidance–or simply used to gain an alternative perspective on a given situation. Some folks believe they can predict the future using the cards–others believe they’re simply a reflection of the querent’s reality.
The cards are shrouded in mystery, but they truly can help us uncover big truths about ourselves, our relationships, our hopes, and dreams… once you learn how to interpret the different cards in your deck, of course!
Tarot reading can be a life-changing experience. Or it can be a really fun hobby. Or it can be anything in between.
Your practice is what you make of it.
Welcome to your tarot journey!
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Origins of Tarot
One of the biggest mysteries behind tarot is where it came from–and what purpose the cards originally served. There are a few things we know for certain.
According to Juliet Sharman-Burke, one of the authors of The Tarot: A Collection of Secret Wisdom from Tarot’s Mystical Origins, the cards have been around for over 600 years. Some folks will argue that the cards have strictly esoteric or secret origins. They may argue and reference ancient Egyptian philosophy or the cards’ connections to Kabbalistic magic.
Historians state that the origins date back to 15th-century Italian playing cards. This is because Italian decks at the time often mirror the structure of a typical tarot deck, with an extra suit of 22 “trump” cards, and an extra court card, when compared to traditional playing card decks.
The tarot decks we use today are primarily based on the work of mystic A.E. Waite and the illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith, which were published back in 1909. These decks are referred to as Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) style decks.
While not all tarot decks directly reference the original RWS deck and its motifs, the cards’ meanings have remained consistent over time.
A few of the Major Arcana cards. This is an example of the Rider - Waite Deck made by US Games
Overview of the Deck
All tarot decks are divided into two parts– the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana are the 22 “trump” cards; they begin with The Fool and end with The World. These cards generally hold more weight than the Minor cards and have to do with “the bigger picture” in a given situation.
They tell a story in sequence. “The Fool’s Journey” however, each individual Major Arcana card also tells its own story as well. They can be used alone as a sort of “mini deck”.
The majority of the cards are made up of the Minor Arcana, which is divided into four suits: cups, wands, swords, and coins or Pentacles. The suits each have a corresponding theme and element. These cards often have to do with “the day-to-day” of things.
Suits: Theme and Element
Within each suit, there are 14 cards– Ace thru 10– with four court cards–the Page, Knight, Queen, and King. The court cards often represent personalities or people rather than situations. The Aces hold a lot of raw power, similar to that of the Major Arcana cards.
How to Pick a Deck
Picking a deck doesn’t need to be difficult– you can look for one online on Amazon, or ask a friend for recommendations. A lot of bookstores, including Barnes & Noble, carry tarot decks as well.
Choose it intuitively: go to the tarot section of your local bookstore or metaphysical supply store, and see what calls to you. There could be a deck that has an aesthetic or overall theme that resonates with you or that you’d like to explore. Hold your hand over the cards and see if you get a positive vibe.
There are countless options but don’t get overwhelmed.
The most important part is that you feel bonded to your deck in some way.
There is an old wives tale that you must be gifted your first tarot deck, but that simply isn’t true! You can absolutely purchase your own deck if you so choose. That is what I did, with encouragement from tarot readers that I was inspired by.
After doing some research, I went with the Green Witch Tarot deck by Ann Moura for my first deck. I picked that one because the gentle vibes from the artwork, paired with its roots in green witchcraft, really spoke to me.
I later invested in the Crow Tarot deck by M. J. Cullinane because I found a single card from it by chance while in Seattle last year and it felt like a sign!
Editors Note: Ame’s Tarot deck is the Native American Tarot published by Laura Tuan and Sergio Tisselli. I choose this deck because I resonated with the Native American theme. I have had this deck for almost 20 years and I think of it as a trusted friend.
It truly is a case-by-case basis.
You’ll know it when you see it. Don’t stress about it too much.
Taking care of your cards
The most important thing to consider when taking care of your cards is to keep them together and to keep them safe.
Storage
After bringing your deck home, your next step might be to find a safe spot to store them when not in use. Whether you opt to create an altar where you keep all of your divination tools, or simply keep your cards in their original packaging, it’s up to you.
Some readers will make or purchase special bags or boxes for their decks as well. While this is nice, it is not necessary.
Any home you choose for your deck will be perfect.
Cleansing
Another aspect of taking care of your cards is cleansing them of leftover energy between uses. It takes a lot of energy to do a tarot reading and sometimes a little will stick around afterward.
This can affect your next reading or make it difficult for you to connect with your cards. You can purify your deck by placing clear quartz nearby or leaving it out under the light of the full moon.
Read our article Ten Most Essential Crystals For Pagans
How Do I Get to Know My Cards?
There are a few ways to get to know your tarot deck:
Single Pulls & The Daily Card Journal
The easiest way is by doing single card pulls.
You do this by shuffling your deck appropriately (I like to do at least 7 bridge shuffles or to mix my cards on the table for about a minute.
Then draw a single card. Pull from anywhere in the deck. Trust your intuition!
Doing a single card draw allows you to really focus and get to know the cards on an individual basis. You can notice all of the details–the colors used, any figures that are present, their expressions, any emotions that the card evokes in you… everything that sticks out to you is noteworthy.
A Daily Journal
Many readers will even start a tarot journal so that they can record their findings. This can be something you buy online that’s pre-formatted for you–or this can be a notebook that you dedicate to your own freewriting about your findings.
Much like the practice of tarot reading itself, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to go about doing a tarot journal.
Whichever method you choose, the purpose of a daily tarot journal is to help you get into the habit of doing daily readings, track your progress as a reader, and keep yourself accountable.
Comparing your own intuitive reaction to the cards with the traditional meanings will deepen your relationship with your deck in no time. The journal is just one means to this end.
Three-card spreads
Three-card spreads are some of the most common tarot spreads you will find.
A simple one that many use for insight (and for practice!) is the “past - present - future” spread.
First, ground yourself. Clear your head and connect with your deck.
When you’re ready… it’s as easy as 1-2-3:
Shuffle your deck.
As you shuffle, meditate on the situation that you want insight on.
When you’re done shuffling, draw three cards and place them side by side.
The first card represents the past of the situation. The second represents the current state of the situation. The third represents the future of the situation if you continue on your current path.
The thing about these labels–past, present, and future– is that the tarot can reveal all sorts of nuances to us. These cards may represent how we feel about the past–or the fears we have about the future. They may represent the opportunities that we don’t see in the now. It’s not always literal.
It’s important to keep an open mind when doing a tarot reading for this exact reason.
You never know what you’re going to learn.
Tips for Beginners
To get to know your tarot deck’s personality, consider “interviewing” it by asking it questions using a one-card pull for the answers.
Pay attention to the cards that come up often, but don’t pull cards until you get the ones that you want. Trust your intuition–and trust your deck to tell you the truth.
There is no one way to “do tarot”. Your practice is your own–so learn what you can and see where it goes!
Connect with your community if you’re feeling stuck. Whether it’s online or at workshops, the best way to learn is to learn together.
Recommendation
My personal favorite book on the topic is Guided Tarot by Stefanie Caponi.
Author, Amber Mason has a strong interest in tarot and green witchcraft but loves all things related to paganism & the esoteric. When she isn’t studying the tarot or meditating in the woods, she can be found traveling as far as 3500 miles or more in order to witness historic events in the underground electronic music scene that she’s taken a special journalistic interest in."
Ritual Tools are physical objects used to focus and direct spiritual energy. They are both symbolic and practical.
Ritual tools are used in a variety of ways. They invoke deities, banish negative energy, help you perform rituals and magical spells, and direct energy through our touch and intention.