How Tarot Cards Work: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Tarot Readings

A big cosmic, beautiful welcome to you gorgeous starry-eyed beginners who are ready to dip their toes into the realms of tarot! Boil yourself a cup of tea or sacred cocoa and enjoy wandering your eyes and minds eye through the words below. May they weave an insightful tapestry of knowledge for your journey ahead.

For those new to Tarot, the ancient art of reading cards can feel both mysterious and inviting. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do Tarot readings work?” or “How can Tarot help guide me?”, you’re not alone. Tarot is an age-old practice rooted in symbolism, intuition, and the connection between the self and the universe. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know as a beginner, answering key questions to help you understand how Tarot works and how it can support your journey of self-discovery.

What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Each card carries its own symbolism, story, and meaning. The Major Arcana cards represent significant life lessons, universal themes, and spiritual growth. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, focuses on everyday experiences, challenges, and emotions.

When we work with Tarot, we’re essentially connecting with the archetypal energies that exist in the universe. Each card is a reflection of these energies, offering insight into our lives, emotions, relationships, and more.

How Do Tarot Cards Work?

At the heart of Tarot is the idea that the cards serve as a mirror for our inner world. They reflect our thoughts, emotions, and subconscious patterns, helping us access deeper wisdom and guidance. Tarot works through a combination of symbolism, intuition, and synchronicity. When you shuffle the deck and pull cards, the universe aligns to offer you the messages you need at that moment.

The Role of Intuition: Tarot readers rely heavily on their intuition when interpreting the cards. While each card has a traditional meaning, the way it appears in a spread—and how it interacts with other cards—brings deeper, personal insights. A Tarot reading is not just about the cards themselves; it's about the energy and feelings you get when reading them.

How a Tarot Reading is Done

Tarot readings typically begin with a clear intention or question. Whether you’re asking for guidance on a relationship, career, or personal growth, setting a clear intention helps focus the reading. Here’s how a basic Tarot reading is done:

1. Shuffling the Deck: The Tarot reader (or the person receiving the reading) shuffles the deck to mix the energies. Some readers shuffle with a specific question in mind, while others allow the cards to fall naturally.

2. Drawing the Cards: After shuffling, cards are drawn and placed in a specific spread. Spreads are patterns used to lay out the cards. Each position in the spread represents a different aspect of your life or question. For beginners, a three-card spread—past, present, future—is a great place to start.

3. Interpreting the Cards: The reader then interprets the cards based on their position in the spread, their symbolism, and any intuitive feelings they get. Each card tells part of a story, and together, they provide a comprehensive message or guidance.

4. Closing the Reading: After the interpretation, it's important to reflect on the messages received. Tarot readings often end with a moment of gratitude for the insight provided, followed by some personal reflection on how the guidance resonates.

How Tarot Readings Help

Tarot readings offer more than just answers; they provide a space for self-reflection and personal growth. When done with intention, Tarot can help in several ways:

• Clarity and Insight: Tarot can shine a light on areas of your life that feel murky or uncertain. Whether you're facing a big decision or navigating a complex emotional situation, Tarot provides clarity by offering different perspectives.

• Emotional Healing: Tarot often brings to the surface feelings or patterns that we may not be fully aware of. By recognizing these, we can begin the process of emotional healing and release.

• Empowerment: Tarot readings empower you to make decisions aligned with your highest self. They remind you that while fate and destiny play a role, you have the power to shape your future.

• Spiritual Guidance: Many people use Tarot as a spiritual tool to connect with their higher selves, the universe, or spirit guides. It can help deepen your spiritual practice and provide a greater sense of connection.

How Tarot Readings Work for Beginners

For beginners, learning how to do a Tarot reading can feel overwhelming at first. But remember, Tarot is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Here’s how you can begin:

• Start with Simple Spreads: A simple three-card spread (past, present, future) is a great starting point. This allows you to get familiar with the cards without feeling overwhelmed.

• Focus on the Imagery: Before diving into complex interpretations, take time to connect with the imagery of each card. What emotions do they evoke? What story do they tell? Allow your intuition to guide your reading.

• Journal Your Insights: After each reading, take a moment to journal your insights. Write down the cards you pulled, how they made you feel, and what message you received. Over time, this will help you build a personal connection with the deck.

Our Lucid Dreams Beginners Tarot

For those just beginning their Tarot journey, our Lucid Dreams Beginners Tarot is designed with beginners in mind. This deck features gold keywords and includes astrological and elemental symbols around the borders of each card, making it easier to develop both your Tarot and astrological knowledge. With this deck, you can easily reference traditional card meanings while also exploring deeper cosmic connections, helping you build confidence and trust in your intuitive reading abilities. It's our independently published deck that was crafted to be your companion from your very first shuffle to many moons and solar laps down your spiritual road. An investment in you,

Common Questions About Tarot

Q: Can anyone do a Tarot reading? Yes! Tarot is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or intuition level. Like any skill, Tarot reading improves with practice and patience.

Q: How often should I do a Tarot reading? It depends on your needs. Some people pull cards daily for personal guidance, while others may only do a full reading during important life moments or once a month. Trust your intuition on when you need insight.

Q: Do I need to ask a specific question? You don’t have to ask a specific question to do a Tarot reading. General readings can offer broad insights into your current situation, while specific questions can give targeted advice.

Affirmations for Beginner Tarot Readers

• "I trust my intuition to guide me in every reading."
• "Tarot is a tool of reflection and wisdom, and I am open to its messages."
• "I embrace the journey of learning Tarot with curiosity and patience."
• "The cards reveal what I need to know at this moment, and I trust their guidance."

How Tarot Can Empower You

Tarot is not just about predicting the future; it’s a tool for empowerment. Whether you’re facing difficult choices, seeking personal growth, or needing spiritual guidance, Tarot offers a mirror to your inner self and the universe around you. As you explore how Tarot works, remember that the cards reflect your energy, your desires, and your personal growth path. It’s not about what the cards say—it’s about what they invite you to discover within yourself.

Through Tarot, you hold the power to unlock deeper truths, make empowered decisions, and step confidently into the next chapter of your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just beginning your practice, let Tarot be your guide as you explore the magic and wisdom it has to offer.

In conclusion, Tarot is a sacred practice that opens the door to self-awareness, spiritual growth, and clarity. As you step into this mystical journey, trust that each card you draw brings you closer to understanding your true self and the universe. 🌙