The Lazy Girl's Guide To Tarot (Without Memorizing 78 Meanings)
- Wendy H.
- Nov 13, 2025
- 21 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you're searching "how to read tarot cards," you've probably found guides that tell you to memorize all 78 card meanings (plus 78 reversed meanings), study for months before attempting your first reading, perform elaborate shuffling rituals, cleanse your deck under the full moon, master the Celtic Cross spread, never let anyone else touch your cards, and reference the guidebook for every single card.
That's exhausting.
Here's what actually works for learning tarot: pull a card, look at the image, notice what you think. Done.
No memorization. No complex tarot spreads. No mystical rules you have to follow perfectly.
Just: card + question + your attention = insight.
This is a practical guide to reading tarot cards for beginners who want to actually use the practice in real life—not spend years studying theory before doing their first reading.
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In this beginner's guide to tarot:
How tarot reading actually works (psychology, not mysticism)
How to read tarot cards in 5 simple steps
Do you need to memorize tarot card meanings? (no, here's what to do instead)
Best tarot spreads for beginners (spoiler: one card is enough)
How to choose your first tarot deck
7 simple ways to practice reading tarot
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
How Tarot Reading Actually Works (The Psychology Behind It)
Before we get into how to read tarot cards, let's talk about why tarot works—without the mystical language.
Tarot reading isn't about the cards having supernatural powers.
It's about five psychological mechanisms that help you think more clearly:
1. Pattern Interruption
You're stuck in a mental loop about a problem. You pull a tarot card. The image interrupts your thought pattern and makes you see the situation from a different angle.
2. Permission to Trust Yourself
You already know what you think deep down. The tarot card just gives you permission to acknowledge it without second-guessing yourself.
3. Concrete Symbol for Abstract Feelings
"I feel weird about this job offer" is vague and hard to examine. A tarot card gives you a concrete image to anchor that abstract feeling to, which makes it easier to understand what you're actually feeling.
4. Externalized Perspective
When you explain a card's meaning out loud (even just to yourself), you often hear yourself say what you actually think. The card acts as a mirror.
5. Focused Attention
Pulling a tarot card forces you to stop multitasking and actually think about the question you're asking. That focused attention is rare and valuable.
Do the cards predict the future? Do they tap into universal wisdom?
Maybe. But also maybe not.
What matters is: tarot cards help you think more clearly about what's already in your head.
The cards are the excuse to pay attention. The insight is what you bring to them.
This is why you can start reading tarot cards today—even as a complete beginner—without years of study. You're not trying to access cosmic knowledge. You're trying to access your own knowledge.
How to Read Tarot Cards: Simple 5-Step Method for Beginners
Here's the simplest possible method for how to read tarot cards for beginners:
Step 1: Think of a Clear Question
Before you touch your tarot deck, get clear on what you're actually asking.
Good questions for tarot:
"What do I need to know about [situation]?"
"What energy should I bring to [event]?"
"What am I not seeing in this situation?"
"What's blocking me from [goal]?"
Questions that don't work well with tarot:
Yes/no questions ("Will he text me back?")
Timing questions ("When will I get rich?")
Should questions ("Should I quit my job?")—tarot works better with "what" than "should"
Tarot gives you nuance and perspective, not binary answers.
Step 2: Shuffle Your Deck (However Feels Right)
There's no "correct" way to shuffle tarot cards.
You can:
Shuffle like regular playing cards
Mix them around on a table
Cut the deck into piles and restack them
Hold them while thinking of your question
The only thing that matters: Focus on your question while shuffling.
Shuffle until it feels like enough (usually 30 seconds to a minute). You'll know when to stop.
Step 3: Pull One Card
When you feel ready, pull the top card from your deck. (Or spread them out and pick one that draws your attention.)
Starting with one card is enough. You don't need a complex spread to do a good tarot reading.
Step 4: Look at the Image (Don't Check the Meaning Yet)
This is the most important step in learning how to read tarot cards for beginners:
Look at the card before you check what it "officially" means.
Notice:
What's happening in the image?
What's the mood? (Peaceful? Chaotic? Still?)
What colors stand out?
Is the figure alone or with others?
Are they moving toward something or away?
What's your gut reaction? (Comfortable? Uncomfortable? Neutral?)
What's the first word that comes to mind when you see it?
Spend at least 30 seconds just looking.
Step 5: Notice What You Think
This is the reading.
What does the image make you think about in relation to your question?
Example:
Your question: "What do I need to know about my job search?"
You pull: The Hermit (a figure alone on a mountain, holding a lantern)
What you notice:
He's alone, but it doesn't look lonely—it looks intentional
The lantern suggests he has his own light/clarity
He's high up, like he's taken time to get perspective
It feels quiet and still
What you think: "Maybe I need to step back from frantically applying everywhere and get clear on what I actually want. I have the answers—I just need space to hear them."
That's your reading.
You didn't memorize what The Hermit means. You looked at the image and let it speak to your situation.
Now (if you want), you can check the guidebook or look up the traditional meaning. Often you'll find your intuitive reading overlaps with the traditional interpretation—but your personal insight is more valuable.
Do You Need to Memorize Tarot Card Meanings?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: It helps eventually, but you absolutely don't need it to start reading tarot cards.
Here's the truth about tarot card meanings:
Traditional meanings exist (The Tower = upheaval, The Sun = joy, Three of Swords = heartbreak, etc.), and they're useful as a baseline.
But your personal response to the image matters more than the "official" meaning.
How to Read Tarot Cards Without Memorizing Meanings
When you're learning tarot, use this approach instead of memorization:
Look at the card's visual elements:
Count the figures
One person = internal/personal experience
Two people = relationship/partnership
Many people = community/social dynamics
No people = situations, energy, events
Notice the body language
Open arms = receptive, welcoming
Turned away = avoidance, leaving
Looking up = aspirational, spiritual
Looking down = introspective, grounded
Read the colors
Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) = active, energetic, passionate
Cool colors (blue, green, purple) = calm, emotional, spiritual
Dark = heavy, serious, hidden
Light = clear, joyful, exposed
Notice movement
Moving toward = approaching something
Moving away = leaving something behind
Still = pause, contemplation, waiting
Trust your gut
Does this card feel good, bad, or complicated?
What emotion does it evoke?
Example of reading without knowing the "official" meaning:
You pull the Three of Swords (traditionally means "heartbreak"—but let's say you don't know this).
What you see: A heart with three swords stabbed through it, grey clouds, rain.
Your interpretation without knowing the traditional meaning: "This looks painful. Three sharp things piercing something vulnerable. Multiple hurts, not just one. The rain feels like grief. This is about emotional pain that's real and present."
You just accurately read the card—without memorizing anything. If you're curious about card meanings, I put together a tarot card cheat sheet below you can reference.
Tarot Card Meanings Chart - Quick Reference for Beginners
Major Arcana (22 Cards)
Card Number | Card Name | Simple Meaning |
0 | The Fool | New beginning, leap of faith |
I | The Magician | Skill, power, manifestation |
II | The High Priestess | Intuition, inner knowledge |
III | The Empress | Abundance, nurturing, creativity |
IV | The Emperor | Structure, authority, stability |
V | The Hierophant | Tradition, conformity, institutions |
VI | The Lovers | Choice, partnership, values |
VII | The Chariot | Determination, willpower, victory |
VIII | Strength | Inner strength, courage, patience |
IX | The Hermit | Solitude, reflection, inner guidance |
X | Wheel of Fortune | Change, cycles, fate |
XI | Justice | Fairness, truth, consequences |
XII | The Hanged Man | Pause, surrender, new perspective |
XIII | Death | Ending, transformation, transition |
XIV | Temperance | Balance, moderation, patience |
XV | The Devil | Attachment, limitation, materialism |
XVI | The Tower | Upheaval, sudden change, revelation |
XVII | The Star | Hope, healing, inspiration |
XVIII | The Moon | Uncertainty, illusion, subconscious |
XIX | The Sun | Joy, success, vitality |
XX | Judgement | Awakening, renewal, reckoning |
XXI | The World | Completion, achievement, wholeness |
Minor Arcana by Suit
Suit Meanings
Suit | Element | Represents | Keywords |
Wands | Fire | Action, passion, creativity, career | Energy, ambition, growth, inspiration |
Cups | Water | Emotions, relationships, intuition | Love, feelings, connections, creativity |
Swords | Air | Thoughts, conflict, communication | Ideas, challenges, truth, mental clarity |
Pentacles | Earth | Money, material world, body, work | Resources, security, health, practical matters |
Number Meanings (Applies to All Suits)
Number/Court | General Meaning |
Ace | New beginning in that suit's domain |
Two | Balance, partnership, choice |
Three | Growth, expansion, collaboration |
Four | Stability, structure, foundation |
Five | Conflict, challenge, change |
Six | Harmony, communication, problem-solving |
Seven | Assessment, reflection, challenge |
Eight | Movement, action, mastery |
Nine | Near completion, fulfillment |
Ten | Completion, ending, transition |
Page | Messenger, beginner, student energy |
Knight | Action, movement, pursuit |
Queen | Mastery, nurturing, internal expression |
King | Authority, mastery, external expression |
Combined Meanings (Suit + Number)
Wands (Fire - Action/Career/Passion)
Card | Meaning |
Ace of Wands | New creative project, inspiration, potential |
Two of Wands | Planning, decisions, future vision |
Three of Wands | Expansion, foresight, leadership |
Four of Wands | Celebration, harmony, homecoming |
Five of Wands | Competition, conflict, disagreement |
Six of Wands | Victory, recognition, success |
Seven of Wands | Defense, standing your ground |
Eight of Wands | Swift action, movement, progress |
Nine of Wands | Resilience, persistence, boundaries |
Ten of Wands | Burden, responsibility, overwhelm |
Page of Wands | Enthusiastic messenger, new ideas |
Knight of Wands | Adventurous action, impulsiveness |
Queen of Wands | Confident, charismatic, passionate |
King of Wands | Natural leader, visionary, entrepreneur |
Cups (Water - Emotions/Relationships)
Card | Meaning |
Ace of Cups | New love, emotional beginning, compassion |
Two of Cups | Partnership, connection, mutual attraction |
Three of Cups | Celebration, friendship, community |
Four of Cups | Apathy, contemplation, missed opportunities |
Five of Cups | Loss, grief, disappointment |
Six of Cups | Nostalgia, innocence, childhood memories |
Seven of Cups | Choices, illusion, fantasy |
Eight of Cups | Walking away, seeking deeper meaning |
Nine of Cups | Contentment, satisfaction, wishes fulfilled |
Ten of Cups | Emotional fulfillment, happy family, harmony |
Page of Cups | Sensitive messenger, creative inspiration |
Knight of Cups | Romantic, idealistic, following the heart |
Queen of Cups | Compassionate, intuitive, emotionally mature |
King of Cups | Emotionally balanced, diplomatic, calm |
Swords (Air - Thoughts/Conflict/Communication)
Card | Meaning |
Ace of Swords | Mental clarity, breakthrough, truth |
Two of Swords | Difficult decision, avoidance, stalemate |
Three of Swords | Heartbreak, painful truth, sorrow |
Four of Swords | Rest, recuperation, contemplation |
Five of Swords | Conflict, defeat, winning at any cost |
Six of Swords | Transition, moving on, leaving difficulty |
Seven of Swords | Deception, strategy, sneaking |
Eight of Swords | Restriction, feeling trapped, self-imposed limitations |
Nine of Swords | Anxiety, worry, nightmares |
Ten of Swords | Painful ending, betrayal, hitting rock bottom |
Page of Swords | Curious, communicative, mentally sharp |
Knight of Swords | Direct action, haste, truth-seeking |
Queen of Swords | Clear communication, independent, perceptive |
King of Swords | Intellectual authority, truth, justice |
Pentacles (Earth - Money/Material/Body/Work)
Card | Meaning |
Ace of Pentacles | New financial opportunity, prosperity, manifestation |
Two of Pentacles | Balance, juggling responsibilities, adaptability |
Three of Pentacles | Teamwork, collaboration, skill development |
Four of Pentacles | Holding on, control, financial security |
Five of Pentacles | Financial hardship, isolation, loss |
Six of Pentacles | Generosity, giving and receiving, charity |
Seven of Pentacles | Assessment, patience, long-term investment |
Eight of Pentacles | Skill development, dedication, craftsmanship |
Nine of Pentacles | Independence, self-sufficiency, luxury |
Ten of Pentacles | Legacy, inheritance, long-term success |
Page of Pentacles | Studious, practical, new venture |
Knight of Pentacles | Reliable, methodical, hardworking |
Queen of Pentacles | Nurturing, practical, financially secure |
King of Pentacles | Wealthy, successful, business-minded |
How to Use This Chart
For beginners:
Pull a card
Look at the image first
Form your own interpretation
Then (if needed) check this chart
See where your intuition and the traditional meaning overlap
But honestly: You can do excellent tarot readings without memorizing any of this. Just look at the images and trust what you see.
Remember: Your personal interpretation is more valuable than memorizing these meanings. Use this chart as a reference, not a rulebook.
Pro tip: After a few months of daily draws, you won't need this chart anymore. You'll know the cards through experience, not memorization.
Best Tarot Spreads for Beginners
Forget the Celtic Cross. Forget elaborate 10-card spreads.
The best tarot spread for beginners is: one card.
The One-Card Tarot Reading
This is the foundation of learning how to read tarot cards.
How to do a one-card tarot reading:
Ask a clear question
Shuffle your deck
Pull one card
Look at the image
Notice what comes up for you
Why one card is enough:
You can actually interpret it without getting overwhelmed
It forces you to be specific with your question
You'll do it more often (which means you'll learn faster)
It's quick (2-5 minutes)
It works for daily practice
One-card reading example:
Question: "What do I need to bring to today's difficult conversation?"
Card pulled: Queen of Swords
What you see: A woman sitting on a throne, holding a sword upright, looking directly forward. She's alone but appears strong.
Your reading: "Clear communication. No emotional manipulation—just direct, honest words. I can be kind and still have boundaries."
One card gave you everything you needed.
Simple 3-Card Tarot Spreads (If You Want More)
Once you're comfortable with one-card readings, you can expand to three cards:
Option 1: Past / Present / Future
Card 1: What's influencing this situation from the past
Card 2: Where things are now
Card 3: Where this is heading
Option 2: Situation / Action / Outcome
Card 1: The current situation
Card 2: What action to take
Card 3: Likely outcome if you take that action
Option 3: Stop / Start / Continue
Card 1: What to stop doing
Card 2: What to start doing
Card 3: What to keep doing
Option 4: Me / Them / The Relationship
Card 1: My energy/perspective
Card 2: Their energy/perspective
Card 3: The relationship dynamic
You can also make up your own tarot spreads. There are no rules. Just decide what questions you want answered and assign one card to each question.
Daily Tarot Practice for Beginners
The single best way to learn tarot is to do a daily one-card pull:
Every morning (or whenever you think of it):
Shuffle your deck
Ask: "What do I need to know today?"
Pull one card
Look at it for 30-60 seconds
Notice what comes up
Don't journal. Don't analyze. Just look and notice.
After a few weeks, you'll start recognizing patterns:
Certain cards show up during similar situations
You'll remember cards based on when they appeared in your life
The deck will start to feel familiar
This is how you actually learn tarot—through practice, not memorization.
Best Tarot Decks for Beginners
The best beginner tarot deck is: Rider-Waite-Smith or any deck based on it.
Why Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Decks Are Best for Learning Tarot
1. Every card has a picture Some tarot decks only illustrate the Major Arcana and court cards. The numbered Minor Arcana cards just show, say, seven swords with no scene. That's hard to read intuitively.
RWS decks illustrate all 78 cards with actual scenes you can interpret.
2. The images tell stories Each card shows a situation, not just a symbol. You can look at the Three of Swords and see a heart being pierced. You can look at the Five of Cups and see someone grieving spilled cups while ignoring the two still standing. The story is in the image.
3. Most tarot resources reference this system When you eventually want to look up meanings or read tarot books, 90% of them use RWS as the standard reference.
4. They're affordable The classic Rider-Waite deck costs $15-25. You don't need an expensive hand-painted art deck to learn tarot.
Recommended Tarot Decks for Beginners
Classic choice:
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (the original) - $15-20 Traditional, clear symbolism, works for everyone
Modern RWS-based decks:
Modern Witch Tarot - Diverse, updated imagery, same RWS structure
Everyday Tarot - Minimalist, clean, easy to read
Tarot of the Divine - Multicultural folklore themes, RWS-based
Light Seer's Tarot - Contemporary photography-based, intuitive
What to avoid as a beginner:
Abstract or minimalist decks (harder to read intuitively)
Themed decks you're not familiar with (Cat Tarot, Star Wars Tarot, etc.)
Decks with only Major Arcana illustrated
Oracle decks (these are different from tarot—fewer cards, different structure)
Where to buy your first tarot deck:
Amazon (widest selection, easy returns)
Local metaphysical/new age shops (can see cards in person)
Barnes & Noble (surprisingly good tarot section)
Budget tip: Don't spend more than $25 on your first deck. Use it for 3-6 months. Once you know what you like, you can invest in a more expensive deck.
7 Simple Ways to Practice Reading Tarot Cards
Here are practical ways to use tarot in real life—no complicated rituals required.
Method 1: Daily Card Pull (Simplest Practice)
What it is: Pull one card each morning.
How to do it:
Shuffle your deck
Ask: "What do I need to know today?"
Pull one card
Look at it for 30-60 seconds
Notice what comes up (don't force an interpretation)
Go about your day
Time: 2 minutes
Why it works: You'll start seeing how cards relate to your actual experiences. The Ten of Wands shows up on overwhelming days. The Four of Swords appears when you need rest. You learn through pattern recognition, not memorization.
Method 2: Decision Clarity Reading
What it is: Pull cards when you're stuck on a choice.
How to do it:
State your question clearly: "What do I need to consider about [decision]?"
Shuffle
Pull 1-3 cards
Look at the images first (don't check meanings immediately)
Write down what you notice
Example question: "What do I need to consider about taking this job offer?"
Cards pulled:
Eight of Pentacles (person focused on detailed work)
Four of Swords (person resting)
Ace of Wands (hand holding sprouting wand)
Your interpretation: "This job requires detailed, focused work (8 of Pentacles), but I'm currently burned out and need rest (4 of Swords). However, there's genuine creative potential here (Ace of Wands). Maybe I take the job but negotiate a later start date?"
Time: 5-10 minutes
Method 3: "What Am I Avoiding?" Tarot Reading
What it is: Pull a card to reveal your blind spot.
How to do it:
Ask: "What am I not seeing in this situation?"
Pull one card
Sit with whatever discomfort comes up
Journal about it for 5 minutes
When to use: When you feel stuck but don't know why.
Time: 10 minutes
This reading type often surfaces uncomfortable truths you've been avoiding.
Method 4: Weekly Planning Tarot Spread
What it is: Three cards on Sunday evening.
The spread:
Card 1: What I'm carrying from last week
Card 2: What this week asks of me
Card 3: How to show up
Time: 10 minutes
Why it works: It creates a weekly ritual of reflection and intention-setting.
Method 5: Tarot Journaling Practice
What it is: Pull a card, then free-write about it.
How to do it:
Pull one card
Set a timer for 10 minutes
Write whatever comes up when you look at the card
Don't edit. Don't check the guidebook. Just write.
When to use: When you need to process something but don't know where to start.
Time: 15 minutes
Why it works: The card breaks through mental blocks. You start writing and suddenly you know what you actually think about the situation.
Method 6: Reading Tarot for Someone Else
What it is: Your first reading for another person.
How to do it:
Have them ask a clear question
Let them shuffle (or you shuffle while thinking of them)
Pull 1-3 cards
Describe what you see in the images (not what you think they "mean")
Ask them what resonates
Critical rule: Don't try to sound mystical. Just describe what you notice.
Example:
Card pulled: The Hermit
Don't say: "The universe is calling you to a period of solitary introspection where you must illuminate your inner wisdom."
Do say: "This card shows someone alone on a mountain with a lantern. It feels like maybe you need some space right now to figure things out on your own. Does that resonate with what's happening for you?"
When you read tarot for others, you're offering perspective—not predictions.
Method 7: Tarot for Specific Life Areas
Pull one card for quick insight on specific areas:
Career tarot reading: "What do I need to know about my work situation?"
Relationship tarot reading: "What's the current energy between me and [person]?"
Self-care tarot reading: "What does my body/mind need right now?"
Creativity tarot reading: "What's blocking my creative flow?"
One card. One question. Simple.
How to Interpret Tarot Cards You Don't Know
You pull a card. You have no idea what it traditionally means. Now what?
Step-by-step interpretation method:
1. Describe what's literally happening in the image
"There's a person in a boat. Six swords are standing upright in the boat. They're moving across water toward a distant shore. The person looks down, not happy but not panicking either."
2. Notice the mood
"This feels heavy but necessary. Like leaving something behind even though it's hard."
3. Identify colors and their feeling
"The water is gray-blue—calm but somber. The sky is lighter ahead—things might improve."
4. Count the figures
"Just one person—this is a personal journey, not something involving others right now."
5. Body language
"They're hunched slightly. Tired. But still moving forward."
6. Your gut reaction
"This doesn't feel good, but it doesn't feel wrong either. It feels like doing something hard because it's necessary."
7. First word that pops up
"Transition. Or maybe 'moving on.'"
Your reading: "This situation involves leaving something behind. It's not joyful, but it's necessary. I'm carrying some pain (the swords) but moving toward something better (the distant shore). The hardest part is just making the journey—once I'm moving, it gets easier."
The traditional meaning of Six of Swords: Transition, moving on, leaving difficulty behind.
See? You read the card accurately without "knowing" what it meant.
This is how you read tarot as a beginner. Trust the image. Trust your gut. The meaning is already there.
Tarot Reading FAQs (Common Questions Answered)
Do I need to cleanse my tarot deck?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Only if it makes you feel better.
Traditional belief: Tarot decks accumulate energy and need regular cleansing (with smoke, moonlight, crystals, etc.).
Reality: Cards are paper. Energy doesn't "stick" to them unless you believe it does.
When "cleansing" might help:
After a particularly heavy or emotional reading
If you bought a used deck
If ritual makes your practice feel more intentional
How to "cleanse" without fuss:
Shuffle thoroughly while setting an intention
Knock on the deck three times
Put it away for a day
Reorganize the cards by suit
The "cleansing" is really just: resetting your mental relationship with the deck.
Can other people touch my tarot deck?
Traditional rule: "Never let anyone else touch your tarot deck."
The reality: This is superstition.
Your deck won't be "contaminated" if someone else shuffles it.
Do what feels right:
If you're protective of your deck, keep it private (totally valid)
If you want others to interact with it, that's fine too (also valid)
There's no cosmic law here. It's personal preference.
What do reversed tarot cards mean?
Reversed cards = when a card appears upside down in your reading.
Traditional approach: Reversed cards have different meanings (often opposite or "blocked" energy from the upright meaning).
Beginner approach: Ignore reversals.
Why you can skip them:
It doubles the meanings you need to learn (78 becomes 156)
Upright cards already contain nuance and complexity
Many experienced readers don't use reversals
If you want to use reversals eventually: Simple interpretation: The reversed card is the same energy but blocked, internalized, or excessive.
Example:
The Sun upright = Joy, vitality, confidence
The Sun reversed = Forced positivity, burnout from overextending, struggling to see the good
But honestly: you can do excellent tarot readings for years without using reversals.
The same card keeps showing up. What does that mean?
You're not paying attention to its message yet.
What to do:
Pull that card out of your deck
Put it where you'll see it daily (desk, altar, nightstand)
Sit with it for a few days
Journal about it: "What are you trying to tell me?"
Take action on whatever insight comes up
Once you integrate the message, the card will stop appearing so frequently.
What if I don't "feel" anything when I pull cards?
That's okay. Not everyone is naturally intuitive with tarot.
Alternative approaches:
Describe the card's image literally, then connect it to your question
Use the guidebook as a starting point
Pull cards daily—intuition develops with practice
Try a different deck (maybe yours doesn't resonate visually)
Some people are visual learners. Some are analytical. Tarot works for both types—you just approach it differently.
Can tarot predict the future?
My take: Tarot shows current energy and possible paths—not fixed outcomes.
Think of tarot like weather forecasting:
Current conditions: sunny, 70 degrees
Forecast: 80% chance of rain tomorrow
The forecast isn't destiny. You can still plan a picnic. You'll just want to bring an umbrella.
Tarot works the same way. It shows you trends and patterns, but you always have agency.
What if my interpretation feels "wrong"?
There's no wrong interpretation in a personal tarot reading.
When you're reading for yourself, what matters is what the card makes you think in relation to your question.
The only "wrong" interpretation: Forcing a card to say what you want to hear instead of what it's actually showing.
If you're genuinely unsure:
Check the guidebook after you've formed your own interpretation
Look up the traditional meaning online
See where your reading overlaps with the traditional meaning
Trust yourself over the book
How long does it take to learn tarot?
To start reading: 5 minutes (pull a card, look at it, notice what you think)
To feel confident: 3-6 months of regular practice (daily or weekly draws)
To learn all the traditional meanings: 1-2 years if you study deliberately
But here's the thing: you don't need to wait to "know enough." You can start doing meaningful tarot readings today.
The learning happens through doing, not through studying.
Common Tarot Reading Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Asking the same question repeatedly
You don't like the answer, so you keep pulling cards until you get one you like.
Why this doesn't work: You're not seeking clarity—you're seeking validation.
Fix: One question = one reading. If you don't like the answer, sit with why you don't like it. That's usually where the real insight is.
Mistake 2: Asking yes/no questions
"Will I get the job?" "Does he like me?" "Should I move?"
Why this doesn't work: Tarot does nuance, not binary answers.
Fix: Reframe to "what" questions:
"What do I need to know about this job opportunity?"
"What's the current energy between me and this person?"
"What should I consider about moving?"
Mistake 3: Reading tarot for others before you can read for yourself
You want to help your friend, but you don't trust your own interpretations yet.
Why this doesn't work: Reading for others adds pressure. If you're not confident with your own readings, you'll panic when someone else is waiting for answers.
Fix: Practice on yourself for 3-6 months first. Once you trust your interpretations in private, you're ready to read for others.
Mistake 4: Making tarot too serious or ceremonial
You think every reading requires:
Perfect silence
Incense burning
Cleansing rituals
A full moon
An hour of uninterrupted time
Why this doesn't work: You'll never do it. Perfectionism kills practice.
Fix: Pull cards while drinking coffee. Do readings in bed. Use tarot cards like a journal—as a regular tool for self-reflection, not a precious ceremonial object.
Tarot can be casual and still be meaningful.
Mistake 5: Using tarot instead of taking action
Pulling cards for guidance is useful. Pulling cards to avoid making decisions is not.
Examples of tarot replacing action:
Asking "should I apply for this job?" instead of just applying
Pulling cards about a relationship every day instead of having an actual conversation
Reading about money blocks instead of creating a budget
Fix: Use tarot to clarify your thinking, then take action based on what you learned.
Tarot supports action. It doesn't replace it.
Mistake 6: Trying to memorize all 78 meanings at once
You buy a tarot deck and a 400-page guidebook and try to study it like a textbook.
Why this doesn't work: You'll get overwhelmed and never actually practice.
Fix: Learn by doing. Pull one card daily. Look at the image first, form your interpretation, then (optionally) check the guidebook. You'll naturally absorb meanings through repetition.
Mistake 7: Treating the guidebook as gospel
The guidebook says the Three of Cups means "celebration," but when you look at the card in response to your question, you see "surface-level friendships."
Why this is a mistake: The guidebook gives general meanings. Your intuition knows your specific situation.
Fix: Guidebook meanings are suggestions, not rules. Your personal interpretation for your situation is more valuable than the generic definition.
My Personal Take on Tarot (For What It's Worth)
I don't know if tarot is mystical.
I don't know if I'm tapping into the collective unconscious, reading energy, or just playing with illustrated cardstock.
But I know this:
When I pull a card and sit with it, I hear myself more clearly.
Maybe that's magic. Maybe it's psychology. Maybe it's just the value of slowing down and paying attention in a world that demands constant motion.
Whatever it is, it works.
Tarot gives me permission to trust what I already know.
In a culture that constantly tells us to defer to experts, algorithms, and external authority—that permission is powerful.
Whether that's divination or just structured self-reflection—
I don't really care.
It helps me make better decisions.
That's enough.
And here's what I've learned after years of reading tarot:
The cards you pull aren't nearly as important as the questions you ask.
The "right" interpretation matters less than the willingness to sit with uncomfortable truths.
And the magic—if there is any—happens in the pause.
The moment you stop rushing, pull a card, and ask yourself: "What am I not seeing?"
That's when insight arrives.
Not because fire or cardstock or symbolism has inherent power.
But because you finally stopped running and paid attention.
That's always been the magic.
How to Start Reading Tarot This Week
Your first tarot reading (do this tonight):
Get a deck
Buy one online (Rider-Waite-Smith, $15-25)
Borrow one from a friend
Use a free tarot app temporarily
Think of one question you actually care about
Not a test question
Something real that's on your mind
Shuffle while thinking of your question
Pull one card
Look at it for 2 full minutes
Don't rush to interpretation
Just observe the image
Write down what you notice
What's happening in the image?
How does it make you feel?
What does it make you think about your question?
(Optional) Check the guidebook after you've formed your own interpretation
That's it. You just did a tarot reading.
Tomorrow, pull another card if you want. Or skip a day. There's no requirement.
The only way to learn tarot is to practice. And practice doesn't require perfection.
Just: question + card + attention = insight.
What to Buy: Beginner Tarot Supplies
Minimum supplies to start reading tarot:
One tarot deck (Rider-Waite-Smith or RWS-based deck)
Total cost: $15-25
That's all you need.
Optional additions (after you've been practicing for a while):
Tarot Journal for tracking readings ($5-25)
Tarot cloth (pretty but a table works fine) ($10-20)
Additional decks once you know your preferences ($20-40)
A comprehensive tarot book (only after practicing on your own for 3+ months) ($15-30)
You don't need:
Crystals
Incense
Moon water
Fancy storage boxes
Silk wrapping cloth
Multiple decks to start
Where to buy:
Amazon: widest selection, easy returns, fast shipping
Local metaphysical shops: see decks in person, support local business
Barnes & Noble: surprisingly good tarot section in most stores
Etsy: unique indie decks (but wait until you know what you like)
Budget tip: Start with a $20 deck. Use it for 6 months. Once you know what resonates with you visually and thematically, you can invest in a more expensive or specialized deck.
Additional Tarot Resources
For deeper learning:
Books:
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack (comprehensive, thoughtful)
The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean (beginner-friendly)
Tarot for Change by Jessica Dore (psychological approach)
Related posts on Edge and Altar:
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Candle Magic - Pair tarot with candle rituals
Does Divination Actually Work? - The psychology behind it
How Ritual Actually Works - Understanding the mechanics
Other easy practices:
5-Minute Ritual Cards - Includes tarot ritual practices for daily use
The Bottom Line: How to Read Tarot Cards for Beginners
Does learning tarot require:
Memorizing 78 card meanings? No
Complex spreads? No
Cleansing rituals? No
Letting the deck "rest"? No
Perfect shuffling technique? No
Years of study before you're "ready"? No
Does reading tarot require:
A deck? Yes
A question? Yes
Your attention? Yes
That's it.
Pull a card. Look at the image. Notice what you think.
Everything else is optional.
You don't need certification, a teacher, or permission from anyone.
You need a deck and a willingness to trust yourself.
That's tarot.
Simple. Direct. Effective.
Start today. Pull one card. See what happens.
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