Have you been seeing those beautiful tarot cards on Instagram? Wondering if they can reveal life's secrets but hesitant to try? You're not alone! Tarot reading isn’t just for mystical people—anyone can.
Take Aryya Roy, one of India's best tarot readers, who found tarot during a tough time, and has been practicing tarot card reading for over a decade.
Even bollywood celebrities, including Neha Dhupia, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt have turned to tarot readers for clarity.
Ready to begin your journey? Let's demystify this ancient practice.
Tarot Reading: More Than Just Mystical Cards
Tarot isn't about predicting the future like in movies. It's more like having a friend who helps you think about your life in new ways. The cards can help you understand yourself better and make clearer decisions.
Think of tarot cards as mirrors that reflect what's happening in your life. Sometimes, they show you things you already know deep down but haven't fully realised yet. Other times, they help you see new possibilities you hadn't thought about.
And here’s the most interesting part: tarot has been around for a long time - since the 1400s in Europe! Back then, people just used them to play card games. Over time, people started using them to gain wisdom and understand life better.
Today, people all over the world use tarot cards for guidance, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Getting Your First Tarot Deck
Choosing your first deck is exciting! The most popular one for beginners is called the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. It has pictures that are easy to understand, much like a picture book that tells stories. Each card shows people doing different things, and these scenes help you understand what the card means.
There are also modern decks like the Modern Witch Tarot, which shows the same meanings but with pictures that look more like our world today. Some people connect better with these contemporary images. Some decks even have abstract art, but those are better for when you've had more practice.
When you get your deck, keep it in a special box or wrap it in a nice cloth. Many readers believe this helps keep the deck's energy clear and protected. You might want to clean your deck's energy sometimes by leaving it in moonlight or sunlight for a few hours.
Understanding Your Cards
Your tarot deck will have 78 cards in total. Think of it like a book with two main chapters:
The Major Arcana has 22 cards that talk about big life events and important lessons. These cards tell stories about life's biggest moments and challenges. For example:
The Fool is about fresh starts, taking risks, and embracing the unknown with childlike wonder.
The Star shines with pure hope and inspiration, reminding you that even after life's storms, healing always exists.
The World card celebrates your journey's completion–like reaching a long-awaited goal, feeling proud and excited for what comes next.
The Minor Arcana has 56 cards that talk about everyday life. They're divided into four groups, like seasons of the year:
Wands are like fire - they tell you about your creative ideas, passions, and what drives you forward
Cups are like water - they show your feelings, relationships, and emotional connections
Swords are like air - they talk about your thoughts, challenges, and how you make decisions
Pentacles are like earth - they deal with money, work, and practical matters
Starting Your Tarot Card Reading Journey
Find a quiet spot where you can focus. Some people like to light a candle or play soft music to create a peaceful mood. Hold your new tarot cards and look at each picture carefully. Notice what catches your eye or makes you feel something.
Start with a daily card practice. Each morning, shuffle your cards while thinking about your day ahead. Ask a simple question like "What should I focus on today?" or "What energy should I be aware of?" Pull one card and spend a few minutes looking at it.
Write down your first thoughts about the card in a notebook. What stands out to you? What story does the picture tell? There's no wrong answer - your intuition is your best guide.
Simple Spreads to Try
After you're comfortable with single cards, try these easy spreads:
The Three-Card Spread is perfect for beginners. Lay out three cards from left to right:
First card: What's behind you or what influenced the situation
Second card: Where you are right now
Third card: Where things might be heading
The Cross Spread uses five cards and helps when you're facing a choice:
Centre card: Your current situation
Above: What helps you
Below: What might challenge you
Left: What you should leave behind
Right: What you should move toward
Important Tips for Better Readings
Daily Card Pulls: Connect with your cards regularly. This helps you build a stronger connection with your deck.
Overthinking Meanings: Trust your first impressions. When you look at a card, your first thought or feeling is often the most important one.
Journaling: Keep a tarot journal to document your readings and interpretations. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and insights that deepen your understanding.
Overthinking Meanings: Don't worry about memorising all the card meanings right away. Start by trusting what you feel when you look at the pictures. The traditional meanings will come naturally as you practice.
Avoiding Difficult Cards: Some cards might seem scary at first, like the Death card or The Tower. These cards just mean that changes are coming. Death usually means endings and new beginnings, not anything physically harmful.
Growing with Your Cards
As you practice more, you'll start noticing patterns and understanding the cards better. You might want to read for close friends or family, but wait until you feel confident with your own readings first.
Reading tarot cards is like learning a new language - it takes time and practice. But it's also fun and rewarding. The more you work with your cards, the better you'll get at understanding their messages.
You can also read books like “Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation" by Mary K. Greer, "Tarot 101" by Kim Huggens and "The New Tarot Handbook" by Rachel Pollack to expand your knowledge and stay inspired.
Embrace Your Tarot Journey
Tarot reading is not just about predicting the future—it’s a journey of connection with your intuition. Each reading is an opportunity to learn, grow, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the energies around you.
Approach the cards with patience, an open mind, and a curious heart. Even if you are pulling a single card, trust that your unique interpretation holds value.
With time and practice, you’ll uncover the wisdom these cards have to offer and make them a meaningful part of your personal or spiritual growth. So start slow, stay curious, and let the journey unfold with every card you draw.
Disclaimer: This information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional guidance. For personalised reading, please consult a professional.
