Tarot Cards for Beginners: A Complete Guide

Tarot cards are a fascinating tool for self-discovery, insight, and divination. They have been used for centuries, and their origins can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe.

Over the years, tarot cards have become a popular way to tap into one's intuition, explore the subconscious, and gain clarity on life's various situations.

If you are a beginner interested in tarot cards, then this blog post is for you!

In this post, we will discuss the history of tarot cards, what each suit means, how to pick a deck for your purpose, and what the popular spreads are.

History of Tarot Cards

The origins of tarot cards are shrouded in mystery, but most historians agree that they were first used in Italy in the 15th century as a card game.

The game was known as tarocchi and was played by the wealthy and noble class. The cards were later used for divination, and each card was given a specific meaning.

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

• The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, and each card represents a significant life event or theme.
• The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits: Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles.

Each suit represents a particular aspect of life, and the cards within each suit represent different energies or situations.

What Each Suit Means

The Swords suit represents the element of air and is associated with the mind and intellect. Swords cards represent challenges, conflict, and decision-making.

The Wands suit represents the element of fire and is associated with creativity, passion, and energy. Wands cards represent new beginnings, inspiration, and taking action.

The Cups suit represents the element of water and is associated with emotions, intuition, and relationships. Cups cards represent love, spirituality, and emotional fulfillment.

The Pentacles suit represents the element of earth and is associated with the physical world, including finances, career, and material possessions. Pentacles cards represent stability, security, and success.

• Swords: Represent the mental realm - including challenges, conflict and decisions.
• Wands: Represent new beginnings, invention and motivation.
• Cups: Represent emotions - including love, intimate relationships and emotional fulfilment.
• Pentacles: Represent finances, work, success.

How to Pick a Deck for Your Purpose

Choosing a tarot deck is a personal decision, and there are many different decks to choose from.

Some popular decks include the Rider-Waite Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the Marseille Tarot.

When selecting a deck, it's important to consider the artwork, symbolism, and the artist's interpretation of the cards. Some decks may be more beginner-friendly than others, so it's essential to do your research and choose a deck that resonates with you.

Popular Tarot Spreads

A tarot spread is a layout of cards that are drawn and interpreted to provide guidance or insight.

There are many different tarot spreads to choose from, and each spread can provide different insights.

Some popular spreads include the Celtic Cross, which is a ten-card spread that provides insight into past, present, and future situations.

The Three-Card Spread is a simple spread that provides insight into a current situation, while the One-Card Spread is a quick and easy way to get a simple answer to a question.

Using Tarot for the First Time

If you are using your tarot deck for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Connecting to the Deck

First, it's essential to establish a connection with your deck.

You can do this by holding the cards in your hand, shuffling them, and asking for guidance or insight.

You can also take some time to meditate on the cards and set an intention for your reading.

Create a well-lit space

It's also important to have ample light when using your tarot deck. Good lighting will allow you to see the cards clearly and pick up on subtle details that may be important in your reading.

You can use natural light from a window or a well-lit room to ensure that you have enough light to read the cards.

If you want to create a magical atmosphere while using your tarot deck, you can use tarot candles to set the mood. Tarot candles are specially designed candles that are infused with essential oils and herbs that correspond to different tarot cards.

Tarot candles can help to enhance your tarot reading experience by creating a relaxing and magical atmosphere.

You can light a tarot candle before your reading to help you focus your energy and intention on your cards. As you read your cards, you can allow the aroma of the candle to surround you and help you to relax and connect with your intuition.

Mastering Tarot Cards for Beginners

With a new understanding of what Tarot cards are and how they can provide insight into different areas of your life, you're ready to take the next step and try your hand at Tarot readings! 

Understanding the meanings of each suit means, and picking the right deck for your specific purpose, is essential as a beginners.

The tarot can be a powerful tool to help you gain insight into various areas of your life, and choosing the right deck and spread can help you tap into your intuition and gain clarity on life's situations.