Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: How to Read Your First Spread
Tarot has fascinated seekers, mystics, and dreamers for centuries. For some, tarot is a tool for divination, for others, it's a mirror for self reflection. If you've ever felt drawn to the cards but weren't sure how to begin, this guide will walk you through the basics of preparing your space, shuffling your deck, and reading your first spread.
Whether your goal is to unlock intuition, connect with spiritual guidance, or simply enjoy the beauty of the artwork, tarot is a journey that begins with curiosity. Let's dive in.
Step One: Choosing Your Tarot Deck
Before you can read, you'll need a deck. The most popular starting point is the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, with its rich symbolism and beginner friendly imagery. However, you might feel more drawn to something modern, whimsical, or culturally specific and that's perfectly valid. Tarot works best when you feel connected to the deck in your hands.
👉 Explore our collection of tarot decks to find one that resonates with your energy.
Tip: Pay attention to the artwork. Do the colors, symbols, and figures feel inviting? The more you connect visually and emotionally with the cards, the easier it will be to interpret them intuitively.
Step Two: Preparing Your Space
Tarot is not just about shuffling and laying cards, it's about creating a sacred moment. Before your first reading, set aside a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. Some readers like to light a candle, burn incense, or play soft music.
Another key tool is a tarot bag/altar cloth which protects your deck and provides a ritualistic surface for your spread. It adds to the atmosphere, keeps your cards clean, and gives your reading a sense of ceremony.
👉 Browse our beautiful tarot bag/cloth to find one that enhances your sacred space.
Pro tip: Choose a bag or cloth that feels meaningful to you. Its imagery, color, and symbolism can deepen your experience.
Step Three: Cleansing and Connecting with your Deck
Before your first spread, take a moment to bond with your cards. Hold the deck in your hands, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Many beginners like to set an intention, such as:
"May these cards guide me with clarity and truth"
You can also knock gently on the deck three times to clear lingering energy, or pass the cards through incense smoke. The goal is simple: to begin your relationship with the deck, on a mindful, intentional note.
Step Four: Learning the Structure of the Tarot
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards divided into two main groups:
- Major Arcana (22 cards): These represent life's big themes and spiritual lessons. Think of them as milestones on your journey. The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and so on.
- Minor Arcana (56 cards): These reflect everyday situations. They're divided into four suits (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, Wands), each corresponding to a different aspect of life. Emotions, Material Matters, Thoughts, and Creativity.
You don't have to memorize every meaning right away. In fact, part of the magic of tarot is learning gradually, allowing intuition to guide you alongside traditional interpretations.
Step Five: Shuffling and Asking a Question
Shuffling is more than a way to mix the cards, it's a ritual. As you shuffle, focus your mind on the question or intention you want insight on. Your question doesn't have to be complicated. Beginners often start with something simple, such as:
- What energy surrounds me right now?
- What lesson should I focus on today?
- What can I release to move forward?
Avoid yes/no questions, and instead frame your query to invite guidance, growth, and self reflection.
Step Six: Your First Spread – The Three-Card Reading
The easiest spread for beginners is the three card spread. It's simple but surprisingly powerful, offering a snapshot of your situation. Lay out three cards in a row, face down, then flip them over one by one.
Here are three common ways to interpret the positions:
- Past - Present - Future
- A classic layout showing the flow of your journey.
2. Mind - Body - Spirit
- Insight into different aspects of your being.
3. Situation - Challenge - Advice
- Perfect for guidance on a specific issue.
Take your time with each card. Notice the imagery, colors, symbols, and how they make you feel. Combine this with the traditional meanings to form your interpretation.
Step Seven: Trusting Your Intuition
Tarot isn't about memorizing a rulebook, it's about blending knowledge with intuition. When you pull a card, ask yourself:
- What stands out in the imagery?
- What emotion does this card stir in me?
- How does it connect to the other cards in the spread?
Sometimes your intuitive read will differ from the "book definition", and that's okay. Your personal connection to the cards is what makes tarot unique and alive.
Step Eight: Journaling Your Reading
One of the best ways to grow as a tarot reader is to keep a journal. After each spread, jot down:
- The question you asked
- The cards you pulled
- Your first impressions
- Your interpretation
- Any follow up thoughts after reflection
Over time, you'll notice patterns, deepen your understanding, and track your spiritual growth.
Step Nine: Respecting the Process
Tarot is a tool for guidance, not absolute answers. It's not about predicting lottery numbers or dictating your fate, it's about reflection, awareness, and empowerment. When you approach the cards with respect and curiosity, they become a power mirror for your inner world.
Bonus: Tips for Beginners
- Start small: Stick with one or two spreads until your feel comfortable.
- Study slowly: Learn a few cards each week instead of cramming.
- Stay grounded: If a card feels confusing or heavy, take a breath and remember the goal is self awareness, not fear.
- Practice often: The more you read, the more natural it becomes.
Bringing It All Together
Your first tarot spread doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right deck, a calming space, and an open heart, you'll find that the cards have a way of speaking directly to you. Think of tarot not as fortune telling, but as dialogue between your conscious mind, your intuition, and the wisdom of the archetypes.
Ready to begin your journey?
🌙 Find the perfect tarot deck that speak to your soul.
🌙 Lay it upon on of our altar cloths to create a sacred reading space.
Your first spread is just the beginning. Tarot is a lifelong companion, offering new insights every times you shuffle the card. Step into the mystery, trust your intuition, and let the magic unfold.