Learn to Read Tarot Cards

Last updated 07 July 2024 by Ethal Duval

Learn to read tarot cards on yourself

A rational persons guide to Tarot reading as a mindfulness practice

First, let’s clarify something: Tarot is not about predicting the future. Instead, it focuses on what’s on your mind at the moment of the reading. The symbolic meanings of the cards provoke associations that you can reflect upon afterward, helping you gain insights about yourself.

This approach, known as intuitive reading, is more a mindfulness or creativity practice than an occult method of predicting the future.

With not a lot of practice you can use Tarot as your personal guide, meditation ritual, creative director, even a form of self-therapy.

Tarot is a mirror of your thoughts.

Your own associations are what matter, so I don't really believe that anyone can read the Tarot for you.

Here, I will explain the method, that can be used for:

Uncovering personal insights
Making difficult decisions more insightful
Organizing thoughts
Enhancing creativity
A relaxing activity to wind down or start your day

An anti-magical intro

Tarot has been ruined by the fortune tellers and mystics

I know, if you are not deeply into it, the first what comes to your mind Tarot probably are associated with either a movie, or a books — a dramatic scene where a mystic reveals the Death card to a protagonist, accompanied by ominous music. I get it, but please bear with me.

I feel that not that long ago meditation was also associated with hippies and cultists, but nowadays, with apps like Headspace, this has been brought to the masses and embraced by many. I believe Tarot can undergo a similar transformation.

How I got into it

My journey with Tarot began when I was researching symbolism. I discovered that Tarot is essentially a compact library of universal symbols, many of which predate the Renaissance. Symbols like the wise old man, the virtue of moderation, or the moon resonate with most on a fundamental level, often sparking associations without the need for extensive study. These associations are where the true value lies — but more on that later.

The evolution of the Temperance card from the earlier Tarroci cards to the most popular Rider-Wite-Smith deck.

A Brief History of Tarot

Tarot did not originate as a card game, but it is the other way round. Early Tarot-like cards, known as Tarrochi, were found in Italy and were likely used as learning aids reflecting the 15th-century worldview. Some of these symbols were incorporated into Tarot decks, and with the advancements in printing, these decks de-evolved into the playing cards we recognize today.

Okay, so Tarot is great — not for predicting the future, but as a tool for self-reflection and insight and there is quite a bit of a historic background. But to truly understand its potential, the best way is to try it out yourself.

How to do your first tarot reading

Everyone is using tarot differently, some people stick to some rigid meanings provided by the deck authors, some incorporate different occult practices, some read for others. I will focus on the intuitve, non-religous, non-spiritual approach and treat it more as a mindfulnes or creativity exercise.

1. Get a tarot deck

To begin your Tarot journey, you’ll need a deck of cards. The most popular deck is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but it is relatively new and filled with occult symbols, however you will find plenty of resources online.

If you prefer something more traditional, consider the Marseille Tarot. Personally, I use a restored Marseille deck by Alexandre Jodorowsky-Philippe Camoin. Alternatively, choose a deck rich in symbols that resonate with you. While minimalistic decks might be appealing, they often lack the depth of symbolism necessary for insightful readings.

For a digital option, the Labyrinthos app is an good start for beginners.

There are even decks you can print out yourself, like the one that I'm using for illustrations — this is a reconstructed Marsielle Tarot by Dr. Yoav Ben Dov.

Major and Minor arcana cards

2. Focus on the Major Arcana First

Tarot decks are divided into Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, including the famous Death card. The minor arcana consists of the four suits you already know as the classical playing cards. Focus on the Major arcana while just starting. If you lay out all the cards in order, you will notice that it is a humanistic progression and it starts and ends with the fool card, that has no number.

Fun fact: Fools card is the only card that has survived in the modern deck of cards as the Joker.

3. Set Your Intentions

Have a brief moment to think about what you want to get out of this reading — it can be an open-ended question focused on the present, such as “How should I act in this situation?”, you can also ask for creative advice or just keep it open and see what associations come to your mind.

A three card spread

4. Lay Out the Cards

Shuffle the deck of 22 major arcana cards. Choose three random ones and lay them out. For now avoid rigid layouts that impose specific meanings to some positions. This is called a spread.

5. Understanding the symbolism and meaning in the cards

Although there are some readers who rely purely on intuition, I think eventually you will get more out of your reading if you are familiar with all the symbols. This will help you to build more diverse narratives, that incorporates different aspects of the cards. I've compiled a list of all the symbols in the cards here. Most decks also come with a small book, that has a key of what each card means — that would be a great start. Focus on the meanings that resonate with you and how they might relate to your question or current moment.

The world card symbols

Example of the symbols in the World card

The World card features four characters in the corners:

Cow: Represents the body and the materialistic world.
Lion: Symbolizes sexuality and creativity.
Eagle: Represents intellect.
Angel: Symbolizes emotions.

The figure in the middle also includes a small sack (symbolizing receptivity) and a wand (symbolizing activity).

The left side, representing emotions and body, is passive, while the right side is active.

The blue oval in the center balances these elements, with Prudence, the central character and mother of all virtues, symbolizing the mastery of all elements and the ultimate goal for the reader. So this is what the card is about.

Eventually there are a lot of books out there, but Alejandro Jodorowsky's book “The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards” goes deep in the Marsielle deck. If you are looking to use Tarot for creativity, then I would really recommend this book.

Notice the different glances between the two cards, there ista clear interaction between both.

6. Building a Story

Arrange the cards in a way that feels intuitive. Look for connections between them — characters interacting, movements, glances, color, numbers, the environments , similar items similar in their form — and let your thoughts flow to create a narrative. If it is really tough, then you can add another card. It might help if you are speaking out loud.

7. Reflect on the story you’ve built

Reflect on the story you’ve built. Consider why these particular associations came to mind. This introspection is key to gaining insights. Ask yourself: Why did these thoughts arise? What current concerns or aspirations do they reflect?

An Example Reading: The Art of Saying No

Okay, so as an example, I'm keeping this reading open, so there are no questions, just picking up three cards and seeing what happens.

In a reading, the Wheel of Fortune might symbolize a cycle, with a handle suggesting that engagement is up to you. A sphinx holding a sword (intellect) implies that navigating this cycle requires mental clarity.

Next, the 13th card (Death) and the Fool both hold diagonal sticks, indicating a journey together. The 13th card, representing cleansing and removing what no longer serves you, and the Fool, symbolizing an open worldview, suggest breaking free from routine by saying no to unhelpful commitments and being open to new experiences.

Reflecting on this, I realize that I sometimes take on tasks that hinder my ability to explore new things. By eliminating these obstacles and approaching new opportunities with an open mind, I can break free from stagnation. Applying rational judgment will help me decide what to say no to.

While this reading is subjective, it sparks thoughts and feelings relevant to my current situation, which is what truly matters.

Build a ritual with the tarot

It probably takes more than a lifetime to truly master the reading, but even by starting out as pure entertainment you will quickly stumble upon on some interesting insights.

I feel that it helps to build a ritual around that. At least have a place to practice it, perhaps pick a certain time or an emotional trigger. Perhaps use Tarot when you want to mess around with your phone too much. Although we are not the spiritual folk, but it can be nice to light a candle just to make it a bit nicer.
You might sometimes come up with something really great, so why not write it down.
The more you will practice, the better you will get.

If you’re interested in exploring more, consider subscribing to my free newsletter series for further insights.

Feel free to reach out — I look forward to your feedback!

This article uses images from Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov's Marsielle Tarot deck