Tarot for Beginners: How to Read Tarot with Confidence

Tarot can look intimidating at first glance. Seventy-eight cards, strange names like The Hanged Man and The Hierophant, endless spreads… where do you even start? As a Lancashire witch, I promise you don’t need to memorise a library of meanings before you shuffle your first deck. With a little guidance, tarot becomes a companion, not a challenge. Here’s my guide to tarot for beginners: practical, down-to-earth tips to help you read with confidence.

Choosing Your First Deck

Forget the old myth that your first deck must be gifted. That’s lovely if it happens, but the truth is you’ll learn best with a deck you actually like. Choose one where the artwork feels clear and approachable. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a classic choice for beginners because most modern tarot books are based on it, but any deck that speaks to you will do.

When choosing, ask yourself:

• Can I easily see a story in these images?

• Do the colours and symbols feel inviting?

• Does the guidebook offer explanations that make sense to me?

Trust your instincts. Your deck should feel like a friendly voice, not an intimidating stranger.

Creating a Simple Ritual

Before you dive into a reading, it helps to set the mood. You don’t need anything elaborate – a ritual is simply a way of focusing your mind. Here are a few ideas:

• Light a candle or incense.

• Shuffle the cards slowly, thinking about your question.

• Place your feet on the ground and take three deep breaths.

If you’re feeling extra witchy, you can cleanse the deck with herbs like rosemary or by leaving it in moonlight. But honestly? The most important ingredient is intention. Approach the cards with respect and clarity, and they’ll meet you halfway.

Easy Tarot Spreads for Beginners

Forget the complicated ten-card Celtic Cross (at least for now). You’ll gain confidence quicker with small, simple spreads.

One-card pull: Ask a question like “What energy do I need today?” and draw one card. It’s the easiest way to get to know your deck and yourself.

Three-card spread: This is a beginner’s best friend. Try these variations:

• Past – Present – Future

• Mind – Body – Spirit

• Situation – Challenge – Advice

Laying out three cards is enough to spark a story without overwhelming you. Remember, tarot works best when you keep it clear and focused.

Reading the Cards with Intuition

As a witch and a mum of four, I’ll tell you this: your gut is smarter than you think. While books and guides are useful, tarot really comes alive when you trust your intuition.

Look at the imagery first:

• Are the characters looking towards or away from each other?

• Do the colours feel warm, cold, calm, or intense?

• What emotion does the scene stir in you?

Then, weave it into your situation. For example, if you pull the Two of Swords and you’re stuck on a work decision, you might see the blindfolded figure as reflecting your own hesitation. Tarot cards act like mirrors, reflecting your inner world.

Daily Practice Builds Confidence

Like any skill, tarot improves with use. Try this routine:

1. Each morning, draw a card.

2. Write down your first impressions in a journal.

3. At the end of the day, reflect on how the card’s energy showed up.

This simple practice will quickly deepen your understanding of the deck. You’ll also notice patterns over time – maybe the same card pops up repeatedly until you address its lesson.

Avoiding Beginner Pitfalls

Over-reading: Don’t keep pulling more cards because you don’t like the first answer. Trust the spread you laid out.

Scary cards: The Tower, Death, and Devil aren’t doom-laden. They often signal transformation, release, or breaking free.

Comparison traps: Every reader has their own style. Don’t worry if yours looks different from someone else’s. Tarot isn’t about “right” answers; it’s about insight.

Tarot for Beginners in Witchy Practice

Once you’re comfortable, you can bring tarot into your rituals and spells. Place the Strength card on your altar when you need courage, or pull a card during a full moon ritual to reflect on what’s shifting in your life. Tarot blends beautifully with candle magic, journalling, or meditation.

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Final Thoughts

Learning tarot isn’t about memorising every meaning or performing picture-perfect spreads. It’s about conversation – between you, your intuition, and the symbols in front of you. For tarot for beginners, the best advice is this: start small, be patient, and enjoy the journey.

Every shuffle is a chance to learn more about yourself. Every card is a whisper of wisdom waiting to be heard. So light that candle, brew that cuppa, and let the cards tell their stories.

Blessed be!

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