A Tarot Mini Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Start Reading Tarot Cards

Do you want to learn how to read tarot cards? This mini manual will teach you everything you need to know to start reading tarot cards for yourself and others. We'll cover the basics of tarot, including what each card means and how to interpret them. Plus, we'll give you tips on how to develop your own intuition and become a successful tarot reader. Are you ready to get started?

All tarot decks are different, but becoming a tarot reading expert means that you need to have a flexible interpretation of your tarot cards across all decks. There are, however, some key things that you can learn about tarot meanings and card symbolism that will help you with any deck. In this mini manual, we'll cover the following topics:

  • The Structure of your Tarot Cards / Deck
  • Choosing Your Tarot Spread
  • Understanding Tarot Card Positions
  • Interpreting the Symbols on Your Tarot Cards

By learning these techniques, you will be able to read many decks even if you're a beginner. Let's get started!

Understanding the structure of your tarot deck

Your tarot deck is made up of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana are the 22 trump cards that represent the archetypal energies of the universe. They are often referred to as the “trumps” or “triumphs.” The Minor Arcana are the 56 suit cards that represent the day-to-day energies of our lives. Each suit – Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles – corresponds to one of the four elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

The structure of your tarot deck can provide valuable insights into the meaning of each card. For example, the 22 cards of the Major Arcana can be seen as a journey from ignorance to enlightenment, with each card representing a stage on that journey. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana can be seen as a reflection of the ups and downs we experience in our day-to-day lives.

When you draw a Major Arcana card, it usually indicates a larger or major event. In contrast, Minor Arcana cards mean more mundane situations. By understanding the structure of your tarot deck, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Tarot's message for you.

Choosing your tarot spread

When you're just starting out with tarot, it can be tough to know which spread to choose. There are so many options out there, and it's hard to know which one will work best for you. A good place to start is by thinking about what kind of question you want to ask the tarot. Do you have a specific question in mind? If so, you might want to choose a spread that is designed to answer that question.

For example, the Three-Card Spread is a good option for simple questions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more comprehensive reading, you might want to try the Celtic Cross Spread. This spread covers a lot of ground, and can give you a well-rounded view of your situation. Whichever spread you choose, make sure that you are comfortable with it. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to interpret the cards.

If you're a beginner, stick to one or three card spread(s). We have a few different articles about tarot spreads, which you can access below:

Understanding tarot card positions (upright and reversed) in your tarot deck

A tarot card reading can provide insights into your past, present, and future. The cards can also offer guidance about a particular question or situation. To get the most out of a reading, it is important to understand the meaning of each position. An upright position indicates that the card's energy is positive and flowing freely. A reversed position suggests that the card's energy is blocked in some way.

For example, if you pull the Strength card in the upright position, it may indicate resolve or confidence in moving forward. In the reversed position, it may indicate that there's an obstacle in your way.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no one right or wrong interpretation of the cards. Rather, the positions offer different ways of looking at a situation. With this in mind, you can use the positions to develop your own understanding of the tarot cards and their messages.

Interpreting symbols on the tarot cards

While guides are handy, understanding the symbols and applying them to your readings is going to take your tarot readings to the next level. Knowing that there's a tower in the card, and that means oversight? That's going to yield many more insights than flipping to page 80 of fifteen tarot books to figure it out.

All tarot decks are going to emphasize different symbols on their tarot cards. The key is to understand the general meanings of these symbols, and then apply them to your specific reading. For example, the symbol of a rose often indicates love or romance. However, if you see a rose in a tarot card that also features fire, it may indicate passion or intensity.

By understanding the symbolism of the tarot cards that you're working with, your tarot reading will be elevated. Tarot readers are masters of interpreting their own deck – whether it's a simple Rider Waite deck or something brand new.

Wrapping up

There you have it – a mini manual on everything you need to know about tarot cards! By understanding the basics of tarot, you can begin to interpret the messages of your own readings. Remember, there is no one right or wrong way to read the cards. Rather, use your intuition and allow the cards to guide you. With time, you'll be able to rely on your simple shuffled deck of tarot cards to do any reading that strikes your fancy.

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