The world of tarot can be an exciting personal journey, but it can also be very daunting to the newcomer. There are so many cards in each tarot deck and so many different decks to choose from, that it's easy for the novice to become easily overwhelmed. Add to that the hundreds of tarot spreads that are available and it's no wonder why so many newcomers feel confused.



I always like to remind those who are just starting to study tarot, that it is indeed a journey -- not a race. With time, patience, and practice any beginner can learn to excel.

I also like remind novices of the KISS principle...Keep It Simple Silly. There is no way anyone can pick up a deck of tarot cards and learn everything there is to know in one evening. There is simply too much information contained within the cards. So instead of trying to become an expert reader overnight, I encourage beginners to set smaller goals with the idea that each small goal achieved will lead them further down the path toward self-enlightenment.

Here are my recommendations for beginners, based on the KISS principle:

Step 1: Choosing A Tarot Deck

At first glance, this step may seem a lot easier than it actually is. Do a simple serach on Google for "tarot cards" and you'll literally find hundreds of decks from which to choose. Don't become overwhelmed by all the choices. Just find a deck that you like. The imagery on the cards will guide you in your readings so it is key that you choose a deck that you find aesthetically pleasing. There is no use in choosing a deck that doesn't speak to you or that offends you in some way.

A popular deck for those new to tarot is the Rider-Smith deck, or the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. This deck is especially suitable for beginners because so much has been written about it. There are several companion guides for this deck that list the common keywords and meanings associated with each card. These guides serve as a handy reference until the reader feels comfortable enough interpreting the cards on their own.

Another tarot deck that is good for beginners is the Morgan-Greer deck. This deck is based on the Rider-Waite deck but features updated artwork.

Despite which deck you choose, just know that you are not locked in to using only that deck. Many readers try several decks before they find one they like. Other readers just simply like to use more than one deck. Either way is fine.

Step 2: Getting To Know The Cards

Once you have chosen a deck to work with, you need to become familiar with your cards.

For beginners, I recommend starting off by using only the cards of the Major Arcana. This is a much simpler task than trying to learn all 78 cards at the same time. Become familiar with the cards of the Major Arcana and then add cards from the Minor Arcana, one suit at a time. This way you won't get overwhelmed.

Begin by looking at each card and trying to get a sense of the card. Ask yourself, "What images immediately jump out at me? What feelings do I associate with the card? What emotions or actions are the figures on the card displaying?"

After getting an initial impression of each card, learn some of the keywords that are associated with the cards. Try to see how the keywords are reflected within the imagery of each card. Don't be alarmed if not every keyword speaks to you. You'll find that some make far more sense than others. That's okay. Everyone's experience with tarot cards is different. Just let the cards speak to you.

After you feel comfortable giving a general meaning of each card from the Major Arcana, try giving yourself a simple reading.

Step 3: Your First Reading

For your first reading, use only the cards of the Major Arcana. Shuffle the cards until you feel like they have been shuffled enough (use your intuition here). While you are shuffling the cards think of a question. Keep thinking of that question the entire time you shuffle the cards.

When finished shuffling, draw one card from the deck. Now study the card's imagery and try to interpret the meaning of the card within the context of your question. Let the illustration on the card and your intuition guide you.

When you become comfortable with doing one-card readings try a two-card or three-card spread. Eventually, you can add the cards of the Minor Arcana as you become more familiar with them.

Remember that no tarot reader is 100% accurate so don't get discouraged if something doesn't make sense to you during your reading or if you have trouble interpreting the cards. Just relax and try to enjoy the experience.