Tarot Reading Quick Start Guide

Anyone can read tarot!

It is a skill like anything else. No one starts with finely tuned intuition and insight, it’s something you learn and grow into as you practice.

Here are some helpful tips to help get you acquainted with the cards and able to quickly internalize their meanings. Remember that their base meanings are just a starting point and that the real magic comes when you can look deeper and receive your own messages from the universe.

Anatomy of a Deck

A standard tarot deck consists of 3 parts; the minor arcana, the court, and the major arcana. Generally speaking, the minor arcana represents the what of your question, the court represents the who, and the major arcana represents the why. This is not always true depending on your question and/or spread, but it’s something to keep in mind in the beginning.

The Minor Arcana

The minor arcana is split into four suits which each represents four co-existing worlds. Think of this as a sort of multiverse where each universe is ruled by a single element and facet of the human condition, but you exist in them all simultaneously.

To read the minor arcana you simply need to understand these worlds and a little numerology.

Wands - The Fiery Realm of the Soul

Wands represent the first world of primal fire. This world flows with emanation, exploration, and passion. This is where our soul dwells. The suit of wands rules over will, inspiration, passion, and motivation. It speaks to our desire for connection, expansion, and power. In a reading, Wands will often appear when exploring matters of influence, creativity, and achievement.

The zodiac signs associated with Wands are Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries.

Cups - The Watery Realm of the Heart

Cups represent the second world of nourishing water. This world flows with creation, heart, and inner wisdom. This is where our heart dwells. The suit of cups rules over emotions, spirit, and intuition. It speaks to our subconscious mind, creativity, and spirituality. In a reading, Cups will often appear when exploring matters of the heart, introspection, and relationships.

The zodiac signs associated with Cups are Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer.

Swords - The Airy World of the Mind

Swords represent the third world of formative air. The world flows with the mind, thought, and intellect. This is where our mind dwells. The suit of swords rules over the mental realm, the psyche, and the intellect. It speaks to our desire for truth, knowledge, and rationality. In a reading, Swords will often appear when exploring matters of learning, psychology, and mental strife.

The zodiac signs associated with Swords are Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra.

Pentacles - The Earthy World of the Body

Pentacles represent the fourth world of earthly manifestation. This world flows with sensuality, action, and earth. This is where our body dwells. The suit of Pentacles rules over the physical and material world. It is also the suit of life, the earth, and humanity. It speaks to our senses, external identity, and physical environment. In a reading, Pentacles will often appear when exploring matters of wealth, health, work, home, and family.

The zodiac signs associated with Pentacles are Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn.

Numerology

Each minor arcana suit has ten numbered cards. You can interpret their meanings by adding these numerological correspondences to the meaning of each suit.

I. A spark of potential. The promise of a new beginning.

II. Balance. Choices. Partnerships. Plans.

III. Expression. Expansion. Connection. Creation.

IV. Stability. Practicality. Restoration. Initial fulfillment.

V. Instability. Conflict. Reversal. Strife.

VI. Harmony. Cooperation. Comfort. Growth.

VII. Faith. Wisdom. Contemplation. Intention.

VIII. Change. Action. Renewal. Will.

IX. Fulfillment. Attainment. Reflection. Clarity.

X. Completion and renewal. The end and beginning of a cycle.