The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Learning How to Read Tarot Cards

Based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The use of tarot cards dates back to the 15th century and is a popular tool used by fortune tellers, psychics, and therapists. Tarot card reading can offer insight into your past, present, future or even provide guidance during difficult times. I learned them when I was in my late twenties, prompted by my sister, who needed a fortune teller at an event she was catering.

How I Learned to Read Tarot

Here, I’m taking a digital inventory of my knowledge base in twenty years of tarot. I’m outlining the way I learned, and while I do, I’m learning more and adding to the collective. This is primarily for personal benefit, for learning and documenting my journey. But anyone is invited who wants to learn.

In my records, I’m referencing the Rider/Waite deck unless otherwise specified.

In this ultimate guide, I’m covering everything you’ll need to know about getting started reading tarot, including:

• The Fool’s Journey Through the Major Arcana
• The Four Suits & What They Mean
• The Numbers in Tarot
• Court Cards
• Color Meanings
• Symbolism
• Animals in Tarot
• Astrological Signs
• The Spreads

What are the Akashic Records?

The Fool’s Journey through the Major Arcana

Your introduction to tarot begins with the Fool’s Journey.

The tarot deck is divided into two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana are similar to the cards you’d find in a standard playing deck. But the Major Arcana are…