What will I learn from this tarot guide?
- • What tarot is (and isn't)
- • The structure of a tarot deck (78 cards explained)
- • How tarot readings work
- • How to get and interpret your first reading
- • Practical steps to start learning tarot
- • Common myths debunked
What is Tarot?
Tarot is a 78-card deck used for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual guidance. Each card contains symbolic imagery that represents universal human experiences, emotions, and archetypal patterns. A standard deck has this 78-card count in the tarot tradition, which began as 15th-century European playing cards before later use for cartomancy.
Think of tarot as a visual language for exploring your inner world. The cards don't magically predict your future—instead, they provide a framework for reflecting on your situation, considering different perspectives, and gaining clarity about your path forward.
What Tarot IS:
- ✓ A tool for self-reflection and insight
- ✓ A way to explore subconscious thoughts and feelings
- ✓ A system of archetypal symbolism
- ✓ A practice for developing intuition
- ✓ Guidance for decision-making and self-awareness
What Tarot is NOT:
- ✗ A way to predict a fixed, unchangeable future
- ✗ Evil, demonic, or dangerous
- ✗ Something that requires psychic powers
- ✗ A replacement for professional advice (medical, legal, financial)
- ✗ 100% accurate fortune-telling
What is in a tarot deck?
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. This structure is consistent across decks, whether you are using Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, Marseille, or a modern artistic interpretation. Oracle decks do not share that 78-card map—see tarot vs oracle cards if you are choosing a first deck.
What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana represents major life themes, spiritual lessons, and significant events. These are the "big picture" cards that address soul-level growth and important life turning points.
Which cards are in the Major Arcana?
Example: Drawing "The Tower" doesn't mean disaster is coming—it suggests necessary change, breaking down what no longer serves you, and rebuilding on stronger foundations.
What is the Minor Arcana?
The Minor Arcana addresses everyday situations, practical matters, and day-to-day experiences. These 56 cards are divided into four suits, similar to regular playing cards.
What do Wands (Fire) represent?
Represents: Action, passion, creativity, ambition, willpower, energy
Life areas: Career drive, creative projects, passionate pursuits, taking initiative
What do Cups (Water) represent?
Represents: Emotions, relationships, intuition, feelings, love, connections
Life areas: Romantic relationships, friendships, family bonds, emotional well-being
What do Swords (Air) represent?
Represents: Thoughts, communication, conflict, truth, intellect, decisions
Life areas: Mental clarity, difficult decisions, communication issues, truth-seeking
What do Pentacles (Earth) represent?
Represents: Material world, money, work, health, practical matters, security
Life areas: Financial decisions, career stability, health concerns, physical resources
What cards are in each suit?
- • Ace through Ten: Numbered cards showing progression of that suit's energy
- • Page: Beginner energy, messages, learning
- • Knight: Action, movement, pursuit
- • Queen: Mature, nurturing, mastery of suit's inward expression
- • King: Authority, mastery of suit's outward expression
How does tarot work?
Here's the honest truth: Tarot doesn't work through magic or supernatural powers. It works through three psychological principles:
1. Synchronicity & Randomness
You draw cards randomly (or seemingly randomly), but your mind finds meaning in the symbols. This is similar to how you might hear a song lyric at just the right moment—it wasn't destined, but the meaning resonates.
2. Archetypal Symbolism
The cards use universal symbols (love, death, rebirth, conflict, joy) that your subconscious recognizes. These archetypes help you access intuitive knowledge you already have but haven't consciously acknowledged.
3. Focused Reflection
The process of formulating a question and interpreting cards forces you to think deeply about your situation. You're not receiving new information— you're organizing and examining what you already know from a fresh perspective.
Think of it this way:
Tarot is like holding up a mirror with different lenses. Each card is a different lens—emotional, practical, spiritual—helping you see your situation from angles you hadn't considered. The wisdom comes from you, not the cards.
How do I get my first tarot reading?
Ready to experience tarot? Here's what to expect and how to get the most from your first reading:
How does a PullTarot reading work?
- 1Choose Your CategorySelect what area you need guidance on: Love, Career, Personal Growth, or General
- 2Formulate Your QuestionThink about what you specifically want insight on. Better questions get better readings.
- 3Draw Your Three CardsSelect three cards intuitively. These represent Past, Present, and Future influences on your question.
- 4Receive Your InterpretationRead the meaning of each card and how they relate to your situation
- 5Reflect and ApplyConsider how the reading's insights apply to your life. What resonates? What action might you take?
Tips for Your First Reading:
- • Be open-minded: Don't expect specific predictions, expect insights
- • Ask good questions: "How can I..." is better than "Will I..."
- • Don't read too often: Give readings time to unfold before asking again
- • Journal your reading: Write down the cards and your impressions to reflect on later
- • Focus on guidance: Use tarot for perspective, not as a replacement for action
How do I start learning tarot?
Want to learn to read tarot yourself? Here's a realistic, beginner-friendly path:
How should I start with the Major Arcana (weeks 1–2)?
Learn the 22 Major Arcana cards first. These are the most impactful and easiest to remember.
Action: Pull one Major Arcana card daily. Look up its meaning on PullTarot. Journal how it relates to your day.
When should I add one suit (weeks 3–4)?
Pick one Minor Arcana suit (Cups is good for beginners—emotions are relatable). Learn those 14 cards.
Action: Do daily draws from just Major Arcana + your chosen suit. Build familiarity.
How do I expand the deck gradually (weeks 5–8)?
Add the remaining suits one at a time. No rush—learning all 78 cards takes time.
Action: Use PullTarot's free readings regularly. Try to interpret before reading the provided meaning.
How do I practice and deepen after month 3?
Do readings for yourself regularly. Study card combinations. Explore reversed meanings.
Action: Consider reading for friends (with permission). Teaching others deepens your understanding.
PullTarot Learning Resources (All Free):
- • Complete database of all 78 cards
- • Unlimited practice readings
- • Upright and reversed meanings
- • Contextual interpretations for different questions
- • No signup required—start learning immediately
What are common tarot misconceptions?
❌ "Tarot is evil or demonic"
Truth: Tarot is a tool. It's not inherently good or evil— it's neutral. The cards are just illustrated cardboard. How you use them (for self-reflection vs manipulation) determines the ethics.
❌ "You need psychic powers to read tarot"
Truth: Anyone can learn tarot. The cards have established meanings you can study. While intuition develops with practice, you don't need special powers—just willingness to learn and reflect.
❌ "The Death card means someone will die"
Truth: The Death card almost never means physical death. It represents transformation, endings that make way for new beginnings, and necessary change. It's actually often a positive card about growth.
❌ "Tarot predicts a fixed future"
Truth: Tarot shows potential outcomes based on current paths. Your choices shape your future. Think of it as a weather forecast— it shows likely conditions, but you can still bring an umbrella.
❌ "You shouldn't buy your own first deck"
Truth: This is an old superstition with no basis. Buy yourself a deck! Choose one whose artwork speaks to you. Or start with online readings (like PullTarot) before investing in a physical deck.
❌ "Online tarot isn't real tarot"
Truth: Online tarot uses the same card meanings and spreads as physical decks. The medium doesn't matter—what matters is your intention and openness to the guidance.
What should I do next?
Ready to start your tarot journey? Here's what to do next:
If you want to get readings:
- 1. Try a free reading on PullTarot
- 2. Don't overthink your first reading—just experience it
- 3. Journal what resonates with you
- 4. Try different question categories (love, career, personal)
- 5. Notice patterns across multiple readings
If you want to learn tarot:
- 1. Browse the card meanings database
- 2. Start with the 22 Major Arcana
- 3. Do daily single-card draws and study that card
- 4. Keep a tarot journal
- 5. Practice with PullTarot's free readings regularly
Remember:
- • There's no "wrong" way to approach tarot
- • Learning takes time—be patient with yourself
- • Trust your intuition as it develops
- • Use tarot as a tool for growth, not dependence
- • Have fun! Tarot should enrich your life, not stress you out
What to get as you start
Optional companions for your practice.
Beginner-Friendly Tarot Deck
Clear, modern artwork that is easy to read while you learn.
Current price shown on Amazon
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom
A deeper reference for the symbolism behind each card.
Current price shown on Amazon
PullTarot may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read tarot cards as a beginner?
Start with one focused question, then draw a single daily card or a three-card past-present-future spread. Look at the image first, note your reaction, then check the traditional meaning and how it applies to your situation. You do not need to memorize all 78 cards before a first reading. PullTarot frames this as reflection and entertainment, not a fixed prediction.
Do I need to memorize all 78 tarot cards first?
No. A standard deck has 78 cards, but beginners can start with the 22 Major Arcana and add one Minor Arcana suit at a time. Daily one-card draws plus a lookup in the PullTarot meanings library teach the deck in weeks, not all at once. Practice readings matter more than memorizing a list.
How do I start a daily tarot practice?
Pull one card in the morning, write the date, the card, and one sentence about how it might show up in your day, then check back that evening. Keep it to one draw so you are not shopping for a nicer answer. A Rider-Waite-Smith style deck and a simple journal are enough to begin.
What happens in a first tarot reading on PullTarot?
You choose a category (love, career, personal growth, or general), hold one question, and draw three cards for past, present, and future. Each card includes an interpretation you can compare with your situation. The process is free, needs no signup, and is meant as guidance for reflection rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Can tarot predict a fixed future?
No. Tarot is a 78-card symbolic language for self-reflection, not 100% accurate fortune-telling. Cards highlight perspectives and possible paths; your choices still shape what happens. Do not use a reading in place of medical, legal, or financial advice.
Practice what this guide teaches
After the beginner guide, open a topic reading (including love), pick a spread layout, look up The Fool meaning, or read About PullTarot.