A Beginner’s Guide to Tarot Cards Reading

Introduction

Tarot cards reading is a time-honored method of introspection, guidance, and intuitive exploration. Among the many decks available today, the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck stands as the most widely used and recognized, praised for its accessible symbolism and rich visual language. Whether you’re looking for insight into your love life, career, or personal growth, this deck provides a structured and deeply symbolic system that readers at all levels can understand.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the structure of the Rider-Waite deck, explain what certain cards represent, and show you how to start your own tarot readings.

Understanding the Structure of the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Rider-Waite deck contains 78 cards, divided into two main categories:

Major Arcana (22 cards)

These cards represent major life events or spiritual lessons. They are numbered from 0 to 21.

Examples:

The Fool (0) – New beginnings, adventure, innocence.

The Lovers (VI) – Relationships, choices, harmony.

Death (XIII) – Transformation, endings and new beginnings (not literal death).

The Star (XVII) – Hope, inspiration, healing.

Each Major Arcana card holds a powerful archetype and usually signifies a significant influence in a reading.

Minor Arcana (56 cards)

These are divided into four suits:

Cups – Emotions, relationships, love.

Wands – Passion, creativity, action.

Swords – Thoughts, conflict, decisions.

Pentacles – Material concerns, money, work, health.

Each suit contains 14 cards: Ace to 10, plus four Court Cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

Example interpretations:

Ace of Cups – New emotional beginnings, a budding romance.

Three of Swords – Heartbreak, emotional pain.

Nine of Pentacles – Financial independence, self-sufficiency.

King of Wands – Leadership, confidence, vision.

Common Questions Answered by Tarot Cards Reading

The Rider-Waite deck is versatile and can be used to explore a wide range of personal questions. Some common reading themes include:

Love & Relationships – Is this relationship right for me? What’s the emotional dynamic?

Career & Ambitions – Am I on the right professional path? What challenges lie ahead?

Spiritual Direction – What course should I take now?

Daily Reflection – What energy should I carry with me today?

How to Perform a Basic Tarot Reading

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

Choose a calm, quiet environment. Many readers like to light candles or burn incense to focus the mind. Lay out a cloth and place your deck in the center.

Step 2: Set Your Intention

Before shuffling, think clearly about your question. Focus your energy and emotions into the deck

Step 3: Shuffle and Draw Cards

Shuffle the cards while concentrating. You may draw a single card or use spreads such as:

One-Card Pull – Good for daily guidance or meditation.

Each of the three spreads represents a different outcome – they foretell the past/present/future or situation/action/result.

Celtic Cross (10 cards) – A comprehensive layout ideal for deep questions.

Step 4: Interpret the Cards

Refer to the Tarot Guide to interpret the meaning. Pay attention to:Upright vs Reversed Cards – Many readers give different meanings based on orientation.

Card Combinations – How two or more cards influence each other.

Suit Patterns – Multiple cards from one suit may signal a strong theme (e.g., all Cups = emotional matters).

Step 5: Reflect and Record

Over time, this helps deepen your understanding and track progress in your journey.

Tips for Beginners

Start with Daily Draws – Pull one card each morning and reflect on its message throughout the day.

Use a Tarot Guidebook – The Rider-Waite deck has countless resources and interpretation books available.

Practice Regularly – Like any skill, tarot reading improves with consistent use.

Trust Your Intuition – Your personal feelings toward a card are often just as important as traditional meanings.

Conclusion

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a foundational tool in tarot cards reading. With 78 vivid and meaningful illustrations, it serves as a mirror to the subconscious and a guide through life’s complexities. Whether you are just beginning or expanding your practice, this deck offers a structured yet intuitive system for self-discovery, insight, and transformation.

If you’re curious about tarot or seeking clarity in your life, the Rider-Waite deck is an excellent starting point. Explore its symbols, trust your inner voice, and begin your tarot journey today.