So you’ve just picked up your first tarot deck! Maybe they were passed down from an eccentric aunt, or maybe you walked past the New Age section in your local bookstore and thought, “Hey, why not?”. However, these cards got there; you may now be thinking, how do I actually get started?
If you’re beginning your tarot journey, figuring out how to actually use the cards can be a bit confusing. Looking at all 78 tarot cards in your hand can be overwhelming, and wondering how you could learn them all.
The great news? You don’t need to know anything about the cards to begin a reading! It may sound silly at first glance, but one of the easiest ways to learn and build your confidence with your tarot cards is by consistently doing simple spreads.
Here are five spreads to help you get started with your tarot cards:
1. Single card draw
My most important advice to anyone, either new to readings or if it’s been a while since you last picked up your deck, is to simply begin with a single card draw! You can get started with a single card draw in a few ways, and this reading can be as specific or as varied as you’d like.
The aim is to draw a single card regularly, with daily being the most recommended, but weekly can also help build your knowledge. Each time you remove a card from your deck, take some time to learn more about it.
Some key questions to ask yourself when learning the cards may be: what are some visuals in the card’s art that I can see, what does the card represent, and how is this applicable to me? Don’t be afraid to look these answers up in your companion book or on a trusty Google search!
A regular card draw can be more generalised and provide you with overall insight into that day or week’s energy, depending on how often you are drawing. Other times, it may feel more useful to ask a more guided question, such as:
- What is a challenge I will face today?
- What does my work week look like?
- What should I focus on today?
- How can I improve my week?
2. Three card spreads
Using three cards to do a reading is a very common way to get quick advice or guidance on your intention. While single-card draws are recommended for daily use, these require more time and commitment, so anything from weekly to only as needed is best.
Some of the most common three card spreads include:
🔮 Past, present, future
This combination is one of the most common readings and offers insight into your past, present and future and how each period is connected.
The past card represents events or energies that have shaped or continue to influence your current situation, positively or negatively. An example may be that an event that impacted you negatively at the time, in hindsight, has helped you grow into the person you are now.
The present card represents your current energy or situation. It can provide insight into any challenges or opportunities that have popped up in your life, allowing you to reflect and choose how to manage the present.
The future card represents a potential path or outcome you’re currently working towards. Something worth emphasising is that the future is never concrete, so if you pull something concerning, please remember this path is not definite, but rather a guide on one of your potential outcomes. Your future is ultimately up to you, and the choices you make along the way are ever-changing your future.
️💗 Embrace, accept, let go
This spread provides insight into any opportunities and challenges you currently face. The intention of this spread can be more specific, such as having a career or romantic relationship focus, or it can be kept as a general overview.
This spread is one of my favourites as it can either show you some hard truths or validate what you already suspect. As the spread name suggests, it is a spread that advises you what you need to embrace, what needs to be accepted in your life and what is recommended you need to let go — all of which will lead to greater happiness.
🌟 Situation, obstacle, advice
This spread can be done at any time, as it may provide insight into a situation unfolding that you weren’t aware of; however, my personal favourite time to pull this spread out is after times I have felt stuck, or after a transitional period in my life.
The situation card provides context on current circumstances, and the obstacle shows you a challenge related to your current situation. Then it provides advice on overcoming the challenge or achieving your desired outcome.
🧠 What I think, what I feel, what I do
Sometimes emotions and how we react can be confusing, so the last spread I would recommend for beginners helps clarify how you think, feel and do. It’s best used to ensure your actions are what you intend them to be and to learn more about yourself.
This spread can show you how you logically interpret a situation or event, how it affects you emotionally, and how you are currently acting on this. It can also provide potential insight into the consequences of each of these elements.
Important things to remember:
- Try not to be too specific.
While you could ask yes or no questions, as each card can be interpreted as yes, no or maybe, it is recommended to let the cards provide a more nuanced interpretation, as these questions tend to be quite restrictive.
An example may be “Will I lose my job?” with the answer being Yes, leaving you likely anxious. In contrast, a more nuanced answer may be provided in a different spread that says, “Yes — but it will lead to more money, stronger relationships and a happier career path.”
2. Interpretations are your own!
Sometimes one interpretation of a card feels more right than others provided, and that is entirely okay! Follow your intuition when researching the cards’ meanings, as meanings that resonate with you are the best ones.
3. Multiple cards falling out are likely on purpose.
While I did title the first recommendation as a “single” card draw, if, for any reason, two cards have jumped out to you, then it’s for a reason! Feel free to use both in your reading; it will likely provide further clarity.
If you’d like to learn more about tarot cards, interpreting your readings and more, be sure to check out our spirituality section on What’s Yappening.
For now, good luck with your tarot journey and I hope I was able to teach you a thing or two about your readings!
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