Tarot Cards 101: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Journey

What are tarot cards and how can you use them?

At its heart, the tarot is a storytelling device, a deck of symbols and narratives that can spark conversations, inspire ideas, and reveal new perspectives.

It can also be used for divination and guidance.

You don't even need to be psychic to use it: Tarot is a practice that is open to everyone. 

Using the Tarot for Divination...

The tarot deck is usually made up of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The 22 Major Arcana are the labelled cards and represent principles, concepts, and ideas, and are typically more significant. Here, we find well known cards like the Fool, the Moon, Empress, the Star, Lovers and the Death card.

The 56 Minor Arcana are divided into four suits and represent the details of the situation described by the Tarot spread. Here, we can see Kings, Queens, Knights and Pages ruling over 4 different suits numbered from 1-10. These suits will usually be Swords (Air), Wands (Fire), Pentacles (Earth) and Cups (Water).

The cards all have different meanings based on the symbolism used in each one. See how the fool has a little white dog with him and a yellow bundle? These symbols can have so many meanings depending on the day, the questions and the other cards in the reading.

When using the Tarot cards for divination they work by either pulling a single card, or by arranging them in a certain "spread."

There are several different types of spreads you can practice for different situations, and they reveal different amounts and types of information. Tarot spreads range in difficulty, and some can be very complex to interpret.

You could start with single card pulls, or 2-3 card spreads and work your way up to more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross, Horseshoe or more...

Using the Tarot as a story telling tool...

Another way to use the tarot is to help stimulate creativity. The tarot deck, with its rich symbolism and diverse imagery, can serve as a powerful tool for unlocking the creative potential that lies within individuals. Each card in the tarot represents a different archetype, emotion, or situation, which can provoke thought and inspire new ideas.

When engaging with the tarot for creative purposes, one might begin by selecting a card at random or choosing a specific card that resonates with them at that moment. This card can then be used as a prompt for artistic expression, whether it be writing, painting, or even crafting music. For example, the imagery depicted in the "The Fool" card, which often symbolizes new beginnings and adventure, might inspire a writer to develop a story about embarking on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Moreover, the process of interpreting the cards can also encourage deeper reflection on personal experiences and emotions, which can lead to a more profound understanding of one’s creative blocks or challenges. By contemplating the meanings behind the cards and how they relate to one’s own life, individuals can gain insights that allow them to break free from mental barriers and explore new avenues of creativity.

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Tarot cards are more than just a divination tool, they're a versatile storytelling device that can inspire creativity, spark conversations, and provide guidance. Anyone can use tarot, regardless of psychic ability. All you need are a deck and a willingness to learn, grow and explore yourself. The more you use your cards, the more you'll see that the messages they give you can be insightful, kind, humorous, brutally honest and even witty.

Good luck on your tarot journey!

If you'd like tips on how to pick your tarot deck and which decks are out there check out our blog post: Decked Out: The Most Iconic Tarot Decks You Should Know.

Did you find this article useful? What are your tarot tips for beginners? We'd love to hear your tarot tips and tricks...