Tarot basics for beginners. All you need to know to start reading the cards straight away, from tarot structure, simple spreads and question phrasing to how to connect with the cards on a deeper level.
Even the somewhat baffling image of the Eight of Wands shows you what it’s about…
When students approach me for personal tarot mentoring, they tell me about how hard they find it to remember all the card meanings.
They have been trying to develop their tarot skills and knowledge for ages with only little progress, and now they are wondering, if there is an easier way to learn card meanings than memorising keywords from books.
At this stage I advise them to put their tarot books back on a shelf and start from scratch.
During our first session I show them how to connect with the tarot on an intuitive level by exploring the details of each image.
We are looking at symbolism (less complicated than it sounds), the whole scene, feelings and emotions generated, and last but not least the student’s own life experiences reflected in the cards.
During the session I encourage the student to open their mind and tap into their unconscious and imagination.
It’s always fantastic to see, when a student suddenly ‘gets it’, like a switch being turned on in the brain.
Yes, it can be hard at first to engage the creative side of our brain as we are conditioned to focus on rational thinking.
But once you have flicked that switch, there is no holding you back from accelerating your tarot skills.
Watch the following video, in which I show you how to read the tarot intuitively.
Once you apply that technique, you will hopefully notice an improvement of your tarot skills by developing a deep understanding of each image and therefore will no longer need to refer to a book:
If you have found this little video tutorial helpful and would like to work with me on a personal level to accelerate your tarot skills, these are some of my offerings:
Nothing is as difficult and frustrating as trying to memorise Tarot card meanings from a book.
Since 2006, Tarot students from all over the world have worked with me to discover a better – easier – method to connect with the cards.
If you are just starting to learn the Tarot or find it hard to remember card meanings, here are my tried and tested powerful ways to connect with the Tarot without ever having to look at a book again:
1. Choose a Tarot deck that speaks to you
The best beginner’s Tarot deck is one, where all cards are fully illustrated, each image tells you a story and you find the artwork appealing.
The most famous and popular Tarot deck of all, the Rider Waite Smith (RWS), is one I do recommend, but you may prefer the Sharman-Caselli deck, which has been specifically designed with the Tarot novice in mind.
Left row: Universal Waite Tarot, middle: Sharman Caselli Tarot, right: Crystal Tarot. Top row: Nine of Cups, middle: Seven of Pentacles, bottom: Eight of Wands
On the image here on the right you can see both decks together with the Crystal Tarot, on which the Minor Arcana cards are illustrated with just the symbol of the suits.
Which images do you find easier to connect with? And what different stories do they tell?
2. Describe the images
Yes, this requires you to actually LOOK at the image carefully and explore the scene. Give me your first impression: is it positive, neutral or negative?
Then tell me why. What do you see? What is happening?
Go into more detail. Are there any people in the card? What are they doing? How do they look?
Notice their body language. What is the landscape like? Can you see buildings, plants, animals?
Some cards are easier to read than others. Don’t be disheartened, if you draw a blank with some of them. You will learn to read them in time. Build your confidence by focusing on the easy cards first.
3. Be the person in the card
This is a fun yet insightful way to connect with the cards. Imitate the posture of the person in a card.
Stand with open arms just like the Fool, sit like the High Priestess, kneel like the woman in the Star image – will you take it as far as being naked? 🙂
You can personify the Hanged Man by doing a headstand, perhaps against a tree, or if that is too strenuous for you, lie down and lean your legs upright against a wall or a tree.
Replicate as much of the image as you can.
For example, stand by a field and look at the crops just like in the Seven of Pentacles. What goes through your mind? Harvest? Hard work? Reaping rewards? Sowing new seeds and a new cycle?
How do these postures make you feel?
Close your eyes and imagine the landscape of the card surrounding you. How does it affect your mood, dreams, ideas or imagination?
4. Connect each card with your own life experiences
The archetypal images of the Tarot live in all of us. For example, we have all been a Fool more than once in our lives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean in a bad way 🙂
The Fool suggests amongst other things new beginnings. This is how some of my students associate the Fool with events in their lives:
“My first day at school. I can remember being so excited.”
“When I went backpacking to South America. I was naive when I started but so much wiser when I came back.”
“My first marriage. We were too young.”
“Starting my business. I didn’t have a clue, just jumped in, and it was quite a learning curve. But I loved it.”
All these statements are short, but they tell you so much more.
By linking the cards to your life, you will find it much easier to remember their meanings, because you connect them to feelings, lessons and advice you have experienced.
5. Start A Journal
When you start exploring your Tarot deck, make notes of your observations and new discoveries about the cards. Writing things down helps your memory, too.
Be a Fool today and start your Tarot Journal by downloading my Tarot freebies.
You can add your own pages as you continue to work with the cards, and over time you will create a unique Tarot reference book full of your personal wisdom and inspiration.
By signing up to my mailing list, you will also receive more freebies in the future and learn about exciting new journalling products available soon!
6. Play with the cards every day
Even if it’s only for five or ten minutes, spending time with your cards every day will help you learn the cards more quickly.
Pull a card on an evening and make a note of it. How does it reflect the events of the day you’ve had? Or what message does it offer you for the following day?
Even if you cannot think of anything, at least you are looking at the card, begin to memorise its image and associate it with its name. Soon you can picture the images in your head without having to look at them, e.g. you will know by heart what the Six of Wands looks like.
7. Card meanings can be found in the Name
The names of the Major Arcana images all trigger some associations you have stored in your head. Quite often, Tarot novices are not aware of them. They see the name written on the card but don’t take it further.
One of my students couldn’t make sense of the Hermit. So I asked: “What is a Hermit? What does a Hermit do?”
Her answer: “It’s someone, who lives on his own. Far away from civilisation.”
We have then talked about the archetypal Hermit personality, and how it fits into our modern lives and in readings.
So, what does an Emperor do? Well, I suppose he rules and makes decisions. And what does Justice mean? It makes me think about the law, and how we associate it with objectivity, truth and fairness.
As you can see, the names of the cards already tell you a lot about their meanings, so they are worthwhile exploring further.
8. Music and Quotes
Link individual cards with songs that relate to their meanings, e.g. Don’t fear the Reaper goes well with Death, or I’m not in Love reminds me of the Five of Cups.
Find your own favourite inspirational quotes for each card and record them in your journal. I started doing that a few years ago, and in the process began creating my Tarot of Quotes.
Last but not least, if you still feel stuck connecting with the cards, consider booking a brainstorming session with me via Skype. It’s great to talk, and you will already notice the benefits after just one call.
The prominent 19th century occultist and Golden Dawn Member S. L. MacGregor Mathers wrote about the significance of numbers in an ordinary card deck in his essay The Tarot, published in 1888:
“It has been long known that the ordinary 52 card pack was susceptible of some peculiar numerical significations, e.g.:
52 Cards in the pack, suggest 52 weeks in the year.
13 Cards in each suit, suggest 13 lunar months in the year, 13 weeks in the quarter.
4 suits in the pack, suggest 4 seasons in the year.
12 Picture Cards in the pack, suggest 12 months in the year, 12 signs of the Zodiac
Furthermore, if we add together:
The pips on the plain cards of the four suits = 220
The pips on the 12 Picture Cards = 12
Twelve Picture Cards reckoned as 10 each = 120
The number of cards in each suit = 13
We shall obtain the number of days in the year = 365
But concealed behind their apparently arbitrary and bizarre designs, the Tarot Cards contain a far more complicated system of recondite symbolism.
We find the number ten multiplied by the mystical number four, and combined with a primitive hieroglyphic alphabet of twenty-two letters.”
Before we look at the deeper meanings of numbers in Tarot, it is worthwhile noting that the esoteric science of numbers, arithmology, was first developed by the Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570 – 495 B.C.).
In the centuries that followed, his teachings were passed on over generations in Europe and the middle East, mainly within secret societies, which were formed due to political unrest and upheaval.
When occult groups such as the Freemasons, became interested in Tarot from the late 17th century onwards, it seems logical that arithmology would be gradually embedded into the Tarot.
Today, the meanings of numbers in the Tarot are still based on the teachings of Pythagoras.
However, you will find that changes have been made to the card sequences in various decks, which follow different traditions.
Here is an overview of the significance of numbers:
Number
Pythagoras
Numerology and Tarot
0
A mystical symbol, not a number. Mathematically and philosophically Zero represents nothing and everything, the two infinite ends of the finite, neither of which is physically attainable.
God force; the force before entering into manifestation.
In Tarot: The Fool. In some decks the Fool is numbered 22—see below.
1
Monad
Root of all numbers, unity, principle of all things, indivisible
Gender: male and female (containing the odd and even)
Time: The present now
Positive Attributes: Essence; beyond all knowledge
First square number among even; second even number
Gender: Female in first extension; to open and shut the recesses of generation
Time: the four seasons
Positive Attributes: Fountain of natural effects; keybearer of nature
Mind of Man: the fourfold division of Man in terms of soul, body, desire
The Earth; four seasons, four elements; four holy creatures guarding the throne of god (human/air, eagle/water, lion/fire, bull/earth – see Tarot cards Wheel of Fortune, The World).
Will, discipline, construction; associated with planet Uranus.
In Tarot: Grounding, focus inward on self, stasis, boredom, stability, order, completion, turning point. Reason, consolidation; assessment of needs; organisation, establishment.
The Emperor.
Earth/Sun.
5
Pentad
First number to combine odd and even; second odd number; privation of strife (as a number uniting 3 + 2)
Gender: Male (as odd); male and female (as 3 + 2)
Positive: Justice
Negative: Vengeance
Humanity. Freedom, mental dexterity, communication; fruitfulness and new learning.
Associated with the planet Mercury.
In Tarot: Challenge, strife, struggle, conflict. Breakdown. Chaos, upheaval, stress. Disturbance, anger, loss (of temper, feelings, security or integrity).
The Hierophant – authority, education, dogma, structure; potential for rebellion.
Mars
6
Hexad
First perfect number. Gender: Female (as even)
Time: Regeneration (which occurs after 6 x 6 x 6 years)
Positive attributes: harmony, perfection of parts, benevolence, peace, principle
Mind of man: Truth; only number adapted to the soul of Man
Beauty; creation and perfection.
The number Six represents love, wisdom and responsibility; associated with the planet Venus.
In Tarot: Advancement, reciprocation, sharing, contemplation. Exuberance; co-operation, choice;
The Lovers – responsibility.
Jupiter.
7
Heptad
Only number in decad that did not arise from any union and does not unite with anything.
Gender: Male (as odd)Time: The lunar cycle as four sets of seven days
Positive Attribute: Veneration
Mind of Man: Dream (vision)
Perfect order.
The number Seven is the highest mystical and sacred number; it represents life, higher learning, spirituality and contemplation.
Associated with the planet Neptune.
Male magic (based on anatomy—7 orifices)
In Tarot: Movement, mastery, struggle, new direction, inner growth, self-reflection; discipline, restraint, self-expression, independent action, foresight, indecision.
The Chariot.
Saturn.
8
Ogdoad
First cube number among even; first cube of energy
Gender: Female (as fourth even number)
Time: One third of a day; the day divided into 8 + 8 + 8 hours; the eighth day as rejuvenation, or regeneration of the cycle of seven days
Strength; divine law, authority, materialism; associated with the planet Saturn.
The figure of Eight is a symbol of spiralling motion of the creative forces, also representing karmic justice ‘as above, so below’.
First square number among odd numbers; the number which flows around the other numbers within the decad like the ocean around the earth; the first triangular number (3 x 3)
Gender: doubly masculine (as odd and as the first odd square)
Time: the nine months of gestation
Positive Attributes: concord, freedom from strife
Completeness; end of a cycle; the beginning and the end.
The number Nine represents unconditional service and action.
Positive Attributes: strength (ruling over all other numbers), faith, necessity
Mind of Man: Memory (as mental calculation)
Perfection through completeness; return to unity, accomplishment of purpose. Transformation.
In Tarot: Completion of a cycle; endings and beginnings, result, regeneration, release, responsibility, consolidation; new direction or re-commitment; purpose.
Each of the 78 scenic images of the RWS (Rider Waite Smith) Tarot deck contain a number of symbols. When familiar with their meanings and possible interpretations, it is easier to “read” and interpret the cards.
Major Arcana Symbols:
0 – The Fool
White rose in hand – the soul, the heart, love. White = purity, innocence
Bundle on stick – provisions, potential, possessions (not much = flexible, light, independent). Stick = wand
Sun/Sky – blue, sunny, warm; the right time to travel, make a move
Mountains – obstacles, problems, difficulties in the far distance
Cliff – pitfall
Dog – instinct, spirit guide, warning from the intellect or playfulness
Lemniscate above his head – symbol of eternity; infinite potential, connection with universal principles
Red/White clothing – Alchemy; alchemical process catalyst for change
Red roses – passion
White lilies – purity, higher spirit
Objects on the table – 4 elements (4 Minor Arcana suits); possibilities, choices, potential
Garden – nature’s sacred space; emotional and creative power
Magician’s Posture – As above so below; making something real; manifesting spirit force by connecting heaven and earth.
Wand – lightning rod; energy
2 – The High Priestess
White gown – purity
Headdress – three aspects of the moon (symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis)
Equal-armed cross – uniting masculine and feminine powers
High Priestess’s Posture – right hand of power is hidden; left hand holding the Tora, Jewish book of law/5 books of Moses
Veil – something hidden, the unconscious/hidden knowledge
Water behind the veil – unconscious, intuition, mysteries
Pomegranates on veil – fruit of the Underworld, a connection to the myth of Persephone, who spent a third of her life in the Underworld with Hades, because she ate the seeds of the Pomegranate
Palm trees – ability to create through action (fanning), masculine, assertive energy
Columns – entrance to King Solomon’s Temple of Wisdom, Hebrew temple in Jerusalem
B and J – Boaz and Jakin, names of the two main pillars of King Solomon’s temple
Black and white – opposites, night and day, yin and yang
Lunar crescent – beginning of esoteric cycle
3 – The Empress
Empress’s Posture – comfort, luxury
Sceptre in right hand – taking the lead, creatrive energy
Gown – pomegranates; link with High Priestess, two aspects of the feminine
Headdress – 12 stars of the zodiac
Shield – heart-shaped, gentleness, passion; symbol for Venus, Goddess of love and beauty
Trees – growth, wisdom
River – feelings, nurture, emotions, life force, change
Quick reference guide to the keywords and card meanings for Rider Waite Smith (RWS) style tarot decks:
The Major Arcana
Number
Card
Meaning
0
The Fool
New beginnings; spontaneity; carefree; enthusiasm; optimism; folly; no worries or fears; restlessness.
1
The Magician
Awareness of choices; focusing on achieving a goal; potential; purpose; commitment; using personal skills (organising, communicating); cleverness; manipulative.
2
High Priestess
Inner wisdom; intuition; patience; mysteries; secrets to be unveiled; self-reliance; retreat; receptivity; thinking.
Sacrifice; suspended action; stalemate; waiting; stagnation; loneliness; new perspective
13
Death
Renewal; transformation; transition; discarding old patterns or restrictive habits; liberation; potential for new growth; rites of passage; initiation.
14
Temperance
Compromise; compatibility; moderation; creating harmony; blending your personal needs with your responsibilities; bringing together opposites; tolerance; healing
When I researched colour symbolism in the Tarot, I came across information about how colour is perceived in different cultures.
I realised that my perception of colours are based on the Western culture I have grown up in, whereas people from different backgrounds will link colours with different meanings.
For example, in western culture the colour ‘white’ is associated with weddings, purity and innocence, but in Eastern cultures such as India and Japan it is linked with funerals and death.
Therefore, in the following table I have included not only my personal ‘western’ perception (including the correspondences of the Golden Dawn), but also the meanings of colours in different cultures.
However, when interpreting the cards, you need to establish your own view on colours, the thoughts and feelings they evoke in you, so you may disagree with some of the meanings suggested below.
But that’s fine, because remember that there is no right or wrong; it’s all about your intuition.
When you look at a card in more detail and study its colours, you may find that some colours stand out at different times.
That’s when you can pay attention to your understanding of the colour’s meaning and perhaps hidden message.
Watch out for shades and hues; lighter colours may be associated with the conscious mind, darker colours with the unconscious.
Opposite colours indicate contrast. Complimentary colours in juxtaposition may suggest balance.
Colour
Western Tradition
Other Traditions
Black
the unknown, mystery, hidden things, darkness, fear, death, funerals, emptiness, lack of insight
China: Colour for young boys
Blue
Spirituality, healing, depression, sadness, cold; colour of the fifth (throat) chakra; water; sky.Ruling planet: Moon. The suit of Cups.
Iran: Colour of heaven and spirituality
Indigo (Blue-Violet)
Intuition, creative insight, clairvoyance, psychic sensitivity, mystery, dream work; colour of the sixth (brow) chakra. Ruling Planet: Saturn
Gold
Masculine energy, luxury, success, material value, the sun, illumination
Green
Growth, vitality, nature, harmony, healing, Spring; colour of the fourth (heart) chakra, which can also be pink. Ruling Planet: Venus. The suit of Pentacles.
China: Green hats indicate a man’s wife is cheating on him; exorcism
India: Islam
Ireland: Symbol of the entire country
Grey
Sadness, dreariness, cold, gloom; neutrality, integration, balance of opposites (a mix of black & white)
Orange
Energy, zest, vitality, fire, warmth, confidence, creativity; colour of the second (sacral) chakra. Planet: Sun.
Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
Pink
Love, friendship, femininity; colour of the fourth (heart) chakra, which can also be green
Purple
Wisdom, spirituality, power, healing, Royalty; colour of the seventh (crown) chakra.Ruling planet: Jupiter
Thailand: Colour of mourning (widows)
Red
Passion, courage, life, excitement, danger, blood; willpower; colour of the root chakraRuling planet: Mars. The suit of Wands.
Nothing is as difficult and frustrating as trying to memorise Tarot card meanings from a book.
The Fool suggests amongst other things new beginnings. This is how some of my students associate the Fool with events in their lives:
The prominent 19th century occultist and 
When I researched colour symbolism in the Tarot, I came across information about how colour is perceived in different cultures.