Tarot: tips for beginners

Today we’re going to touch on a topic that worries many novice tarot readers: where to start learning Tarot? This question often causes confusion among beginners, as the market is filled with a lot of decks, books, and courses. But let’s take everything in order.

Tarot: more than just cards

First of all, let’s define what the Tarot is. It is not just a deck of cards, it is a figurative and symbolic system containing 78 (and sometimes 79) cards, each of which has a deep meaning and symbolism. The Tarot is not only a tool for divination, but also a philosophical treatise that describes a variety of life situations and processes and gives recommendations on how to live them. When we talk about tarot, it is important to understand that behind each card is not just an image or symbol, but a whole system of knowledge that covers various aspects of a person’s life, from their spiritual path to their everyday worries. The tarot is a kind of map that helps you navigate through life, find answers to complex questions and get advice for the future.

Variety of decks: how to choose yours?

The first step in learning Tarot is to choose a deck. At first glance, the task may seem simple, but in reality, it requires a conscious approach. The market offers a huge variety of decks: from classic to the most unusual, such as the Vampire Tarot, the Fairy Tarot, or the Flower Tarot. But it’s important to remember that each deck is based on a particular school or philosophical approach. Choosing a deck and approach is like choosing a language in which you will communicate with the cards. There are four main schools of Tarot, each of which offers its own unique approach to card interpretation:

1. The Papyrus school is based on the traditions of the French occult and offers a deeply esoteric approach to cards.
2. The Marseille Tarot is a classic approach that also came from France, with simple but powerful symbols.
3. The Waite School is an English school created by Arthur Edward Waite, focused on astrological and Kabbalistic correspondences.
4. The Crowley School is the approach of Alistair Crowley, where each card is full of occult symbolism and requires a special ritual approach.

If you’re just starting out with the Tarot, I recommend looking at classic decks such as the Ryder-Waite Tarot or the Marseille Tarot. These decks are widely used and have a wealth of literature to help you learn the basics more easily.

Studying cards: a systematic approach

After choosing a deck, an important step is to study the cards. Tarot is a holistic system, and in order to work effectively with the cards, you need to understand their relationship and meaning. Each arcana is like a separate word, but together they make up a sentence, and the spread is a whole story. There are two key aspects that need to be developed to become a successful tarot reader:

1. Knowledge of the system. It is important not only to learn the meaning of each card, but also to understand how they are related to each other and how they interact in the timetables. It is similar to learning a language: first, we learn the alphabet, then the words, and finally, we learn to put them into sentences. It’s the same with Tarot – understanding the card system allows you to see the whole picture of a situation.
2. Fluency and intuition. The second important component is the development of intuitive abilities, or, as we often say, ‘flow’. Flow is a state in which you are open to the flow of information coming through the cards. This state allows you not only to interpret the spreads correctly, but also to receive deep insights that are not always obvious on the surface. Developing intuition is a process that takes time and practice, but it is an integral part of working with the Tarot.

Benefits of studying at the courses

There are many ways to learn Tarot in the modern world. You can start learning on your own by studying books and online resources, but this path often proves difficult due to the lack of a systematic approach. Attending a course with an experienced teacher has its advantages:

• Systematic knowledge. A well-organised course will allow you to learn Tarot consistently, without confusion and missing important topics. The teacher will help you connect theoretical knowledge with practice, which is especially important at the initial stage.
• Support and feedback. During the courses, you can always ask questions and get answers from an experienced tutor. This is important because learning Tarot is not only about theoretical knowledge, but also about practice, which often raises doubts and questions.
• Developing intuition. Practical exercises and special exercises offered in the courses will help you develop your flow and intuition. This is much more effective than trying to achieve it on your own.

The esoteric picture of the world and its significance for the tarot reader

One of the key aspects of working with the Tarot is understanding the esoteric picture of the world. The Tarot does not exist in a vacuum – it is part of a broader system of knowledge that encompasses philosophy, esotericism, astrology, and many other disciplines. Understanding these interrelationships helps a tarot reader to understand the meaning of the cards more deeply and interpret the spreads more accurately. Esotericism teaches us to see the world in all its fullness and complexity, to understand the interconnection of events and processes in life. It expands our consciousness, allowing us to go beyond our usual experience and look at the world from a broader perspective. For a novice tarot reader, it is important to develop your worldview, study philosophical and esoteric concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the processes that the cards represent. This not only enriches your practice, but also makes your work with clients more accurate and meaningful.

Conclusion: where to start?

To summarise, I would like to note that studying Tarot is a fascinating and profound process that requires time and patience. Start by choosing a deck suitable for you, study its symbolism and philosophy, pay attention to the development of intuition and flow. Take your time, give yourself time to immerse yourself in this world, and remember that Tarot is not just a divination tool, it is a powerful tool for self-development and realisation.