Beginners Guide to Tarot

Beginners Guide to Tarot

Do you like journaling? Do you like art? What if I told you that you could combine the 2? And I’m not talking about bullet journaling. I’m talking tarot!

Tarot has been around for centuries in various forms, but we’re not going to dwell on the past here (the history of tarot is very interesting and if you want to learn more I encourage you to look it up). Nor are we here to predict the future.

Gif of hands holding tarot cards. Text reads let me consult my cards...

Tarot is a great way to meditate, journal and reflect! But because it’s been around for so long and some folks think it’s a way to divine what lies ahead it can be daunting to dive into. Below I’m going to provide a beginner’s guide to tarot. If you’d like to learn more you can check out some books or join us at our next tarot program on November 7.

Setting the Scene

Gif of hands holding mug of tea.

Create a Cozy Space

  • Light a candle, make a warm drink, put on some music, and put on your favorite sweater. Do whatever you need to ground yourself.

Gif of tarot card spread

Pick a Spread

  • Spreads tell a story. Pick one that speaks to you or create your own. Keep reading to see our very own Daniel Boone Regional Library tarot spread.

Gif of person shuffling tarot cards

Set an Intention

  • Focus on your query. Don’t forget to shuffle – any way you like!

Major Arcana – The Fool’s Journey

Gif of The Fool tarot card with bright rainbow

The Fool is the main character of Major Arcana & makes a journey through each of the cards, meeting new teachers and learning new life lessons along the way, and eventually reaching the completion of their journey with the World card.

Minor Arcana

🔥Wands🔥 

  • Represents: Energy, motivation & passion
  • Element: Fire
  • Astrological signs: Leo, Sagittarius & Aries

🌎Pentacles🌎

  • Represents: Finances, work & material possessions
  • Element: Earth
  • Astrological signs: Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn

🥤Cups🥤

  • Represents: Feelings, emotions, intuition & creativity
  • Element: Water
  • Astrological signs: Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces

🗡️Swords🗡️

  • Represents: Thoughts, words & actions
  • Element: Air
  • Astrological signs: Gemini, Aquarius & Libra

Tarot Spreads

DBRL Spread. 1st tarot card is in the middle, the 2nd is to the right and the 3rd is to the left. Text reads Genre - theme Hero's journey - what's in store for me Plot twist - obstacles to watch out for

  1. Genre – theme
  2. Hero’s journey – what’s in store for me
  3. Plot twist – obstacles to watch out for