Matcha's Guide to Tarot: Tarot Reading Tips for Beginners

So, you wanna read tarot and you don't know where to star? Good news: You don't need to be a crystal-loving witch to get started.

Tarot is just a tool for acquiring an understanding about the world around, and within, us—like astrology, but with pretty pictures instead of geometry and (sometimes) less math.

Here's how to read the cards like a pro.

Step 1: Get a Deck (Duh)

If you don’t have a deck yet, start with the Rider-Waite-Smith. It’s like the little black dress of tarot—timeless, classic, and easy to interpret, especially if you were raised in Church.

There are many modern interpretations of the RWS. I use the Mahogany Tarot and the all-femme Neoteric deck. Both have that classic RWS energy but with that cute representation.

The RWS deck is often seen as overwhelming, largely because it involves a mix of astrology, numerology, and esoteric symbolism to get the meanings. I love it for that reason, plus a lot of the imagery is meaningful for me.

Don't worry, I'll hold your hand and give you all the tips so you can read quickly, and efficiently.

Also, ignore the myth that someone has to gift you your first deck. If you wait for that, you’ll be old enough to pull the Death card in real time. Buy a deck and proceed to step 2.