How to Play Tarot Card Reading: A Beginner's Guide to Reading Tarot for Yourself
So you just got your first tarot deck (or you're eyeing that beautiful one on your altar) and you're wondering...
How do I even play tarot? (personally, i dont consider it play but… it totally can be!!)
Don’t worry—tarot isn’t about getting it “right” so get that perfectionist or beginner fear out of your mind. This is a “game” of developing your intuition, deepening self-awareness, and having honest conversations with your inner knowing.
Whether you're doing it for fun, spiritual growth, or to gain insight around love, life, or purpose—here’s how to begin.
What You’ll Need to Start Reading Tarot
🔮 A tarot deck — The most common is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but go with what calls to you.
✨ A quiet space — Doesn’t need to be fancy. Just somewhere you can focus.
📓 A notebook or app — To track your pulls and insights.
💖 An open mind — That’s the real magic.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Deck
Before diving into spreads, spend time with your deck.
Flip through every card slowly
Notice which ones make you feel something
Shuffle them often to connect your energy
You don’t need to memorize all 78 meanings—trust will come over time
Optional ritual: sleep with your deck under your pillow, carry it around in your bag, or cleanse it with smoke, salt, or sound to attune it to you.
🃏 Step 2: Set the Space
You don’t need candles and crystals (though they’re cute), but grounding your energy before reading helps.
Try this:
Take 3 deep breaths
Light a candle or set a simple intention like:
“Show me what I need to see.”Shuffle your deck and let your question float to the surface
✨ Step 3: Ask a Clear Question
You can absolutely “play” tarot with fun or general questions, but the clearer your focus, the more accurate your insight.
Great beginner questions:
What energy is surrounding me right now?
What do I need to know about this relationship?
What’s blocking me from moving forward?
Avoid yes/no questions (unless you use a specific yes/no spread) and aim for open-ended inquiry instead.
🔮 Step 4: Choose a Spread
Start small—no need to do a Celtic Cross on your first try.
Try these:
1-Card Pull: for daily energy, guidance, or affirmation
2-Card Pull: situation vs. challenge, you vs. them, past vs. future
3-Card Spread: past / present / future or mind / body / spirit
Lay the cards out and let your intuition lead. What stands out? What feelings arise?
🧠 Step 5: Interpret Without Overthinking
Look at the image, the colors, the symbolism. What’s your first impression? That matters more than “getting it right.”
Then, peek at the guidebook or search the card meaning online. Layer your intuitive message on top of that info.
💡 Pro tip: There’s no wrong answer. Tarot reflects what you already know but haven’t named yet.
💌 Bonus: Journal What Comes Through
Write down your question, the cards you pulled, and any downloads, gut feelings, or ah-ha moments that came through.
This builds your confidence over time and lets you track patterns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to play tarot, the truth is: it’s not just a game—it’s a sacred tool for self-trust and transformation.
Let it be fun. Let it be messy. Let it teach you something about yourself you hadn’t put words to yet.
And if you ever want a reading from someone who gets it, I'm here for you.
🔗 Book a love or general reading here
