How to Read Tarot Cards.
Learning how to read these ancient cards may help you divine the future – or at least
amuse party guests.
You will need A set of tarot cards and practice.
Step 1.
Get a deck of tarot cards.
There are many different kinds, but the popular Rider-Waite tarot deck is the one recommended
for beginners.
Step 2.
Read the booklet that comes with a new deck to learn the standard meaning of each card.
Tarot cards are divided into major arcana or "greater secrets" and minor arcana, meaning
lesser secrets.
Major arcana represent forces outside our control, while minor arcana represent that
which we have the power to change.
Major arcana cards are usually marked with Roman numerals; minor arcana cards are divided
into four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles.
Step 3.
Shuffle the cards well; then cut the deck as the person whose fortune you are about
to read asks the first question.
Step 4.
Lay down four cards in a diamond pattern.
The top card represents romance; moving clockwise, the next card relates to finances, followed
by the card for health and happiness and finally the career card.
Different spreads involving more cards can be used as you become more experienced.
Step 5.
Turn over the cards and note the direction of the picture.
If it's facing the reader, it's a positive card, representing good things.
If the design is upside down or reversed, it's a negative card, representing conflict.
Step 6.
Interpret the cards.
Don't just analyze what the cards mean individually, but what message they convey when viewed as
a whole.
Major arcana cards carry more weight than minor arcana, which are meant to clarify the
bigger picture.
Step 7.
Keep a record of your readings.
It helps you refine your craft by keeping tabs on when you were right and when you might
have misinterpreted the cards.
Did you know Tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy, where they were used as playing cards.