How to Use Tarot Cards

Learning how to use tarot cards is a beautiful journey of intuition, self-discovery, and connection with the unseen. Tarot is not just about predicting the future — it’s about understanding yourself and the energies that surround your life. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who already feels drawn to the cards, this guide will show you how to use tarot cards effectively and meaningfully.

Step 1: Connect With Your Tarot Deck

Before your first reading, take time to build a personal connection with your deck. Hold the cards in your hands, shuffle them gently, and look at the images. Notice which cards attract you and what emotions or thoughts they bring up. Tarot cards are a reflection of your inner world, so the more familiar you become with them, the more naturally your intuition will speak through the deck.

You can also cleanse your deck before using it for the first time — by passing it through incense smoke, placing it under moonlight, or using a crystal like clear quartz or selenite. This removes any previous energies and aligns the cards with your own vibration.

Step 2: Set an Intention or Question

When using tarot cards, always start with a clear intention. Ask yourself what you want guidance on — it could be love, career, personal growth, or emotional healing.

Form your question in an open-ended way. Instead of asking “Will I get the job?” try “What can I do to improve my chances of success in my career?” Open questions allow the tarot to reveal possibilities and insights rather than yes-or-no answers.

If you don’t have a specific question, that’s fine too. You can simply ask for general guidance or a message for the day.

Step 3: Shuffle and Focus Your Energy

Shuffling the cards is an essential ritual that connects your energy with the deck. As you shuffle, think about your question and let your mind quiet down. You can use any shuffling method that feels comfortable — overhand, riffle, or spreading the cards on the table and mixing them in circles.

When you feel ready, stop shuffling. Trust your intuition — you’ll often sense a natural pause or inner feeling that it’s time to begin.

Step 4: Choose a Tarot Spread

A tarot spread is the pattern in which you lay out the cards. The position of each card adds context to its meaning. For beginners, the Three-Card Spread is perfect because it’s simple yet powerful. It represents:

Past – the influences that brought you here
Present – the energy surrounding your current situation
Future – the direction things may take or what to focus on next

Once you’re more comfortable, you can try other spreads such as the Celtic Cross, the Five-Card Relationship Spread, or even create your own layout depending on your question.

Step 5: Interpret the Cards

Now comes the most magical part — reading the cards. Start by looking at the imagery, symbols, and colours. What feelings or ideas come to you immediately? Then think about the traditional meanings of each card and how they connect to your question and to one another.

For example:

A Cups card might point to emotions or relationships.
A Swords card could suggest decisions or conflict.
A Pentacles card often relates to work, money, or stability.
A Wands card reflects passion, energy, and creativity.

Allow your intuition to guide you. Sometimes your first impression will tell you more than any book ever could. The tarot speaks through symbols that resonate differently for everyone.

Step 6: Reflect and Journal

After the reading, take a few minutes to write down your impressions. Keeping a tarot journal helps you track your progress and notice patterns that emerge over time.

Ask yourself:

What message stood out the most?
How do these cards relate to my current emotions or decisions?
What actions can I take based on what I’ve learned?

Tarot is not about predicting the future but about understanding the present more deeply. By reflecting on your readings, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of direction.

Step 7: Practice Regularly

The more you use your tarot cards, the more natural your readings will become. Daily or weekly readings are a great way to stay connected to your intuition. Even pulling just one card a day for guidance can help you stay mindful and aware of your inner energy.

Over time, you’ll find that tarot becomes a trusted companion — a sacred space where you can pause, listen, and receive wisdom from your higher self.

Knowing how to use tarot cards is not about memorizing meanings or following strict rules. It’s about developing a conversation with your intuition and allowing the cards to mirror your soul. Each reading brings you closer to understanding yourself, your emotions, and the divine guidance that flows through your life.

If you feel ready to experience the magic of a personal reading and uncover what the cards reveal about your path, tarot reader Andrew invites you to join him for an intuitive session. His deep connection with the tarot will help you find clarity, healing, and inspiration in every card you draw.

✨ Tarot Reader Andrew