Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: Tips, Decks, and Tools for Self-Reflection & Spiritual Growth
Start your tarot journey with tips on choosing decks, understanding card meanings, and using tools for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Subscribe for soulful updates on energy tools, mindful practices, and elevated everyday magic.
8/15/20254 min read
New to the world of tarot and not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve had a reading before, but still don’t have your own deck. Doing your research can feel overwhelming—especially when it’s meant to be tailored to your unique journey. Here’s the good news: you can tap into your spiritual side without giving up your sense of style. In this blog, I’ll share tips and insights to help you go from curious beginner to confident tarot reader in no time. By the end, you’ll feel ready to shuffle, draw, and read with confidence.
My personal journey with tarot has been an amazing ride that has helped me grow and become the person I am today. It has helped me understand myself and the world around me, all while boosting my compassion and confidence. Instead of seeking validation from others, I can now look within. Tarot has become a tool for self-reflection and empowerment. Each reading feels like a conversation with my higher self, guiding me toward clarity and purpose.
The art of tarot is old—15th century old. The cards themselves originated in Italy as a game called tarocchi, played among the nobility for entertainment. For several centuries, tarot existed purely as a card game, with no connection to fortune-telling. It wasn’t until the late 1700s in France that records show tarot being used for divination, with mystics interpreting the imagery for guidance and insight. By the late 19th century, European occultists began associating tarot with esoteric traditions, astrology, and ceremonial magic. This movement was strongly influenced by groups like The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, whose members developed symbolic systems that shaped how we read tarot today. Not long after, artist Pamela Colman Smith and scholar Arthur Edward Waite—both Golden Dawn members—created the now-iconic Rider–Waite–Smith deck, which remains one of the most widely used tarot decks in the world.
It’s still misunderstood today. Many people think it’s demonic, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it can be used to talk to entities, I prefer to use it as a tool for self-reflection—a way to see the story from the view of your higher self (subconscious). It’s also known to be able to predict the future. While that’s not completely false, it’s not necessarily true either. Meaning, you can always change the outcome of an event you particularly don’t like. It does show the current timeline in that moment. They’re a powerful yet playful way to connect with your inner wisdom and spiritual energy.
There’s also a lot of miscommunication around how to properly acquire your first deck. In some practices, it’s seen as bad luck to purchase your first deck. Well, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t matter. No bad energy. No misfortune. You only give it power if you choose to. They’re very easy to cleanse, and there are tons of ways to do so. In the end, the best deck is the one that feels right in your hands.
The Deck itself
There are many different sizes and styles. This deck here is one I actually use myself and recently got for my birthday. The imagery is stunning, and they’re very easy to shuffle and feel great in your hands. I couldn't recommend them any more.
The Guidebook
Most decks come with one, but they often don’t provide enough depth or insight. Googling can take a while, and it’s easy to get lost in endless tabs, which can be overwhelming. My advice: invest in a trusted, well-written guidebook. This one by Tina Gong is everything you could want or need (I swear by it). It’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and perfect for both newcomers and seasoned readers. She even includes a variety of spreads and real-life scenarios to help you get the most out of your readings
The Altar Cloth
They’re perfect for protecting your cards from grimy surfaces while adding a special touch to your readings. I picked one with lots of beautiful colors to match any vibe, and it even comes with a small bag so you can easily carry it wherever you go.
The Bell
Good for channeling and tuning yourself for a more accurate reading. I use a bell for specific types of readings, like larger spreads or readings for other people. They’re useful for more than tarot and make a great tool to keep on your altar. This one is cute and adds a little extra texture to your setup.
The Notebook
You should always write down your readings: the spread you used, your initial feelings, and, of course, the meanings and advice. Putting pen to paper is so important (I always write everything down before typing). You can easily go back to previous readings, as their lessons never lose relevancy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve revisited readings I did, sometimes from years ago. I’m so glad I have them all documented. This one is cute, and I tend to prefer spiral notebooks over composition books—it just feels neater to me.
The Charm
And lastly, while not a necessity for most, I always wear a card around my neck. It helps me connect with the deck’s energy. I used to wear the Magician—it reminded me that I am magical and offered protection from bad vibes. Now, I wear the Sun every day, as a reminder that no one can steal my shine because it’s infinite. Choose the card that calls to you. The one I picked here is super stylish, and there are lots of different cards to choose from.
Overall, the art of reading tarot is such a wonderful way to gain a better understanding of life and the many paths you can be drifting toward or manifesting into. I hope I've inspired you to dive into a new, more personal way of reflecting on yourself.
Let me know if there’s anything else you’re curious about in the world of tarot.
Cards Spread out with ease
A bell rings with intention
A message for you
