What is Tarot? A Beginner's Guide to the Ancient Art of Card Reading

Tarot has captivated seekers of wisdom for centuries. Whether you’ve glimpsed the mysterious cards in films, received a reading from a friend, or simply felt drawn to their beauty, you’re not alone in your curiosity.

The Origins of Tarot

Tarot cards first appeared in 15th century Europe, initially as playing cards for games among the Italian nobility. The Visconti-Sforza deck, created around 1440, is one of the oldest surviving tarot decks.

Over time, these cards evolved beyond entertainment. By the 18th century, mystics and occultists began associating tarot with spiritual practices, Kabbalah, and divination.

Understanding the Deck Structure

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two main groups:

The Major Arcana (22 cards)

These are the iconic cards you probably recognize—The Fool beginning their journey, The Magician wielding their tools, The High Priestess guarding mysteries, and The World representing completion.

The Major Arcana cards represent life’s significant lessons, karmic influences, and major themes. When they appear in a reading, pay special attention—they’re speaking to something important in your path.

The Minor Arcana (56 cards)

Divided into four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—the Minor Arcana reflect daily life experiences:

Cups speak to emotions, relationships, and intuition
Wands ignite creativity, passion, and action
Swords cut through to truth, communication, and mental clarity
Pentacles ground us in material matters, work, and physical well-being

How Tarot Actually Works

Here’s what many beginners wonder: How can shuffled cards possibly tell me anything meaningful?

Tarot works through a combination of symbolism, intuition, and reflection. The cards don’t predict a fixed future—instead, they illuminate patterns, energies, and possibilities in your current situation.

Think of tarot as a mirror for your subconscious mind. The images and archetypes speak to something deep within you, helping surface insights you might not access through logical thinking alone.

Getting Started with Tarot

Ready to begin? Here are your first steps:

Choose a deck that speaks to you. The classic Rider-Waite-Smith is wonderful for learning, but trust your instincts about what imagery resonates.
Start with simple spreads. A single-card daily draw teaches you more than complex spreads when you’re beginning.
Keep a tarot journal. Record your questions, the cards you drew, and your interpretations. Over time, you’ll see patterns and growth.
Trust your intuition. While learning card meanings is valuable, your personal connection to the imagery matters just as much.

Ready to experience tarot for yourself? Try a reading with Elvi in Telegram—our AI guide combines traditional wisdom with modern insight.