What is Tarot? Complete Beginner Guide 2026
Tarot is a system of 78 cards used for centuries as a tool for reflection and self-knowledge. Contrary to what many think, tarot doesn’t “predict the future” — it works as a symbolic mirror that helps you see situations from new perspectives.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What tarot is and where it came from
- How the cards work
- The structure of the deck
- How to start studying
What is Tarot, exactly?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards divided into two parts:
| Group | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana | 22 cards | Life’s big themes and transformations |
| Minor Arcana | 56 cards | Day-to-day situations |
Each card contains universal symbols that speak directly to our unconscious. When you draw a card, you’re not receiving a “prediction” — you’re opening a dialogue with your own inner wisdom.
“Tarot doesn’t tell you what will happen. It reveals who you are being.”
Brief History of Tarot
Tarot emerged in 15th century Europe, initially as a card game in Italy. The first known decks are the Visconti-Sforza, created for Italian nobility.
Over time, occult scholars discovered connections between the cards and ancient symbolic systems — like Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy. That’s when tarot went from a game to a tool for meditation and self-knowledge.
Today, tarot is used by:
- Therapists and coaches (as a complementary tool)
- People seeking self-knowledge
- Artists and writers (as a source of inspiration)
- Spiritual practitioners
How Does Tarot Work?
Tarot works through three principles:
1. Symbolism
Each card is an image loaded with meaning. Our unconscious “reads” these symbols naturally, just as it interprets dreams.
2. Synchronicity
A term created by Carl Jung to describe “meaningful coincidences.” The card you draw reflects something relevant to the present moment.
3. Projection
When we look at a symbolic image, we project our own feelings and questions onto it. The card becomes a mirror.
In practice: You ask a question, shuffle the cards with a focused mind, and draw one or more cards. The interpretation combines the traditional meaning of the card with your intuition about what it means for you.
Deck Structure
Major Arcana (22 cards)
The Major Arcana represent the great archetypes of human experience. They tell the “Fool’s Journey” — a metaphor for the soul’s path of growth.
Some important cards:
- The Fool (0): New beginnings, courage to take risks
- The Magician (I): Personal power, manifestation
- The High Priestess (II): Intuition, mystery
- Death (XIII): Transformation (rarely literal!)
- The World (XXI): Completion, end of cycle
See the complete meaning of each Major Arcana →
Minor Arcana (56 cards)
Divided into 4 suits representing different areas of life:
| Suit | Element | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Cups | Water | Emotions, relationships, love |
| Pentacles | Earth | Money, work, body |
| Swords | Air | Mind, conflicts, communication |
| Wands | Fire | Action, creativity, energy |
Each suit has cards from Ace to 10 + 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
How to Start Studying Tarot
Step 1: Choose Your Deck
For beginners, we recommend:
- Rider-Waite-Smith: The most popular and studied. Great foundation.
- Tarot of Marseilles: More traditional, less illustrated.
Choose a deck whose images “speak” to you. There’s no “wrong” deck.
Step 2: Start with One Card a Day
Draw a card every morning and:
- Observe the image for 1-2 minutes
- Note your first impression
- Research the traditional meaning
- At night, reflect: how did the card manifest today?
Step 3: Learn Basic Spreads
Start simple:
- 1 card: Energy of the day or direct answer
- 3 cards: Past, Present, Future (or Situation, Challenge, Advice)
Learn the most popular spreads →
Step 4: Trust Your Intuition
The traditional meaning is a guide, not a rule. What you see in the card is as important as what the books say.
Myths About Tarot
❌ “Tarot predicts the future” The future isn’t written. Tarot shows tendencies based on the present moment.
❌ “You need special gifts” Anyone can learn. It’s study + practice + intuition.
❌ “Negative cards are bad” There are no “bad” cards. Even Death and The Tower bring messages of transformation.
❌ “I can’t buy my own deck” Unfounded myth. Buy, receive, trade — what matters is the connection.
Next Steps
Tarot is a lifelong journey of self-knowledge. Each reading is a conversation with yourself.
Ready to begin?
Get your first free reading at Tarotly →