This comprehensive guide explores the complexities and nuances of learning tarot, addressing common questions and concerns about the difficulty of mastering this age-old practice.
We’ll cover some basic questions surrounding this topic before giving you 11 practical steps to learn tarot in the most efficient way.
Lets talk about:
🌕 Basics of The Tarot Deck
🌔 Is Tarot Hard To Learn?
🌓 Something That Can Make Tarot Hard To Grasp
🌒 Resources and Learning Aids
🌑 Practical Challenges In Learning Tarot
🌘 11 Practical Steps To Start Learning Tarot
Basics of The Tarot Deck
The tarot deck is typically composed of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).
Each card has its own imagery, symbolism, and potential meanings, which can vary widely depending on the deck and the reader’s interpretation.
Learning the tarot involves not only memorizing these meanings but also understanding the deeper symbolic language of the cards, which often includes archetypal themes, historical references, and elements of mysticism.
Is Tarot Hard To Learn?
Learning tarot can be challenging due to its complex symbolism and the need to blend book knowledge with personal intuition, but with consistent practice and patience, it becomes a deeply rewarding and enriching skill.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is simply putting in the time to learn about the cards and what readings can mean. I personally believe anyway can learn how to engage with tarot, it just takes time.
One thing to remember though, is that tarot is highly subjective, and some could argue that there aren’t many “right or wrongs” in the way someone wants to interpret the cards.
Initial Complexity
- For beginners, the tarot can seem overwhelming. With 78 cards and multiple potential meanings for each, the initial learning phase can be steep. The symbolism can be complex, and the layers of meaning deep, requiring time and study to understand fully.
Practice and Patience
- Like any skill, becoming proficient in tarot reading takes practice and patience. It involves regular engagement with the cards, practice readings, and often, continuous learning about the broader spiritual and historical contexts of the tarot.
One website we particularly like is biddytarot.com They have an awesome resource for all things tarot
Something That Can Make Tarot Hard To Grasp
Something that makes tarot difficult for beginners in particular is developing a certain level or intuition and ability to interpret what cards mean.
While this might not be a “difficult” task, it takes time and practice.
Developing Intuition
- An essential aspect of tarot reading is developing your intuition. This means learning to trust your instincts about what the cards are saying in the context of a particular reading or question.
- Balancing book knowledge with personal intuition is a key challenge for many learners. It requires an openness to not just intellectual understanding but also emotional and intuitive responses.
Resources and Learning Aids
Thankfully, there are many ways to all about tarot. You find helpful free resources like this blog, and also YouTube.
Books and Courses
- Numerous books, courses, and online resources are available to help beginners learn tarot. These can provide structured learning paths, interpretations of the cards, and practical advice on conducting readings.
- However, the abundance of resources can also be confusing, and part of the learning process is finding the ones that resonate most with your understanding and approach to tarot.
Community and Mentorship
- Engaging with a community of tarot readers or finding a mentor can significantly ease the learning process. Communities, whether online or in-person, offer support, shared experiences, and insights from more experienced readers.
Practical Challenges
Consistency and Practice
- Regular practice is crucial for learning tarot. This includes daily card pulls, journaling your interpretations, and conducting readings for various situations.
- Time management can be a challenge, especially for those with busy schedules. Consistent practice, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, can lead to gradual but significant progress.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects
- Tarot reading can sometimes bring up emotional and psychological challenges. The cards often delve deep into personal and sometimes uncomfortable territories, requiring emotional maturity and sensitivity to navigate.
11 Practical Steps To Start Learning Tarot
Embarking on the journey of learning tarot can be a transformative experience. Here’s a structured approach to begin your exploration into the world of tarot:
- Choose Your Tarot Deck: Start by selecting a tarot deck that resonates with you. Traditional decks like the Rider-Waite are often recommended for beginners due to their rich symbolism and widespread use.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Deck: Spend time getting to know your deck. Look at each card, observe the imagery, and note your initial impressions and feelings.
- Learn the Basic Structure: Understand the basic structure of the tarot deck – the Major and Minor Arcana. Familiarize yourself with the general themes of each suit in the Minor Arcana and the archetypal journey depicted in the Major Arcana.
- Study Each Card: Begin a deep dive into each card’s meaning. You can start with the Major Arcana, then move to the Minor Arcana, learning about the symbolism, traditional interpretations, and different aspects of each card.
- Keep a Tarot Journal: Start a journal to record your observations, feelings, and interpretations of each card. This can also be a space to document your readings and reflect on their outcomes.
- Practice Daily Draws: Pull a card each day to develop a personal connection with your deck. Reflect on the card’s meaning and how it might apply to your day or an aspect of your life.
- Read Tarot Books and Resources: Supplement your learning with books and online resources. There are numerous guides available that provide different perspectives on the cards and methods for reading them.
- Join a Tarot Community: Engage with a community of tarot readers. This could be online forums, social media groups, or local workshops and meetups. Learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly insightful.
- Practice Reading for Others: Once you feel comfortable, start practicing readings for friends or family. This can help you understand different dynamics in readings and improve your interpretive skills.
- Reflect and Adapt Your Approach: As you progress, reflect on your approach and be open to adapting it. Tarot reading is a personal and intuitive process, and your methods may evolve as you gain experience.
- Continuous Learning and Practice: Recognize that learning tarot is an ongoing journey. Continue practicing, studying, and exploring new dimensions of the cards.
- Mindfulness and Ethics: Always approach tarot readings with mindfulness and consider the ethical implications of your readings, especially when reading for others.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation in tarot reading, leading to a deeper understanding and personal connection with the cards.
Remember, the journey of learning tarot is as much about personal growth and discovery as it is about the cards themselves.
Conclusion
Learning tarot can be challenging but also deeply rewarding. It is a journey that combines intellectual learning with personal intuition, emotional intelligence, and spiritual exploration.
The key to mastering tarot lies in patience, consistent practice, and a willingness to engage deeply with both the cards themselves and what they reveal within us.
Whether for personal insight, spiritual growth, or simply a fascination with the symbolic language of tarot, the journey of learning tarot is a unique and enriching experience.