THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TAROT READING

Your Path to Tarot Mastery Starts Here

By Sarah Kulkens | Spiritual Guide and Metaphysical Expert at Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop

A person with a floral hand tattoo spreads tarot cards on a wooden table alongside dried lavender and crystals.

Welcome to the mystical and enchanting world of Tarot! For beginners, Tarot reading can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with the proper guidance, this powerful tool becomes a rewarding journey of self-discovery and spiritual insight. This guide covers the basics, busts common myths, and shows how Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop™ can support you on your Tarot journey.

Quick Summary: Tarot for Beginners

The Deck: A standard Tarot deck has 78 cards, split into the Major Arcana (major life themes) and Minor Arcana (daily challenges).

Best Deck for Beginners: The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is highly recommended for its clear, traditional imagery.

Getting Started: Always cleanse a new deck with smoke (sage/palo santo) or moonlight before your first reading.

Daily Practice: The best way to learn is to pull a single "card of the day" each morning to build your intuition without getting overwhelmed.

A robed figure with arms raised stands before a city skyline, bathed in a warm light. The Judgement tarot card.

What Is Tarot?

Tarot is a deck of 78 symbolic cards with meaning and insight. It’s used as a tool for:

  • Guidance and reflection: Understand your current path and uncover opportunities.
  • Inner wisdom: Connect with your intuition and make empowered decisions.
  • Self-exploration: Discover deeper truths about yourself and your life.

Whether you seek clarity on your future or want to dive into self-reflection, Tarot offers a trusted companion for personal growth.



Tarot card with a weathered wooden mask. The mask has a wide smile, empty eyes, and a small wing. The card reads

How to Start Your Tarot Journey


Choose the Right Tarot Deck

Your first step is finding a deck that resonates with you. Many beginners start with the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known for its clear imagery and accessible symbolism. Alternatively, explore decks like the Angel Tarot or Mystic Faery Tarot, which may align with your unique energy.

Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

Before using your cards, it’s essential to remove any lingering energy. Here are some cleansing methods:

  • Smudging with sage or palo santo.
  • Placing the deck under the light of a full moon.
  • Shuffling with clear intentions for guidance.


Learn the Basics of Tarot

Familiarise yourself with the structure of the Tarot deck:

  • Major Arcana (22 cards): Represent life’s significant themes and lessons.

Minor Arcana (56 cards): Divided into four suits—Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands—which address daily challenges and situations.

 Develop Your Intuition

While Tarot guidebooks are helpful, the true magic lies in your intuition. Study the card imagery, feel its energy, and trust your instincts when interpreting its meaning.


Practice with Daily Draws

Start with a simple daily practice:

  • Pull one card each morning and reflect on its message throughout the day.
  • Over time, you’ll develop a personal connection with your deck and more profound confidence in your readings.


A hooded figure, Death, stands in an arched doorway overlooking a city at sunset. The card reads

Debunking Common Tarot Myths

“Tarot Predicts the Future Exactly.”

Not quite. Tarot reflects current energies and possibilities, but your actions and choices ultimately shape your destiny.

“Only Psychics Can Read Tarot.”

Anyone can learn Tarot! It’s a skill that grows with practice, patience, and intuition.

“Using Tarot Invites Bad Spirits.”

This is a misconception. Tarot is a neutral tool; its power depends on the intention and energy you bring to your readings.




Tarot card

Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop™: Your Tarot Haven

At Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop™, we’re here to support your Tarot journey with everything you need to succeed:

Wide Range of Tarot Decks

From beginner-friendly options to advanced and unique decks, you’ll find the perfect match for your spiritual path.

Tarot Workshops and Classes

Join workshops led by experienced mentors and gain hands-on knowledge to build your confidence as a reader.

Tarot Accessories

Elevate your readings with velvet cloths, card holders, cleansing tools, and more.

A tarot card and a card with text

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarot Reading

Q: What is the best Tarot deck for a beginner?

A: The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is universally recommended as the best deck for beginners. Its illustrations are highly detailed and visually descriptive, making it much easier to intuitively understand the meaning of each card without constantly checking a guidebook.


Q: How do you cleanse a new Tarot deck?

A: Before using a new Tarot deck, you should cleanse it of any stagnant energy. You can do this by passing the cards through the smoke of sage or palo santo, leaving them on a windowsill under the light of the Full Moon, or simply knocking firmly on the deck three times to clear the energy.


Q: Do I need to be a psychic to read Tarot cards?

A: No, you do not need to be a psychic to read Tarot. Tarot is a tool for self-reflection and accessing your own inner wisdom. While some readers are highly clairvoyant, anyone can learn to read the cards by studying their symbolism, practising daily, and trusting their natural intuition.


Q: What is the difference between the Major and Minor Arcana?

A: The 22 cards of the Major Arcana represent large, overarching life themes, spiritual lessons, and karmic destiny. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana deal with everyday situations, temporary emotions, and practical, day-to-day challenges.


Final Thoughts: Embrace the Magic of Tarot

Starting your Tarot journey is like meeting a wise guide who helps you navigate life’s mysteries. Remember, Tarot reflects your energy and intentions, so approach it with an open heart and curious mind.

As my mother, Kerry Kulkens™, always said:
“Destiny—you cannot change it but embrace it.”

Ready to begin your Tarot journey? Visit Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop™ to find your perfect deck and join workshops that will transform you into a confident, skilled Tarot reader.

 Discover the Magic of Tarot Today

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