What is the correct way to start using or learning Tarot cards?

This is probably a very common question for beginners in Tarot work. When starting with Tarot it's easy to feel a bit daunted and wonder what the best way to understand them and start learning to use them is. The fact of the matter is there are many ways to use Tarot cards.

I don't believe there can be a single 'correct' way. There are different techniques for learning card meanings, shuffling cards, spreads, how to begin a reading, how to end a reading and so on. I think it helps to understand what is happening when you use them. There are some differences in opinions on what is happening when you read the cards, but I think in essence you are tapping into something unconscious/subconscious. That means that how you use and interpret tarot cards is very subjective.

When I began exploring Tarot again after many years I wanted to try and really grasp their meanings and have clear readings. I searched for articles on learning tarot and looked an numerous YouTube videos on the subject. I bought a book on Tarot card meanings (which was a very good book) and tried to learn the most common tarot card symbologies. I think having a basic understanding of what the common representations are in the card does help when learning tarot, but in taking in all the advice I was reading I found I wasn't reading the cards in a natural intuitive manner. I was using the cards in the ways other people had said they thought was the way, not my own way.

It was only after watching a video where someone was taking about not  adhering to prescribed methods that I got out of a rut, for this was something I already truly knew but had put aside: To use any divination tool you have to use it in the way that works for you, even if that way is unconventional. To fail to do so will mean failure in getting the results you want.

I admit I felt a bit stupid that I had forgotten this. The realisation has made all the difference. I don't worry about using a particular spread because that's the spread you 'should' use,  or shuffling in this particular way or that, or doing certain rituals before or after, or trying to read the cards strictly according to guidebook or conventional definitions. I use the techniques that work for me because they work for me so far, not because whoever said that was the way it 'should' be done. I think it's important though to be open to changing techniques if the need arises.

By all means find out about the different techniques others use. Read books, watch videos, read blog articles. Knowledge is power. But I don't feel anyone should have to work with the cards in a particular set way. There is no one correct way in Tarot. Find the way that you feel comfortable with and that helps you read the cards, because at the end of the day that's what you are trying to do.  You may not find it overnight, but the surest way is to try and hone in on what feels 'right' to you now.


To read about some of the various techniques that might help you find your way see my blog post here. 

Image by Valentin_mtnezc