Tarot for Beginners: How to Connect with Your First Deck

Whether you’ve just purchased your first tarot deck or received one as a gift, beginning your tarot journey is a magical step into self-discovery and spiritual connection. The tarot isn’t just about telling the future—it’s a mirror to your soul, a tool for insight, and a bridge to your intuition.

1. Choosing Your First Deck

Your first tarot deck should speak to you visually and energetically. The most popular choice for beginners is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but there are countless beautiful designs available. Let your heart guide you—pick a deck whose artwork inspires you.

2. Cleansing Your Deck

Before your first reading, it’s important to clear any lingering energies from the deck. You can:

• Pass each card through incense smoke.

• Place a clear quartz crystal on top of the deck overnight.

• Leave the deck under moonlight during a full moon.

3. Getting to Know Your Cards

Spend time shuffling and looking through the images. Notice the colors, symbols, and emotions each card evokes. You might:

• Pull a “card of the day” and reflect on its meaning.

• Journal your thoughts and feelings for each card.

• Meditate with a specific card to deepen your connection.

4. Asking the Right Questions

Tarot works best with open-ended questions that invite insight, such as:

• “What energy surrounds me today?”

• “What can I learn from this challenge?”

• “How can I align with my highest good?”

Avoid yes/no questions in the beginning, as tarot thrives on depth and exploration.

5. Practice, Trust, Repeat

Like any skill, tarot improves with practice. Don’t worry about memorizing every meaning right away—trust your intuition. The more you work with your deck, the stronger your bond will become.

Tip from Bells, Books & Candles:
Keep your tarot deck wrapped in cloth, stored in a pouch, or placed on your altar to protect its energy. We offer tarot pouches, cleansing herbs, crystals, and beginner-friendly decks to help you start your journey.