Tarot decks can be found everywhere — from manicures to tattoos — but if you’re new to the practice, choosing your deck may seem intimidating. When searching, look for one with the traditional structure of 78 fully illustrated cards including 22 major arcana.

Major arcana refer to larger themes that we encounter throughout life, often spiritual lessons or overarching concepts that help shape and support our growth and development.

Choosing a deck

When selecting a deck, take into account how it resonates with your intuition and inner knowledge. Look for decks with clear interpretations, intuitive interfaces, and appealing artwork that speaks to you on a deeper level. Furthermore, it’s essential to consider symbolism; Death could mean either hope for change or tragedy depending on how it’s illustrated.

Make sure that the deck you want to purchase comes from its creator; most independent creators have websites where they sell their work and it may help prevent copycats who try to pass off generic decks as “special.” You should also research whether there is Judeo-Christian subtext within it as it could make some people uncomfortable; additionally check that Hierophant and Judgement cards don’t depict religious leaders and priests respectively.

Getting a reading

Reading from a Tarot Deck can be an intriguing practice. While many use guides to learn its cards and their meanings, others simply rely on intuition when using this ancient art form. While getting readings may not always be straightforward or easy, they can certainly prove rewarding.

Practice regularly and focus on your question. Avoid asking ambiguous or binary questions such as, “Will I get married?” Instead, explore various possibilities and themes presented by cards.

Remember to recognize and thank the creators of your deck. Though it may not matter much to your client, showing appreciation for those responsible can only show respect. Mention them during readings or post pictures online with them mentioned as creators to add some personality into interpretations. Their personal stories could add great insight.

Interpreting the cards

No matter your skill level or spiritual journey, online tarot cards can deepen your spiritual practice. By reading them regularly, you can discover their symbols and meanings as they resonate with your intuition, while experimenting with various decks and spreads until one strikes a chord with you personally and spiritually.

Try starting off with a traditional deck with rich symbolism, such as the Rider-Waite deck. This deck is often recommended as it provides a foundational understanding of cards; however, there are many modern decks with their own themes and imagery which may resonate more closely with you, especially if they reflect current societal conditions and personal experiences.

Maintain a journal where you can record any intuitive insights regarding the cards. Doing this will build confidence in yourself and reduce dependence on what books or others tell you.

Getting a second opinion

If you have difficulty deciphering the meanings of your cards, consulting trustworthy resources like Rachel Pollack’s 78 Degrees of Wisdom book or online resources such as Biddy Tarot is often helpful in understanding them better. They could reveal new angles or significant symbolism that had gone undetected previously.

Attunement plays an integral part in reading cards intuitively, which explains why two readers may get different interpretations from reading the same card. Furthermore, questions asked and context can have a strong effect on results. Tarot readers also use “clarifier cards” that explain what each original card means – these can often be found at bookstores and shops for sale; you could even ask your friends what each card means! Asking others for input will only deepen and broaden your practice and increase reading abilities!