Your First Tarot Reading
Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Entering the world of tarot doesn't require mysterious rituals or special gifts. This guide will walk you through your first reading step by step, from preparing your question to recording your insights, helping you establish your own tarot practice.
Many people approaching tarot for the first time wonder: 'What do I need to prepare?' 'Are there rules for shuffling?' 'Can the cards really give me answers?'
The truth is, there's no absolute 'right' way to do a tarot reading. What matters is finding a method that feels natural and helps you focus. This guide provides proven steps, but remember: you can adjust based on what feels right for you.
We'll walk through every step of your first reading: question preparation, setting up your space, shuffling, cutting, drawing cards, and recording your insights.
TL;DR - Quick Start
- 1Think of an open-ended question (e.g., "What should I be aware of?")
- 2Click the button below to start your reading
- 3Trust your intuition and select your cards
That's it! Read on for detailed steps.
Start NowStep 1: Prepare Your Question
A well-crafted question is half the battle for a successful reading. Tarot works best with open-ended, exploratory questions rather than closed yes/no questions.
Open vs. Closed Questions
Recommended: Open Questions
- How can I improve my current relationship?
- What can this job opportunity bring me?
- What do I need to be aware of to achieve this goal?
- What's blocking my progress?
Avoid: Closed Questions
- Does he like me?
- Will I get the job?
- Will we get back together?
- Will this succeed?
Empowering Question Framework
Transform your questions into empowering ones that shift focus from external outcomes to what you can control:
Will he come back to me?
How can I handle the ending/healing of this relationship?
Will I find true love?
What do I need to do to attract a healthy relationship?
Will this investment make money?
What factors should I consider about this investment decision?
Question Preparation Tips
- Write down your question to clarify what you truly want to ask
- Avoid asking too many questions in one reading
- If your question is complex, try breaking it into smaller sub-questions
- Avoid specific time predictions in your question (like 'within three months')
Step 2: Set Up Your Space
Setting up your environment isn't about 'increasing accuracy'—it's about helping you enter a focused state. Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
Basic Preparation
Quiet Space
Choose a place where you won't be interrupted, and turn off phone notifications
Clear Surface
Clear your table, leaving enough room for shuffling and laying out cards
Comfortable Position
Sit comfortably and let your body relax
Optional Ritual Elements
These elements can help create a psychological ritual for 'entering reading mode,' but they're not required:
Candles
Soft candlelight helps relaxation—choose unscented or lightly scented
Music
Soft instrumental music or nature sounds—avoid songs with lyrics
Crystals
Amethyst and clear quartz are thought to enhance intuition—place nearby or hold
Tarot Cloth
A dedicated reading cloth protects cards and builds ritual atmosphere
Important: These ritual elements are 'nice to have,' not necessities. Many experienced readers perform accurate readings in cafes or on trains. The key is your focus, not external props.
Step 3: Shuffling Techniques
Shuffling mixes the deck thoroughly while connecting your consciousness with the cards. There's no 'one right way' to shuffle—choose what feels natural.
Table Rotation Method
Spread cards face-down on the table and swirl them in circular motions with both hands. This is the most traditional tarot shuffling method.
Pros
- Easiest way to create reversals
- Works well with large tarot cards
- Most visually ritualistic
Cons
- Requires large table space
- Cards may get damaged
Overhand Shuffle
Similar to regular playing card shuffling—split the deck and interleave repeatedly. Can be done with one or both hands.
Pros
- Doesn't need much space
- Fast shuffling
- Good for smaller cards
Cons
- Harder to create reversals
- Requires hand dexterity
Cut and Stack Method
Divide the deck into several piles, then recombine in different order. Great for those with smaller hands or who prefer simplicity.
Pros
- Easiest to learn
- Gentle on cards
- Works with all card sizes
Cons
- Less thorough mixing
- Needs multiple repetitions
About Reversals
Whether to use reversals (upside-down cards) depends on your preference. If you want reversals, the table rotation method naturally creates them. For beginners, we recommend starting without reversals—learn upright meanings first, then add reversals later.
How Long to Shuffle?
There's no standard answer. Some shuffle until it 'feels right,' others use fixed counts like three or seven times. We suggest repeating your question mentally while shuffling until you feel ready to stop.
Step 4: Cutting the Deck
Cutting is a transitional action between shuffling and drawing. It gives you one last moment to connect with the deck.
Three-Pile Cut Method
Three-Pile Cut
Divide the deck into three piles, then recombine in any order you choose. This is the most common cutting method.
- 1Use your left hand (intuitive hand) to cut the deck into three piles
- 2Arrange them left to right
- 3Intuitively choose the order to restack them
Two-Pile Cut
Simply divide the deck in half, then recombine in different order.
- 1Cut the deck into two piles
- 2If reading for someone else, let them choose which pile goes on top
- 3Recombine into one deck
Cutting isn't required—some readers skip it and draw directly. What matters is finding a flow that feels comfortable to you.
Step 5: Drawing Cards
This is the key moment—choosing the cards that will guide you.
Drawing Methods
Fan Draw
Spread the deck in a fan shape and intuitively choose cards you're drawn to. This is the most visual and common method.
Cut Draw
Take cards directly from the top, bottom, or somewhere in the middle of the deck. Great for those who prefer simplicity.
Jumper Cards
Cards that naturally 'jump' out during shuffling. Some believe these carry special messages meant for you.
Card Placement Direction
Place drawn cards face-down, arranged left to right. When revealing, flip from left to right like turning book pages—this preserves the card's upright or reversed orientation.
Focusing While Drawing
Let your question float in your mind while drawing. Don't force it—just let the question exist naturally in your awareness, then trust your intuitive choice.
Step 6: Record Your Reading
Recording readings isn't just about memory—it's essential for tracking your tarot growth and discovering your personal interpretations.
Tarot Journal
Keep a dedicated notebook or use a notes app to record:
- Date and time
- Your question (write it out fully)
- Cards drawn (including reversals)
- Your first impression (before looking up meanings)
- Your understanding after consulting meanings
- How you plan to apply this guidance
Photo Documentation
Photograph each spread with the date and question. Visual records are especially helpful for recalling feelings when reviewing later.
Regular Review
Review your tarot journal weekly or monthly. You'll start noticing patterns—certain cards appearing frequently or holding special meaning for you. This is crucial for building your personal tarot language.
Beginner Practice Templates
Here are two simple practices to help you build a regular tarot habit:
Daily One-Card Practice
Every morning
'What do I need to be aware of today?' or 'What's today's energy guidance?'
- 1After waking, spend 1-2 minutes centering yourself
- 2Ask your daily question while shuffling
- 3Draw one card and record your first impression
- 4Evening review: How did this card reflect today's experiences?
This is the fastest way to build card meaning familiarity—within 30 days, you'll have intuitive recognition of most common cards.
Weekly Three-Card Reflection
Every Sunday evening
'Looking back at this week, what did I learn? What were my challenges? What's the advice for next week?'
- 1Find a quiet time Sunday evening
- 2Draw three cards for: Weekly Learning, Weekly Challenge, Next Week's Advice
- 3Spend 10-15 minutes writing your reflections
- 4Compare with reality the following Sunday
This practice builds the connection between tarot and daily life, developing your ability to apply card meanings to real situations.
Ready to Do Your First Reading?
Reading theory only goes so far—nothing beats actually drawing a card. Bring your question now and let our AI tarot reader interpret for you.