How to Read Tarot Cards

From Memorization to Storytelling

Tarot interpretation isn't just looking up card meanings in a book—it's an art that combines intuition, observation, and narrative. This guide will teach you to progress from 'memorizing meanings' to 'telling stories through images.'

Many people start learning tarot by memorizing the meanings of all 78 cards. But have you noticed that even when you know them by heart, actual readings still feel 'off'?

That's because tarot interpretation isn't a fill-in-the-blank exercise. It's a process that requires observation, feeling, and connection. Each card reveals different aspects in different contexts.

This guide will teach you six core techniques to evolve from a beginner who relies on guidebooks to a reader who can tell the cards' stories in your own words.

Technique 1: First Impression Method

Before consulting any reference material, record your intuitive reaction to the card. This is the most important practice for developing tarot intuition.

Three Key Principles

Trust Your Gut Reaction

The moment you flip a card, notice your body and emotional response. Relaxed or tense? Expectant or uneasy? These reactions are often more accurate than book explanations.

Note What Catches Your Eye First

Is it the figure's expression? The background color? A small detail? Where your eyes are drawn first is often what this card wants to tell you.

Feel First, Verify Later

Before looking things up in books or online, express what this card makes you feel in your own words. Then compare with standard interpretations—you'll find your intuition is often surprisingly accurate.

Practice Method

Before each reading, spend 10 seconds gazing at the card and ask yourself:

1What feeling does this card give me? (One word is enough)
2If this card could speak to me, what would it say?
3What situation in my life does this card remind me of?

Pro tip: Write your first impressions in your tarot journal. When you review them months later, you'll see your intuition becoming increasingly accurate.

Technique 2: Image Analysis Fundamentals

Every visual element in the Rider-Waite tarot has been carefully designed. Learn to read these elements, and you'll be able to 'read the pictures' rather than just memorize meanings.

Color Symbolism

Colors in tarot cards carry specific meanings:

Red

Passion, energy, action, desire, anger

King of Wands' red robe, The Lovers' red angel

Blue

Calm, intuition, communication, composure, emotional depth

High Priestess' blue robe, Knight of Cups' waters

Gold/Yellow

Success, divinity, wisdom, consciousness, vitality

The Sun's radiance, The Emperor's crown

Black

Mystery, the unknown, unconscious, hidden, endings

Death card background, The Moon's night sky

White

Purity, clarity, new beginnings, truth, spirituality

The Fool's white rose, The Star's nude figure

Character Direction

The direction figures face hints at energy flow:

Facing Left

Looking back at past, introspection, dealing with old matters, passive waiting

Facing Right

Looking toward future, taking action, embracing new things, moving forward

Facing Forward (Viewer)

Directly confronting issues, need to face reality, direct connection with querent

Body Language

Pay attention to posture, gestures, and expressions:

Posture

Standing (action), sitting (stability), hanging (new perspective), lying (rest or ending)

Gestures

Raised (receiving energy), pointing down (channeling energy), crossed (protection), open (receptivity)

Expression

Calm (acceptance), focused (engagement), sad (loss), joyful (fulfillment)

Background Elements

Backgrounds aren't decoration—they're important symbols:

Mountains

Challenges, obstacles, difficulties to overcome, distant goals

Water

Emotions, subconscious, flow, change, purification

Buildings

Structure, order, social norms, stable foundation

Sky

Spiritual realm, possibilities, open space, divine connection

Plants

Growth, vitality, natural cycles, abundance

Technique 3: Symbol Dictionary

The Rider-Waite tarot is filled with recurring symbols. Understanding these symbols helps you interpret card meanings more quickly.

Common Symbols

Roses

Love, beauty, desire, perfection

Appears in: The Fool, The Magician, Strength, Death, etc.

Lilies

Purity, innocence, spirituality, resurrection

Appears in: The Magician, Temperance, etc.

Lions

Courage, strength, confidence, leadership

Appears in: Strength, Queen of Wands, The World, etc.

Dogs

Loyalty, companionship, instinct, protection

Appears in: The Fool, The Moon, etc.

Wolves

Wildness, instinct, fear, natural forces

Appears in: The Moon

Snakes

Wisdom, transformation, temptation, healing

Appears in: The Lovers, Ace of Wands, etc.

Butterflies

Transformation, rebirth, soul, freedom

Appears in: Queen of Cups, etc.

Celestial Symbols

Sun

Consciousness, reason, vitality, success, self

Represents our aware, conscious parts

Moon

Subconscious, intuition, illusion, emotions, feminine energy

Represents our hidden, unaware parts

Stars

Hope, guidance, inspiration, destiny, ideals

Represents higher guidance

Number Symbolism

Numbers in Minor Arcana also carry meaning:

1 (Ace)

New beginnings, pure energy, potential

Balance, choice, duality

Creation, growth, collaboration

Stability, foundation, structure

Conflict, change, challenge

Harmony, communication, adjustment

Reflection, evaluation, inner work

Power, progress, mastery

Completion, wisdom, independence

Ending, fulfillment, turning point

Technique 4: Reversals Deep Dive

Reversals aren't simply 'opposite' meanings. Learn four interpretation methods for more precise reversal readings.

Four Reversal Interpretation Methods

Excess (Too Much)

The upright energy goes overboard, becoming negative

Emperor reversed: Over-controlling, dictatorial, too rigid

Use when the question involves 'doing too much' or 'trying too hard'

Deficiency (Too Little)

Not enough of the upright energy, failing to manifest

Emperor reversed: Lack of discipline, no boundaries, weak leadership

Use when the question involves 'not enough effort' or 'lacking'

Shadow Side (Negative Aspect)

The dark version of the upright quality, repressed parts

Emperor reversed: Abuse of power, tyranny, patriarchal oppression

Use when the question involves hidden issues or denied truths

Opposite Meaning

The reverse of the upright meaning

Emperor reversed: Chaos, disorder, lack of authority

Use when the card meaning directly opposes the question—but this is the last resort

How to Choose an Interpretation Method?

Consider the question's context: The same reversed card may mean different things for relationship vs. career questions
Combine with surrounding cards: Other cards will hint at this reversed card's energy direction
Trust your intuition: When interpreting, which method 'feels right'?
When uncertain, offer two possibilities and let the querent sense which resonates

Beginner's advice: If you're just starting with tarot, you can skip reversals. Once you're familiar with all 78 upright meanings, gradually incorporate reversal interpretations.

Technique 5: Storytelling Method

True tarot masters don't interpret cards one by one—they weave multiple cards into a coherent story.

Storytelling Principles

Build Narrative Flow

Think of the spread as a story with beginning, middle, and end. Each card is a scene or turning point in the story.

Use 'And Then...' Connections

Use connectors like 'and then,' 'therefore,' 'but' to link cards together, forming cause-and-effect relationships or transitions.

Look for Visual Links Between Cards

Do some figures seem to be 'looking at' the neighboring card? Do colors echo each other? These can become threads for connection.

Reading Example: Three-Card Spread

"How can I improve my relationship with my colleague?"

Past

Five of Swords

There was conflict or competition, possibly hurtful words spoken

Present

Four of Cups reversed

Currently in an emotionally closed state, unwilling to accept opportunities for reconciliation

Advice

Temperance

Need to find balance and the middle way, patiently repair things step by step

Story:

In the past, there was some conflict between you (Five of Swords), which has made you close your heart now, reluctant to open up again (Four of Cups reversed). But the cards advise that if you can be patient and communicate in a more balanced way (Temperance), the relationship has a chance to heal. This won't happen overnight—it requires time and consistent effort.

Practice Tips

1First observe each card, then consider their relationships
2Try describing the entire spread in one complete paragraph rather than card-by-card
3Pretend you're telling a story to a friend—use everyday language, not tarot jargon
4If you're stuck, ask yourself: 'If this were three scenes in a movie, what would happen?'

Technique 6: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Understanding beginner mistakes helps you improve faster.

Too Literal Reading

Death doesn't mean 'death,' The Tower doesn't mean 'disaster.' Tarot is symbolic language requiring flexible interpretation.

Remember: Most 'scary' cards actually point to transformation and growth, not literal negative events.

Ignoring Intuition

Over-relying on book explanations, ignoring your first reaction when seeing the card.

Always record intuition first, then consult books. Your intuition is your unique connection with the cards.

Forcing Meanings

Trying to force standard meanings onto every question, even when it feels wrong.

Meanings are reference, not rules. If standard interpretations feel wrong, trust your feeling and adjust.

Ignoring Question Context

The same card may have completely different interpretations for relationship vs. career questions.

Always ask before interpreting: What does this card represent in the context of 'this question'?

Only Looking at Single Cards

Over-focusing on individual card meanings, ignoring relationships between cards.

Practice the 'storytelling method'—interpret the entire spread as a whole.

Fearing 'Negative' Cards

Getting anxious seeing Death, Tower, Devil, assuming they must mean something bad.

There are no absolutely 'bad' cards. Every card has wisdom and advice—'negative' cards often bring the most important insights.

Ready to Practice?

All the theory in the world can't match actual practice. Draw a card now and apply the techniques you've learned today!

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FAQ

Do I need to memorize all 78 cards before I can start reading?+

No! In fact, rote memorization can actually hinder your intuition development. Start by mastering the 22 Major Arcana cards, then gradually familiarize yourself with the Minor Arcana through daily card practice. More importantly, learn the technique of 'reading pictures' rather than memorizing text explanations.

What if my interpretation differs from what books say?+

This is normal, and often a good thing! Everyone's connection with tarot is unique. If your intuitive interpretation differs from books, trust your feeling first, then observe the results. As you gain experience, you'll build your own 'personal meaning dictionary.'

How can I improve my reading skills?+

The most effective methods are: 1) Daily single card practice, recording your interpretations and actual outcomes; 2) Read for friends and collect feedback; 3) Observe card imagery more, rely less on text explanations; 4) Learn storytelling techniques, viewing multiple cards as a whole.

Do reversed cards always mean something negative?+

Not necessarily. Reversals can represent 'blocked energy,' 'internalized qualities,' 'excess or deficiency,' or even a signal that 'change is coming.' The key is combining question context and intuition, rather than mechanically treating reversals as negative.

How do I know if my interpretation is correct?+

Tarot interpretation has no 'single correct answer.' The standard for valuable interpretation is: Does it help the querent? Does it provide new perspectives or insights? Review your reading records regularly, tracking how predictions correspond to actual developments—this helps calibrate and improve your skills.