The Origins of Tarot: From Ancient Cards to Essential Beginner Spreads

Tarot reading has fascinated people for centuries, offering a unique way to explore intuition, gain insight and reflect on life’s challenges. For those new to tarot, understanding where it comes from and how to use the cards effectively can make the learning process more meaningful and enjoyable. This post will guide you through the origins of tarot and introduce essential spreads that beginners can use to start their journey with confidence.

The Origins of Tarot

Tarot cards have a rich and complex history that spans several centuries and cultures. While many associate tarot with mystical or occult practices, its roots are more grounded in history and art.

Early Beginnings in Europe

Tarot cards first appeared in Europe during the 15th century, primarily in Italy. Originally, they were used as playing cards for games such as tarocchi, which were popular among the nobility. These early decks consisted of four suits similar to modern playing cards, along with a set of special cards called the "triumphs" or "trumps."

The Evolution into a Divination Tool

It was not until the 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination and spiritual guidance. This shift is often credited to French occultists who saw symbolic meanings in the cards and connected them to mystical traditions. The tarot deck became a tool for exploring the subconscious, fate, and personal insight.

Symbolism and Structure

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two main groups:

• Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life themes and archetypes, such as

  The Fool, The Magician and The Lovers.

• Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards are divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands. Each represents different aspects of daily life and emotions.

  
  

The imagery on tarot cards is rich with symbolism drawn from mythology, astrology and various spiritual traditions. This symbolism helps readers interpret the cards during a tarot reading.

Why Learning Tarot Matters

Learning tarot is more than memorising card meanings. It involves developing intuition, understanding symbolism and practising how to connect the cards to real-life situations. For beginners, this process can deepen self-awareness and provide a new way to approach decisions and challenges.

Many people find that tarot reading encourages mindfulness and reflection. It invites you to slow down and consider different perspectives, which can be valuable in personal growth and problem-solving.

Essential Tarot Spreads for Beginners

A tarot spread is the layout of cards during a reading. Each position in the spread has a specific meaning, helping to organise the reading and provide clear insights. Here are some simple spreads that beginners can use to start practising tarot reading.

1. The One-Card Spread

This is the simplest spread and perfect for daily guidance or quick answers.

• How to use: Shuffle the deck, focus on your question or intention and draw one card.

• What it reveals: The card offers insight or advice related to your current situation or mindset.

  
  

This spread is useful for building confidence and learning the meanings of individual cards.

2. The Three-Card Spread

This spread provides a broader perspective by looking at three aspects of a situation.

• Positions:

- Past: What has influenced the current situation?

- Present: What is happening now?

- Future: What may come next?

• How to use: Shuffle and draw three cards, placing them left to right.

  
  

The three-card spread helps beginners understand how to connect cards in a narrative and see the flow of events.

3. The Celtic Cross Spread

This classic spread is more complex but offers detailed insights into a question or issue.

• Positions include:

- Present situation

What’s going on right now, the energy you’re in and the core of your question.

- Immediate challenge

Something that’s blocking, confronting, or influencing the situation. It may be an obstacle or a catalyst.

- Past influences

Events, patterns, or energies from the recent past that shaped the present moment.

- Future possibilities

Likely developments soon, the next phase or influence moving into your situation.

- Conscious thoughts

Your goals, aspirations, intentions, or what you know you want consciously.

- Subconscious feelings

Hidden drives, deeper emotions, underlying motivations, or what’s influencing you beneath awareness.

  - Advice

A recommended strategy, attitude, or action to take.

- External influences

People, environments, or outside forces affecting the outcome. Things beyond your control.

- Hopes and fears

This card often reflects what you desire and what you fear. Sometimes the same energy shows up in two ways.

- Outcome

The likely result if current energies and choices continue, not set in stone, but a broad forecast.

• How to use: Shuffle and lay out ten cards in a specific pattern.

  
  

While this spread takes practice, it is a powerful tool for deep tarot reading and learning how different cards interact.

Tips for Learning Tarot Reading

Starting with tarot can feel overwhelming, but these tips can help you build your skills steadily:

• Keep a tarot journal: Write down your readings, card meanings, and personal reflections. This practice helps reinforce learning and track progress.

• Practice regularly: Daily or weekly readings, even with simple spreads, improve your confidence and intuition.

• Study card meanings: Use a trusted tarot guidebook or online resources to learn the symbolism behind each card.

• Trust your intuition: While card meanings provide a foundation, your personal impressions and feelings during a reading are just as important.

• Join a community: Engaging with other tarot learners or experienced readers can offer support, feedback, and new perspectives.

  
  

Common Challenges for Beginners

Many new tarot readers face similar challenges, such as:

• Memorising card meanings: Instead of trying to memorise all cards at once, focus on a few cards at a time and learn their stories.

• Interpreting reversed cards: Some readers use reversed cards (upside down) to add meaning, but beginners can start by reading cards upright only.

• Overthinking the reading: It’s easy to get stuck trying to find the “right” answer. Remember that tarot is a tool for reflection, not prediction.

  
  

Bringing Tarot into Daily Life

Tarot reading can be a valuable part of your spiritual and personal development. Here are some practical ways to include tarot in your routine:

• Use a one-card draw each morning to set an intention or theme for the day.

• Reflect on a three-card spread when facing a decision or challenge.

• Keep tarot cards nearby as a reminder to pause and check in with yourself.

• Combine tarot with meditation or journaling to deepen insights.

  
  

By making tarot a regular practice, you can build a stronger connection with your inner wisdom and navigate life with greater clarity.