How to Begin If You’re New
The first time I tried to use it was when I received my first deck as a gift. My friend knew that I would love the artwork, and she was right! The only problem was that I had no idea what any of the messages meant, and the guidebook, although present, was a bit light. It felt daunting. Here sat these 78 wonderful cards that held the power to help me figure out why my life was spiraling, but I couldn’t access it. So, because I am a bit of a nerd this way, I got to work. I learn best by using my hands and creating. With every card in the deck, I created my own version. That is how the Crow Tarot came to be: a deck I designed myself, inspired by crows and their symbolism. Creating my own deck helped me connect more deeply with each card and made the meanings more personal and accessible. Knowing you can make the cards your own, whether through art or interpretation, can be empowering for any beginner.
Here is what I learned through that process:
The Tarot is a tool; it is personal and truly invaluable. It can help you explore different paths of thought to uncover new insights, gain clarity, and find emotional support. The Tarot creates a safe space for self-reflection, mindfulness, and even creative inspiration. While some might have concerns or fears that Tarot is dangerous or invites negativity, these are common misconceptions. Tarot is not a channel to the Devil or anything evil. It is simply a deck of artful cards that can help you better understand yourself and your situation.
If you’re new to Tarot, the first thing to know is this: you do not need to memorize 78 card meanings to begin. That was my biggest mistake. In fact, trying to learn everything at once can make the Tarot feel more complicated than it needs to be. Instead, try a simple daily exercise to get started: each morning or evening, pull one card from your deck, spend a few moments looking at it, and jot down your first impressions in a journal. Write about the images, symbols, and feelings that call to you. Doing this regularly not only builds familiarity with the cards but also helps you develop your personal connection to them.
Start simple. Pull one card and spend a moment looking at the image before reaching for a guidebook. Notice what stands out first. Maybe it is the central figure, maybe it is a flower, or a bird in the corner. But if nothing seems to stand out, that is perfectly okay, too. Sometimes your mind might feel blank or uncertain at first. Instead of feeling pressured, just allow yourself to sit with the card and see if something emerges over time. Bring a sense of curiosity rather than expectation. What catches your eye? What emotion does the card stir up? What feels familiar, uncomfortable, intriguing, or oddly specific? Your first impression matters more than you might think. Look at the image and feel the card in your hand; what thoughts come into your mind?
Tarot is not just about learning definitions. It is about building a relationship with the cards and learning to trust your own response to what you see. Over time, the traditional meanings will become more familiar, but the strongest readings often come when you allow the card to speak to your own experience first.
If you’re just starting out, keep your questions open and practical. Instead of asking, "What will happen?" try asking, "What should I understand about this situation?" or "What energy am I bringing into this?" You might also consider questions like, "What can I focus on to feel more grounded today?" "What do I need to know about my relationship with this person?" "What might support me as I work toward my goal?", or "What lesson is this challenge offering me right now?" Tailoring your questions to your actual circumstances can make your readings more personal and helpful. Tarot tends to be most helpful when it opens a conversation rather than shuts one down with a fixed answer.
