Tarot cards have long been a source of fascination and insight for those seeking guidance and self-discovery. For beginners, diving into the world of tarot readings can seem daunting, but in reality, it can be a simple journey. Here are some of the easiest tarot card spreads designed specifically for newcomers. These uncomplicated layouts will help you build confidence, interpret tarot, and unlock the wisdom of tarot with ease.
Why Start Easy?
Before diving into tarot spreads, it’s important to note why it’s best to start with simpler ones.
- Confidence Boost: Simple tarot spreads provide quick, tangible insights, boosting your confidence in your reading abilities.
- Understanding Basics: Easy spreads help you grasp the basics of tarot card meanings, positions, and interpretations.
- Clarity of Message: They offer a clear, focused message without overwhelming complexity, making them perfect for learning.
Preparing for Your Tarot Reading
Creating the Right Atmosphere
Before you begin your tarot reading, take a moment to set the right atmosphere. This alone is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the reliability of a reading. The more you are in the right space physically and mentally, the more in tune your intuition will be.
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Light a candle or incense if it helps you focus.
- Incorporate crystals if you feel it will help add clarity or amplify your intent.
- Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Set a clear intention for your reading, focusing on the question or area of your life you’d like guidance on.
Once you have your space set, you’ll be able to read at your full potential. Remember to embrace your intuition, and keep your space one of neutral or positive energy for the best tarot readings. Although there are numerous types of spreads, here are some of the easiest tarot spreads for beginners.
If you haven’t already, check out our Tarot Spreads for Beginners Bundle! This bundle includes five types of tarot spreads with four layouts each. Every spread has helpful tips, card meanings and positions, as well as space to journal your thoughts! It’s designed specifically to help you advance your reading. As a bonus, it includes 150+ Questions to Ask Tarot Cards!
Easy Tarot Card Spread #1: One-Card Pull
The one-card pull is the simplest tarot spread. It involves drawing a single card from the deck to answer a question or gain insight into a situation. This is the best way as a beginner to align yourself with the card meanings and get direct answers.
1. Shuffle your tarot deck while focusing on your question.
2. When you feel ready, draw one card.
3. Examine the card’s imagery, symbols, and your intuitive feelings.
4. Interpret the card’s meaning in the context of your question.
Example Question: “What energy should I embrace today?”
When you’re first starting out, this can help you familiarize yourself with your deck more intimately. By focusing intently on individual cards, you allow yourself more time and space to truly connect with what that card means to you, in correlation with the card’s traditional representations.
Easy Tarot Card Spread #2: Three-Card Spread
Past, Present, Future
The three-card spread is a classic choice for beginners. It provides insights into past influences, current situations, and future outcomes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Shuffle the deck and focus on your question.
2. Draw three cards and place them in a row, left to right.
3. Interpret each card’s meaning:
- The first card represents the past.
- The second card represents the present.
- The third card represents the future.
Example Question: “What do I need to know about my career path?”
This spread can be easy to practice, but may take more time to interpret. When I first started, it was easy for me to figure out what the cards meant individually, but took some time to form the story they were telling. If you’re struggling with how to string the cards together to make a coercive answer, check out How to Read Tarot for Beginners.
Easy Tarot Card Spread #3: Yes/No Spread
The Yes/No spread is perfect for straightforward questions. It offers a clear response without intricate interpretations. It is one of the easiest spreads there is, and doesn’t take much card interpretation at all.
1. Shuffle your deck while concentrating on your yes-or-no question.
2. Draw one card from the deck.
3. The simplest way to interpret is: If the card is upright, it’s a “Yes.” If reversed, it’s a “No.”
Example Question: “Will I get the job I interviewed for?”
These types of tarot readings are very popular because of their simplicity and direct nature. There are many ways to go about this reading, if you’re interested in alternatives, or a more depth explanation check out Yes/No Tarot Readings. We also have a cheat sheet to help you practice deciphering the cards in a yes/no reading.
Easy Tarot Card Spread #4: The Daily Card
Daily Guidance and Reflection
A daily card pull is an excellent way to incorporate tarot into your routine. It provides a single card’s guidance and can help you be more mindful as you face the day ahead.
1. Shuffle your tarot deck, focusing on your day ahead.
2. Draw one card and place it face up.
3. Reflect on the card’s message and how it relates to your day.
Example Question: “What should be my main focus today?”
Easy Tarot Card Spread #5: Mind-Body-Spirit Spread
Holistic Self-Reflection
The Mind-Body-Spirit spread offers a holistic perspective on a situation or issue. It explores the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of your question. Here’s how to use it:
1. Shuffle your deck while concentrating on your question.
2. Draw three cards and place them in a row.
3. Interpret each card’s meaning:
- The first card represents the mind.
- The second card represents the body.
- The third card represents the spirit.
Example Question: “How can I improve my overall well-being?”
Self-care is an important part of spirituality and keeping your energy peaceful. Doing a reflection spread every now and then is crucial to maintaining spiritual self-care, and making sure you are alight mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s important to create this habit at the start of your journey.
For more spreads like these, check out our Tarot Spreads for Beginners Bundle!
Tips for Effective Tarot Card Reading
As you embark on your journey with tarot card spreads, it’s important to keep in mind the actual tarot card reading portion. Here are some valuable tips to ensure a more effective and fulfilling experience:
1. Trust Your Intuition
One of the most important aspects of tarot reading is trusting your intuition. Your intuitive insights are just as valid, if not more so, than memorized interpretations. When you draw a card, take a moment to connect with your inner wisdom. Pay attention to initial thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Your intuition will often guide you to the most relevant interpretation of the situation.
Your intuition will not lie to you. Tarot is a tool for support, not a provider of false hope. Be ready to accept answers that you may not want to hear. Although you may not find the answers you’re seeking, you will find guidance in the right direction. Trust in the journey that the Universe has for you and be mindful of the guidance given, even if it’s difficult to do so.
2. Begin with Daily Card Draws
If you’re new to tarot, consider starting your day with a daily card draw. It’s a fantastic way to build your tarot reading skills gradually. As you reflect on the card’s message throughout the day, you’ll become more attuned to the symbolism and meanings of the cards. Over time, this practice can significantly enhance your tarot reading abilities.
3. Keep a Tarot Journal
Maintaining a tarot journal is a powerful practice. After each reading, record the cards drawn, your question or intention, and your interpretations. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, connections, and improvements in your reading skills. Additionally, journaling allows you to track your personal growth and the accuracy of your readings.
4. Learn the Core Meanings
While intuition plays a major role in tarot reading, it’s essential to have a solid foundation in the core meanings of the cards. Begin with the major arcana cards and the suits of the minor arcana. Familiarize yourself with their traditional meanings, symbolism, and associations. If you are the type that needs a reference guide, check out our free Tarot Cheat Sheet download. As you gain confidence, you can start incorporating your own interpretations.
5. Avoid Overthinking
Tarot readings are most effective when they flow naturally. Avoid overanalyzing or second-guessing the cards. Sometimes, the first impression or immediate intuitive hit is the most accurate. Trust in the process, and remember that tarot is a tool for self-reflection and guidance, not a predictor of the future.
6. Stay Open-Minded
Approach your tarot readings with an open mind and a willingness to receive the message, even if it’s not what you expected or hoped for. Tarot cards often reflect the energies and influences at play in your life, and sometimes they offer insights that challenge your preconceptions. Embrace the lessons and guidance that each reading provides.
7. Regularly Cleanse Your Deck
Energy can accumulate in your tarot deck over time, affecting the clarity of your readings. To maintain the purity of your cards, consider cleansing them regularly. Common methods include smudging with sage, using salt or moonlight baths, or simply holding them with the intention of clearing any stagnant energy. For more on this, check out How to Cleanse Your Tarot Deck.
8. Seek Guidance and Practice
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced tarot readers or join tarot communities for support and insights. Additionally, practice is key to becoming a proficient tarot reader. The more you read, the more attuned you become to the cards and your own intuition. Start with simple spreads and gradually explore more complex layouts as you gain confidence.
Effective tarot card reading is a skill that grows and evolves over time. Trusting your intuition, practicing regularly, and remaining open to the wisdom of the cards are essential elements of successful tarot reading. As you incorporate these tips into your tarot practice, you’ll discover the profound insights and guidance that tarot cards can offer on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Starting with easy tarot card spreads is a wise choice. These spreads provide a gentle introduction to the world of tarot readings, offering clarity and insights without overwhelming complexity. Remember, practice and intuition are your greatest allies on this enchanting journey. Whether you seek daily guidance or answers to life’s questions, these easy tarot spreads will empower you to unlock the magic of tarot and uncover the wisdom within each card.
If you find yourself needing more guidance, or wanting more information, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to us at cst@crystalsadntarot.com.
Happy reading!