When I first started reading tarot, I remember shuffling my new deck and wondering, Where do I even begin?
Tarot can feel mysterious at first, but the truth is — it’s meant to be a conversation between you and your intuition. You don’t have to know every card meaning or complex spread to get started.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to do your first 3-card tarot spread — a simple yet powerful way to receive clear, meaningful guidance from your cards.
Step 1: Create Your Space
Before you shuffle, take a few moments to ground your energy. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Light a candle, burn incense, or place a few crystals nearby if that feels right to you.
You can even hold your deck in your hands and take a deep breath.
As you exhale, imagine clearing your mind and centering your energy.
This simple ritual helps you tune into your intuition — the heart of every tarot reading.
Step 2: Set Your Intention
Ask yourself, What do I want clarity on today?
You can keep it broad (“What message does the universe have for me today?”) or focus on something specific (“What energy should I bring into this new opportunity?”).
Once you have your question in mind, say it softly as you shuffle. Let your thoughts flow — tarot loves honesty and openness.
Step 3: Choose Your Spread
For beginners, I always recommend the 3-card spread. It’s simple, clear, and deeply insightful. Here are a few easy variations you can try:
-
Past – Present – Future
See how past events influence your current energy and where things are heading. -
Mind – Body – Spirit
Perfect for self-reflection and balance. -
Situation – Challenge – Advice
A great layout for problem-solving or decision-making.
Choose whichever feels right for you. Remember — your intuition will always guide you to the spread you need.
Step 4: Pull Your Cards
When you’re ready, draw three cards and lay them out in front of you.
Take a moment to just look at them before reaching for a guidebook.
Notice the imagery, colors, and emotions they bring up.
Ask yourself:
- What story are these cards telling together?
- What emotions do they spark in me?
- How do they connect to my question?
Trust your first impressions — they’re often the most aligned messages from your higher self.
Step 5: Reflect and Record
After your reading, jot down your cards, your thoughts, and any intuitive hits that came through. Tarot journaling is a beautiful way to track your growth and recognize patterns over time.
You can also close your reading with a short affirmation like:
“I trust the messages that were revealed and move forward with clarity and peace.”
Final Thoughts:
Your first tarot reading doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be honest.
Each time you sit with your deck, you’re building a deeper relationship with your intuition and the language of the cards.
So take your time, trust your gut, and remember: the magic isn’t in the deck itself — it’s in you.