Learning to read tarot cards is not as difficult as one might first expect. Like any skill or art, learning to read tarot cards is more about interest, desire, passion and practice than about memorization and rules. If you truly want to become adept at reading tarot cards, the learning will come as a joy.

First, choose a deck. It is best to shop around until you find a deck that has pictures that inspire you, feels good in your hands, and with a shape that appeals to you.

Once you have a deck in your possession, spend time with it. Shuffle it and, one by one, look at the pictures. Notice what you see. It is a good idea to write down the details that you see. You do not want to rush through the deck because each picture is so rich with color, intricate patterns, and minute details that you would easily miss these things even with a lingering glance.

Once you have described and contemplated what you find on each card, go through the deck again and make meaningful associations for each image. What does the image say to you? Assign a personal meaning to each card. Again, it is a good idea to write down your impressions, preferably along side the initial writing you did when you described the picture in detail.

In learning to read tarot cards, the third think you want to do is read about the pictures. Used book stores are a great source for this kind of material. You can find a book or articles online about your particular deck. Because you are now familiar with your deck and have made personal associations with each of the pictures, you are ready for more traditional learning. Read about the ancient meanings and the accepted interpretations. Write key words and phrases in your notes for each picture. Notice how your initial impressions correspond or differentiate from the traditional interpretations.

Repeat this procedure many times over the course of several weeks until you have memorized the traditional interpretations and are comfortable with the assimilation of your personal, intuitive interpretations. When you feel confident in your ability to identify consistent meanings to each of the cards, you are ready for the next step in learning to read tarot cards.

The next step is to learn about the different spreads and how to "read" the relationship of one card to another. Just as there are many different decks, there is a variety of spreads from which to choose. The Celtic cross is recommended for beginners.

Again, find a book or articles online about reading the Celtic cross spread. Because you already have knowledge and skill to intuit meanings for each individual card, learning to relate one to the next and so on will come relatively easily.

Follow these instructions and practice a reading on yourself and close friends and before you know it, you will have learned how to read tarot cards! Copyright 2008, InfiniteAdvice.com