How to read tarot cards: the complete guide

Tarot is a symbolic system of 78 cards used since the 15th century to reflect, meditate, and gain perspective on present and future situations. Unlike astrology, which is based on mathematical calculations, tarot works through symbolic resonance: each card is a mirror that shows an aspect of your inner or outer reality.

The 78 arcana of tarot

The deck is divided into two main groups:

22 Major Arcana: the deep archetypes of human experience. The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, The World, and The Fool again (sometimes numbered 0 or 22).
56 Minor Arcana: divided into 4 suits of 14 cards each — Wands (fire, action), Cups (water, emotions), Swords (air, mind), and Pentacles (earth, material). Each suit has Ace, 2 through 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

The 5 most common spreads

1. Card of the day (1 card)

A single card, no question. The day's energy reveals itself in the symbol that comes up. It's the simplest spread and best for beginners.

2. Yes or No (1 Major Arcana)

A single Major Arcana card. Each card is associated with a value (positive, negative, or neutral) and a clear answer is obtained. Useful for quick, closed decisions.

3. Past, Present, Future (3 cards)

The narrative spread par excellence. The first card shows where you came from, the second where you are, the third where you're heading if nothing changes.

4. Love reading (5 cards)

Positions: You, The other person, The connection, The obstacle, Where it's going. The favorite spread for love questions.

5. Celtic Cross (10 cards)

The most complete classic spread. Ten positions covering current situation, challenge, recent past, near future, conscious, unconscious, your attitude, external influences, hopes/fears, and probable outcome. Not used lightly: requires at least 30 minutes of interpretation.

How to interpret a spread

Formulate a clear, open question. "Yes or no" admits a binary answer; open questions give better results. Avoid "Will I win the lottery?" and prefer "How can I improve my relationship with money?".
Shuffle while you focus. Shuffling is part of the ritual. Close your eyes, breathe, and shuffle until you feel the deck is "ready".
Place the cards in their position. Follow the spread's pattern. Don't think, let your hand choose.
Flip them one by one. Observe the general symbolism first, then the details. An inverted card modifies (not inverts) its meaning.
Tell a story. Individual cards are words; the full spread is the sentence. Connect the symbols into a narrative.

Do the cards predict the future?

Tarot doesn't predict with certainty: it reveals probabilities and tendencies, not a fixed destiny. The card that comes up is a reflection of present energy, not a sentence. Your free will can change course at any time. That's why tarot is more useful as a tool for self-knowledge than as an oracle.

Start reading tarot for free

At Tu Verdad you have all 78 cards with animated shuffling, 5 classic spreads, and interpretations in Spanish and English. Draw the cards now.