Do I really need to know all this stuff to read tarot?

On occasion, I get an interesting question in my inbox. Usually, I answer them personally – but sometimes…the question is good enough that I feel it needs to go on my blog to help other people.

I received this question from Brad last week:

I had a quick question for you and wanted to pick your brain. I am
new, aspiring reader of the tarot. I am in the process of just
starting my journey and have memorized at least one or two things that
each of the 78 cards signifies. That is to say; I am learning the
cards quite well. Next I have to understand how to do a few different
spreads and then learn about how to present a reading from start to
finish, how to prep and meditate prior to the reading also.

However, in addition to using tarot in it’s simplest form – a tool for
illuminating areas of one’s life – I have just discovered that there
are actually a whole host of other “aspects” to tarot reading –
astrological connections, colorology, numerology and more. Is it
important that most readers learn and know all of these other aspects
to the cards? It seems wildly overwhelming to the newbie reader. Can’t
I just stick with doing simple readings based upon the basic
interpretations of the cards and leave the astrology and number stuff
alone for now?

If you were a newbie all over again, how would you structure your own
learning? And how does one know when one is “doing well” and is now
quite a capable reader? Is there a self-imposed benchmark that a
reader may use?

This is a juicy question.

As far as learning all the other aspects of tarot, I don’t think you need to cram your brain with every single one, especially when you are first dipping your toes into. In fact, I recommend starting simply with a solid foundation in the traditional meanings of the cards. You can always add to this base of knowledge as time goes on.

Keep in mind, that you don’t have to know all those other elements to read well. Some readers do not use any of that information and are wonderful tarotists. In fact, the best tarot reading I have ever received in my life wasn’t from a tarot professional. It was from a man who was a dabbler with a rudimentary knowledge of the cards. He let his gut dictate what those cards meant for me…and he was stunningly accurate.

That being said, learning some of the other facets over time may deepen your connection to the cards and add additional interpretations. You can also choose which things resonate…and discard the things that don’t. For example, I do not use any of the Kabbalistic principles. I’ve dipped in and it just wasn’t my bag. That’s the beauty of tarot…you can fashion it to fit your style.

When I was a fresh tarot newbie, there wasn’t a whole lot of information available (remember, I started in the “dark ages” – before internet!). My readings were simple and intuitive. I never had formal training and owned maybe two books at best. I read without any astrological, numerological, etc., info for a long, long time. I just read what I saw and trusted my intuition. That’s it.

Over the years, I’ve added information that made sense to me and worked with my reading style. I would probably learn exactly the same way. Partially because I’m not a fan of formal anything. But that’s just me and how I like to roll. You may find that you prefer an official class or working with a mentor. The best path to learning tarot will be different for each individual. There is never one “right” way to learn.

You’ll know you’re doing well when people respond favorably to your work. That is the only benchmark that I ever paid attention to. In my opinion, it’s the only one you need.

Got a good question about tarot? I’m all ears, friends.

Blessings,

Theresa