Reading tarot cards is, for beginners, both rewarding and frustrating in equal measures. You feel that you can see the possibilities in the cards that you've drawn, but are finding it difficult to access the subtle messages that they present to you.

I understand! Everyone has to start somewhere and reading tarot cards is no exception. So I've put together a 10 step guide to reading tarot cards accurately for all you beginners out there. Even some of the more practiced readers may find a few useful tips too. This is mostly aimed at those who wish to read the tarot for themselves but you'll find that many points can be just as easily applied to reading the tarot cards for someone else. I hope that you find my simple guide useful.

1) Reading tarot cards is easier when you are relaxed and open to all and any messages that come through. Often said, but not as often explained. The reason why this is so important is because it's a great temptation to consult the cards when you are hopeful of a certain outcome. Unfortunately, this will only prejudice your interpretation of the cards and you will therefore completely miss the wisdom that they are offering. Wishful thinking, I'm afraid, doesn't count as a reading. If you are worried or anxious about an issue, tempting though it is, try to wait until you are feeling calmer in order to keep an open mind.

2) Tarot cards belong to either Major Arcana or the Minor Arcana divisions. If you're a beginner, it's likely that you will keep a book to hand to help you out with card meanings. This is a great idea, but don't lose sight of the meanings that a card's group association can have. For example, Major Arcana often have a more powerful message, and it may mean you have to really sit up and take notice if one of these cards show up. The Cups, in the Minor Arcana, often hint at emotional issues. Become familiar with these general rules, as well as focusing on individual meanings, as they can subtly change the message of your reading.

3) When reading tarot cards for a specific purpose, e.g., a love reading, you may find it beneficial to try different spreads. A tarot spread means placing the cards in an order and place according to the rules of the spread you have chosen. The place of a card will represent an aspect of your life such as the past or the present etc., and yes, is another way in which the meaning of a card will subtly change! A popular tarot spread is the Celtic Cross, but you can search around for adaptations.

4) Not everyone has a strong psychic gift. However, everyone can build on the latent abilities that we all have. Reading tarot cards on a daily, or at least very regular basis will noticeably strengthen this ability. You may find that certain imagery or symbolism comes to you every time you ask about a certain subject, or that particular cards always come up in regards to specific areas. Learn to recognize this new 'voice' - it's yours and is unique to you. Psychic intuition is often the first and strongest reaction to a question, so learn to trust the associations that you start to form and you'll be on the right track.

5) Choose your tarot deck carefully. The most popular is the Rider Waite deck* and it is certainly reliable and clear, so an excellent place to start for beginners. The Tarot of Marseilles is another popular one. The most important factor is that the imagery must speak to you. Have you always been drawn to fairies? Maybe a deck with fairies representing the individual cards would be best for you? Same for if you've always identified with ancient Goddesses. Remember that reading tarot cards is personal, so move towards the things you like and understand. Feel free to have several packs to hand so that you can choose a deck according to your mood.

*Webmaster Note: In my opinion, The Rider Waite is the best one to get if you are beginner.

6) You can use the tarot for quick questions or to get a snapshot view of a situation, but keep the question that you ask very simple and only choose 1 card. For example, this is perfect for 'how will my day be?' for a quick morning reading.

7) While tarot cards are mainly used for divination, did you know that you could also use the cards in a simple spell? Spell candles get their power from their color, emitting energies that are beneficial for certain predicaments, eg. orange is good for creativity. To increase this power, place a tarot card next to the candle, repeating the name of the tarot card 3 times. We have information and instructions on which tarot cards work best with which spells on our site. (See "Tarot Spells" in the Spells Section)

8) Keep notes. This is the best way to look for consistent patterns that arise again and again in your readings. If you are reading the tarot cards for yourself, it is easy to get too close and miss important messages. By jotting down some of the issues that have been brought to your attention as well as the cards that come up, you will be better able to spot a consistent problem area for you to look at whether it was part of your original questioning or not.

9) Have fun! Many approach the tarot with a very reverent and serious attitude and while this is certainly not wrong in any way, the natural world is made up of many emotions and states of being. Humor is as welcome as any other! Enjoy yourself and you will relax more so it's a win/win situation.

10) Observe as many professionals as possible. Look for different styles, methods and ways of interpreting the cards. Watching an experienced expert at work is always enlightening, whether it's cooking, painting or plumbing so you'll be able to pick up some handy tips from those who do it every day.

So, there you have the 10 step guide to reading tarot cards! I hope that you find enough information to give you the confidence to get started on one of the most exciting journeys you'll ever embark upon.