Tarot reading is a powerful, intuitive practice that connects you to your inner wisdom and the divine. As a beginner, however, it’s easy to get caught up in common pitfalls. Don't worry—everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes are part of the learning process! In this post, we'll explore some of the most common mistakes beginner tarot readers make and offer practical advice on how to avoid them. Let's set you up for success, so you can embrace tarot as a tool for clarity, growth, and spiritual connection.
If you're new to tarot, you may have already experienced one or more of the common pitfalls below. Even a practiced reader can find themselves slipping. Should you recognise any of these challenges sneaking into your own practice, here's how to overcome them.
1. Relying Too Much on the Guidebook
When you first begin reading tarot, it’s natural to cling to the guidebook that comes with your deck. You might feel like you need to memorise every meaning before you can offer an insightful reading. This is one of the biggest mistakes, as it can stifle your intuitive voice.
How to Avoid It:
Use the guidebook as a resource, but don't feel bound by it. Spend time with each card—observe the images, colours, and symbols. What feelings or ideas come up when you look at it? Trust that your intuition and personal interpretation are just as valid as any textbook meaning. Over time, you’ll develop a more intimate relationship with your cards, and the meanings will flow naturally. Make use of a tarot journal to record your own intuitive insights in the cards. As time progresses and you read more, you’ll even find some cards hold meanings beyond the guidebooks.
2. Asking the Wrong Questions
Another common mistake is asking vague or closed-ended questions during a tarot reading. If you ask something like "Will I get the job?" or "Is this relationship doomed?" you’re limiting the depth of the insights you can receive.
How to Avoid It:
Frame your questions in a way that invites guidance rather than a simple yes or no. For example, instead of "Will I get the job?" try "What can I do to improve my chances of getting this job?" Or, instead of "Is this relationship going to last?" ask "What is the potential growth for this relationship?" This encourages the tarot to offer nuanced insights and advice, rather than deterministic outcomes.
3. Doing Too Many Readings at Once
As a beginner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-reading. When you're excited about learning tarot, you may feel compelled to pull cards for every minor decision or re-ask the same question multiple times, hoping for a different answer.
How to Avoid It:
Tarot is a tool for reflection, not a quick fix. Give yourself time to process the messages you receive before rushing into another reading. Allow space for clarity to emerge. If you find yourself doing multiple readings on the same topic in a short period, it might be a sign to step back and reflect on why you're seeking so much reassurance. Trust that the first reading has already offered the insight you need.
4. Ignoring Your Own Energy
One of the most common mistakes beginner tarot readers make, is neglecting their energy. Your energy and mindset have a significant impact on your readings. Beginners often push through readings when they’re overly stressed, distracted, or tired, which can cloud their intuition.
How to Avoid It:
Before diving into a reading, take a moment to centre yourself. Light a candle, burn some incense, or take a few deep breaths. Set an intention to be open and receptive to the messages you’re about to receive. Creating a calm, sacred space will help you tune into your intuition more clearly and receive the guidance the cards are offering.
5. Overlooking Reversed Cards
Some beginners are intimidated by reversed cards and might choose to ignore them altogether. While it’s entirely up to you whether or not you read reversals, skipping them because they seem complicated or negative can limit the depth of your readings.
How to Avoid It:
If you decide to work with reversed cards, understand that they don’t necessarily indicate something bad. Reversals often point to internalized energies, blocks, or areas where growth is needed. Take your time with them. Consider how the reversed card might represent a shift in perspective or a need to reassess a situation. Let them add layers of meaning to your readings, rather than viewing them as something to fear.
6. Forgetting the Importance of Self-Reflection
One of the most valuable aspects of tarot is its ability to offer personal insights. Beginners sometimes focus so much on divining the future or predicting outcomes that they overlook the opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.
How to Avoid It:
Remember that tarot is not just a predictive tool—it’s a mirror. After a reading, take some time to journal or meditate on the messages you received. How do they relate to your current emotional or spiritual state? What lessons or actions can you take away from the reading? Use tarot to explore your inner landscape and deepen your connection to your higher self.
7. Expecting Immediate Mastery
Learning tarot can be overwhelming at first, especially when there are 78 cards to memorize, symbols to interpret, and spreads to practice. A common mistake is feeling discouraged if your first few readings don’t feel “accurate” or profound.
How to Avoid It:
Give yourself permission to be a beginner! Mastery takes time, and tarot is no exception. Rather than trying to memorise every card, allow your understanding to unfold naturally. Practice regularly, but be kind to yourself. Each reading will teach you something new, even if it’s not immediately obvious. Trust that your intuition will grow stronger the more you practice.
8. Reading for Others Too Soon
It’s exciting to start offering tarot readings to others, but jumping into it too soon can lead to insecurity or pressure to “get it right.” This can cause you to second-guess yourself and undermine your confidence.
How to Avoid It:
Before you start reading for others, build a solid foundation with your own practice. Spend time doing readings for yourself or close friends who understand that you’re still learning. When you do start reading for others, approach it as a learning experience, not as a performance. You’re not responsible for delivering perfect insights; you’re simply acting as a channel for whatever messages come through.
9. Being Too Rigid with Spreads
Beginners often feel they have to stick to traditional spreads, like the Celtic Cross, even when it doesn’t quite fit the question or situation. While classic spreads are useful, they can sometimes limit your ability to explore other intuitive paths.
How to Avoid It:
Feel free to experiment with creating your own spreads or using a single card pull when you feel overwhelmed. Tailor your spread to the type of guidance you’re seeking. There’s no right or wrong way to do it! Let your intuition guide you in choosing the number of cards and the placement. The more you personalize your readings, the more aligned they will feel.
Tarot is an art, not a science. There are no strict rules, and every reader develops their own unique style over time. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on connecting to your intuition, you’ll find that your tarot practice becomes richer, more insightful, and more meaningful. Remember, trust yourself and your spiritual journey. The cards are there to guide and support you along the way! Happy reading!
What mistakes have you encountered as a beginner tarot reader? How did you overcome them? Share your experiences in the comments below or email me at julie@creativesoultarot.com
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