How to Read Tarot Cards Without Memorizing Meanings

Many find tarot a fascinating subject, but remembering the meaning of 78 different cards is an extremely intimidating task. If you’re one of these people, curious but without the time to do a deep dive then there’s good news for you: you don’t need to memorise each card to begin reading tarot. In fact, you can rely on your intuition, observations, and just a few easy techniques to decipher the meanings of the cards. Here’s a step-by-step guide to approach tarot reading without any context, never remembering the meaning of each card.
1. Concentrate on the Images
A single card has so much symbolism, colour, and imagery that it can say a thousand words. When you draw your card, observe the image. Pay attention to the feelings the figures express, the colours, and anything at which the object or symbol jumps out at you. Ask yourself: what’s the mood or feeling of the card? How do the symbols make you feel? These insights can guide you to the message the card could be trying to tell you at this moment in time.
2. Trust Your Intuition
Your intuition is a sharp tool for tarot reading. Every time you draw a card, take some quiet time with it and see what thoughts or feelings pop up. Do not force a meaning; let your mind relax and see if any insights or “gut feelings” arise. Sometimes, that instinct can give an impression of what the card is saying about the situation without knowing the traditional meaning of the card.
3. Use Context from the Question
The context of your question might guide the interpretation of a card. If, for example, you’re asking about a career choice and the card drawn happens to be one with a figure who seems uncertain or thoughtful, then it means it’s time to reflect or consider your choices carefully. Look at the card and see how its imagery relates to your topic or question. That helps ground an interpretation in something meaningful for you.
4. Create Your Own Meanings
Another approach to circumventing memorising the meanings that have already been assigned is to create your own interpretations for each card. Therefore, if you see “The Fool” as a representation of new beginnings or a leap of faith, remember it. Over time, your meanings will grow up naturally from your observations and insights regarding the cards, resulting in a very idiosyncratic understanding.
5. Use Storytelling Images
Tarot cards typically relate to each other, especially in the spread. Pull out a few cards and visualise them as a series of storylines. For example, should you draw “The Magician,” “The Lovers,” and “The Chariot,” you might interpret it to mean a trip from setting intentions, forming partnerships, and moving ahead full of confidence. This technique using tarot spreads helps you uncover themes and learn messages rather than memorising them.
With these practices, you can begin reading tarot intuitively. Eventually, you will become cognisant of the cards based on observation, intuition, and experience. This way, tarot reading will become more accessible to you and even more personal, finding answers to your questions where they’ve always been: within yourself.