Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: Keywords, Symbols & Easy Interpretation

by Jeffrey Goldstein June 08, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: Keywords, Symbols & Easy Interpretation

## Unlock the Secrets of the Cards: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering Tarot Keywords, Symbols, and Interpretations

✨ Need clarity or direction? I offer honest tarot readings in English — online or in Mexico City.  
👉 Book a session → https://ripecolor.com/collections/tarot-reading

Are you drawn to the mystical allure of Tarot, but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information? You’re not alone. For many new readers, the journey starts with a beautiful deck… and the pressure to memorize 78 card meanings. That’s where many people stop.

But here’s the secret: Tarot isn’t about memorization. It’s about connection.

This post will help you decode the Tarot using simple keywords, visual symbols, and intuitive practice — so you can start reading with confidence, not confusion.

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🃏 **Major vs. Minor Arcana — What You Need to Know**

**Major Arcana (22 cards):** Life’s big spiritual lessons. Think The Fool, The Lovers, Death, The World. These cards speak to major turning points or soul themes.

**Minor Arcana (56 cards):** Day-to-day experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Divided into 4 suits:
- **Wands (Fire):** Action, creativity, purpose
- **Cups (Water):** Feelings, love, intuition
- **Swords (Air):** Thoughts, conflict, clarity
- **Pentacles (Earth):** Money, health, stability

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📚 **Why Keywords Are Your Best Friend**

Each Tarot card has a vibe — keywords capture that.

Examples:
- **Ten of Swords:** Rock bottom, betrayal, painful ending
- **The Star:** Hope, healing, future vision
- **Reversed Two of Cups:** Miscommunication, disharmony, emotional distance

You don’t need to know everything. Just a few key words per card will unlock powerful insight.

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🔍 **Symbols Add Depth to Every Card**

Your deck is full of visuals — nothing is random.

Some classic Rider-Waite symbols:
- **Mountains:** Obstacles or perspective
- **Water:** Emotions, subconscious
- **Clouds:** Mystery or divine insight
- **Animals:** Archetypes (dog = loyalty, snake = wisdom)

The more you notice, the deeper your readings go.

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💫 **Try This Simple Spread for Practice**

**Three-Card Reading:**
- Card 1: Current energy  
- Card 2: Challenge or what to focus on  
- Card 3: Outcome or guidance  

Look at keywords. Then, go deeper into the imagery. Your intuition will take over.

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📘 **Want a Pocket Guide for All 78 Cards?**

Check out **Tarot Decoded** — a digital guide with:
- Upright & reversed keywords
- Symbol explanations
- Interpretations that help build your intuition

Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a clear, confidence-boosting reference.

👉 Get it here:  
https://ripecolor.com/collections/meditation-and-books/products/shadow-work-tarot-workbook

(Yes — it’s bundled with the Shadow Work Workbook too, if you want both!)

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The path of Tarot is a journey. You don’t need to know it all today.  
Just start — the cards will meet you exactly where you are.

– Jeffrey Goldstein  
https://ripecolor.c





Jeffrey Goldstein
Jeffrey Goldstein

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