Lesson 13: Common Tarot Mistakes
|

Lesson 13: Common Tarot Mistakes

ByMelissa Kennedy

Tarot is everywhere now—on Instagram, in bookstores, even at your local coffee shop. It’s become a go-to tool for modern professionals seeking insight, clarity, or just a mindful moment. But let’s be real: starting out with tarot can feel more confusing than enlightening. And while there’s no “wrong” way to work with your deck, there are a handful of classic mistakes that trip up almost every beginner. Let’s dive in, get practical, and save you some facepalm moments.

Why Do So Many People Get Tarot “Wrong” at First?

Tarot is part intuition, part structure, and a lot of practice. When you’re new, it’s easy to overthink every card, try to memorize 78 meanings, or follow random TikTok “rules” that don’t actually help you connect. Sound familiar?

“I spent weeks memorizing every card, but my readings felt robotic. Once I relaxed and let my own insights in, things finally clicked.”

—A real-life client, after her third week with the cards

Case Study: Emily’s 15-Minute Tarot Meltdown

Emily, a marketing manager, wanted to add tarot to her morning routine. She bought a beautiful deck and a thick guidebook. But after a week, she was frustrated—every reading felt flat, and she second-guessed herself so much it became stressful, not soothing.

Here’s what was happening: She was trying to remember textbook meanings and worrying about “doing it wrong,” instead of letting the process be exploratory. Sound familiar?

The Most Common Tarot Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)

  • Trying to memorize all card meanings at once
  • Ignoring your own intuition
  • Comparing yourself to “experts” online
  • Thinking you need a “special power” or lineage
  • Overcomplicating your spreads
  • Not cleansing or connecting with your deck
  • Asking yes/no questions every time
  • Expecting instant, dramatic results

Let’s Break These Down (and Fix Each One!)

  1. Memorizing vs. Understanding
    Mistake: You try to cram all 78 meanings into your brain.
    Fix: Start with one card a day. Pull it, look at the image, note your first impression, then read the guidebook. Journal how it relates to your day. This is way more effective than rote memorization.
  2. Ignoring Your Own Gut
    Mistake: You only rely on “official” meanings.
    Fix: Before looking up the meaning, ask: What does this picture say to me, right now? Tarot is a conversation, not a script.
  3. Social Media Comparison Trap
    Mistake: You see elaborate spreads and feel “less than.”
    Fix: Stick to simple 1–3 card spreads at first. Progress is personal, not a competition.
  4. The “Gifted Deck” Myth
    Mistake: You feel your deck isn’t “real” unless someone gave it to you.
    Fix: Buy a deck you love. Connection matters more than origin story.
  5. Overcomplicated Spreads
    Mistake: You jump into the Celtic Cross before you can shuffle confidently.
    Fix: Start with one card pulls or a simple past-present-future spread.
  6. Neglecting Deck Care
    Mistake: You never cleanse or bond with your deck.
    Fix: Try a 15-minute ritual setup (see below).
  7. Yes/No Overload
    Mistake: You ask yes/no questions for everything.
    Fix: Frame open-ended questions: What do I need to know about…?
  8. Unrealistic Expectations
    Mistake: You expect your life to change overnight.
    Fix: Remember, tarot is for reflection and insight, not fortune-telling magic.

15-Minute Ritual Setup for Tarot Success

  1. Choose your deck. (Don’t overthink it!)
  2. Clear your space. Light a candle or incense, or just clear your desk.
  3. Shuffle mindfully. Take a few deep breaths. Focus on your question.
  4. Pull one card. Look at the imagery first, then check the guidebook.
  5. Journal a few lines about what you notice and feel.
  6. Optional: Cleanse your deck once a week—place it in sunlight for a few minutes, or knock gently on the cards.

Quick Tarot Deck Comparison Table

Name Key Feature Size/Material Price Range Amazon Link
Rider-Waite-Smith Classic imagery, best for beginners Standard, card stock $15–$25 Check price on Amazon
Modern Witch Tarot Inclusive, modern art Standard, thick card stock $20–$30 See today’s deal
Light Seer’s Tarot Vivid, intuitive imagery Standard, matte finish $20–$30 Check price on Amazon

Tarot Tools & Resources for Beginners

Tarot Mistakes Checklist

  • Am I trying to memorize everything at once?
  • Do I trust my own impressions?
  • Am I comparing my journey to others?
  • Is my deck meaningful to me?
  • Are my spreads simple and manageable?
  • Do I cleanse and care for my deck?
  • Am I asking helpful, open-ended questions?
  • Are my expectations grounded and realistic?

Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

Making mistakes is how you learn. Tarot isn’t about impressing anyone—it’s about building trust with yourself, one card at a time. Keep it simple, stay curious, and let your practice evolve.

Remember: “There’s no secret handshake. You’re allowed to be a beginner.”

If you need a nudge, try one of the decks above, grab your favorite mug, and set aside 15 minutes. You might be surprised how much clarity you find—no memorization required.

Some links in this post may be affiliate. You pay the same price, and this blog may earn a small commission if you buy through them.

Similar Posts