Learning to read tarot cards can feel overwhelming at first, especially when faced with the 78 cards in a traditional deck—each with its own upright and reversed meanings, totaling 156 interpretations. However, starting with just the Major Arcana is an excellent way for beginners to ease into tarot. Focusing on these 22 archetypal cards reduces the number of meanings to a manageable 44, allowing you to build confidence and a deeper connection with the cards before exploring the full deck.
The Major Arcana hold the core wisdom of the tarot, narrating the transformative journey of the Fool as he encounters life’s milestones and gains insight. Mastering these cards first provides a strong foundation for understanding the spiritual and symbolic essence of tarot.
Even experienced readers turn to Majors-only readings for guidance on profound spiritual questions or life’s higher purposes. If no deck is selected, readings default to the Oswald Wirth deck, a classic designed exclusively with Major Arcana cards. Over the centuries, many artists have created Majors-only decks, emphasizing their timeless and universal significance.