Tarot Basics: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Online Reading

What Is Tarot?

Tarot is a 78-card system used for divination, self-reflection, and personal guidance. Each card carries specific imagery, symbolism, and meaning that, when interpreted by a skilled reader, can offer insight into your current situation, the forces influencing it, and the likely outcomes of different choices.

Tarot is not about predicting a fixed future. Think of it as a structured conversation with your own intuition, facilitated by a trained reader using a rich visual vocabulary. A skilled online tarot reader doesn't tell you what will happen — they help you understand what is happening and what your options are.

The modern tarot tradition is rooted in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, published in 1909, which established the pictorial imagery used by most decks today. Online tarot readings use the same system whether conducted by chat, phone, or video.

The Structure of a Tarot Deck

Every standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two sections. Understanding this structure helps you understand what your reader is working with.

The Major Arcana (22 Cards)

The 22 Major Arcana cards represent significant life themes, turning points, and deep psychological archetypes. Cards like The Tower, The Star, and The Lovers carry powerful meanings. When Major Arcana cards appear in your online tarot reading, they typically signal important themes or forces that deserve close attention.

You can explore all 22 Major Arcana cards in our Major Arcana Guide or look up any individual card in our complete 78-card reference.

The Minor Arcana (56 Cards)

The 56 Minor Arcana cards deal with everyday experiences and are divided into four suits, each associated with a different area of life:

• Wands (Fire): Creativity, passion, ambition, career, and willpower
• Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, love, and intuition
• Swords (Air): Thoughts, communication, conflict, and decisions
• Pentacles (Earth): Finances, work, health, and practical matters

Each suit contains 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four Court Cards). When booking the best online tarot reading for a specific topic — love, career, finances — experienced readers often draw meaningfully from the relevant suit.

How Online Tarot Readings Work

Online tarot readings follow the same fundamental process as in-person sessions. The reader shuffles their deck, draws cards, and interprets them in the context of your question. The difference is the delivery method — chat, phone, or video — rather than the reading itself.

Chat Readings

Text-based readings are the most popular format on platforms like Kasamba and Keen. You and the reader communicate in real time via typed messages. Chat readings let you re-read responses, stay anonymous, and participate at your own pace. They also create a written record of the session.

Phone Readings

Phone readings feel more conversational and personal. Many people find it easier to express their situation verbally. The trade-off is that there's no written record, though some platforms allow recording.

Video Readings

Video adds visual connection, allowing you to see the reader and sometimes even the cards being laid out. Platforms like Oranum specialize in live video readings. Video can feel the most personal, though it requires a more stable internet connection.

What to Expect from Your First Online Tarot Reading

Most first-time users have similar questions. Here is exactly what to expect when you book a reading on one of the best online tarot sites.

Before the Reading

You will choose a reader, review their profile and reviews, and select a reading type (love, career, general, etc.). Most platforms like Kasamba offer 3 free minutes when you try a new reader — use this time to feel out the connection before committing to a paid session.

Prepare one focused question or topic. You don't need to have your question perfectly worded, but having a clear intention helps the reader deliver more specific guidance.

During the Reading

The reader will ask what you want to focus on and then draw cards for your spread. They will interpret each card in context, explain what they see, and invite your responses and questions. A good tarot reading feels like a collaborative dialogue — not a one-way information download.

After the Reading

Take time to reflect on the insights. If something resonated, note it. If something confused you, book a follow-up or try a different reader. Many people find that tarot insights make more sense in the days following the session than immediately after.

How to Choose the Best Online Tarot Site for Beginners

If you are new to online tarot readings, the platform you choose matters. Here is our beginner recommendation hierarchy:

1. Kasamba — Best overall. The 3 free introductory minutes per reader let you test multiple readers before committing. Verified reviews make it easy to find a good fit.
2. Purple Garden — Best beginner interface. The app is the most intuitive of any platform, and $10 in sign-up credits cover a meaningful portion of your first session.
3. Psychic Source — Best for those seeking deep, reflective guidance rather than quick answers. Introductory rate plus 3 free minutes helps new users get started affordably.

For a full comparison of all platforms, see our complete best online tarot reading sites guide.

Understanding Tarot Card Meanings

You don't need to memorize card meanings before your first reading — that's what your reader is for. But familiarizing yourself with a few key cards can make the session more engaging and interactive.

Our complete 78-card guide covers every tarot card with upright and reversed meanings. Browse before your session to recognize any cards your reader mentions, or look up cards after the reading to deepen your understanding of the insights you received.