What is tarot?
Tarot is a 78-card deck used for reflection, meditation, and self-discovery. Each card carries symbolic imagery drawn from archetypal traditions — myths, astrology, Kabbalah, and elemental systems — that have accumulated meaning over centuries of use.
Contrary to popular myth, tarot doesn't predict the future. It acts as a mirror, prompting you to examine situations from different angles. Think of each card as a question posed through imagery: the reader's job is to interpret what the symbols reveal about the moment at hand.
The 78 cards — Major and Minor Arcana
Every tarot deck divides into two halves: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The four suits
Each suit corresponds to one of the four classical elements and governs a specific domain of life:
How to start learning tarot
The most effective learning sequence for beginners:
- 1
Start with the Major Arcana
These 22 cards carry the strongest symbolic weight and appear most often in readings. Learn them first and you'll have the core vocabulary. Leela Academy's Major Arcana path starts with The Fool — the only unlocked card — and opens sequentially.
- 2
Learn one suit at a time
Once you've covered the Major Arcana, pick the suit that resonates most: Cups for emotional questions, Wands for career, Swords for mental clarity, Pentacles for practical matters.
- 3
Practice with one card a day
Draw a single card each morning. Notice what arises during the day that connects to its theme. This embodied practice builds intuitive recall faster than memorization alone.
- 4
Use the symbol explorer
Traditional tarot meanings are encoded in visual symbols — animals, colors, numbers, gestures. Leela Academy's symbol explorer reveals what each element in the artwork means, making the cards far easier to remember.
Free interactive lessons for every card
Leela Academy covers all 78 cards with quizzes, flashcards, and a symbol explorer. Start The Fool — no sign-up needed.