Can I Learn Tarot on My Own? Spoiler: Yes, You Absolutely Can.

When I first started learning tarot, I had a deck of cards, a raggedy guidebook, and a curious heart that couldn’t stop flipping those cards over. Again. And again. And again. That’s how it started for me…a self-taught deep dive into the world of tarot. Did I eventually get formal training and seek out certified mentors? You bet I did. But you know what? My DIY beginnings gave me something those classes never could: a deep, personal connection to the cards, my intuition, and my own symbolic language. So if you’re asking, “Can I learn tarot on my own?” my answer is a very loud, very confident, YES YOU CAN. In fact, you might be surprised how powerful self-taught tarot can be.

Let’s talk about it.

Why Self-Teaching Tarot Works (and Works Well)

1. Tarot Is a Personal Sojourn. Period.

Learning tarot is less like memorizing algebra and more like learning a language…a symbolic, intuitive, and deeply personal language. No one else can teach you how you experience the energy of the cards. That comes from working with them directly.

When I was starting out, I spent hours (and I mean hours) just studying the imagery, symbols, and structure of the deck. Not just what a book told me the Five of Pentacles meant, but what I saw in it. What I felt in my gut. What stories I could tell from it. That exploration laid the foundation for everything else.

2. You Build a Flexible, Personal Practice

Let’s be real: sometimes formal training can feel a bit like tarot school. “This card means this.” End of story. And yes, some meanings are rooted in tradition. But tarot is a living system…it grows with you. Self-teaching lets you build your own mental and emotional encyclopedia of meanings that actually resonate with your life. No cookie-cutter interpretations. Just a relationship with the cards that’s real, alive, and true to you. Rolling with your own interpretations (especially initially) is the best way to understand the tarot in your own terms.

3. Self-Teaching Strengthens Your Intuition

The less someone is hovering over you, saying “You’re doing it wrong,” the more space you have to listen inward. Learning tarot solo helps you build that internal compass. You start noticing patterns, trusting your instincts, and realizing you know things before your brain has caught up.

Trust me: your inner voice has a lot to say. Self-teaching gives it the floor.

Avia’s Experience: From DIY to Certification (and Back Again)

After I underwent a lengthy self-guided study, I did eventually pursue more structured learning. I took classes. I read so many books. I even studied under incredible mentors…folks who brought new perspectives, challenged me, and expanded my skills.

Interestingly, my self-study made those courses even more valuable. I wasn’t walking in blind. I had questions. I had experience. I had opinions (lots of them). That foundation made me a more discerning, more confident student. And eventually, I pursued credentials through respected organizations like the American Tarot Association*, just to reinforce my credibility…and yes, my confidence.

So if you’re worried that DIY tarot learning isn’t “real” enough, relax. It absolutely is. And it’s a fantastic place to begin.

*I need to make a remark about the ATA (American Tarot Association). I was going to give you a link to their website, only to find out they’re no longer online. So, while I am certified by the ATA, it looks like they’re not running certification or training services. So, clearly I’m dating myself here, but I’m not one to let you hanging. Here are some resources that are still current (and I’ve actually investigated) that could be useful if you want some substance behind your self-taught tarot practices:

The Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI)

Website: https://tabi.org.uk
Good for: Free tarot reading program, ethical code of conduct, mentoring, reviews, and community.
Why it’s great: Offers a well-respected Mentorship Program for beginners, and focuses on responsible, ethical reading practices. Open to international members, not just those in the UK.

The International Tarot Foundation (ITF)

Website: https://internationaltarotfoundation.com
Good for: Professional development, networking, certification (like their CTM and CPT programs).
Why it’s great: Offers tiered certifications, business resources, and a solid community of tarot professionals.

Biddy Tarot Certification Program

Website: https://www.biddytarot.com
Good for: Structured online tarot training, business development, and intuitive-based learning.
Why it’s great: While a bit commercial, Biddy Tarot is accessible, professional, and ideal for people looking to build a tarot-based business. There’s a robust online course and certification option.

The Tarot School (by Wald and Ruth Ann Amberstone)

Website: https://www.tarotschool.com
Good for: Deep dives into tarot theory, structure, and advanced metaphysical training.
Why it’s great: Their Tarot Certification Program is one of the most respected in the field, with a serious curriculum and long-time credibility.

Self-Taught or Not? Pros and Cons

So let’s put this question of “Can I learn tarot on my own?” to bed by breaking down some of the pros and cons to both tactics:

Pros of Learning Tarot on Your Own

You go at your own pace…slow and steady or full immersion.
You develop your intuitive voice without being steered too much by others.
Your practice becomes intimate and meaningful…your meanings, your insights, your experiences.
Total flexibility. No rigid curriculum, no judgment, just your curiosity and the cards.
Affordable or free. Books, YouTube, apps, and free downloads abound.

Cons (And How to Handle Them)

You might feel unsure or lack confidence.

My tip: journal your readings. Track your accuracy over time. Consider pursuing certification or mentorship later if you want extra validation.

You might miss nuance or structure.

It’s true. There’s a system behind tarot…suits, elements, numerology, astrology. If you love learning, add that to your self-study path.

It can be overwhelming at first.

Start small. One card a day. Three-card spreads. Don’t try to eat the whole 78-card sandwich in one bite.

Tips for Teaching Yourself Tarot Like a Pro

If you’re going the self-taught route, here’s how to make it work like magic:

Start with a Rider-Waite-Smith (or a similar basic deck)

The imagery is packed with symbolism and almost every guidebook references it. It’s the OG tarot template.

Use a Tarot Journal

Write down your readings, impressions, patterns, and progress. Future-you will thank you.

Pull a Card a Day

Ask: What energy do I need to know today? Pull a card. Reflect. Rinse. Repeat.

Read Books

Some great beginner-friendly books:

Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack
Tarot for Your Self by Mary K. Greer (anything by Greer rocks socks!)
The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean

Watch Trusted YouTubers

I didn’t really have this option when I was learning tarot, but if you have a beloved teacher, and the only way you can gain access to their insights is through their YouTube channel, then go for it! Just be sure you can trust the source (especially if you’re paying for it).

Don’t Worry About “Getting It Wrong”

You’re not defusing a bomb here. This is inner exploration. Even so-called “mistakes” teach you something.

When You’re Ready…Seek Out a Mentor

Mentors helped me level up in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Trusted advisors (folks who care about you and your progress) are hugely impactful on your sojourn into self-learning. Plus, someone to bounce ideas off of, get feedback from, and be challenged by is invaluable. But again…I was ready because of all that solo groundwork I laid first.

Final Word: There’s No Wrong Way to Learn the Tarot

You can absolutely learn tarot on your own. I did it. Many others have. And honestly, that path can be just as enriching…sometimes more so…than any classroom or certificate.

If you’re reading this, chances are you already feel that magnetic tug toward the cards. Honor that. Start today. Start messy. Start curious. But start.

Whether you stay self-taught forever, or you eventually seek formal mentorship or certification, your tarot practice is yours…unique, sacred, weird, wonderful, and always evolving.

So go ahead. Shuffle the cards. Pull one. Ask a question. And let the story begin.

Mighty brightly,