One Card Tarot Spreads for Beginners

I’ve recently gotten into tarot and it’s become a quick obsession. I have to admit that while the complicated spreads look amazing and I have goals to get there – it’s the super simple or one card tarot spreads that have become my daily staples.

As a tarot beginner – and also as someone with a jam packed schedule – I rarely have the time, patience, or skills to do complex spreads. If you’re a novice tarot reader like myself (or just someone who enjoys a good one card tarot draw), this one’s for you.

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

Why I, your friendly everyday Type A, enjoy tarot.

Tarot, to me, was always associated with the mythical, the magical, the NOT REAL. I’m a somewhat spiritual person, but not a religious person. I’m pretty much an intense Type A, hyper organized, very practical and pragmatic person. I have trouble letting loose – which is exactly what tarot helps me do.

My time studying to become a certified holistic health coach really opened my perspective as to ways to slow down and check in with myself. So while I’m not sure I believe every fortune can be told by the cards, I do believe they offer an amazing way to self reflect. My cards, to me, are almost like little daily journal prompts.

The tarot deck I chose.

I semi broke the rules when it came to choosing my tarot deck, in that I personally chose it. No, I technically wasn’t gifted my first deck. I did make my husband buy it for me though, so like, made an attempt at having a deck “given” to me. LOLZ.

But we’re not here to argue the right and wrong ways of “doing” tarot.

I wanted to have a heavy hand in choosing my tarot deck because if I sat around waiting for someone to gift me a deck, I may never have had the chance to practice tarot at all. I also could be gifted a deck I had no connection to. Tarot is meant to be an intuitive practice – your connection to your deck does matter.

I went into my deck selection process thinking I’d want a dark, moody, sexy deck (a la Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). When it came down to it, I ended up feeling really strongly about pretty much the kiddiest looking deck available: the Affirmators Tarot. This deck has a really youthful, playful, uplifting art style. The deck itself is very positive and the guidebook that comes along with it is incredibly cheeky (plenty of humor and sarcasm).

There was just something about this deck that spoke to me. Maybe I didn’t need a deck to predict a mythical, moody future. I’m a very pragmatic and practical person just looking to set some intentions – and that’s exactly what my deck helps me do.

Choosing tarot decks is an incredibly personal journey. So whether you do get your first deck gifted to you, or you choose to take a more untraditional approach, the best way to learn tarot is to feel a connection to your deck.

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

My favorite one card tarot spreads.

As a true beginner with tarot readings myself, I love using simple spreads. I’m talking single card spreads are the most ideal, with a three card spread being my max. I’m still learning the tarot image card meanings (and learning how to read my cards intuitively). So if you’re a beginner like me – you’ll love these super easy tarot spreads you can do on the daily.

Let’s dive in to how to do a one card tarot reading.

Focus for the day.

My favorite one card tarot reading to do myself at home is to draw a “focus for the day” card. This one is super easy, fun, and can help set intentions for the day. You simply shuffle your deck, ask the tarot to show you a focus for the day, and draw a tarot card. I love this one card spread as a daily tarot exercise because it just helps me take a little time for myself each AM and find my focus and sense of spirit.

I have a friend who is into oracle cards – this one could be a great one to try with those as well!

Today’s challenge.

On a more predictive front, asking your tarot what today’s challenge will be can help prep you for what’s ahead. Tarot cards can give great insight into what’s to come, but also can help you think through how you’d prefer to tackle life’s problems before they even become a problem.

I will admit, I actually love this spread as more of a two card spread vs a single card tarot, with the second card being the “solution” or “solve” to said challenge.

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

One card tarot questions.

I love asking my deck questions that can be answered with a single card draw. Sure – some issues are complex and require a little more exploration. For me, sometimes I’d just like to lightly touch on a topic without fully getting my hands dirty.

Ask your deck any of these questions, pick a tarot card, and begin to explore.

What do I need to know right now?

You can’t know what you don’t know. Deep, right? Sometimes it’s fun to ask your tarot deck what life needs you to know right now. The answer could be something about a person or a relationship. Or maybe the answer is about business or life in general. Either way, the card drawn from deck will allow you to expand your thoughts and simply explore.

What will help me feel more at peace?

I love to ask this question when I’m feeling inexplicably anxious, confused, or unmotivated. This question makes for a great personal card reading and an opportunity to find comfort or action steps within the cards. Usually what helps me feel more at peace is doing something, and the act of drawing a card to contemplate often accomplishes that need to “do” something.

What do I need more/less of in my life?

This is another spread that can be extra insightful to draw as a two card rather than a one card spread, but you absolutely can ask this question (either asking about more or less) as a single card draw. The deck can help clarify what you don’t have enough of or need more of in your life.

What might I experience if I do INSERT ACTION HERE?

A thorough, full, tarot card read might give you the most comprehensive answer to this question – but a simple single card draw sometimes helps me take leaps I’m contemplating without needing to waffle over the results.

Curious what you might experience if you said yes to that new job? Go on that blind date? Take that trip? This single card question is for you.

What do I need to get through this tough situation?

Not every tough situation warrants the same action or assistance. Asking your deck what specifically you need to make it through a specific tough situation can help add clarity. Tarot card meanings should be intuitive and personal. Asking your deck this question when you’re in a pickle helps you find the right path for you.

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

Kelsey from Blondes and Bagels shares her favorite easy, simple, one card tarot spreads for beginners In this blog post. Learn tarot here!

Whatever you believe or however you practice, tarot can really provide you with an opportunity for self reflection and insight.

Let me know the ins and outs of your tarot card daily practice and your favorite spreads in the comments below!