The Spread
With Tarot you ask a question or pose a problem or situation. The spread, how the cards are dealt and position then looks at the question from a variety of perspectives.
The Cards
The Tarot is divided into Major Arcana in a sequence of 22. Understanding the Major Arcana is organized by the Journey. These are universal spiritual positions or personalities that are confronted and resolved or incorporated into the Self.
Minor Arcana in a four fold division of the elements or tools and developed into a sequence of 10 and followed by the family of four.
The first thing to understand is the Numerology. If you know the number of the card you can place the situation. Then understand the element as this will tell you which area is predominant.