Introduction
Brief history of Tarot
Tarot has a rich and mysterious history that dates back to the 14th century.
The earliest known Tarot decks, such as the Visconti-Sforza deck, were created for Italian nobility and featured four suits—cups, coins, swords, and batons—along with a set of 22 illustrated, allegorical cards known as trumps, or the Major Arcana (1). The Tarot was initially used for card games, such as the game of tarocchi, which was popular in Italy and later spread throughout Europe.
It was not until the late 18th century that the Tarot began to be associated with divination and the esoteric tradition. Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French occultist and Freemason, was one of the first to suggest a connection between the Tarot and the mystical wisdom of ancient Egypt (2). This idea was further developed by French occultists such as Éliphas Lévi and Papus, who incorporated the Tarot into their magical and Kabbalistic teachings.
In the early 20th century, the Tarot experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the work of Arthur Edward Waite, a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Waite commissioned artist Pamela Colman Smith to create a new Tarot deck, which became known as the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (3). This deck, which featured fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards for the first time, became the foundation for many modern Tarot decks and helped to popularise Tarot as a tool for divination and personal growth.
Over the years, the Tarot has evolved and diversified, with countless decks and interpretations emerging to reflect the changing cultural and spiritual landscape. Today, Tarot is embraced by individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs, serving as a powerful tool for self-discovery, spiritual growth, and transformative insight.
(3) Waite, A. E. (1993). The Key to the Tarot. Penguin.
Purpose of Tarot
Tarot is primarily used as a tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and guidance. It helps individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, providing clarity and understanding. Tarot is not meant to predict the future but rather offers perspective on potential outcomes based on the choices one makes.
The purpose of Tarot has evolved over time, shifting from its original use as a card game to a powerful tool for divination, self-exploration, and personal growth. Today, Tarot is used for a wide variety of purposes, serving as a mirror that reflects the inner workings of our psyche and provides valuable insights into the situations, relationships, and challenges we face in life (1).
One primary function of Tarot is as a tool for divination, offering guidance and clarity in times of uncertainty. By interpreting the symbolic imagery and archetypal themes present in the cards, Tarot readers can tap into their intuition and provide insight into potential outcomes, hidden influences, and opportunities for growth.
In addition to its divinatory use, Tarot is also employed for personal development and self-discovery. The Tarot’s rich symbolism encourages introspection and self-reflection, helping individuals to uncover their deepest desires, fears, and motivations. Through this process, Tarot can facilitate personal growth, foster emotional healing, and empower individuals to make more informed decisions in their lives.
Tarot can also serve as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and exploration, connecting individuals with a broader, universal wisdom. The cards can be used in meditation, energy work, and other spiritual practices, helping to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the cosmos.
Ultimately, the purpose of Tarot is multi-faceted, acting as a catalyst for transformation, self-awareness, and empowerment. By offering guidance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the human experience, Tarot serves as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of our ever-changing world.
(1) Pollack, R. (2009). Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings. Llewellyn Publications.
Importance of Tarot in modern times
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the Tarot has taken on renewed significance as a means of connecting with our inner selves, cultivating mindfulness, and finding guidance amidst the chaos of daily life. As a tool for self-reflection and introspection, the Tarot encourages us to pause, consider our actions and decisions, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness (1). This increased understanding of our own motivations, desires, and fears can lead to more intentional living, better decision-making, and a deeper sense of fulfilment.
Furthermore, the Tarot can serve as a powerful means of communication, helping individuals to understand and navigate the complexities of their relationships with others. By fostering empathy and compassion, Tarot can play a role in promoting open dialogue, resolving conflicts, and building stronger connections in our personal and professional lives.
In modern times, the Tarot has also become an important part of the broader spiritual and wellness movement, with many individuals incorporating the cards into their self-care and spiritual practices. The Tarot’s ability to connect with universal archetypes and symbolic imagery provides a framework for exploring the human experience, inspiring personal growth, and fostering a deeper connection with the world around us.
Moreover, the Tarot has expanded its reach through the digital age, with countless resources, online courses, and virtual communities making the wisdom of the Tarot more accessible than ever before. As a result, individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs can engage with the Tarot in a way that resonates with their unique experiences and spiritual paths.
In conclusion, the importance of Tarot in modern times lies in its ability to provide guidance, insight, and support in a rapidly changing world, empowering individuals to connect with their inner wisdom, navigate life’s challenges, and embrace their own unique journey towards personal growth and self-discovery.
(1) Greer, M. K. (2002). Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation. New Page Books.
II – Tarot Basics
Tarot Deck Structure
A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main groups:
- Major Arcana: Comprising 22 cards, the Major Arcana represent significant life lessons, spiritual messages, and deep psychological archetypes. These cards often signify important events or turning points in one’s life .
- Minor Arcana: The remaining 56 cards make up the Minor Arcana, which illustrates day-to-day experiences, emotions, and situations. These cards are further divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles .
The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana
Each suit in the Minor Arcana corresponds to a particular element, offering insight into the cards’ meanings:
- Wands (or Rods): Associated with the element of fire, Wands represent passion, creativity, and action. Wands cards often relate to one’s ambitions, goals, and personal growth .
- Cups: Linked to the element of water, Cups symbolise emotions, relationships, and intuition. Cups cards frequently touch on love, friendships, and emotional experiences .
- Swords: Connected to the element of air, Swords embody thoughts, communication, and conflicts. Swords cards often deal with mental challenges, decisions, and problem-solving .
- Pentacles (or Coins): Representing the element of earth, Pentacles denote material possessions, financial matters, and practical concerns. Pentacles cards typically address work, money, and physical wellbeing .
Tarot Court Cards
Each suit in the Minor Arcana has four court cards: King, Queen, Knight, and Page. These cards may represent people in our lives, aspects of our personalities, or stages of personal development .
- King: Symbolising authority, control, and mastery, the King represents the highest level of achievement and stability within each suit .
- Queen: The Queen embodies the nurturing, supportive, and emotionally mature aspects of each suit. She encourages empathy, understanding, and compassion .
- Knight: Representing action, adventure, and movement, the Knight urges us to take risks and embrace change within the context of each suit .
- Page: As the youngest of the court cards, the Page signifies curiosity, learning, and potential. This card encourages growth, exploration, and discovery within each suit .
Common Tarot Symbols and their meanings
Tarot cards contain a rich tapestry of symbols that convey their unique meanings. Here are some common symbols found in Tarot cards and their interpretations :
- The Fool: Representing beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity, the Fool symbolises a leap of faith and the start of a new journey.
- The Magician: Symbolising the power of manifestation and self-actualisation, the Magician encourages us to harness our skills and resources to create our desired reality.
- The High Priestess: Representing intuition, mystery, and the subconscious mind, the High Priestess invites us to delve into our inner wisdom and access our hidden truths.
- The Empress: Symbolising fertility, abundance, and nurturing, the Empress encourages us to embrace our creative energy and appreciate the beauty in our lives.
- The Emperor: Representing authority, structure, and stability, the Emperor teaches us about discipline, responsibility, and leadership.
All 78 Tarot Cards and their basic meaning
These meanings can shift depending on the context of the question, the position of the card in the spread, and whether the card is in the upright or reversed position.
Major Arcana
- The Fool – New beginnings, spontaneity, faith, and potential.
- The Magician – Manifestation, resourcefulness, power, and inspired action.
- The High Priestess – Intuition, higher powers, mystery, and subconscious mind.
- The Empress – Femininity, beauty, nature, nurturing, abundance.
- The Emperor – Authority, structure, control, and fatherhood.
- The Hierophant – Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, institutions.
- The Lovers – Love, harmony, relationships, values alignment, choices.
- The Chariot – Control, willpower, success, action, and determination.
- Strength – Courage, patience, control, compassion.
- The Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance.
- Wheel of Fortune – Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point.
- Justice – Fairness, truth, law, cause and effect.
- The Hanged Man – Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives.
- Death – Endings, change, transformation, transition.
- Temperance – Balance, moderation, patience, purpose.
- The Devil – Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, sexuality.
- The Tower – Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation, awakening.
- The Star – Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality.
- The Moon – Illusion, fear, anxiety, subconscious, intuition.
- The Sun – Positivity, fun, warmth, success, vitality.
- Judgement – Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution.
- The World – Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel.
Minor Arcana: Wands
- Ace of Wands – New beginnings, inspiration, creation, potential.
- Two of Wands – Future planning, progress, decisions, discovery.
- Three of Wands – Preparation, foresight, enterprise, expansion.
- Four of Wands – Community, home, celebration, harmony.
- Five of Wands – Conflict, disagreements, competition, tension, diversity.
- Six of Wands – Success, public recognition, progress, self-confidence.
- Seven of Wands – Perseverance, defensive, maintaining control, challenge.
- Eight of Wands – Speed, action, air travel, movement.
- Nine of Wands – Resilience, courage, persistence, test of faith, boundaries.
- Ten of Wands – Burden, extra responsibility, hard work, completion.
- Page of Wands – Inspiration, ideas, discovery, limitless potential, free spirit.
- Knight of Wands – Energy, passion, lust, action, adventure, impulsiveness.
- Queen of Wands – Courage, determination, joy, energy.
- King of Wands – Natural-born leader, vision, entrepreneur, honour.
Minor Arcana: Cups
- Ace of Cups – New love, compassion, creativity.
- Two of Cups – Unified love, partnership, mutual attraction.
- Three of Cups – Community, friendship, joy, celebrations.
- Four of Cups – Contemplation, apathy, reevaluation.
- Five of Cups – Regret, failure, disappointment, pessimism.
- Six of Cups – Revisiting the past, childhood memories, innocence, joy.
- Seven of Cups – Choices, fantasy, illusion, wishful thinking.
- Eight of Cups – Disappointment, abandonment, withdrawal.
- Nine of Cups – Contentment, satisfaction, gratitude, wish come true.
- Ten of Cups – Divine love, blissful relationships, harmony, alignment.
- Page of Cups – Creative opportunities, intuitive messages, curiosity, possibility.
- Knight of Cups – Romance, charm, ‘knight in shining armor’, imagination.
- Queen of Cups – Emotional stability, intuition, empathy, compassion.
- King of Cups – Emotional balance, generosity, diplomacy.
Minor Arcana: Swords
- Ace of Swords – Breakthroughs, new ideas, mental clarity, success.
- Two of Swords – Indecision, choices, truce, stalemate.
- Three of Swords – Heartbreak, emotional pain, sorrow, grief, hurt.
- Four of Swords – Rest, relaxation, meditation, recuperation.
- Five of Swords – Conflict, tension, loss, defeat, win at all costs, betrayal.
- Six of Swords – Transition, change, rite of passage, releasing baggage.
- Seven of Swords – Deception, trickery, tactics and strategy.
- Eight of Swords – Isolation, self-imposed restriction, imprisonment.
- Nine of Swords – Anxiety, worry, fear, depression, nightmares.
- Ten of Swords – Painful endings, deep wounds, betrayal, loss, crisis.
- Page of Swords – Curiosity, restlessness, mental energy, communication.
- Knight of Swords – Action, ambition, impulsiveness, quick-minded.
- Queen of Swords – Independent, unbiased judgement, clear boundaries.
- King of Swords – Mental clarity, intellectual power, authority, truth.
Minor Arcana: Pentacles
- Ace of Pentacles – New financial or career opportunity, manifestation, abundance.
- Two of Pentacles – Multiple priorities, time management, prioritisation, adaptability.
- Three of Pentacles – Teamwork, initial fulfilment, collaboration, learning.
- Four of Pentacles – Saving money, security, conservatism, scarcity, control.
- Five of Pentacles – Financial loss, poverty, lack mindset, isolation, worry.
- Six of Pentacles – Generosity, charity, giving, prosperity, sharing wealth.
- Seven of Pentacles – Long-term view, sustainable results, perseverance, investment.
- Eight of Pentacles – Mastery, skill development, diligence, focus, detailed work.
- Nine of Pentacles – Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, financial independence.
- Ten of Pentacles – Wealth, financial security, family, long-term success, contribution.
- Page of Pentacles – Manifestation, financial opportunity, new job.
- Knight of Pentacles – Efficiency, routine, conservatism, methodical, faithfulness.
- Queen of Pentacles – Nurturing, practical, providing financially, a working parent.
- King of Pentacles – Wealth, business, leadership, security, discipline, abundance.
Remember, these are just the basic meanings.
Tarot reading involves understanding and interpreting the cards’ imagery, nuances, and symbolism, all within the context of the question and the querent’s life situation. Reversed cards typically indicate an internal, subjective, or more nuanced version of the upright card’s meaning or potential blockages or delays.
III – Tarot Spreads
Tarot spreads are layouts used to organise the cards during a reading. Different spreads are used to address specific questions or explore various aspects of one’s life.
- One-card Tarot spreads: These simple spreads involve drawing a single card to provide quick insight or answer a specific question. They’re great for daily guidance or to help focus your intentions for the day .
- Three-card Tarot spreads: These versatile spreads consist of three cards, typically representing past, present, and future, or other relevant factors, such as situation, action, and outcome .
- The Celtic Cross spread: One of the most popular Tarot spreads, the Celtic Cross uses ten cards to provide a comprehensive overview of a situation, examining the past, present, future, and underlying influences .
- The Horseshoe spread: This seven-card spread is designed to provide a clear snapshot of a situation, looking at past influences, present circumstances, hidden obstacles, and potential outcomes .
- The Tree of Life spread: Based on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, this spread utilises ten cards to explore different aspects of one’s life, such as spiritual growth, relationships, and personal development .
- Designing your own Tarot spreads: As you become more familiar with Tarot, you may wish to create custom spreads tailored to your specific needs and interests.
IV – How to Conduct a Tarot Reading
- Choosing a Tarot deck: Select a deck that resonates with you and reflects your personal aesthetic or spiritual beliefs. There are countless Tarot decks available, ranging from traditional to contemporary designs .
- Preparing for a Tarot reading: Find a quiet, comfortable space to conduct your reading. Clear your mind, take a few deep breaths, and focus on the question or issue at hand .
- Formulating your question: Ask open-ended questions that encourage reflection and introspection, rather than questions seeking a specific yes or no answer .
- Shuffling the Tarot deck: Mix the cards thoroughly while concentrating on your question or intention. There’s no right or wrong way to shuffle – just do what feels natural .
- Selecting and laying out the cards: Draw the required number of cards for your chosen spread, laying them out in the designated positions .
- Interpreting the Tarot cards and their positions: Examine each card in relation to its position within the spread, considering the symbolism, imagery, and overall meaning .
- Integrating intuition and psychic abilities: Trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice as you interpret the cards. Pay attention to any feelings, impressions, or thoughts that arise during the reading .
- Providing guidance and advice based on the reading: Summarise the key messages of the reading and offer practical advice or suggestions that can help the querent move forward or address their concerns .
V – Tarot Ethics
- Tarot readings and personal boundaries: Ensure that you respect the boundaries of your clients and maintain a professional, compassionate approach during readings .
- Confidentiality and privacy: Treat all information shared during a Tarot reading as confidential and never disclose it to others without the querent’s consent .
- When to decline a Tarot reading: It’s important to know when to say no to a reading. If a question is inappropriate, unethical, or beyond your expertise, politely decline and explain your reasons .
- Tarot readings and professional conduct: Maintain a high standard of professionalism and ethical behaviour in your Tarot practice. This includes being honest, respectful, and non-judgmental during readings .
VI – Tarot for Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
- Using Tarot for meditation and reflection: Meditating on specific Tarot cards can help deepen your understanding of their symbolism and encourage self-reflection .
- Tarot and journaling: Keeping a Tarot journal can be a valuable tool for tracking your personal growth, recording your readings, and developing a deeper connection with the cards .
- Tarot and dream interpretation: Tarot can provide insight into the meanings and messages hidden within your dreams, offering guidance and understanding .
- Tarot for healing and emotional well-being: Tarot can be used as a tool for emotional healing, helping you explore and address past traumas or emotional challenges .
- Tarot for goal setting and personal development: Tarot can help you clarify your goals, identify potential obstacles, and develop strategies for personal growth and achievement .
VII. Tarot in Relationships
Love and romance Tarot readings
Tarot can be an insightful tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of relationships, offering guidance on matters of love, romance, and interpersonal dynamics. By exploring the energies, patterns, and influences present in your relationships, Tarot can help you gain a deeper awareness of your own needs and desires, as well as those of your partner or potential partner. Love and romance Tarot readings can reveal underlying issues, provide clarity on confusing situations, and even offer advice on how to foster a stronger connection with your partner. In addition to romantic relationships, Tarot can also be applied to understanding relationship dynamics within families, friendships, and professional partnerships, promoting effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional healing. By integrating Tarot into your relationships, you can develop greater empathy, compassion, and understanding, ultimately fostering more harmonious and fulfilling connections with others.
Tarot for understanding relationship dynamics
Tarot can serve as a powerful tool for understanding the intricate dynamics at play within our relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. Through the symbolic imagery and archetypal themes found in the cards, Tarot can provide insight into the underlying patterns, habits, and emotional triggers that contribute to the ways in which we interact with one another. By offering a snapshot of the energies at work in a given relationship, Tarot can illuminate areas of growth, potential challenges, and opportunities for deepening connections. Moreover, Tarot encourages self-reflection, helping individuals recognise their own contributions to the dynamics in a relationship, fostering increased self-awareness, and personal growth. Ultimately, Tarot’s guidance can inspire us to create more fulfilling, harmonious, and meaningful relationships, built on a foundation of empathy, understanding, and open communication.
Tarot for conflict resolution and communication
Tarot can be an invaluable resource for addressing conflicts and improving communication within our relationships. When tensions arise, it can be difficult to see the situation objectively or to understand the underlying issues at play. By offering a neutral perspective, Tarot can help to illuminate the core concerns, fears, and motivations that contribute to disagreements, providing a deeper understanding of the factors driving conflict. Through the symbolic language of the cards, Tarot can also help to identify potential avenues for resolution and healing, guiding individuals towards more compassionate and constructive ways of expressing their needs and feelings. Furthermore, Tarot encourages us to listen actively and empathetically to the perspectives of others, fostering open, honest communication that is essential for the healthy functioning of any relationship. By incorporating Tarot into our conflict resolution strategies, we can work towards building stronger, more resilient connections, based on mutual understanding and respect.
Tarot and compatibility
In matters of love and partnership, Tarot can offer valuable insights into compatibility between individuals, helping to identify shared values, interests, and emotional needs that can contribute to a harmonious and fulfilling connection. By examining the energies and archetypal themes present in a couple’s Tarot reading, one can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and challenges that may arise within the relationship, as well as areas of potential growth and personal development. Tarot can also help to reveal complementary qualities, highlighting the ways in which each partner’s unique strengths can support and uplift the other. It is important to note, however, that compatibility is just one aspect of a successful relationship, and that a strong, enduring bond requires ongoing communication, trust, and commitment from both parties. Ultimately, Tarot can serve as a starting point for exploring compatibility, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play, and guiding individuals towards more intentional, conscious relationship-building.
VIII – Tarot for Career and Financial Matters
Tarot for decision-making and problem-solving
Tarot can be a highly effective tool for decision-making and problem-solving in various aspects of life, from personal dilemmas to professional challenges. By drawing upon the rich symbolism and timeless wisdom contained within the cards, Tarot can provide guidance and clarity when faced with difficult choices or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The process of a Tarot reading encourages introspection and reflection, helping individuals to connect with their intuition, and explore the underlying factors that may be influencing their current situation. By revealing potential outcomes, hidden influences, and opportunities for growth, Tarot empowers individuals to make more informed decisions, grounded in self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their circumstances. In addition to offering clarity and insight, Tarot can also stimulate creative thinking and inspire innovative solutions to problems, allowing individuals to approach challenges from new perspectives and with fresh ideas. Ultimately, Tarot serves as a valuable resource for decision-making and problem-solving, promoting personal growth, self-confidence, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Tarot for career development and growth
Tarot can be an invaluable resource for individuals seeking guidance and direction in their professional lives, offering insights into career development and growth. By tapping into the symbolic language and archetypal wisdom of the cards, Tarot can provide clarity on one’s strengths, areas for improvement, and potential opportunities within the workplace. Tarot readings can help to identify which professional paths align best with an individual’s skills, passions, and values, and can offer guidance on how to navigate workplace dynamics and relationships effectively.
Furthermore, Tarot can shed light on potential obstacles and challenges that may arise in one’s career, and provide suggestions for overcoming these hurdles. By encouraging self-reflection and personal growth, Tarot empowers individuals to take charge of their professional development, fostering the confidence and self-awareness needed to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Whether considering a career change, seeking to advance within one’s current field, or simply striving for greater work-life balance, Tarot can serve as a supportive guide on the journey towards professional fulfilment, providing valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving world of work.
Tarot for Financial Planning and Wealth Management:
Using tarot cards as a tool for financial planning and wealth management is a creative approach to understanding your financial life. Tarot can offer valuable insight into your current financial situation, future opportunities, potential challenges, and overall financial well-being. This can help you make sound financial decisions and improve your wealth management strategy. Here are some ways tarot can be used in this context:
- Gaining insight into your financial mindset: Tarot cards can help reveal your subconscious thoughts and feelings about money. Understanding your relationship with money can help you overcome any self-limiting beliefs or fears, and open up new possibilities for growth.
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses: A tarot reading can highlight areas where you excel financially, as well as those that need improvement. This information can help you develop a more balanced and effective financial strategy.
- Assessing potential opportunities: Tarot cards can suggest new financial opportunities, such as investments or career advancements, that might be on the horizon. Being aware of these potential opportunities can help you prepare and capitalise on them when the time is right.
- Recognising financial challenges: Tarot cards can also warn you of potential financial setbacks, such as unexpected expenses or market fluctuations. By understanding the possible obstacles you may face, you can make better plans to navigate these challenges and minimise their impact on your finances.
- Enhancing decision-making: Tarot readings can provide guidance on major financial decisions, such as whether to make a significant investment or pay off debt. The insight gained from the cards can help you make choices that align with your financial goals and values.
- Goal-setting and tracking progress: A tarot reading can help you set realistic and achievable financial goals. By tracking your progress with regular readings, you can assess your success and make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
- Fostering financial self-awareness: By regularly engaging with tarot for financial planning and wealth management, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of your financial habits, patterns, and attitudes. This self-awareness can lead to more informed and mindful financial choices.
Overall, using tarot for financial planning and wealth management can be a unique and effective way to gain insight into your financial life, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve greater financial stability and success. However, it’s essential to remember that tarot should be used as a complementary tool alongside traditional financial planning methods and advice from qualified professionals.
IX – Tarot and Spiritual Development
- Tarot and chakras: Tarot can be used in conjunction with the chakra system to explore and balance your energetic body, promoting overall well-being and spiritual growth .
- Tarot and the Tree of Life (Kabbalah): The Cabalistic Tree of Life can be used as a framework for understanding the Tarot, offering a rich and complex system of spiritual symbolism .
- Tarot and astrology: Tarot and astrology share many communing symbols and archetypes, and can be used together to provide a more comprehensive understanding of your life and experiences .
- Tarot and numerology: By examining the numerical values and associations of Tarot cards, you can gain deeper insight into their meanings and explore the connections between Tarot and numerology.
- Tarot and the Hero’s Journey: The Tarot can be understood as a representation of the Hero’s Journey, a universal narrative pattern that describes the process of personal transformation and growth .
X – Advanced Tarot Techniques
- Reversals: Some Tarot readers interpret reversed cards as having an altered or opposing meaning to their upright counterparts, adding nuance and depth to a reading .
- Elemental dignities: By examining the elemental associations of Tarot cards in a spread, you can gain additional insight into the relationships and interactions between the cards .
- Tarot and timing: Tarot can provide clues about the timing of events, although these interpretations are generally considered to be symbolic rather than exact .
- Tarot and storytelling: Tarot cards can be used as prompts for creative writing, helping you explore different narratives, themes, and characters .
- Tarot and creativity: Using Tarot as a tool for artistic inspiration can unlock your creative potential, sparking new ideas and encouraging self-expression .
XI – Tarot Decks and Resources
Popular Tarot decks
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: Created in 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is one of the most well-known and widely used Tarot decks, featuring iconic illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith .
Thoth Tarot: Designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, the Thoth Tarot is a highly symbolic and complex deck, rich in esoteric imagery and symbolism .
Marseille Tarot: Dating back to the 18th century, the Marseille Tarot is a historic deck with bold, striking imagery that has influenced many modern Tarot decks .
Modern Tarot decks: There are numerous contemporary Tarot decks available, catering to various aesthetics, interests, and spiritual beliefs.
Recommended Tarot books and authors
Some notable Tarot books and authors include “78 Degrees of Wisdom” by Rachel Pollack, “The Book of Thoth” by Aleister Crowley, “Holistic Tarot” by Benebell Wen, and “Tarot for Life” by Paul Quinn .
Online Tarot resources
Tarot forums and communities: Online platforms such as the Aeclectic Tarot Forum, Biddy Tarot Community, and Tarot Tea & Me provide spaces for Tarot enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and offer support.
Tarot blogs and websites: Websites like Little Red Tarot, Labyrinthos, and Biddy Tarot offer insightful articles, resources, and learning materials for Tarot enthusiasts.
Tarot podcasts and YouTube channels: Podcasts like Tarot Bytes and YouTube channels like The Tarot Lady offer accessible, engaging content for Tarot enthusiasts of all levels.
XII – Conclusion
- The ongoing journey of learning Tarot: Mastering Tarot is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, practice, and an open mind.
- The importance of personal connection with Tarot: Developing a strong connection with your Tarot cards and trusting your intuition are key to successful readings and personal growth.
- Tarot as a tool for empowerment and transformation: Tarot can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal development, and spiritual growth, offering guidance and insight into the many facets of your life.
XIII – Appendices
Glossary of Tarot terms – A comprehensive list of terms and phrases commonly used in Tarot.
Arcana: The two main divisions of a tarot deck, consisting of the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).
Major Arcana card meanings: Detailed descriptions and keywords for each of the 22 Major Arcana cards, exploring their symbolism, themes, and archetypal energies.
Minor Arcana card meanings: Detailed descriptions and keywords for the 56 Minor Arcana cards, including the four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) and their associated court cards.
Card Spread: A specific layout or arrangement of tarot cards used during a reading, designed to address specific questions or themes.
Court Cards: A set of 16 cards in the Minor Arcana, consisting of the King, Queen, Knight, and Page for each suit.
Divination: The practice of seeking knowledge or insight into the past, present, or future using various methods or tools, such as tarot cards.
Elemental Associations: The connections between the four tarot suits and the classical elements of fire, water, air, and earth.
Esoteric: Pertaining to hidden or secret knowledge, often associated with spiritual or mystical practices, such as tarot.
Intuition: The ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning, often employed during a tarot reading.
Numerology: The study of the symbolism and spiritual significance of numbers, often used in conjunction with tarot to gain deeper insight.
Querent: The person seeking guidance or answers through a tarot reading, also known as the seeker or the client.
Reversed: When a tarot card appears upside down in a reading, indicating a different or altered meaning than its upright position.
Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: One of the most well-known and widely used tarot decks, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.
Significator: A specific tarot card chosen to represent the querent, their question, or the theme of a reading.
Suits: The four categories within the Minor Arcana (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands), each associated with specific themes, elements, and aspects of life.
Symbolism: The use of images, colors, and other visual elements in tarot cards to convey deeper meanings and messages.
Tarot: A deck of 78 cards, including the Major and Minor Arcana, used for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual growth.
Tarot Journal: A personal record where tarot practitioners document their readings, insights, and experiences with the cards.
Tarot Reader: A person who interprets tarot cards and provides guidance or insight during a reading.
Upright: When a tarot card appears in its standard orientation during a reading, indicating its primary meaning.
Three-Card Spread: A simple and popular tarot spread consisting of three cards, often used to represent the past, present, and future or various aspects of a situation.
Celtic Cross Spread: A 10-card tarot spread designed to provide a comprehensive view of a situation, addressing various aspects such as the present, challenges, potential outcomes, and underlying factors.
Clarifier Card: An additional card drawn during a tarot reading to provide more information or clarification on a specific card or aspect of the reading.
Deck Interview: A practice where tarot readers “interview” a new tarot deck by asking questions and drawing cards to learn about the deck’s energy, strengths, and weaknesses.
Dignity: The relationship between cards in a reading, which can be influenced by the proximity, orientation, or suit of the cards, affecting the overall interpretation.
Kabbalah: A form of Jewish mysticism that has influenced tarot symbolism and interpretation, particularly in the Major Arcana and its connection to the Tree of Life.
Pathworking: A meditative practice in which tarot practitioners visualise and explore the imagery of a tarot card to deepen their understanding of its meaning and symbolism.
Shadow Work: A psychological and spiritual process of exploring and integrating one’s “shadow” or darker aspects, often using tarot as a tool for self-reflection and growth.
Synchronicity: Meaningful coincidences or connections between events, often experienced during tarot readings as a confirmation of the cards’ relevance or guidance.
Thoth Tarot Deck: A tarot deck created by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, featuring unique symbolism, artwork, and interpretations based on Crowley’s Thelemic philosophy.
Yes/No Spread: A simple tarot spread used to answer yes or no questions, often involving drawing a single card or a series of cards to determine the answer.
Zodiac Association: The connections between tarot cards and astrological signs or planets, often used to provide additional layers of meaning and interpretation in a reading.
Archetypes: Universal symbols, patterns, or themes that appear in myths, stories, and cultures throughout history, many of which are represented in the imagery of tarot cards.
Birth Card: A tarot card or pair of cards determined by calculating the numerology of one’s birth date, said to provide insight into one’s personality, life path, and spiritual lessons.
Card Combination: The interpretation of two or more tarot cards together, taking into account their individual meanings and the relationships between them to provide a deeper understanding of a reading.
Cartomancy: The practice of divination using playing cards, which is closely related to tarot, as tarot cards are believed to have evolved from traditional playing cards.
Correspondences: The relationships and connections between tarot cards and other esoteric systems or symbols, such as astrology, numerology, elements, or colors, used to provide additional layers of meaning in a reading.
Deck Cleansing: The process of clearing a tarot deck of unwanted energies or influences, often performed by using methods such as smudging, visualization, or placing the deck in direct sunlight or moonlight.
Ethical Reading: A tarot reading conducted with respect for the querent’s privacy, autonomy, and emotional well-being, focusing on providing guidance and insight without causing harm or distress.
Golden Dawn: A late 19th-century secret society that heavily influenced modern tarot through its teachings and rituals, particularly the symbolism and structure of the Rider-Waite and Thoth tarot decks.
Invocation: A ritual or prayer used to call upon spiritual energies, deities, or guides to assist with a tarot reading, often performed at the beginning of the reading to set the intention and create a sacred space.
Marseille Tarot: An early tarot deck originating from the city of Marseille, France, featuring bold, colorful woodcut imagery and distinct symbolism, considered one of the oldest and most influential tarot decks.
Oracle Cards: A type of divination deck similar to tarot cards but typically containing fewer cards and unique imagery and themes, often used for guidance, inspiration, or affirmation.
Pips: The numbered cards in the Minor Arcana (cards 2 through 10), often featuring simple, non-illustrative designs representing the suit and the number of symbols.
Tarot Meditation: A contemplative practice that involves focusing on a tarot card, its imagery, and symbolism as a means of deepening one’s understanding of the card and its message.
Tarot Reading Exchange: A practice where two or more tarot readers provide readings for each other, offering an opportunity to learn from different perspectives and improve their skills.
Tarot Spread Position: The specific meaning or significance assigned to the location of a card within a tarot spread, which contributes to the overall interpretation of the reading.
Daily Draw: A daily practice of drawing one tarot card to gain insight or guidance for the day ahead, or to reflect on a specific theme or aspect of life.
Elemental Dignity: The interaction between tarot cards in a reading based on their suit’s corresponding element (fire, water, air, or earth), influencing the interpretation and strength of the cards.
Face Cards: Another term for the court cards (King, Queen, Knight, and Page) in the Minor Arcana, which represent people, personalities, or qualities in a reading.
Guided Imagery: A meditation technique that involves visualizing the scenes and symbols depicted on tarot cards to explore their deeper meanings and personal significance.
Lenormand: A type of divination deck consisting of 36 cards, separate from tarot but sharing some similarities, known for its straightforward, practical, and predictive style of readings.
Scrying: A form of divination that involves gazing into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or water, to receive visions or messages, sometimes used in conjunction with tarot.
Tarot Community: A collective of tarot practitioners, readers, and enthusiasts who share knowledge, resources, and experiences through online forums, social media platforms, workshops, and events.
Tarot Deck Modification: The practice of altering a tarot deck’s appearance or size, such as trimming the borders, coloring the edges, or adding personal artwork or designs, to create a more customized and personal connection with the cards.
Tarot Mentor: An experienced tarot practitioner who offers guidance, support, and knowledge to less experienced readers or those new to the tarot practice, often through one-on-one instruction, workshops, or courses.
Tarot Study Group: A group of individuals who meet regularly to discuss, learn, and share their experiences and knowledge about tarot, providing a supportive environment for growth and development in their practice.
Time-based Tarot Spread: A tarot spread designed to provide insight and guidance for specific periods, such as days, weeks, or months, offering a broader overview of one’s life or situation.
Tuck Box: A small, typically rectangular box used to store and protect tarot cards when not in use, often featuring artwork or design elements that match the tarot deck.
Visualization: A mental exercise used in tarot practice that involves creating detailed mental images of tarot card scenes or symbols to enhance one’s understanding, intuition, and connection to the cards.
Tarot spread examples and templates: A collection of sample Tarot spreads, ranging from simple one-card readings to more complex layouts like the Celtic Cross and the Tree of Life, along with templates for creating your own custom spreads.
Tips for choosing the right Tarot deck: Guidance on selecting a Tarot deck that resonates with you, taking into account factors like artistic style, personal beliefs, and the intended purpose of the deck.
This Ultimate Guide to Tarot provides a comprehensive introduction to the rich and multifaceted world of Tarot, offering practical tips, resources, and advice for beginners and experienced readers alike. By embracing the art of Tarot and incorporating its wisdom into your daily life, you can unlock your full potential, develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and experience personal transformation and growth.
