A Simple Guide To Tarot & Its Meanings

Tarot is a deck of cards used for divination, the practice of seeking knowledge about the future or the unknown. Tarot is used to gain insight into a person's life, revealing hidden truths and offering guidance on various issues. Practitioners believe that the cards can reveal hidden truths and offer a deeper understanding of someone's path and challenges.

The process typically involves a tarot reader and the sitter, who is the person seeking answers. The sitter asks a question, and the reader shuffles the deck, laying out the cards in a specific pattern called a spread. Each position in the spread represents a different aspect of the sitter's question or life, and the cards are interpreted based on their position and the symbols depicted.

Tarot readings can vary widely in style and method. While some readers follow more structured interpretations and rely on their knowledge of the cards and their meanings, others rely heavily on their intuition or believe they have a psychic gift that enhances their readings.

Generally, it is believed that you don't need psychic ability to read tarot cards. A tarot reading relies on understanding the symbolism and meanings of the cards in the deck. A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Each card is rich with symbolic imagery and has its own unique meaning.

The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards, each representing significant life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypal themes, and are often seen as the most powerful and meaningful cards in the deck. Some of the most well-known Major Arcana cards include The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Lovers, and The Death.

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit contains 14 cards, numbered from Ace to 10, along with four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each suit has its own area of focus and symbolic meaning:

Cups: Associated with emotions, relationships, and the element of water. The Ace of Cups often symbolises new emotional beginnings or the potential for deep connections.

Pentacles: Connected to material aspects of life such as work, money, and the element of earth. The Ace of Pentacles might represent new financial opportunities or the start of a project.

Swords: Linked to intellect, communication, and the element of air. The Ace of Swords typically symbolises new ideas, clarity, and the beginning of intellectual ventures.

Wands: Related to creativity, action, and the element of fire. The Ace of Wands often signifies the spark of inspiration and the start of new creative endeavours.

Each card within the Minor Arcana carries its own distinct meaning, influenced by its number and suit. For example, the Three of Cups might represent celebration and friendship, while the Ten of Swords often symbolises the end of a difficult situation.

The court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King—often represent people or personality traits, though they can also symbolise situations or energies. The Page of Wands, for instance, might indicate a young, energetic person or the beginning of a new, creative phase.

Besides memorising the meanings, it is important to learn how to lay out the cards in a spread. Spreads are specific patterns that assign different meanings to each card's position. For example, a common spread is the three-card spread, which represents the past, present, and future. Understanding the positions in the spread allows the reader to provide a coherent narrative based on the cards drawn.

Tarot can offer a variety of insights that help sitters reflect on their lives, understand their circumstances, and navigate their paths. One of the primary benefits of tarot is the encouragement of self-reflection, offering individuals a chance to focus on aspects of their lives they might not usually examine. The imagery and symbolism of the cards can highlight personal strengths, weaknesses, desires, and fears.

A tarot reading can also bring clarity to confusing or challenging situations. When examining the cards drawn, a person can gain new perspectives on their problems. This process can unveil different angles and potential solutions that might not have been apparent before, offering a fresh outlook on the issues at hand. The guidance and advice provided by tarot are particularly valuable in this regard. Whether someone is facing a dilemma in their personal life, career, or relationships, the cards can suggest potential outcomes based on the current path and offer advice on how to navigate these situations.

Tarot often provides insights into relationships, revealing the dynamics of romantic, familial, or platonic connections. The cards can reveal underlying issues, strengths, and areas for improvement, helping individuals understand their relationships better and fostering healthier interactions.

When faced with important decisions, tarot offers a different perspective, enabling individuals to make more thoughtful and deliberate choices by exploring potential outcomes and considering the guidance of the cards. Overall, tarot is a versatile tool that offers insights into various aspects of life. Whether used for personal reflection, decision-making, or spiritual growth, the insights gained from tarot can empower individuals to navigate their lives with greater understanding and confidence.

Skeptics argue that the accuracy of tarot readings relies on the psychological phenomenon known as the 'Barnum effect', where people see personal meaning in vague or general statements. However, for those who believe in its power, tarot offers a unique and meaningful way to navigate life's uncertainties.