Part 1 – History
Before I get started, A quick reminder:
This is my interpretation of the meaning of cards and what they represent. After doing extensive research reading different viewpoints, I have done my best to synthesize a general meaning.
When you are doing readings, follow your own instincts, don’t only rely on my interpretations. Remember, everything depends on context, your own interpretation, and the questions being asked.
That being said… let’s get started.
Tarot Cards: The Basics
Tarot cards have a long and mysterious history, dating back to the 15th century in Europe. Over the centuries, they have been used for divination, meditation, and spiritual exploration. Tarot cards are often associated with fortune-telling, but they offer so much more than just predictions about the future. They are a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, and for some a means of connecting with the supernatural world. In this post, we’ll delve into the history of tarot cards, explore their symbolism and meanings, and examine how they can be used to unlock the mysteries of the paranormal and of our own subconscious.
Tarot cards aka “The Tarot” has its roots in medieval and Renaissance Europe, and many of the symbols used on the cards have been influenced by the art and culture of that time period. For example, the tarot’s Major Arcana cards depict symbolic imagery such as the Pope, the Devil and the Hanged Man, which were common in Christian iconography of the time.
What are Tarot Cards?
Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards that are used for divination and self-reflection.
The cards are divided into two main categories:
- The Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards and represents major life events or spiritual lessons,
- and the Minor Arcana, which consists of 56 cards and represents more everyday concerns and experiences.
The imagery and symbolism on tarot cards are intended to provide a visual representation of the concepts and ideas represented by each card. The tarot is rich in symbolism, and the imagery on the cards is designed to be evocative and to spark the imagination of the reader.
Additionally, the tarot’s Minor Arcana cards depict suits such as Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles, which are symbolic of different elements of life. These suits are also thought to be influenced by the four suits of playing cards that were popular in Europe during the 15th century.
The imagery and symbols on tarot cards are also thought to have a psychological and spiritual significance as well. Many of the symbols used in the tarot are believed to tap into the collective unconscious and evoke deep-seated emotions and archetypal themes.
Overall, the imagery and symbolism on tarot cards are designed to be evocative and thought-provoking, and to provide a visual representation of the concepts and ideas represented by each card. It’s also important to note that the art and design of tarot cards can vary greatly depending on the deck and the artist who created it.
Tarot Card Care
Keep your cards safe and away from negative energy. The way you do this is totally your decision and there is no wrong way to do this. You also can imprint yourself on your cards and share your positive energy with them.
To some, it is recommended to keep tarot cards in a clean and sacred space, such as a special box or wrapped in a silk cloth. You can also store them with
energy crystals of your choice if you prefer this method. They may also be smudged with sage or blessed with positive energy before use.
Some people believe that having positive intentions and respect alone for the tarot cards help to keep them free from negative energy without additional upkeep.
While there are many opinions and instructions on how to care for your cards, remember there is no real wrong way to care for your cards, do what helps you feel good about them!
Part 2 – How to use and Interpret Tarot Cards
How to do a Tarot Reading:
Some of the most common types of tarot layouts include the three-card spread, the Celtic Cross, the Horseshoe Spread, and the Star Spread. Each layout provides unique insight into life and its challenges, and can be used to answer questions, provide guidance, and gain clarity.
The three-card spread is one of the simplest tarot layouts, and it can be used to explore the past, present, and future. Can also explore the Mind, Body, Spirit or who, what, and how; you can find your own questions and interpretations as well for this trio.
This is my favorite and the most straight forward.
More advanced layouts:
The Celtic Cross is a more complex tarot layout that can be used to explore the influences that are currently affecting a situation.
The Horseshoe Spread is a great layout to use when you want to gain insight into a particular area of life.
Lastly, the Star Spread is an excellent layout to use when you want to get a broader view of a particular situation.
The Celtic Cross tarot layout is a popular tarot spread that offers an in-depth look at a particular situation. This layout is composed of 10 cards laid out in a cross pattern. The first card in the center of the cross is the significator card, which offers insights into the core of the situation. The cards that follow provide additional details about the question at hand, including the possible past, present, and future influences. Additionally, this tarot spread can help uncover hidden influences, potential obstacles, and possible outcomes. Overall, the Celtic Cross tarot layout can offer a comprehensive view of any situation, allowing for an understanding that is both broad and deep.
Step By Step:
Tarot card reading is the practice of using tarot cards to gain insight and guidance into various aspects of life. Here are the basics of how tarot card reading works:
- Choose a deck: There are many different tarot decks available, each with their own unique artwork and symbolism. Choose a deck that resonates with you and feels comfortable to use.
- Prepare for the reading: Before starting a reading, it’s important to create a calm and focused atmosphere. This can involve lighting candles, burning incense, or simply clearing your mind.
- Ask a question: Tarot readings work best when you have a specific question in mind that you would like the cards to answer. This question can be related to any aspect of your life, such as relationships, career, finances, or personal growth.
- Shuffle the deck: Shuffling the deck helps to mix up the cards and focus your energy on the question you are asking. You can shuffle the deck as many times as you like, or until you feel that it’s time to stop.
- Lay out the cards: There are many different spreads that you can use to lay out the cards, each with its own specific purpose. Some common spreads include the Three Card Spread, the Celtic Cross Spread, and the Five Card Spread.
- Interpret the cards: This is where the interpretation of the cards comes into play. Look at each card in the spread and consider its position, orientation (upright or reversed), and symbolism. Pay attention to any patterns or connections between the cards.
- Reflect on the reading: After the reading, take some time to reflect on the insights you received from the cards. Consider how the messages from the cards relate to your life and how you can apply them to make positive changes.
Remember, tarot readings are a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. They are not meant to be used for predicting the future or making decisions for you. Instead, they can offer guidance and help you understand your own thoughts and feelings more clearly.
Reversed Cards
A reversed tarot card can indicate a blockage, delay, or opposition to the energy represented by the card. The meaning of a reversed card can be seen as the opposite of the upright meaning. For example, if the upright Two of Cups represents a strong relationship, the reversed Two of Cups might indicate relationship issues or a lack of emotional connection.
The interpretation of a reversed card can also depend on the context of the reading and the reader’s own intuition. Some readers might choose to interpret all cards in a reading as reversed if they are drawn upside down, while others might only consider a card reversed if it is specifically pulled in that way. The interpretation of reversed cards can be subjective and can vary from reader to reader.
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. They can offer guidance and help you understand your own thoughts and feelings more clearly. If you are interested in learning more about tarot cards, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find books, websites, and online forums that offer information on the history, symbolism, and interpretation of tarot cards. You can also find tarot card readers who can offer readings and guidance.
With a little practice, you can learn to use tarot cards to gain insight into your own life and to make positive changes. Tarot cards can be a valuable tool for self-understanding and personal growth. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to explore the resources that are available and to give tarot cards a try.