Understanding Tarot

What is tarot?

In order to practice the skill of understanding tarot you must first know what tarot actually is. Tarot is a form of divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, using a set of cards. Tarot cards a set of 78 illustrated cards originating as far back from the 1400’s-1500’s. Cards were decorated by archetypes of the times, a procession of attitudes and characters very much influenced by folk beliefs and practices, many of which have ancient roots. Tarot is a symbolic map of consciousness that encompasses our journey through life, both spiritually and practically. 

A Little History

As I just mentioned, tarot cards originated in the 14th-15th century . In the 1900’s, Arthur Edward Waite commissioned the drawings for the cards, to his specifications, from fellow Golden Dawn member Pamela Colman Smith, a gifted artist. Nowadays this card deck is know as the Rider Waite Smith. The earliest known tarot decks were used for playing games similar to modern-day bridge or poker. It was in the 18th century that tarot began to be used for guidance and fortune-telling.

There are many theories about where the name “tarot” comes from. Some say it is derived from the Arabic word “tar”, which means “path” or “way,” while others believe it comes from the Italian word “tarocchi”, which was used to describe a type of playing card.

Some historians believe that ancient Egyptian, Jewish, and Christian mystical traditions influenced the images on the tarot cards. Others suggest that the images were inspired by the Italian Renaissance and its fascination with the occult and esoteric knowledge.

Tarot Uses

At its heart, the tarot is a storytelling device, a deck of symbols and narratives that can spark conversations, inspire ideas, and reveal new perspectives. And you don’t need to be psychic to use it: it is a practice that is open to everyone. Using tarot cards as tools we can gain insight on past, present, and future events. We can gain clarity and receive advice. Some psychics use these cards for confirmation on what their intuition is picking up or they use these cards as tools to help strengthen their intuition. I’ve even seen people (non-psychics) uses these as a self-development, self-improvement tool.

Reading Tarot Cards

There are many different styles and techniques used reading tarot cards, none of which or wrong. I will never tell someone the way they receive information is wrong. This is YOUR PRACTICE, use the tools however you feel fits your practice the best. Some memorize each card meaning from the guidebook provided and read the cards that way. Other rely solely on their intuition. Others rely on the imagery, what do the pictures mean to them? Some may incorporate numerology in their readings. Then there are others who combine all these aspects in their readings like me.

Reading From The Guidebook

Reading from the guidebook can be beneficial to some and overwhelming to others. I mean who wouldn’t get overwhelmed trying to memorize 78 different card meanings. Want a pro tip? In your guidebook you will see a definition of each card and then keywords. Along the edge of most Raider-Waite Smith decks, there is a white boarder. Along the white boarder write down the keywords, provided in your guidebook, for each card. It is much easier getting a reminder from keywords than trying to remember a whole textbook definition. Using only keywords can also help encourage your intuition to step in.

Reading From Imagery

This technique I feel is very beneficial for all who practice Tarot. Each cards illustration was specifically created to represent the meaning behind each card. What do the images on the card mean to you? I know tarot readers who don’t even pick up the guidebook because they rely on what the images tell them. The reader who used this technique on me amazed me by her accuracy so much that I incorporated this method in my readings. Want a fun exercise? I do this exercise EVERYDAY because it is so beneficial to my practice. Get a tarot journal, a blank notebook from the Dollar Tree is perfect. Everyday pull one card from the deck however you want to do that. Study the cards imagery, look at every aspect of the card. Write down everything you see on the card and then write down next to it what those images mean to you.

For example, Ace of Swords shows an image of a hand holding a sword. The sword can represent breakthrough and action. The hand can represent that you hold the key to your destiny. The crown on top can represent knowledge, the crown chakra. The cloud behind the hand represents your thoughts. The mountains can represent challenges. Putting those meanings together can give you an Ace of Swords card meaning that you are about to encounter a breakthrough or spiritual awakening rising above your challenges and bringing new ideas forth.

Reading From Intuition

Using your intuition is a technique that most psychics use when reading tarot cards. Again, setting aside the guidebook and using the information that enters the mind. In order to do this you must first clear the mind. Clear out any and all thoughts and feelings that are your own. This is when grounding comes in to play as it allows you to quiet your thoughts and center yourself so your present in this very moment. Once your mind is cleared, ask a question and then pull a card. Once you have chosen a card, look at the card and the information that first comes to mind about the card is the information you will share with your client or keep note of if reading yourself.

Another exercise you can do! Much like the exercise I mentioned previously, get a notebook – tarot journal. Everyday, after quieting your mind, ask “What do I need to focus on learning today?” Pull your card, using whatever method you prefer, and write down the very first intuitive messages you receive. Make sure to pay attention to all of your senses and add that into the information you receive. If you are needing help on discovering your intuition or learning how to use your intuition read my previous blog: Learning How To Use & Trust Your Intuition.

Reading With Numerology

Adding an understanding of numerology would be very beneficial in bettering your practice of reading tarot cards. Each card displays a number. In the major arcana the number is displayed at the top of the card (on traditional Raider-Waite Smith decks). In the minor arcana, there are 4 suits of 14 cards each. Each suit has cards numbered 2-10 (leaving out court cards). Each number holds a different meaning that corresponds with the guidebooks meaning of the card.

Reading With Incorporation

As I mentioned above I mix all these techniques together in my tarot card readings. Some use a combination of two of these methods. I’m going to say this again, READ THE CARDS HOW THEY BEST FIT YOUR PRACTICE. There is no right or wrong. Everyone receives information differently, every ones practice is customized to their own personal needs and gifts. Why should the art of reading cards be any different?

Reading Reverses

Reading a reversal is when a card comes out upside down. The card being displayed in reverse can hold a different meaning versus when the card is upright. Not everyone reads reverses. They just simply turn the card to face upright and show no acknowledgment of the reversal. Again, read the cards how they resonate with you and your practice. Reversal meanings are often looked at as negative, which is why some may not incorporate reversals in their readings. LET’S BREAK THE STIGMA!

Reversals can represent the opposite meaning of the cards upright position. Ex: Upright Ace of Swords meaning is spiritual breakthrough. Reversed meaning blockage of a spiritual awakening. Another meaning of reversals is the need to turn inwards. Ex: Reversed Ace of Swords meaning your intrusive thoughts are blocking you from your spiritual awakening. You must clear your crown chakra by inviting in a new perspective.

Cheat Sheets

Below are some easy cheat sheets you can apply to your practice. Use these by combining all aspects together ex: tarot suit + numerology. Again, these are not the “for sure” meanings, you’ll use whatever meaning resonates with you but here is a little head start or inspiration.