Tarot cards have served as tools for divination, self-discovery, and spiritual guidance for centuries. This guide explores tarot's history and teaches basic usage, whether you're new to tarot or looking to deepen your understanding.
Short History of Tarot
Tarot's origins remain mysterious. Some theories place its beginnings in ancient Egypt or Atlantis, while others trace it to medieval Italy as a card game. Despite uncertain origins, tarot evolved into a popular divination and self-discovery tool.
The earliest known tarot decks date to the 15th century, likely used for card games rather than divination. By the 18th century, tarot had shifted to primarily divinatory purposes as occultists explored the cards' symbolism.
French occultist Eliphas Levi significantly influenced tarot's development. His mid-19th century book "Transcendental Magic" presented tarot as a spiritual development tool, popularizing it among occultists in France and beyond.
Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith created another milestone in 1909 with the Waite-Smith deck. This became one of the most influential tarot decks, featuring detailed illustrations with esoteric symbolism. Waite's companion book explained the symbolism and interpretation methods. Many modern decks still draw from their work.
Today's tarot market offers countless decks with unique symbolism and interpretations. Some follow the traditional Waite-Smith system while others explore different themes and artistic styles. Each deck offers distinct insights and perspectives, making tarot a powerful tool for personal growth and reflection.
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What Happens During a Reading?
Tarot readings typically begin with identifying specific questions or concerns. The reader shuffles cards while the client focuses on their question. Cards are then laid out in a specific pattern called a spread. The three-card spread is most common, often representing past, present, and future.
The reader interprets cards by examining their symbolism, imagery, and placement in the spread. Each card represents different aspects of the client's question, with the reader using tarot knowledge and intuition to provide insights and advice.
After interpretation, the reader shares insights and advice, including action suggestions, focus areas, or potential outcomes. Clients are encouraged to use these insights for positive life changes.
Self-readings are possible but require care and objectivity. Personal biases can cloud interpretation, leading to inaccurate readings. When seeking professional readers, research their reputation to avoid fraudulent practitioners who exploit vulnerable clients.
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The Symbolism of the Waite-Smith Tarot
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two main categories: major arcana and minor arcana. Understanding this structure makes the deck more manageable for beginners.
Major arcana cards represent significant life events and themes, while minor arcana cards address everyday situations and challenges. Each card carries specific symbolism that varies with reading context. The High Priestess, for example, represents intuition, secrets, and hidden knowledge.
Major Arcana
The major arcana contains 22 cards considered the most powerful in the deck. Well-known cards include The Fool, The Lovers, The Hanged Man, Death, and The Devil. These cards provide insight into important life areas like relationships, careers, spirituality, and personal growth.
The major arcana presents a journey from The Fool (new beginnings) to The World (completion and fulfillment). Each card tells a story of growth, challenges, and transformation, serving as a metaphor for life's experiences and lessons. Reflecting on these cards deepens self-understanding and life path awareness.
| Name of the Card | Description |
|---|---|
| The Fool | The beginning of a journey, innocence, spontaneity |
| The Magician | Manifestation, power, resourcefulness |
| The High Priestess | Intuition, mystery, subconscious knowledge |
| The Empress | Motherhood, fertility, abundance |
| The Emperor | Authority, leadership, structure |
| The Hierophant | Tradition, spirituality, guidance |
| The Lovers | Union, choices, relationships |
| The Chariot | Determination, control, and overcoming obstacles |
| Strength | Inner strength, courage, compassion |
| The Hermit | Solitude, introspection, spiritual quest |
| Wheel of Fortune | Destiny, change, cycles |
| Justice | Fairness, balance, legal matters |
| The Hanged Man | Surrender, letting go, sacrifice |
| Death | Transformation, endings, new beginnings |
| Temperance | Harmony, balance, moderation |
| The Devil | Temptation, bondage, materialism |
| The Tower | Sudden upheaval, revelation, change |
| The Star | Hope, inspiration, spiritual insight |
| The Moon | Intuition, illusion, the subconscious |
| The Sun | Success, vitality, joy |
| Judgement | Evaluation, rebirth, spiritual awakening |
| The World | Completion, fulfilment, wholeness |
Major Arcana Cards And Their Meanings
Minor Arcana
The minor arcana divides into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit represents different elements and life areas. Wands represent fire and creativity, Cups represent water and emotions, Swords represent air and intellect, and Pentacles represent earth and material matters. Each suit contains numbered cards (Ace to Ten) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
Numbered cards represent different stages within each suit's theme, building upon each other to show progression or journey. Court cards signify different personalities, roles, or developmental stages within the suit's theme.
Card interpretation requires considering both suit and number. The Four of Cups represents emotional withdrawal and dissatisfaction. Cups symbolize emotions while four indicates stability and structure, suggesting the querent feels stuck and needs change for fulfillment.
Waite-Smith decks incorporate numerology into their symbolism, so memorizing all meanings isn't necessary. Each numbered card (1-10) carries numerical significance. One represents new beginnings and potential, while ten represents completion and fulfillment.
Tarot cards can appear reversed, changing their meaning. Some readers use coins to determine card orientation. Reversed cards often express opposite or blocked energy from their upright meaning. The reversed Four of Cups might suggest readiness to move forward and find fulfillment.
| Name of the Card | Numerological Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace | The pure essence of the suit, potential, opportunity |
| Two | Duality, balance, choices |
| Three | Expansion, creativity, communication |
| Four | Stability, foundation, structure |
| Five | Change, challenge, conflict |
| Six | Harmony, cooperation, balance |
| Seven | Spiritual growth, introspection, assessment |
| Eight | Power, success, achievement |
| Nine | Near completion, close to fulfilment, attainment |
| Ten | Completion, end of a cycle, fulfilment |
| Page | New beginnings, curiosity, learning |
| Knight | Action, movement, progression |
| Queen | Nurturing, compassion, maturity |
| King | Leadership, authority, mastery |
Numerological Meanings in Tarot
Beginner's Guide to Tarot Spreads
Tarot spreads are specific card arrangements revealing different life aspects. Common spreads include the Celtic Cross, Three-Card Spread, and Five-Card Spread. While spread themes remain consistent, position meanings can vary between readers.
The Celtic Cross uses ten cards to provide full insight into specific situations or questions. The first card typically represents the current situation, the second shows obstacles, the third reveals the past, the fourth indicates the future, and the fifth shows surrounding influences. Remaining cards offer additional insights.
The Three-Card Spread offers simple yet effective readings. Cards commonly represent past, present, and future, though other interpretations exist. This versatile spread works for various questions, from relationships to career decisions.
The Five-Card Spread provides detailed insight into specific situations. One common layout uses the first card for the current situation, second for obstacles, third for advice or guidance, fourth for outcome, and fifth for additional insights. Like other spreads, it has many variations.
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Some Spreads to Get You Started
Other Types of Decks
While the Waite-Smith deck is popular, other notable decks exist. Here are two famous alternatives:
The Thoth Tarot, created by occultist Aleister Crowley, appeals to experienced readers. Heavily influenced by Egyptian mythology, it features rich esoteric symbolism and detailed imagery that requires time to fully understand.
The Marseille Tarot has been used since the 16th century. Known for simplicity and directness, each card features simple images and numbers. This deck suits those preferring less narrative complexity than the Waite-Smith deck while remaining a powerful divination tool.
Thoth tarot deck
Conclusion
Tarot cards maintain their popularity as tools for divination and self-discovery. Exploring card symbolism and interpretation provides valuable life insights. Approach tarot readings with an open mind and curiosity to uncover the wisdom these ancient cards offer.
For those interested in exploring more about tarot and similar divination tools, check out our articles on different ways to use tarot cards, shadow work and tarot, or explore other divination systems like runic oracle or lenormand cards.