Tarot Card Meanings

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started: 1. Choose a Tarot DeckThere are many tarot decks available, each with its own artwork and interpretation. The Rider-Waite deck is one of the most popular and is often recommended for beginners due to its clear symbolism. 2. Familiarize Yourself with the CardsThere are 78 cards in a tarot deck: - Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life events or spiritual lessons.- Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards represent daily life events. They are divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. Spend time with each card, studying its imagery and traditional meaning. Many people find it helpful to keep a tarot journal. 3. Formulate a QuestionBefore drawing cards, have a clear and specific question in mind. This will help you interpret the cards in relation to your query. 4. Shuffle the CardsWhile shuffling, focus on your question. Some people like to cut the deck into three piles and then reassemble it, while others prefer to shuffle until they feel it's time to stop. 5. Choose a SpreadA spread is a particular arrangement of cards. Here are a few common spreads: - Three-Card Spread: Past, Present, Future.- Celtic Cross: A 10-card spread that provides a detailed look at a situation.- One-Card Draw: For a quick answer or daily guidance. 6. Draw and Place the CardsDraw the cards from the top of the deck and place them in the spread's designated positions. 7. Interpret the CardsBegin by interpreting each card individually, considering both its traditional meaning and the imagery in relation to your question. Then, look at the cards as a whole to see if there are any patterns or themes. For example, a lot of Swords might indicate conflict or mental challenges, while many Cups could point to emotional matters. 8. Trust Your IntuitionWhile traditional meanings are important, your intuition plays a crucial role in reading tarot. If a particular symbol or detail stands out to you, or if you get a strong feeling from a card, trust that. Your personal connection to the cards will deepen with practice. 9. Record Your ReadingWrite down the cards you drew, their positions, and your interpretations. This will help you track patterns over time and see how your readings evolve. 10. Close the ReadingThank the cards and, if you like, cleanse them by knocking on the deck, using sage, or placing them in the moonlight. This is especially important if the reading was particularly heavy or emotional. 11. Practice RegularlyLike any skill, reading tarot improves with practice. Read for yourself, offer readings to friends, or join a tarot study group. 12. Continue LearningThere are many books, courses, and resources available on tarot. As you continue your journey, you might want to delve deeper into the symbolism, history, and various interpretations of the cards. Remember, tarot is a tool for guidance, reflection, and insight. It's not about predicting the future with certainty but rather about exploring possibilities and gaining clarity. Enjoy the journey!