A basic tarot card deck has 78 cards. The deck is divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Arcana means the secret of the mysteries. The Major Arcana represents archetypes/stereotypes/ideals of universal life experiences which myths and legends are based on. Whereas the Minor Arcana focuses more on the decisions and influences of everyday life.

The Major Arcana has 22 cards which is a master number and represents the souls’ journey to enlightenment. There are 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card which represents the Fool or the uninitiated starting out on their journey, learning life lessons and meeting new teachers along the way.

The Fool is represented by the number 0 which is the beginning and the end of a cycle. The Fool is carefree and happy to venture out into the world totally in the present moment because he/she is naive and is totally unaware or unafraid of what lies ahead. The journey takes him/her through all the numbered cards which represent different human, psychological and spiritual aspects of themselves. On this journey the Fool finds perspective and maturity by learning how to deal with both the internal and external influences in his/her life. At the end of this particular journey, the Fool has gained knowledge, understanding and wisdom of the world. The Fool now knows that life is an endless cycle that is learnt by experience.

The Fool on his/her journey to enlightenment also has to engage in activities, interact with people, thoughts, feelings, ideas and projects that make up his/her everyday life. This is personified by the Minor Arcana which has 56 cards that are made up of four suits of 14 cards. In each suit the cards are numbered Ace to 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen and King.

The suit of Wands represents energy, motivation and passion.

The suit of Swords represents mental thoughts, actions and words.

The suit of Cups represents feelings, emotions, intuition and creativity.

The suit of Pentacles represents physical manifestation, money and practical things.

Tarot card reading is more than just memorising the meaning of the cards. Each card comes with its own unique characteristics, rich in imagery and symbolism that goes deeply into the human psyche, assimilating the lessons, joys and challenges of the human/soul journey. A gifted tarot card reader creates a meaningful reading by intuitively linking the cards together to create a story.

Written by Verna

A traditional tarot card deck has 78 cards each with its own imagery and symbolism. Each card represents different aspects of life, situations or personal characteristics. When read as a spread or combination of cards, the cards become a tool to create a picture that tells a story that relates to the person who has asked for the reading. (querent). Every reading is different depending on the reader and the circumstances, but tarot cards are also a useful tool in offering insights and common-sense advice on the trials and excitements on this journey we call life.

Most readers start this journey curious to tap into their intuition and psychic abilities by giving and receiving simple tarot card readings with their friends and family.  Sometimes it is harder to read for friends and family and almost impossible to read for yourself than it is a complete stranger because you know them and have emotional expectations about the outcome. Whereas, with complete strangers it is actually quite surprising how perceptive people are when they are asked to give a reading for someone because the clues are always there; body language, verbal language and most people intuitively pick up the energy (vibes) of the people they are interacting with.

As with anything, the more you practice the better you become. Some readers are extremely intuitive and naturally gifted at reading the tarot cards because when they do a reading the cards ‘become alive’ and start interacting with each other and telling the story of the querent’s question. The most proficient tarot card readers are also gifted psychics and have the ability to ‘tune into guides’ and other information that goes beyond the five normal senses. Everyone has their own innate wisdom and the ability to be psychic or a tarot card reader depending on their desire and interest to create a practice that embraces this and brings it into their everyday life.

There are many different ways to read tarot cards, ranging from the simple to the complex. Starting with the basic yes / no spread, right up to using multiple cards to ask meaningful questions which takes the querent on a deep, introspective, spiritual and personal journey. The word spread in a tarot card reading means each card that is placed has a designated meaning, giving the reader an overview and the ability to use the cards in combination to create a story. The most common spreads are the three-card spread, the five-card spread and the Celtic Cross which uses ten cards.

There are many different tarot card or oracle decks which a reader may choose from, each with their own unique symbolism and messages. The reader will use the cards that will give them the most accurate and authentic information to share with their clients.

Written by Verna