What is Tarot?
Tarot is an ancient system of divination that has been around since the 15th century. It is believed to be a form of fortune-telling, and is based on a set of 78 cards, each with its own symbolic meaning. The cards can be divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana, which are 22 cards that represent major life events, and the Minor Arcana, which are 56 cards that represent everyday events. Tarot is often used as a tool for self-discovery, gaining insight and understanding into one’s life. It can be used to explore feelings, emotions, and decisions, and can help to gain clarity and understanding of situations.
How to Read Tarot Cards
Reading tarot cards is a skill that requires knowledge and practice. It is important to understand the meaning of each card and to be able to interpret the cards in a meaningful way. The most important thing to remember when reading tarot is that the cards are a reflection of the person’s life and their current situation. The cards can offer insight and guidance into the future, but it is ultimately up to the querent to take action on their findings.
The first step in reading tarot cards is to become familiar with the cards and their meanings. There are many books and websites that offer information about the tarot and its meanings. It is also helpful to familiarize oneself with the traditional tarot spreads, which are laid out in specific patterns to help the reader interpret the cards.
When reading tarot cards, it is important to focus on the energy of the cards. It is helpful to take a few moments to relax, take a few deep breaths, and open oneself to the energy of the cards. It is also important to think of a specific question that the querent wants answered. Once the question has been asked, the reader can lay out the cards in the desired spread and interpret them accordingly.
The Meaning of the Major Arcana
The Major Arcana is made up of 22 cards, all of which have a specific meaning. The cards are numbered 0-21, and each card has a corresponding symbol or figure. The Major Arcana cards are often seen as the most important cards in the deck, as they represent the major life events that a person may experience.
The Fool is the first card in the Major Arcana, and is often seen as the beginning of a new journey or adventure. The Magician is the second card, and is associated with creativity and the power to manifest one’s dreams. The High Priestess is the third card, and is associated with knowledge, intuition, and the ability to tap into one’s inner wisdom.
The Empress is the fourth card, and is associated with fertility, creativity, and abundance. The Emperor is the fifth card, and is associated with authority, structure, and stability. The Hierophant is the sixth card, and is associated with tradition, religion, and morality. The Lovers is the seventh card, and is associated with relationships, choices, and balancing one’s inner desires.
The Chariot is the eighth card, and is associated with courage, determination, and the power to take control of one’s life. The Strength card is the ninth card, and is associated with inner strength, self-discipline, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The Hermit is the tenth card, and is associated with introspection, contemplation, and guidance.
The Meaning of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana is made up of 56 cards, which are divided into four suits. The suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards, which are numbered from Ace to King. The Minor Arcana cards are associated with everyday events and situations, and offer insight into the querent’s current life.
The Wands suit is associated with action, enthusiasm, and creativity. The Cups suit is associated with emotions, intuition, and relationships. The Swords suit is associated with communication, intellect, and conflict. The Pentacles suit is associated with money, material possessions, and physical health.
Each card in the Minor Arcana has a specific meaning, and it is important to understand the meaning of each card when reading tarot. For example, the Ace of Wands is associated with new beginnings and opportunities, while the Seven of Wands is associated with standing up for oneself and defending one’s beliefs. The Ace of Cups is associated with new relationships and emotional connections, while the Ten of Cups is associated with family and domestic harmony.
Conclusion
Tarot cards can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding. By understanding the meaning of the Major and Minor Arcana, one can gain insight and clarity into their life and their current situations. Tarot can be a valuable tool for exploring feelings and emotions, and can help to provide guidance and direction into the future.