Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: An Introductory Guide to Navigating the Cards

The mystique of tarot has fascinated people worldwide for centuries. While there’s a plethora of information to unpack, in this starter guide, explore the art of reading tarot, its mysterious history, and challenge the misconception that tarot is exclusively for professional practitioners. It’s also a personal tool for life reflection and self-empowerment, accessible to do in the comfort of your own home. Below, delve into some practical aspects, including how to shuffle the cards, tap into your intuition, and incorporate a spread into your personal readings.

A Brief History

Tarot’s true origin remains unknown, but the earliest cards can be traced back to 15th-century Italy. Originally crafted for playing card games, tarot decks gradually evolved to feature symbolism and imagery, transforming into a tool for divination and spiritual insight.

Tarot has evolved and changed dramatically throughout the centuries. Most notably, the Rider–Waite Smith Tarot deck, created in 1909, is one of the most widely recognized and best-selling decks. (No modern mystic’s tarot collection is complete without it.) Artist Pamela Colman Smith was commissioned by occultist and writer Arthur Edward Waite to create the deck. It’s important to note that, as a woman, Smith has received recognition for her contribution to the deck posthumously, despite receiving none when it was first released. These days, you can find many variations of this deck with more diversity, new card-naming conventions, themes, and illustrations, including the Badass Bitches Tarot by Cardsy B, Mystic Mondays Tarot by Grace Duong, and the Black Tarot by Nyasha Williams.

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The Structure of Tarot

A standard tarot deck consists of a total of 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the 22 Major Arcana and the 56 Minor Arcana cards.

The Major Arcana

These cards collectively form what is called “The Fool’s Journey,” a profound narrative that mirrors significant life events and imparts valuable lessons. Together, they symbolically narrate the transformative evolution of the archetypal figure of the Fool, which represents new beginnings and innocent faith, symbolized by card 0 in the tarot deck. This journey progresses toward ultimate enlightenment and accomplishment, embodied by The World at card 21.

Each Major Arcana card carries a unique and powerful message, making them extremely important when they appear in tarot readings. Don’t stress when pulling a card like Death or the Devil—it can indicate positive changes or liberation from a challenging or unhealthy situation. A symbolic connection also exists between the zodiac signs and the Major Arcana cards. Each zodiac sign is associated with one or more Major Arcana cards, reflecting the archetypal energies that influence our lives:

Card 4: Aries and The Emperor

Aries’ assertiveness and leadership qualities align with the Emperor card, symbolizing authority, stability, and power.

Card 5: Taurus and The Hierophant

Taurus’ stability and dedication to values resonates with The Hierophant, representing tradition, inspiration, and spiritual authority.

Card 6: Gemini and The Lovers

Gemini’s mutable nature mirrors the Lovers card, embodying attraction and the duality of relationships.

Card 7: Cancer and The Chariot

Cancer’s emotional leadership is reflected in the Chariot card, portraying forward movement and overcoming obstacles.

Card 8: Leo and Strength

Leo’s confidence and courage aligns with the Strength card, representing power, action, and energy.

Card 9: Virgo and The Hermit

Virgo’s analytical and introspective nature resonates with the Hermit, signifying the power and strength gained from solitude.

Card 11: Libra and Justice

Libra’s sense of balance and fairness is mirrored in Justice, symbolizing equality and the karmic consequences when the scales tip in an unjust direction.

Card 13: Scorpio and Death

Scorpio’s transformative and intense energy aligns with the Death card, symbolizing the alchemy of the self through massive rebirth and change.

Card 14: Sagittarius and Temperance

Sagittarius’ love for wisdom is reflected in Temperance, indicating the need to practice moderation and frugality on the path to enlightenment.

Card 15: Capricorn and The Devil

Capricorn’s ambition and connection to reality are symbolized by the Devil card, representing materialism and bondage to earthly desires.

Card 17: Aquarius and The Star

Aquarius’ innovative and futuristic visionary qualities align with the Star, signifying hope and inspiration.

Card 18: Pisces and The Moon

Pisces’ connection to the unknown, illusion, and spiritual realms resonates with the Moon card, symbolizing the subconscious mind and intuition.

The Minor Arcana

As the name suggests, the Minor Arcana focuses on the mundane, everyday aspects of life and provides detailed insights into more temporary situations. The tarot also incorporates astrological archetypes through the four suites of the Minor Arcana, divided into 14 cards each. Each tarot suite corresponds to one of the four astrological elements—fire, water, air, and earth. A quick guide to the four suites:

Wands and Fire

Wands represent the fire element, embodying creativity, passion, and action. In a reading, they signify inspiration, motivation, and the pursuit of goals. The fire signs in astrology are Sagittarius, Leo, and Aries.

Cups and Water

Cups correspond to the water element, symbolizing emotions, intuition, and relationships. They offer insights into matters of the heart, love, and emotional well-being. The water signs in astrology are Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio.

Swords and Air

Swords are associated with the air element, representing intellect, communication, and thoughts. They often indicate challenges, decisions, and conflicts of the mind. The air signs in astrology are Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius.

Pentacles and Earth

Pentacles correspond to the earth element, symbolizing material wealth, practicality, and physical well-being. They offer guidance on matters of finances, career, and health. The earth signs in astrology are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

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Incorporating Tarot Spreads

While they are not required to use, tarot card spreads help provide structure, direction, and organization to your readings. Within the spread you choose, each position signifies a distinct facet of your life: a specific individual, location, or object. While there are a plethora of spreads to tap into, let’s start with the most basic three-card spread that’s perfect for a beginner.

This three-card spread has three pivotal positions, each shedding light on distinct aspects of your inquiry:

• In the first position, we encounter the “past” card, which unveils past influences and events that have shaped your current situation. It offers a glimpse into the historical backdrop that led you to where you are now.

• The second position unveils the “present” card, a mirror reflecting your current circumstances and the energies at play in your life. It offers a snapshot of your current reality, providing a valuable perspective on the here and now.

• Lastly, in the third position, we encounter the “future” card, a beacon of insight into the potential outcomes and possibilities that lie ahead. This card guides you toward a deeper understanding of what the future may hold, empowering you to make informed choices and navigate your path with confidence.

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Connecting With the Cards

Now that we’ve explored the foundational aspects of tarot, let’s delve into the practical steps for connecting with your intuition and reading the cards. Before you begin a reading, connecting with your card deck is essential. Take time to read the guidebook that typically accompanies a card deck so you can deeply understand the author’s interpretations, which will inform your own. You can also take out each card one by one to examine the symbolism, reflecting on what each illustration triggers within you personally. How you perform your reading is entirely up to you and what feels comfortable, but there are some general steps one can follow:

1. Clear your mind: Find a quiet, private, and peaceful space to focus your energy on your reading.
2. Cleanse your space and cards: Light a candle or your favorite incense where you’d like to practice.
3. Set your intention: If you have a specific question or intention for the reading, concentrate on it. Speaking it aloud makes it even more powerful.
4. Shuffle: Use a shuffling technique that feels comfortable to you, such as overhand shuffle or table shuffle, like you would with a deck of playing cards.
5. Tune in: As you shuffle, visualize your energy flowing into the cards, creating a connection.
6. Stop when ready: Trust your intuition to determine when to stop shuffling.
7. Cut the cards: Hold the deck in your dominant hand, cut it into two piles, and then rejoin the piles, allowing the cards to intermingle.
8. Pull the cards: Depending on what feels right to you, pull the first card at the top or allow the cards to spontaneously fall while shuffling.
9. Create your spread: Organize the cards that come out in a spread format of your choice. Feel free to tap into the three-card spread suggested above.
10. Trust your intuition: Follow your instincts and any intuitive impressions that arise as you select cards.
11. Study the imagery: Examine the chosen cards closely, paying attention to symbols, colors, and the emotions they evoke. These visual cues play a significant role in interpretation.
12. Interpret the cards: Pay close attention to the position of each card in the spread, as it signifies a specific area of life. Apply your interpretation of the card to the corresponding area it represents. Feel free to take a photo of the spread and journal what came up for you.