Welcome to the ultimate guide for tarot reading! This guide is designed to help you navigate the intricate world of tarot, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader. You’ll find information on the history of tarot, different decks, and how to do readings. Topics include choosing the right tarot spreads, preparing your deck for accurate readings, and interpreting cards for yourself and others.
Originally from Europe in the 14th century, tarot cards began as a four-suited card game in Italy. The mid-1440s “Visconti-Sforza” deck related to Italian royalty, while other significant decks like the “Mantegna” (1470-1485) and the 15th-century Marseille deck gained popularity. By the 16th century, tarot was linked to mysticism, with British astronomer John Dee reportedly using them for angelic communications.
In the 18th century, French occultist Antoine Court de Gébelin claimed the 22 Major Arcana cards were rooted in ancient Egyptian wisdom. The 19th century saw researchers like Eliphas Levi associate tarot with the Hebrew Enochian alphabet. By the late 19th century, tarot evolved from simple fortune-telling to a tool for spiritual insight through symbolism and archetypal imagery.
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana has 22 cards depicting universal themes, while the Minor Arcana has 56 cards divided into four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles, each representing elements like earth, water, air, and fire. Cards can be interpreted upright or reversed, offering different meanings.
Individual cards carry unique messages. For example, The Fool signifies youthful energy and openness to new experiences, while The Magician represents mastery over various skills. The High Priestess encourages trust in your intuition, and The Emperor symbolizes authority and stability. Each card brings its own insight to a reading.
There are many ways to use tarot cards. Some focus on general life insights, while others address specific questions or past/future events. A simple one-card reading may offer quick guidance, while more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross provide in-depth analysis. Customizing your spread to fit your needs can enhance the reading’s relevance.
To get the most out of tarot readings, you should connect with your deck, understand each card’s meaning, and set clear goals for your readings. Prepare your space to be calm and focused, and be mindful of your intuition as you interpret the cards.
For those interested in using tarot for others, clear communication and setting boundaries are key. Explain the process, listen carefully, and offer interpretations respectfully. Different spreads like the Horseshoe or Decision spreads can offer varied perspectives on a querent’s questions.
Various tarot decks have different focuses. The Rider-Waite deck, created in 1909, is widely used for its rich symbolism and detailed imagery. The Thoth Tarot deck, designed by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, blends astrology, alchemy, and Egyptian mythology. Modern decks like the Wild Unknown, Shadowscapes, and Gendron tarot offer unique artistic perspectives that can enrich readings.
To prepare for a reading, choose a quiet place, set your intentions, and shuffle the deck to clear any lingering energy. Popular methods for clearing the deck include shuffling, using crystals, or meditation. Personalizing your deck by adding symbols or keeping it in a meaningful container can also strengthen your connection to it.
Finally, remember that tarot readings are about gaining insights and clarity on various aspects of life. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced reader, trust your intuition and continue practicing to deepen your understanding and improve your readings.