Tarot reading – three questions

Tarot reading has fascinated and mystified people for centuries. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the world of Tarot offers rich symbolism, profound insights, and endless interpretations. Tarot cards, with their vivid imagery and varied symbols, have become a popular tool for divination, self-reflection, and guidance.

What is Tarot Reading?

The Basics of Tarot Reading

Tarot reading is a method of divination using a deck of 78 cards, each containing symbolic images, that help to interpret different aspects of a person’s life. These cards are laid out in a specific spread, and their positions, along with their symbolic meaning, are analyzed by the Tarot reader to answer questions or provide insights into a situation.

A Tarot reading is typically used to gain clarity, seek guidance, or reflect on life choices. While Tarot cards are often used in fortune-telling, they are also a tool for self-reflection, helping individuals gain insight into their subconscious mind, personal emotions, and life goals. The cards themselves have been designed to represent various archetypes, aspects of human experience, and spiritual concepts.

Each Tarot card is divided into two main categories: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. These categories play different roles in the reading and contribute to the depth of interpretation.

Major Arcana vs. Minor Arcana

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing significant life themes, major spiritual lessons, and pivotal life events. These cards include iconic figures like The Fool, The Lovers, The Death card, and The Star. In a Tarot reading, the Major Arcana cards often signal important, life-altering changes or deep-seated emotions.

The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, includes 56 cards that provide more nuanced insights into everyday situations. They are divided into four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—each representing a different element: water, fire, air, and earth, respectively. Each suit consists of 14 cards, ranging from the Ace to the King.

The History of Tarot

Origins and Early Beginnings

The origin of Tarot cards is somewhat unclear, and the history of Tarot reading spans several centuries. Many believe Tarot cards were first used in the Fifteenth century in Italy as playing cards. They were originally part of a regular deck of cards used for games, and there was no spiritual or divinatory significance attached to them.

However, it wasn’t long before Tarot cards began to be associated with mysticism and divination. The first recorded use of Tarot for fortune-telling was in the 18th century in France, when occultists began to see the Tarot as a tool for spiritual insight and understanding of the unseen world. This shift marked the beginning of Tarot’s association with the mystical and esoteric.

The Role of Tarot in Occultism

By the 19th century, Tarot had fully embraced its role in the occult community. Scholars and mystics, including the famous Éliphas Lévi, began studying the hidden meanings behind the symbols on the Tarot cards. They believed that Tarot was a powerful tool that could be used to tap into hidden knowledge, unlock hidden truths, and gain insight into the spiritual realms.

The early 20th century brought another wave of interest in Tarot, particularly with the publication of Arthur Edward Waite’s Tarot deck, known as the Rider-Waite Tarot. Waite, a well-known occultist, collaborated with artist Pamela Colman Smith to create a deck with clear symbolic imagery designed to guide readers through the divination process. This deck is widely regarded as the most popular Tarot deck today.

Tarot and Its Influence in Modern Times

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Tarot cards continued to grow in popularity. With the rise of the New Age movement, spirituality, and personal growth practices, many individuals turned to Tarot for guidance in navigating life’s challenges. Today, Tarot readings are used by people from all walks of life, and Tarot decks have evolved to include various styles, themes, and interpretations.

How Tarot Reading Works

Preparing for a Tarot Reading

A Tarot reading begins with preparation, both for the reader and the person receiving the reading. The individual seeking guidance typically takes a moment to focus on their question, intention, or area of life they want to explore. This could be a specific question about their love life, career, finances, or personal growth.

The reader may also perform rituals to clear the energy of the space, such as lighting candles or using incense. Some readers prefer to shuffle the cards while concentrating on the querent’s energy, while others may use prayer or meditation to invite higher spiritual guidance.

The Tarot Spread

One of the most crucial aspects of a Tarot reading is the spread, which refers to the arrangement of cards. The spread can be simple or elaborate, depending on the reader’s style. Here are some common spreads used in Tarot readings:

The Three-Card Spread

This is one of the simplest and most popular spreads. The three cards represent the past, present, and future. This spread is ideal for answering straightforward questions or getting a quick overview of a situation.

The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross is one of the most well-known Tarot spreads, consisting of ten cards. It offers a comprehensive look at the querent’s situation, challenges, and the potential outcomes. The Celtic Cross provides a deep dive into the past, present, and future, as well as influences from the subconscious mind.

The Relationship Spread

Aimed at examining the dynamics between two people, the Relationship Spread typically uses a seven-card layout. Each card represents an aspect of the relationship, such as communication, emotional connection, challenges, and potential growth.

Interpreting the Cards

Once the cards have been laid out, the reader begins the interpretation. The meanings of the cards are not fixed; they depend on their position in the spread and their relationship to each other. The reader looks at the symbolism, numerology, and imagery on each card to form an interpretation.

For example:

• If The Fool appears in the present position, it may indicate that the querent is at the beginning of a new journey or about to take a leap of faith.
• If The Tower is present in the future position, it may signal a period of upheaval or change.

The reader also listens to their intuition, allowing them to pick up on subtle messages and nuances that might not be immediately apparent from the symbols alone.

Tarot as a Tool for Self-Reflection

It’s important to note that Tarot readings are not necessarily about predicting the future with absolute certainty. Instead, Tarot serves as a mirror, reflecting the querent’s current state, desires, fears, and possible outcomes. It is a tool for self-reflection, encouraging the querent to make conscious choices and embrace the lessons presented through the cards.

Examples of Tarot Readings

Example 1: A General Life Reading

A querent may come to a reader for a general life reading. The cards might show a mix of Major and Minor Arcana cards, with The Star card in the present position and The Hermit card in the future position.

This combination could indicate that the querent is currently in a time of healing, hope, or renewed inspiration (The Star), but will need to spend time in solitude, introspection, or contemplation (The Hermit) in the near future to fully understand their path forward.

Example 2: A Love Reading

In a love reading, the reader might pull cards such as The Lovers, The Two of Cups, and The Devil. The Lovers card suggests a meaningful relationship, and the Two of Cups signifies harmony and mutual affection. However, The Devil might indicate unhealthy patterns or codependency within the relationship.

This combination could suggest that the querent is in a relationship with potential for deep connection but might need to address some negative behaviors or attachments that could be hindering growth.

Example 3: A Career Reading

For a career reading, cards like The Emperor, The Ace of Pentacles, and The Eight of Swords might appear. The Emperor could indicate a time of taking control and asserting authority in one’s career, while the Ace of Pentacles suggests the beginning of a new, potentially lucrative opportunity. However, the Eight of Swords might show that the querent is feeling trapped or limited by their current circumstances.

This spread could suggest that while a new career opportunity is on the horizon, the querent might need to overcome fears or limiting beliefs to seize the opportunity.

Tarot reading is a fascinating and multifaceted practice that has evolved over the centuries. From its origins as a simple card game to its current status as a tool for divination, Tarot has proven to be much more than a game of chance. Whether used for spiritual insight, guidance, or self-reflection, Tarot offers profound insights into the human experience.