Tarot 101: Your Guide to Exploring the Magic of Tarot

When the word "divination" is uttered, the image of tarot cards often springs to mind – and it's no surprise! Tarot stands as one of the most renowned divination tools, and with the allure of its magical decks adorned with captivating artwork, it's easy to fathom why an increasing number of individuals are gravitating toward this practice. Beyond being a mere form of fortune-telling or a festival attraction, tarot serves as a potent instrument for guidance and self-discovery, a means to tap into the depths of the unconscious mind, fostering positive transformations in one's life.

Nonetheless, the initial foray into learning tarot can appear daunting, given the plethora of cards and the symbolism they contain. Finding your footing and comprehending the significance behind each card might seem like an overwhelming task. Fear not, for this blog post is your beacon, poised to steer you toward the commencement of your tarot expedition. Over the course of this piece, we shall explore the essence of tarot, trace its historical narrative, provide an overview of tarot cards, and chart your course into deciphering their messages. In forthcoming entries, we'll delve further into individual cards and unveil the narratives they carry.

So, whether your affinity leans toward the mysterious or your curiosity beckons you to explore the recesses of your subconscious, let us immerse ourselves in the captivating realm of symbolism, self-discovery, and personal growth.

The original Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

The History of Tarot

The exact origins of Tarot remain unknown; however, it is believed that the practice began around the 14th century in early France or Italy. Earlier Tarot decks were not created as divination tools but rather as playing cards. One of the earliest surviving decks is the Visconti-Sforza deck, crafted in the mid-15th century. This deck boasts intricate artwork and symbolism. It was during the 18th century that Tarot started being employed for divination, fuelled by a growing fascination with the occult. In the late 19th century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was established—a secret society dedicated to magical studies. This era marked the evolution of one of the most widely recognized Tarot decks today: the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Golden Dawn members Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith were pivotal in its creation. Waite, an occult writer, commissioned Smith to illustrate the deck, imbuing it with symbolism and depth. Smith's illustrations brought Waite's vision to life, and the deck was eventually published in 1909 by Rider & Co., a British publishing house.

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck introduced several innovations to Tarot. For instance, instead of depicting abstract symbols in the minor arcana, it featured intricate scenes to convey card meanings. Its captivating illustrations and profound interpretations make it accessible, ideal for both beginners and experienced Tarot readers.

Tarot in the Modern Age

The practice of Tarot reading, along with the enduring Rider-Waite-Smith deck, remains popular to this day. Renewed interest in all things magical has sustained Tarot's relevance as a valuable tool for self-reflection, and it has even become a professional service with many readers offering paid readings. Social media's reach has expanded Tarot's visibility to a wider audience, propelling it into the mainstream. Its continued popularity shows no signs of waning.

A typical Tarot deck comprises 78 cards: 22 cards in the Major Arcana and 14 cards in each suit of the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards symbolize significant life themes and common experiences. When a card from the Major Arcana appears in a reading, it often signals the need to address deeper spiritual and existential matters, providing insights into your life journey. Collectively, the Major Arcana cards also weave a narrative — beginning with The Fool, who takes a blind leap of faith, and tracing the course of their journey until it culminates in The World, representing ultimate fulfilment. This story of the Major Arcana encapsulates the human existence and the challenges encountered along the path.

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana is divided into four distinct suits, typically Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles, although the specific suits can vary from deck to deck. These four suits correspond to different facets of life, each associated with one of the four elements. The Minor Arcana serves as a bridge between the Major Arcana, furnishing a deeper context and meaning to readings.

• Wands: The Wands suit embodies the element of fire, encapsulating energy, life force, passions, and creativity.
• Cups: Representing the element of water, the Cups suit delves into emotions, relationships, and feelings.
• Swords: Associated with the element of air, the Swords suit explores thoughts, inspirations, and ideas.
• Pentacles: Also known as Coins, the Pentacles suit embodies the element of earth, addressing growth, financial situations, and the material realm.

Each suit within the Minor Arcana consists of numbered cards ranging from one to ten, along with four court cards: the Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Every number and court card carries a distinct significance within its respective suit. 

• One: Signifies beginnings, rebirth, potential, inspiration, and progress.
• Two: Represents partnership, balance, choices, cooperation, and duality.
• Three: Stands for trinity, development, growth, creativity, and expression.
• Four: Denotes foundation, stability, structure, endurance, and manifestation.
• Five: Portrays conflict, change, challenges, impulse, and impatience.
• Six: Conveys service, responsibility, adjustment, commitment, and compassion.
• Seven: Reflects solitude, mystery, reflection, spirituality, and wisdom.
• Eight: Illustrates abundance, prosperity, achievement, perfection, and action.
• Nine: Expresses tolerance, difference, idealism, completion, and cycle endings.
• Ten: Represents endings, challenges, development, completion, and fulfilment.
• Page: Embodies children and internal events, bringing messages and fostering learning.
• Knight: Represents external events, encouraging movement and progress in life.
• Queen: Signifies nurturing, motherly figures, focusing on internal feelings and emotions.
• King: Represents a fatherly figure or a position of authority, tasked with control, protection, and management.

The Process of Tarot Reading

Engaging in a tarot reading involves several essential steps: shuffling the tarot deck, drawing cards, and interpreting the symbols and messages they hold. The number of cards drawn isn't fixed; it varies based on your preference and the specific type of reading you opt for. When reading for others, involving them in shuffling the deck infuses their energy into the cards, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Different Beliefs About Tarot's Mechanism

The mechanics of how tarot operates are open to interpretation and encompass various beliefs. Some posit that certain cards are chosen through the influence of spirits or a higher power, while others attribute the card selection to the guiding force of our own subconscious. There's even the belief in a universal energy that guides our choices. The symbolism and archetypal energy embedded within each card seem to attract us to the cards that hold significance for our current situation. These cards trigger associations and connections deep within our psyche, leading to insights and revelations.

Intuition and Guided Questions

Tarot readings often hinge on the reader's intuition and the intuitive responses of the querent—the individual seeking the reading. Many practitioners contend that card selections are not arbitrary but are directed by a higher purpose. Utilizing guided questions can further refine the reading, stimulating more precise insights. Regardless of the reading's course, the true power of tarot lies in its capacity to furnish a structured framework for self-improvement and introspection.

Choosing a Tarot Deck

Selecting a Tarot deck is a journey guided by your intuition and personal resonance. Contrary to the misconception that decks must be received as gifts, it's absolutely acceptable to purchase your own deck. Whether you're drawn by the design or the deck's energy—both physical and spiritual—trust your instincts in the selection process.

When choosing a deck, focus on the imagery and symbols that deeply resonate with you. Be mindful when shopping online, particularly on platforms like Temu or AliExpress, as counterfeit decks can be prevalent. If you're interested in indie decks, consider purchasing directly from the artist for authenticity.

It's entirely okay to work with multiple decks as you progress in your journey. Many practitioners utilize different decks based on the reading's nature or their own intuitive inclinations of the day. You might find that as you become more experienced, your initial deck no longer aligns with your evolving understanding.

While there are numerous decks available, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck holds a special place due to its foundational significance. Many websites and books teaching Tarot draw from this deck, making it an excellent starting point.

Remember, the connection you feel with your chosen deck is pivotal. Allow your intuition to guide you, and as you delve deeper into the world of Tarot, your relationship with your deck may evolve organically.

How to Begin Your Tarot Journey

Embarking on the journey of learning Tarot may seem daunting, given the array of cards adorned with intricate symbolism. The task of memorizing meanings and applying them to real-life situations can feel overwhelming. Personally, I discovered that starting small was the key for me. I committed to selecting a single card each day, delving into its symbolism, capturing the emotions it evoked, and understanding its significance. This approach allowed me to maintain a consistent study routine without it becoming burdensome. The act of writing down my insights not only solidified my understanding but also aided memory retention.

Learning Tarot extends beyond rote memorization. It involves trusting your intuition and emotions in connection with each card. This is why selecting a deck that deeply resonates with you is invaluable. If you're seeking assistance in breaking down each card into concise points or need easily accessible information, my range of user-friendly information cards, journals, and stickers designed for beginners can provide valuable support. Each illustration is a personal interpretation inspired by the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. You can find them here

Remember, Tarot is a personal journey, and there's no one "right" way to interpret the cards. As you progress, your distinct style and connection with the cards will naturally evolve. Embrace the process and have faith in your intuition as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tarot.

And So, Your Tarot Journey Begins

As you embark on your Tarot journey, remember to cultivate patience, maintain an open mind, and, above all, enjoy the experience. If a reading doesn't align with your expectations, don't be disheartened. Keep in mind that Tarot serves as a guide, a tool for personal growth, but in the end, we hold the power to shape our destiny and create change.

I trust that this blog post has provided valuable insights for your journey ahead. If you're eager for more content like this, consider subscribing to our newsletter. Receive a weekly roundup of our latest posts, allowing you to dive deeper into this fascinating world.

Thank you for joining me today on this exploration. Here's to embracing the mysteries of Tarot and the transformative power it brings to our lives.

Laura