The Tarot

Introduction to the Tarot

There are 78 cards in the entire Tarot deck. The deck is divided into two groups, the The Minor Arcana and the The Major Arcana . The Minor Arcana resembles the traditional playing card deck. It consists of 56 cards, 14 cards of each of 4 suits. The Major Arcana is a group of 22 individually named cards, each with a distinct meaning and symbolism. These cards are often called the "Triumph" cards and feature cards with archetypal themes such as "Death", "The Devil" and "The Fool".

The Major Arcana

Introduction to the Major Arcana

There are 22 cards, numbered 0 through 21, in the Major Arcana. Each represents an individual character or force and holds it's own unique traditional meanings.

Possibility; pleasure; folly; thoughtlessness; undisciplined; immature; frivolous; irrational.

Associated with URANUS

Originality; creativity; skill; willpower; dexterity; ingenuity; craft; guile; mastery; trickery.

Associated with MERCURY

Wisdom; common sense; serenity; objectivity; education; perception; hidden emotion.

Associated with the MOON

Natural energies; evolution; level-headed; intuitive; practicality; maternal; fertility.

Associated with VENUS

Worldly power; confidence; stability; autority; maturity; paternal; worth; domination.

Associated with ARIES

Ritual; tradition; ceremony; kindness; forgiveness; inspiration; compassion; unadaptable.

Associated with TAURUS

Beauty; love; harmony; optimism; emotion; struggle; yearning; temptation; union.

Associated with GEMINI

Victory; domination of man over nature; turmoil; vengeance; journey.

Associated with CANCER

Endurance; courage; fortitude; power; desire; perserverence; resolution; zeal.

Withdrawal; solitude; preoccupation; regression; possesser of secrets; coldness.

Associated with VIRGO

Karma, destiny; fortune; fate; good or bad luck; forward or backward progress.

Associated with JUPITER

Fairness; balance; harmony; equilibrium; virtue; righteousness; good intentions.

Associated with LIBRA

Stagnation; sacrifice; transition; boredom; apathy; dullness; abandonment.

Associated with NEPTUNE

Ending of a familiar situation; transformation; beginning anew; liberation; renewal.

Associated with SCORPIO

Moderation; patience; truthfulness; proportion; compatibility; harmony; working together.

Associated with SAGITTARIUS

Failure; temptation; violence; ignorance; limitations; subserviance; malevolence.

Associated with CAPRICORN

Awakening; destiny; sudden change; breakdown; abandonment; undoing; instability.

Associated with MARS

Hope; faith; inspiration; opportunity; innocence; astrological influence; fulfillment.

Associated with AQUARIUS

Illusion; deception; twilight; obscurity; trickery; confusion; pretense.

Associated with PISCES

Enlightenment; clarity; understanding; comprehension; wisdom; happiness; splendor.

Associated with THE SUN

Atonement; repentance; awakening; renewal; rebirth; end of a conflict.

Associated with PLUTO

Completion; fulfillment; triumph; reward; perfection; unity of positive and negative.

Associated with SATURN

The Minor Arcana

Introduction to the Minor Arcana

There are four suits in the Minor Arcana: Pentacles, Wands, Cups, and Swords. Each suit consists of 14 cards: ace, 2 through 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each suit holds its own traditional sphere of influence and meaning, and each card holds some special significance. Provided are general overviews of each suit, followed by the meanings of each individual card, each with a list of 10 or so words to help you get a feel for each card. I recommend that beginners start by memorizing the meanings of each card, and as they advance in their studies, take on a more intuitive approach.

Pentacles, Coins, Stars, Pentagrams, etc.

Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General

Pure sensation; material gain; man; winter; new moon; night; old age; four elements of human nature.

Successful leader; full of character; intellect; good business; loyalty; aquisition.

Prosperity; well-being; wealth; abundance; luxury; comfort; magnificence; dignity.

Maturity; responsibility; methodical; patience; reliability; persistance; endurance.

Concentration; study; knowledge; respect; news.

Prosperity; riches; security; safety; inheritance; home.

Accomplishment; foresight; prudence; nature; safety.

Apprenticeship; craftsmanship; handiwork; effort; modesty.

Growth; progress; expansion; success; money; gain.

Generosity; charity; kindness; gifts; material gain.

Destitution; loss; failure; error; trouble.

Miser; ungenerous; inability to share; materialism.

Mastery; skill; dignity; power; artistic ability; precision.

Duality; contrast; equality; cycles.

Perfection; wealth; bliss; material and spiritual prosperity.

Wands, Staves, etc.

Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General

Fire; inspiration; intellect; creativity; glory; air; feasting; dawn; childhood; animation; growth; will.

Honesty; maturity; wisdom; devotion; frendly; sympathetic; educated; fatherly; married.

Sympathetic; understanding; loving; honor; chaste; practical; grace; charm; sincerity.

Departure; journey; advancement; the unknown; alteration; absence; change; move.

Faithful; loyalty; entrusted friend; bringer of news; stranger with good intentions; consistent.

Pressure; burden; opression; problems soon to be resolved; trying to meet a goal.

Anticipation; hidden enemies; discipline; order; pause.

Sudden progress; movement; swiftness; haste.

Success; gain; courage; overcoming obstacles; victory over insurmountable odds.

Victory; conquest; triumph; good news; expectation.

Unsatisfied desires; struggle; labor; strife; conflict; competition.

Completion; peace; prosperity; tranquility; rest; harmony.

Practical knowledge; enterprise; negotiations; trade; commerce.

Maturity; attainment; ruler; boldness; courage; assertiveness; dominant.

Creation; beginning; invention; fortune; gain; birth; adventure.

Cups, Grails, Chalices, Hearts, etc.

Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General

Intuition; water; pleasure; merriment; powers of water; instincts; lovemaking; lion; summer; full moon; noon; youth; love; happiness.

Responsibile; creative; knowledge; religious; considerate; kindly; reliable; liberal.

Warm-hearted; fair; poetic; beloved; adoration; mother; wife; devotion; honesty; loving; vision; perception.

Invitation; opportunity; arrival; approach; advancement; attraction; challenge.

Reflectiveness; meditation; loyalty; willingness; helpful; trustworthy.

Home; happiness; joy; pleasure; peace; contentment; virtue.

Well-being; abundance; attainment; health; victory; fulfillment; satisfaction.

Disappointment; abandonment; shyness; modesty.

Fantasy; surreal; imagination; daydreaming; whim; wishes; illusion.

Memories; past influences; nostalgia; past; longing.

Loss; regret; meaningless friendship; loveless marriage; imperfection; flaw; incomplete.

Weariness; aversion; apathy; unhappiness; disgust; bitterness.

Resolution; conclusion; celebration; solace; healing; partial fulfillment; comprimise.

Love; strong friendship; passion; union; understanding; partnership; marriage.

Great abundance; fulfillment; perfection; joy; fertility; opulence; beauty; pleasure.

Swords, Blades, etc.

Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General

Air; thought; misfortune; intellect; trouble; sadness; sickness; death; powers of air; aggression; strife; stress; authority; autumn; last quarter of moon; evening; maturity; hatred; the bull.

Active; determined; experience; authority; control; domineering; justice; force; superiority.

Sharp; witty; keen; perception; subtlety; sadness; mourning; anxiety; misfortune; reversal.

Bravery; skill; young man; heroism; opposition; fearlessness; gallant.

Perception; revelation; insight; vigilance; spying; discreetness; alertness; dexterity.

Ruin; pain; affliction; sadness; anguish; desolation; misfortune; disappointment.

Misery; concern; unhappiness; worry; suffering; dispair; nightmare.

Crisis; calamity; turmoil; bad news; conflict; sickness; domination.

Wishes; plans; attempt; endeavor; hope; fantasy; design; perserverance.

Journey; travel; voyage; success after adversity.

Conquest; defeat; destruction; degradation; erosion; adversity; infamy; dishonor; surrender.

Respite; repose; replenishment; renewal; solitude; seclusion; retreat.

Disappointment; sorrow; strife; removal; absence; dispersion.

Balance; harmony; peace; stalemate; tension.

Determination; initiative; force; strength; power; excessiveness; emotions.

Several Basic Tarot Spreads

Listed here is a very basic set of spreads, and is far from complete. Listed are the Five Card Spread, Line Spread, YesNo Spread , the ever-popular Celtic Cross Spread , and the Wish Spread . When dealing, start with the card numbered one on the spread diagram, following in numerical order. You may also choose whether or not to use reversed meanings--since each card represents basic, archetypal themes of life, it is not really necessary to further complicate the reading by dealing with reversed meanings. Either way, all of the bases are covered.

Five Card Spread

Cards 4 and 5 represent the future Card 3 represents the present Cards 1 and 2 represent the past.

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 or 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This is a simple variation of the Five Card Spread. Instead of placing two cards on each side of the present card, place three our four, yielding a seven or nine card spread (or go higher if you wish). Even though this is a very simple layout to perform and understand, it also probably the most important one to be able to understand since it allows you to see how cards will relate to one another in the more complex layouts.

This is an additional variation used on the line spread. If you allow the querent to ask a yes or no question, count each card turned upright as a vote for yes and each card reversed count as a vote for no. The middle (or present) card's vote gets counted twice. Interpret tie votes as you see fit. This spread can be used in conjuction with one of the other spreads listed here to glean additional information if the reading was hazy or if the querent has specific questions after a reading. In either case, the remainder of the deck used for the first reading may be used to continue.

Celtic Cross Spread

04 Q2 06 09 Card 2 is placed across and on top of the querent card, Q.

03 08 The reader or querent should select the querent card.

The Celtic cross spread is one of the most commonly used spreads, and is fairly easy to learn, despite all the instructions you see here. Rather than being very short with this description, and giving only a very basic outline of the spread, it has been expanded upon, to give the reader a good base of knowledge of this popular spread.

Card Q - This card represents the querent's current state.

Card 3 - Often called the crowning card. May have one or more of several meanings:

&nb sp; - Highest state the querent can achieve in the matter

&nb sp; - Highest perception the querent has in the matter

&nb sp; - What the querent wishes to achieve

Card 4 - Often called the base card. May have one or more of several meanings:

&nb sp; - Vices. What the querent possesses and can use to his/her advantage.

&nb sp; - What the querent needs to use to overcome the obstacle

&nb sp; - Why the querent has asked the question

Card 7 - May have one of several meanings:

&nb sp; - Attitude of the querent

&nb sp; - Same as 4a

Card 8 - May have one of several meanings:

&nb sp; - Environment

&nb sp; - What the querent may gain from the situation

Card 9 - Hopes or Fears

Often the difference between card 6 and card 10 (both future cards) is that card 6 is generally believed to be that which will come true no matter what happens (definite future). Card 10 is a projection of what could happen in the future if the querent does not make an effort to change his current environment or a projection of what could happen if the querent wishes to make it happen (indefinite future).

Select a card to represent the querent. Shuffle and cut deck. Deal numerically as shown. It is suggested that this reading be used if the querent has a specific wish that s/he would like to happen, hence the name.

Each group of three cards has its own significance

Group 1: Environment

Group 4: Description of querent's wish

Group 10: Factors that will enter into this matter

Group 13: Realizations of the querent (usually in the future)

The nine of cups is often called the wish card. If this card should turn up anywhere in the reading, except in group 7, this would be a strong indication that some part or all of the querent's wish will come true. The closer it appears in the above numeric sequence, the sooner the wish will be realized. If the nine of cups appears in group 7, this is an indication that the wish will probably not come true; the other two cards in the group will yield the cause. If the nine of cups does not appear, this should not be taken as an indication of either fate, although other cards in the reading may confirm or deny the wish.

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	The Tarot The Basics Introduction to the Tarot There are 78 cards in the entire Tarot deck. The deck is divided into two groups, the The Minor Arcana and the The Major Arcana . The Minor Arcana resembles the traditional playing card deck. It consists of 56 cards, 14 cards of each of 4 suits. The Major Arcana is a group of 22 individually named cards, each with a distinct meaning and symbolism. These cards are often called the "Triumph" cards and feature cards with archetypal themes such as "Death", "The Devil" and "The Fool". The Major Arcana Introduction to the Major Arcana There are 22 cards, numbered 0 through 21, in the Major Arcana. Each represents an individual character or force and holds it's own unique traditional meanings. 0 The Fool Possibility; pleasure; folly; thoughtlessness; undisciplined; immature; frivolous; irrational. Associated with URANUS I The Magician Originality; creativity; skill; willpower; dexterity; ingenuity; craft; guile; mastery; trickery. Associated with MERCURY II High Priestess Wisdom; common sense; serenity; objectivity; education; perception; hidden emotion. Associated with the MOON III Empress Natural energies; evolution; level-headed; intuitive; practicality; maternal; fertility. Associated with VENUS IV Emperor Worldly power; confidence; stability; autority; maturity; paternal; worth; domination. Associated with ARIES V Hierophant Ritual; tradition; ceremony; kindness; forgiveness; inspiration; compassion; unadaptable. Associated with TAURUS VI Lovers Beauty; love; harmony; optimism; emotion; struggle; yearning; temptation; union. Associated with GEMINI VII Chariot Victory; domination of man over nature; turmoil; vengeance; journey. Associated with CANCER VIII Strength Endurance; courage; fortitude; power; desire; perserverence; resolution; zeal. Associated with LEO IX Hermit Withdrawal; solitude; preoccupation; regression; possesser of secrets; coldness. Associated with VIRGO X Wheel of Fortune Karma, destiny; fortune; fate; good or bad luck; forward or backward progress. Associated with JUPITER XI Justice Fairness; balance; harmony; equilibrium; virtue; righteousness; good intentions. Associated with LIBRA XII Hanged Man Stagnation; sacrifice; transition; boredom; apathy; dullness; abandonment. Associated with NEPTUNE XIII Death Ending of a familiar situation; transformation; beginning anew; liberation; renewal. Associated with SCORPIO XIV Temperance Moderation; patience; truthfulness; proportion; compatibility; harmony; working together. Associated with SAGITTARIUS XV The Devil Failure; temptation; violence; ignorance; limitations; subserviance; malevolence. Associated with CAPRICORN XVI The Tower Awakening; destiny; sudden change; breakdown; abandonment; undoing; instability. Associated with MARS XVII The Star Hope; faith; inspiration; opportunity; innocence; astrological influence; fulfillment. Associated with AQUARIUS XVIII The Moon Illusion; deception; twilight; obscurity; trickery; confusion; pretense. Associated with PISCES XIX The Sun Enlightenment; clarity; understanding; comprehension; wisdom; happiness; splendor. Associated with THE SUN XX Judgment Atonement; repentance; awakening; renewal; rebirth; end of a conflict. Associated with PLUTO XXI The World Completion; fulfillment; triumph; reward; perfection; unity of positive and negative. Associated with SATURN The Minor Arcana Introduction to the Minor Arcana There are four suits in the Minor Arcana: Pentacles, Wands, Cups, and Swords. Each suit consists of 14 cards: ace, 2 through 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each suit holds its own traditional sphere of influence and meaning, and each card holds some special significance. Provided are general overviews of each suit, followed by the meanings of each individual card, each with a list of 10 or so words to help you get a feel for each card. I recommend that beginners start by memorizing the meanings of each card, and as they advance in their studies, take on a more intuitive approach. Pentacles, Coins, Stars, Pentagrams, etc. Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General Pure sensation; material gain; man; winter; new moon; night; old age; four elements of human nature. King of Pentacles Successful leader; full of character; intellect; good business; loyalty; aquisition. Queen of Pentacles Prosperity; well-being; wealth; abundance; luxury; comfort; magnificence; dignity. Knight of Pentacles Maturity; responsibility; methodical; patience; reliability; persistance; endurance. Page of Pentacles Concentration; study; knowledge; respect; news. Ten of Pentacles Prosperity; riches; security; safety; inheritance; home. Nine of Pentacles Accomplishment; foresight; prudence; nature; safety. Eight of Pentacles Apprenticeship; craftsmanship; handiwork; effort; modesty. Seven of Pentacles Growth; progress; expansion; success; money; gain. Six of Pentacles Generosity; charity; kindness; gifts; material gain. Five of Pentacles Destitution; loss; failure; error; trouble. Four of Pentacles Miser; ungenerous; inability to share; materialism. Three of Pentacles Mastery; skill; dignity; power; artistic ability; precision. Two of Pentacles Duality; contrast; equality; cycles. Ace of Pentacles Perfection; wealth; bliss; material and spiritual prosperity. Wands, Staves, etc. Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General Fire; inspiration; intellect; creativity; glory; air; feasting; dawn; childhood; animation; growth; will. King of Wands Honesty; maturity; wisdom; devotion; frendly; sympathetic; educated; fatherly; married. Queen of Wands Sympathetic; understanding; loving; honor; chaste; practical; grace; charm; sincerity. Knight of Wands Departure; journey; advancement; the unknown; alteration; absence; change; move. Page of Wands Faithful; loyalty; entrusted friend; bringer of news; stranger with good intentions; consistent. Ten of Wands Pressure; burden; opression; problems soon to be resolved; trying to meet a goal. Nine of Wands Anticipation; hidden enemies; discipline; order; pause. Eight of Wands Sudden progress; movement; swiftness; haste. Seven of Wands Success; gain; courage; overcoming obstacles; victory over insurmountable odds. Six of Wands Victory; conquest; triumph; good news; expectation. Five of Wands Unsatisfied desires; struggle; labor; strife; conflict; competition. Four of Wands Completion; peace; prosperity; tranquility; rest; harmony. Three of Wands Practical knowledge; enterprise; negotiations; trade; commerce. Two of Wands Maturity; attainment; ruler; boldness; courage; assertiveness; dominant. Ace of Wands Creation; beginning; invention; fortune; gain; birth; adventure. Cups, Grails, Chalices, Hearts, etc. Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General Intuition; water; pleasure; merriment; powers of water; instincts; lovemaking; lion; summer; full moon; noon; youth; love; happiness. King of Cups Responsibile; creative; knowledge; religious; considerate; kindly; reliable; liberal. Queen of Cups Warm-hearted; fair; poetic; beloved; adoration; mother; wife; devotion; honesty; loving; vision; perception. Knight of Cups Invitation; opportunity; arrival; approach; advancement; attraction; challenge. Page of Cups Reflectiveness; meditation; loyalty; willingness; helpful; trustworthy. Ten of Cups Home; happiness; joy; pleasure; peace; contentment; virtue. Nine of Cups Well-being; abundance; attainment; health; victory; fulfillment; satisfaction. Eight of Cups Disappointment; abandonment; shyness; modesty. Seven of Cups Fantasy; surreal; imagination; daydreaming; whim; wishes; illusion. Six of Cups Memories; past influences; nostalgia; past; longing. Five of Cups Loss; regret; meaningless friendship; loveless marriage; imperfection; flaw; incomplete. Four of Cups Weariness; aversion; apathy; unhappiness; disgust; bitterness. Three of Cups Resolution; conclusion; celebration; solace; healing; partial fulfillment; comprimise. Two of Cups Love; strong friendship; passion; union; understanding; partnership; marriage. Ace of Cups Great abundance; fulfillment; perfection; joy; fertility; opulence; beauty; pleasure. Swords, Blades, etc. Symbolism/Interpretation of the Suit in General Air; thought; misfortune; intellect; trouble; sadness; sickness; death; powers of air; aggression; strife; stress; authority; autumn; last quarter of moon; evening; maturity; hatred; the bull. King of Swords Active; determined; experience; authority; control; domineering; justice; force; superiority. Queen of Swords Sharp; witty; keen; perception; subtlety; sadness; mourning; anxiety; misfortune; reversal. Knight of Swords Bravery; skill; young man; heroism; opposition; fearlessness; gallant. Page of Swords Perception; revelation; insight; vigilance; spying; discreetness; alertness; dexterity. Ten of Swords Ruin; pain; affliction; sadness; anguish; desolation; misfortune; disappointment. Nine of Swords Misery; concern; unhappiness; worry; suffering; dispair; nightmare. Eight of Swords Crisis; calamity; turmoil; bad news; conflict; sickness; domination. Seven of Swords Wishes; plans; attempt; endeavor; hope; fantasy; design; perserverance. Six of Swords Journey; travel; voyage; success after adversity. Five of Swords Conquest; defeat; destruction; degradation; erosion; adversity; infamy; dishonor; surrender. Four of Swords Respite; repose; replenishment; renewal; solitude; seclusion; retreat. Three of Swords Disappointment; sorrow; strife; removal; absence; dispersion. Two of Swords Balance; harmony; peace; stalemate; tension. Ace of Swords Determination; initiative; force; strength; power; excessiveness; emotions. Several Basic Tarot Spreads Listed here is a very basic set of spreads, and is far from complete. Listed are the Five Card Spread, Line Spread, YesNo Spread , the ever-popular Celtic Cross Spread , and the Wish Spread . When dealing, start with the card numbered one on the spread diagram, following in numerical order. You may also choose whether or not to use reversed meanings--since each card represents basic, archetypal themes of life, it is not really necessary to further complicate the reading by dealing with reversed meanings. Either way, all of the bases are covered. Five Card Spread 5 4 3 2 1 Cards 4 and 5 represent the future Card 3 represents the present Cards 1 and 2 represent the past. Line Spread 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 or 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This is a simple variation of the Five Card Spread. Instead of placing two cards on each side of the present card, place three our four, yielding a seven or nine card spread (or go higher if you wish). Even though this is a very simple layout to perform and understand, it also probably the most important one to be able to understand since it allows you to see how cards will relate to one another in the more complex layouts. Yes/No Spread This is an additional variation used on the line spread. If you allow the querent to ask a yes or no question, count each card turned upright as a vote for yes and each card reversed count as a vote for no. The middle (or present) card's vote gets counted twice. Interpret tie votes as you see fit. This spread can be used in conjuction with one of the other spreads listed here to glean additional information if the reading was hazy or if the querent has specific questions after a reading. In either case, the remainder of the deck used for the first reading may be used to continue. Celtic Cross Spread 05 10 04 Q2 06 09 Card 2 is placed across and on top of the querent card, Q. 03 08 The reader or querent should select the querent card. 07 The Celtic cross spread is one of the most commonly used spreads, and is fairly easy to learn, despite all the instructions you see here. Rather than being very short with this description, and giving only a very basic outline of the spread, it has been expanded upon, to give the reader a good base of knowledge of this popular spread. Card Q - This card represents the querent's current state. Card 2 - Obstacles Card 3 - Often called the crowning card. May have one or more of several meanings: &nb sp; - Highest state the querent can achieve in the matter &nb sp; - Highest perception the querent has in the matter &nb sp; - What the querent wishes to achieve Card 4 - Often called the base card. May have one or more of several meanings: &nb sp; - Vices. What the querent possesses and can use to his/her advantage. &nb sp; - What the querent needs to use to overcome the obstacle &nb sp; - Why the querent has asked the question Card 5 - Past Card 6 - Future Card 7 - May have one of several meanings: &nb sp; - Attitude of the querent &nb sp; - Same as 4a Card 8 - May have one of several meanings: &nb sp; - Environment &nb sp; - What the querent may gain from the situation Card 9 - Hopes or Fears Card 10 - Future Often the difference between card 6 and card 10 (both future cards) is that card 6 is generally believed to be that which will come true no matter what happens (definite future). Card 10 is a projection of what could happen in the future if the querent does not make an effort to change his current environment or a projection of what could happen if the querent wishes to make it happen (indefinite future). Wish Spread 6 5 4 3 2 1 Q 9 8 7 15 14 13 12 11 10 Select a card to represent the querent. Shuffle and cut deck. Deal numerically as shown. It is suggested that this reading be used if the querent has a specific wish that s/he would like to happen, hence the name. Each group of three cards has its own significance Group 1: Environment Group 4: Description of querent's wish Group 7: Opposition Group 10: Factors that will enter into this matter Group 13: Realizations of the querent (usually in the future) The nine of cups is often called the wish card. If this card should turn up anywhere in the reading, except in group 7, this would be a strong indication that some part or all of the querent's wish will come true. The closer it appears in the above numeric sequence, the sooner the wish will be realized. If the nine of cups appears in group 7, this is an indication that the wish will probably not come true; the other two cards in the group will yield the cause. If the nine of cups does not appear, this should not be taken as an indication of either fate, although other cards in the reading may confirm or deny the wish. Help make us #No.1 Vote for this website.