In a sense, I have been preparing this post for three years - all the time that I have been teaching tarot reading. And a few weeks ago I asked in my community Adequate Tarot Question: What knowledge did you desperately lack when you were a beginner?
The result is a short (as far as possible :)) instruction with everything necessary for those who begin to study the Tarot (or just want to start).
1. Will I be able to? Do you need a gift for this?
You can; not needed.
I am convinced that the Tarot is an instrument of communication with the world available to everyone. How to open a book on an (un) random page or at the right time to see the inscription on the wall, made as if especially for you. We all know how, we just need to want to.
2. What about initiations? Do you need rituals to start working with Tarot?
Also not needed. To read the tarot, you need to learn their language. This is the only condition.
3. Good - and the rituals are in the process? Light candles, pull out cards only with your left / right hand, do not let anyone touch the deck, clean cards - is all this necessary?
Not necessary. In working with Tarot, not a single (!) Ritual is mandatory. The trick of rituals is not that you succeed in something only with them, and without them it didn’t work. They are needed in order to bring pleasure and additional benefit in the process of work. What does it take for them to do this? You should like them. If you want to put the deck on the windowsill in the full moon for "charging" - do it. If it seems intuitively that you need to draw cards with your left hand and not otherwise - go ahead. If you want a candle - great. I don't want to - that's great too. What is right for you will be what seems right to you.
Anyone who says that reading the Tarot requires certain objects, rituals; that it should take place according to clearly defined rules, etc. - all these people are simply extending their personal rules to other people. But you must have your own rules - and they will be no worse than those that even well-known experienced tarologists have come up with. Because they are yours, and therefore work for you.
4. Do I need a teacher? Is it possible to master the Tarot at all on your own?
I have never studied Tarot in schools or in person - I just read books, practiced and thought a lot. This turned out to be enough.
I myself am inclined to self-study. If this can be said about you, try it: maybe it will be easier for you yourself. On the path of self-study, I warmly recommend my YouTube channel "Path by maps"- there are many useful videos for both beginners and everyone else.
Not everyone loves to learn on their own - many need structured courses or personal teaching. If you like my approach to Tarot and understand my manner of presentation, it will be logical to take my course, and then, if you want, World model advanced and individual thematic webinars... I also give personal lessons, about them you can.
5. Is tarot not dangerous?
In itself, it is no more dangerous than ancient Greek philology and certainly less dangerous than experimental chemistry.
At the same time, you need to immediately understand that this is a practice in which we ask questions and receive answers. Before asking any question, it is worth asking yourself: why do I need this and what will I do about it? This is the only real safety technique in working with the Tarot.
In more detail about safety in the process of mastering the Tarot, I talk in this video: Safety in working with the Tarot. I will say right away: you will not find any scary and dangerous mystical garbage there: we will talk about things that are completely familiar to us, like burnout, fatigue and our own fears.
6. Which deck is right for a beginner?
Any. More precisely, no, not like that: any that you like. Seriously: buy yourself a pretty deck of cards. Not “correct” (they are all correct, honestly), not “working” (for everyone, the one that suits him will work better), not “for beginners” - but simply the most beautiful. Consider that, having appealed to your sense of beauty, the deck has chosen you itself.
For more information on choosing a deck, see the video about choosing a Tarot deck.
You can choose and buy a beautiful deck in my Modern Magic store.
7. But they are all different! Each deck has different meanings, isn't it?
No, no and NO. All tarot decks have the same system. These are 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 minor ones, divided into four suits by ranks from Ace to ten (numerical) and from Page to King (courtiers). Each card has a clear systemic meaning, and it will be true for any deck.
Initially, all tarot decks looked similar. The picture on the card is precisely an illustration of the meaning, but not the meaning itself: the meaning lies in the name of the card itself (for example, 4 of Swords is a four and these are Swords, and knowing the meaning of the fours in the Tarot and the specifics of the suit of Swords, we automatically understand what it is about) ...
The illustrations on the cards are a great way to make the deck more imaginative and “speak” in visual language. And it also makes it possible for the author to convey his view of the meaning of each lasso. Attention - to convey a look at the same meaning, and not come up with a new one.
9. And where to read and see about the Major Arcana?
Major arcana is perceived by everyone a little individually, variably. This is because their meaning is archetypal, it resonates in our unconscious, and this process is different for everyone. That is why I advise you to read a lot about the Major Arcana (and I practically cannot advise normal information about the younger ones, except for my videos and courses).
You can start with the book by Galina Bednenko "The Major Arcana of the Tarot."
And I also have two videos on certain aspects of the Major Arcana:
- Major Arcana Tarot and the journey of the hero
- Numerology of the Major Arcana
10. There are many clever words flashing on the net: the significator, white card, quintessence, triplet, bottom of the deck ... What is it and am I missing something important if I don't know?
All these are separate and completely optional "chips", additional amusing ways and techniques. You can (or even better :)) calmly do without them. If you still want to figure it out, you can always ask a question in Adequate Tarot... And it is up to you to decide whether you need it at all.
11. Is it worth reading upside-down cards? What does it even mean if the card in the layout fell upside down?
This is also a purely individual question. Quite calmly, you can read them in the same way as straight ones (or even interfere with the deck so as not to create inverted cards). From this, reading, in my opinion, cannot lose at all, and often gains - it becomes deeper.
If for some reason you still want to draw the line between straight and inverted cards, or just explore this topic, I advise Mary Greer's book "The Complete Book of Inverted Tarot Cards."
13. Where can I find an internship? how to offer others layouts?
There cannot be a universal recipe: for example, I just told my friends that I had maps, and they began to ask me from time to time for something interesting. A little later, when this was not enough for me, I wrote in my social networks that I was ready to make free layouts for practice.
A few more options are in this post.
Description: a young man stands in front of a table on which there are a sword, a rod, a goblet and a pentacle, in his raised right hand he holds a double-sided candle, his left hand is lowered; above his head is the symbol of infinity. The man is dressed in a red robe, flowers around him. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: mediator (between the source and the receiver); the power to act and make decisions; active will; sexual energy; ability to decide
Description: A nun sits near two columns - black on the right and white on the left, behind her - ripe pomegranates. A woman holds a scroll in her hands. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: female sensual origin; harmony, balance of opposite principles; openness of the soul, patience; the archetype of the feminine principle, with beauty and danger; mutual understanding, deep affection, care; openness, readiness for a new meeting; spiritual powers; secrets, secret affairs; moral principles; subconscious; female priest; lesbian sexuality; force
Description: A young woman sits on a soft throne in the middle of a wheat field. Not far away - a river and a forest. The Mistress herself is dressed in a light dress, her head is crowned with a crown of twelve stars, in her right hand she holds a scepter. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: A woman who knows love; Fertility, abundance; Physical and spiritual creative power; Stability, harmony, prospects for growth and prosperity in
Description: An elderly sovereign sits in a throne with mountains behind him. The head of the lord is crowned with a crown, in his right hand he holds a scepter. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Head of the family, chief; Rough, ruthless authority; Superiority of reason; Denial of feelings; Defending your authority; Divine mercy; Experience-based strength and power; Leadership, ambition; Aggression, stubbornness and, at the same time, inner wisdom; Discipline; Persistence, determination; Success depends only on the strength of the questioner; Pragmatic approach to business;
Description: A monk sits between two columns. His head is crowned with a high crown, in his left hand he holds a slender scepter. At his feet are two crossed keys. And a little further from the monk two men are sitting looking at him. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Connection of wisdom and mercy; Spiritual leader; Search for deep meaning, true vocation, "super task"; Tests for morality, test for strength; Growing trust
Description: Two naked young men (man and woman) stand in the foreground. Behind the woman is a fruit tree, behind the man is a tree with lights. An angel soars in the sky. A woman's gaze is directed to the angel, the man's gaze is directed to a woman. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: An important choice in life; Getting rid of illusions and prejudices; Awareness of their capabilities; Love, not falling in love; Refusal from
Description: A man is sitting in a chariot. His head is crowned with a crown with a star. In his right hand he holds a scepter. The chariot is pulled by two sphinxes - black and white. Behind the chariot is a castle. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Success, victory thanks to hard work; Self-discipline, clear thinking; Success in financial transactions; A big step forward; Perseverance, courage, striving for success; Own picture of the world; The beginning of a new relationship; Novelty
Description: A woman sits on a throne in a red robe. Her head is crowned with a crown. She has a sword in her right hand, and a balance in her left. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: The path of karma; The nature of the true, inner self; Balance, honesty; New cycle of balance and harmony; Taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions; The need to comply with the rules of the game; Payment by invoices; "Sobering"; Logically thinking reason; “As it comes around, so it will respond”; Restored order; Intervention of the law; Conclusion of contracts;
Description: The old man, dressed in a gray robe with a hood, bowed his head over the road, he illuminates his path with a lantern in which a star is burning, which he holds in his right hand. He has a staff in his left hand. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: The path of knowledge, contemplation, meditation; Inner Light; Wisdom; Spiritual guide; Acceptance of the teachings; Revision of previous views; Liberation from other people's opinions; Loneliness, loneliness "together", skill
Description: In the center is a disc / wheel with eight symbols. On top of the wheel sits a blue sphinx with a sword in its paws. Below the wheel is supported by a creature with a dog's head, it is red. The card also depicts five golden creatures that do not touch the disk - they are a man, a bird (eagle), a bull, a lion and a snake; all of them except the snake have wings and
Description: The card depicts a woman and a lion. The woman is dressed in a light white dress, girded with flowers, above her head is a sign of infinity. The woman is playing with the lion, which, recognizing her supremacy, has its tail between its legs. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Feminine principle, as a source of energy. The triumph of spiritual intuition over brute force; Courage and perseverance; Highest creative enthusiasm; Work “not for fear, but for conscience”; Passion,
Description: A man is hanging upside down on a post, his hands are tied behind his back. His head radiates light. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Teaching, a lesson to be learned; The opposite view of things; Temporary restriction of freedom; Traveling in your spiritual growth; Refusal of worldly concerns; Benevolence, openness to new ideas; Light conductor; Slowdown of the progress of affairs, stagnation; Crisis in consciousness; Dead end; Long life alone / in a ridiculous union; Experience, test period; Illumination;
Description: The card depicts a Skeleton in armor on a white horse. In his left hand he holds a black banner, which depicts a flower with five petals. A dead man lies behind the horse. Ahead, stopping the horse, there is an old man dressed in golden robes. A young woman and a child are near the elder. The main meanings of the card in the upright position: Renewal of personality; Change, transition, rebirth, rebirth; Parting with the past; The ending
Description: The card depicts a woman with red wings standing in a lake. She has two jugs in her hands, from one to the other she pours water. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: The end of one life stage, the beginning of the next; Equilibrium, balance; Coordination; A strong sense of personal integrity; A period of happy union of souls; Friendship, trust, reciprocity; New acquaintance, new connection; Patience, golden mean; A sense of tact, lack of prejudice; Compromise; Artistic creativity; Competitiveness; Union
Description: In the center of the map is the devil, he sits on a stone, to which a man and a woman are chained. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Worldly, material affairs; Limited beliefs and values; Tendency to temptation; Unethical behavior; Inappropriate use of force; A victim of his own vanity and pride; Acquaintance with your own shadow side; Significant promises, tantalizing flirting, sensual passion; “We sin for a moment, but we repent all our lives”; The power of negative thinking; Excessive dependence; Unnecessary guilt;
Description: The map shows a tower that was hit by lightning, as well as two people who fall down. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Complete collapse; Reversal of ideas about the world; Cleansing the soul; Selfish plans and projects that will not bear fruit; Conflict with disastrous consequences; Destruction of the framework; Destructive beginning; Revolutionary views; Sudden epiphany; Devastation; Shock, awakening; Death of illusions; Rapid change; New job, new housing; Separation, divorce; Theft, job loss; Family quarrels; The truth about myself. Basic meanings
Description: A woman is standing near a lake, holding two jugs, from which water is pouring - on the ground and into the reservoir. There are eight stars in the sky. The eighth is the largest, yellow, the rest are white. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Hope; Inspiration; Good health; Gifts of love and spiritual guidance; Growth of intuitive powers; Transition to something new; Perspective on the distant future; Important meetings and contacts; Inspiration, luck;
Description: The map depicts a large moon with two dogs howling. Two towers are visible in the distance. Also on the map you can see the reservoir and the crayfish. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Cycles of changes; Dreams; Intuition and psychic abilities; Fear, uncertainty about the future; The path to yourself; Working out your qualities; Development of complexes; Call of the moon, roots in the animal kingdom; Time of passivity and receptivity; Powerful emotions; Hidden truths; Medium, the other world; Acting; Entertainment industry;
Description: The card depicts a large sun with a face. We also see the symbols of the sun - four sunflowers. In the background is a wall. In the background is a boy riding a horse. His head is crowned with a wreath of flowers and feathers, in his left hand he holds a scarlet flag. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: World of light and joy; Clear mind; End of the stage; Joy happiness; Good health;
Description: An angel trumpets in the clouds, awakening all people who rise from their graves. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Rebirth, return to the spirit; Pleasant life events; Good health, energy and vigor; Renewed clarity of thinking; New wisdom and understanding; Big changes in work; Successful completion of the case; Liberation from drug addiction; Upcoming union; An important choice; Change in status; End of an era; Rejuvenation; Tough decision; Call to action; Cleansing, regeneration; Personal crisis; Break with conventions; Start / end; Inspiration period.
Description: A naked woman is depicted in the center, holding a wand in her hands. This woman is wearing a large green wreath. In the corners of the picture are the head of an angel and the heads of animals: an eagle, a lion and a bull. The main meanings of the card in an upright position: Personal rewards; Fulfillment of all desires; Triumph, happiness, success; Personal freedom; Exploration of new horizons; New phase of partnership; True vocation; The joy of a job done; Harmony and sincerity in
SHARED
In order to start working with a magic deck, first you need to familiarize yourself with the meaning of each card - without this full-fledged and reliable fortune-telling simply will not work. Interpreting Tarot cards is the most difficult, but at the same time, the most interesting process for a tarot reader. And today we will talk about how you can generally interpret cards, how to learn to understand classic and specialized decks.
Ways to interpret tarot cards
There are two main ways to interpret magic cards. The first is to study the basic meanings of each Arcana according to the instructions attached to the deck, specialized literature, various courses and master classes. The second is an independent study of the symbolic field of each card, when the tarot reader simply takes the deck and gradually, closely examining each Arcana, fixes his own associations associated with it.
It is difficult to say which method is better, since each master has his own opinion on this matter. So, for example, for a person with a rich imagination, the interpretation of the Arcana of the Tarot in an intuitive way may be more convenient than memorizing book interpretations. Someone generally prefers to combine both methods - acquaintance with the bookish, traditional meanings of the cards, as well as their own elaboration.
Much depends on the deck itself. So, for example, the interpretation of the Ryder-Waite Tarot cards usually does not cause any difficulties, since all Arcana, including the Minor ones, are depicted in the form of simple pictures, the meaning of which can be understood without even looking at the book. But Aleister Crowley's Tarot Thoth cannot be understood intuitively, since the Minor Arcana are not drawn, and the very meanings embedded in the cards by the author are very different from the classical interpretations. Of course, for a tarot reader with experience, this deck will not become particularly difficult, but it will be quite difficult for a beginner to work with it.
Personally, I try to find an individual approach to each deck. I studied Tarot Thoth from the works of Aleister Crowley himself, and only then worked through each card independently, adding my own associations to the traditional meaning, which I recorded in a notebook. I began to study the Wild Unknown Tarot intuitively, and only then, after writing down my own associations, I looked into the MBK - it turned out that my vision of the Arcana is very close to the meaning that the author put into them. The interpretation of Tarot cards in the layouts made on the deck of Nicoletta Ceccoli, I still change depending on the theme of fortune-telling: these cards are more reminiscent of metaphorical ones than the traditional Tarot. The MBK for this deck seemed to me not informative at all. But the Hermetic Tarot turned out to be difficult to study without the book attached to the deck.
As you can see, there is no single correct way - everything depends only on you. For example, I know one girl who, in principle, does not look into reference books at all and works exclusively with her own feelings - her layouts always hit the mark, despite the fact that some of her interpretations are very far from the classic ones. So the interpretation of Tarot layouts is a purely individual thing.
General interpretation of the Major Arcana Tarot
Despite the fact that in different decks the interpretation of the same card may be different, the Major Arcana usually retain a similar meaning. Now we will look at the interpretation of Waite's Tarot cards - beginners can rely on these values. However, do not forget that the final interpretation depends on your personal perception and the specifics of the deck.
| Card number | Name of the Major Arcana | Brief interpretation |
| 0 | Start, spontaneity, stupidity, something new, take risks | |
| 1 | Possibilities, action, concentration of will, awareness | |
| 2 | Intuition, inner voice, mystery, potential, trust | |
| 3 | Fertility, motherhood, abundance, harmony with nature, sensuality | |
| 4 | Power, structure, strength, management, control | |
| 5 | Commitment to tradition, compliance with the rules, spirituality, mentoring | |
| 6 | Relationships, heart choices, love | |
| 7 | Will, victory, self-affirmation | |
| 8 | Inner strength, harnessing passions, patience, self-control | |
| 9 | Loneliness, spiritual search, inner experiences, rethinking | |
| 10 | Destiny, turning point in life, movement, change | |
| 11 | Responsibility, decision, cause and effect | |
| 12 | Suspended state, the role of the victim, letting go, a radical change | |
| 13 | Ending something, leveling up, unforgiving force | |
| 14 | Harmony, balance, consistency, moderation | |
| 15 | Attachments, slavery, materialism, harmful passions | |
| 16 | Unexpected changes, getting rid of something, coup | |
| 17 | Hopes, plans, self-realization, inspiration, appeasement | |
| 18 | Illusions, fears, dark side, fantasy, imagination | |
| 19 | Confidence, vitality, success, recognition, fame | |
| 20 | Karma, rewards / punishments, inner challenge, rebirth | |
| 21 | Unification, achievement, vision of the big picture, success, completion |
As you can imagine, the full interpretation of the Tarot cards will be much broader than the values given in the table. But you need to expand the symbolic field of each Arcana on your own, relying on your feelings.
So, we talked about the main meaning of the Major Arcana, now it's worth moving on to the Younger. We will also take as a basis the interpretation of White's Tarot. Please note that the interpretation of the Minor Arcana and court cards in different decks can change, sometimes quite significantly.
Wands
- : new beginnings, breakthrough energy
- : Partnership, plans for the future
- : Success, leadership
- : Prosperity, harmony, enjoyment of the results of labor
- : Excitement, problems
- : Community recognition, success
- : Competition, defending one's position, views
- : Rapid change, communication
- : Self-defense
- : Success that brings difficulties
- : News, new interests
- : Travel, Action, Trip
- : Business acumen, activity
- : Activity, influence
Cups / Bowls
- : Creative energy, love, the beginning of a romance
- : Happy relationship, successful partnership
- : Holiday, Party, Celebration
- : Apathy, boredom, sadness, satiety
- : Depression, grief
- : Simple joys, nostalgia, greetings from the past
- : Confusion, multiple options, illusions, dreams
- : Changing your lifestyle, leaving something behind
- : Fulfillment of desires
- : Satisfaction, happiness, luck
- : News that touches your heart
- : Invitation, proposal
- : Intuition, help
- : Gentleness, advice, healing, kind soul
Swords
- : Critical moment, success through difficulties, triumph of intellect
- : Neutral position, anticipation, balance
- : Separation, unhappiness, anxiety
- : Leaving the world, rest, sometimes hospital
- : Pointless struggle, restrictions
- : Get away from difficulties, troubles
- : Theft, deception, refusal to counteract
- : Fall into the trap
- : Mental distress, worry, anxiety
- : Failure, failure, failure
- : Surveillance, obtaining information by phone or letter
- : Argumenting, breaking down changes
- : Bad faith, bitter experience
- : Authority, ambition
Pentacles / Coins / Denarius
- : Material success, good health
- : Money or time manipulation, frivolity
- : New business, success
- : Success, but at the same time unwillingness to meet changes
- : Material losses, deterioration of health
- : Getting help
- : Willingness to work hard
- : New hobby, study, work
- It can be difficult for novice tarologists to interpret a particular card when it falls out in a thematic layout. So, for example, what can the Ten of Pentacles mean if we ask about a person's feelings, if the main meaning of the card is money, property, inheritance? In fact, the interpretation of the Tarot on relationships is not as difficult as it sometimes seems. You don't have to memorize any lists of keywords and rewrite the meaning of each card in various spheres of life in a notebook - you just need to turn on your imagination and think about how the traditional interpretation can manifest itself in a narrower way.
Let's take our example with the Ten of Pentacles: since the card speaks of property and money, then when asked about a person's attitude, it can answer as follows: he is more concerned with the material background of the relationship, some kind of personal benefit, rather than feelings. It may well be a marriage of convenience or a couple, where one person has some kind of material benefit. A girl who clings to a young man for money or a man who is in love with a "good party" - this may be this interpretation of the Tarot card. Three of Cups in feelings will mean true joy from a relationship, a holiday of the soul, or a union in which lovers spend a lot of time in companies, get-togethers, and lead an active lifestyle in society. The main thing here is to think a little and turn on your imagination - then you can intuitively choose the correct meaning of the card in any thematic scenario, not only in love.
Separately, it should be said about the interpretation of cards in specialized decks, which differ from Ryder-Wyatt, which is considered a classic. So, for example, the interpretation of Crowley's Tarot is simply impossible without studying the works of the author himself. The Occultist's deck is based on Kabbalah and astrological correspondences. It is filled with esoteric symbols, including those from Egyptian and Celtic mythology, so it will not be possible to interpret it purely intuitively. More precisely, if you wish, of course, it will work out, but without understanding the full depth of symbolism put into these cards by the author, you will not be able to see the many subtle nuances of interpretation.The interpretation of the Tarot Decameron is based on the world of human passions. This deck is best suited for dealing with love affairs. It will not work to tie the interpretation of cards to the classics when working with it - you need to study the specifics of the deck and penetrate the meaning laid down by the author.
The interpretation of the Tarot of Shadows by Vera Sklyarova is generally a topic for a separate conversation. Here you will not see the usual names of the Major and Minor Arcana, but instead, you will meet with dark angels, entities, phenomena and objects. So, for example, in the place of the usual Magician in this deck is Satan, and the fourth Arcanum is not the Emperor at all, but Lucifer. Among the Minor Arcana there are magical herbs and objects, human vices and tools of sorcerers - in a word, the deck is very far from the classics, and to understand it, you need to be well-versed in the world of black magic.
As you can see, maps can be interpreted in different ways. And a lot depends on your personal perception and the meaning laid down by the author.
The ability to interpret Tarot cards makes it possible to clarify the past, understand the present and open the veil of the future. It is not difficult to understand the meaning of the cards. To do this, it is enough to delve into the essence of the question asked and arm yourself with the meaning of the major arcana in the deck of cards.
To understand the meaning of tarot cards, arcana in the layout and their position, use the tips from this list:
When to guess
Fortunetellers claim that the truth is closest to us at night. Therefore, it is advised to guess in the dark.
It is undesirable to ask Tarot for an answer during a solar and lunar eclipse. It is also important not to guess during critical days, since a woman at this time is considered unprotected.
Sevens of the lasso
All major arcana are conventionally divided into three groups. They are called septenaries. Each of them is responsible for its own "sphere":
- Matter;
- Soul;
The meaning of the Tarot Arcana (first part)
Description of the lasso in an upright and inverted position:
Magician... It personifies the experience of a person, his capabilities. Knowledge and power can be unconscious. The map in the layout means that soon you may need to apply some knowledge. A test is coming. It can be both official, for example, an exam, or a simple test of moral principles for strength. In the right position, the card promises a favorable resolution of matters. An inverted position can mean a lack of strength or skill. The Inverted Magician personifies laziness and a desire to evade responsibility.- High Priestess... Demonstrates human intuition. The voice of reason should be muffled and the heart should be allowed to speak. Feelings will tell you how to do the right thing. The card also indicates hidden talents, opportunities, and skills. In an inverted position, the Priestess indicates a desire to control and provide for everything. Let go of the situation and discard practicality. The card can also indicate some kind of change that will be the result of the actions of outsiders. Pay attention to the circle of loved ones.
- The empress... Represents profit in the spiritual and material world. Serves as evidence of a favorable resolution of matters. Replenishment can relate not only to financial condition, but also to family matters. Pregnancy or other family replenishment is possible. Inverted Empress means the desire to get what is not yours. Don't make money at the expense of others. It is also important to pay attention to relationships, because the Empress speaks of carnal love that is not associated with spiritual attraction. The prediction can also apply to parting.
- The emperor... Order and meaningfulness of the situation. The Emperor advises more often to resort to the voice of reason and to drown out feelings. May mean a wise mentor over you. You are strong. Stay that way, but don't try to put pressure on those who are dependent on you. Success awaits you where you find the skill to find compromises. An upside down Emperor card indicates a bad experience. If the question concerned a certain case, then it will be resolved unsuccessfully. The card also indicates the power of a person. Try to be less in control of those around you.
The hierophant... The High Priest personifies conservatism. Everything goes according to plan. Something official awaits you, perhaps a marriage. Experience will be an important aspect in resolving cases, so it will not be superfluous to turn to senior mentors. Inverted Hierophant means something new and different. You will find the answer where you were not looking. It is also possible to break up old, seemingly strong ties.- Lovers... The meaning of the 6th lasso speaks of the correct decision, which was either made or is expected soon. The card promises relationships, flirting or love in the near future. Don't resist fate. Inverted Lovers, on the other hand, indicate a choice error. If it was admitted earlier, then a break in relations is coming. If the event is just ahead, then weak and insincere relationships will be severed. Strong alliances based on love can withstand this challenge.
- Chariot... Demonstrates movement. It can be direct, for example, departure, or the map symbolizes the movement towards the goal. The main thing is to stay true to your desires. Fate will soon give you a useful acquaintance. Inverted Chariot indicates the collapse of plans, wrong goals and failure. If you are busy with a difficult business that is failing, stop and start over. The direct meaning of the card can indicate real problems with transport or travel.
- Force... Internal capabilities of a person, his desire for victory, confidence and strength. Belief in yourself and the need to use it. What has begun now will surely end well, because fate itself is on your side. An inverted card shows weakness and unwillingness to move forward. You need to overcome apathy and get on your feet. You will have a difficult battle with yourself.
Hermit... Time to rest and gather strength. You need to be alone and sort out your desires and feelings. Take a closer look at who you need. Perhaps fate is trying to shield you from the wrong person. You don't need anyone to feel happy. It is important to understand this and learn to enjoy yourself. The Inverted Hermit says that being in solitude, you are losing good advice or useful experience. Open up to the world and learn to interact with it.- Wheel of Fortune... Means unprecedented luck. Success awaits you in the business you have started or where you did not expect it. Potential for winning the lottery or resolving a long-standing dispute. An inverted card warns of danger in new endeavors. Don't do anything. Sometimes the best choice is to stay put.
- Justice... The 11th lasso says that a person is in "judgment". His actions are judged, his misdeeds condemned. The correct position of the card indicates a favorable resolution of the "court". If the card is turned upside down, every step you take may turn out to be wrong. Condemnation lies in wait for you in any situation, so carefully calculate each step. Watch your words too.
The meaning of the Arcana Tarot (second part)
- Hanged... Borderline state. The man is one step away from the cliff. The only solution is to stop and think about what to do next. It is possible that you will have to sacrifice something in order to keep something important for you. The upside-down Hanged Man testifies to rash acts. You are committing meaningless actions. Some kind of addiction is possible, for example, alcoholic or gambling.
- Death... It symbolizes the end of a life stage and the beginning of a new chapter. Despite the name, the meaning of the card in the correct position is positive. The next stage will be better than the previous one. The important thing is to drop your fears and step into it. Inverted Death suggests that the person has stopped and is inactive. It is necessary to resume movement, because life rushes by, leaving you only an observer.
Abstinence... You should prepare for events that require patience. There may be health problems or financial difficulties. Also, the card can demonstrate the harmony of the inner world and the ability to get along with others. An inverted symbol indicates absorption in an idea. All forces go to one sphere or obsessive desire. Take a look around and balance your aspirations.- Devil... Says that a person is dependent on a situation or a specific person. The inconvenience is felt, but he cannot break the addiction. You can get out of the trap only by taking will in a fist and driving away fears. The inverted Devil testifies to strong trials, through which you will know the joy of victory. Pull yourself together and take action. Luck is on your side.
- Destructible Tower... Lightning striking the temple foreshadows an unpleasant event. Change will strike like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. The card is interpreted as a loss, divorce or loss. You can rebuild the tower if you bravely withstand the blow of fate. Please be patient. The upside down card says you will walk over the knife's edge. The outcome of the event will be positive, but you will experience considerable stress. Make the most of what happened to prevent this risk from happening again.
- Star... Card with a positive value. Represents spiritual development, hope and happiness. Listen to yourself, look into your dreams and develop. The outcome of the business started will be successful. If you have an inverted star, then there will be changes, but not soon. Don't rush things. Fate is ready to give you a chance, but you need to get to it, discarding indecision and fears. Pessimism and insecurity prevents you from achieving your plans.
- moon... You are moving, but you do not understand the purpose of this movement. Mystical Moon indicates that your actions are completely intuitive, you are confused and are looking for a way out. Listen to the signs of fate that will lead you out of the darkness. The Inverted Moon tells that a certain secret will soon be revealed to a person. You will learn what you have long wanted to know. It may be that your secrets will be revealed. If you keep a secret, then hide it away, for the Moon indicates exposure.
The sun... Card of great health, good mood and ease of life. Perhaps you are waiting for a replenishment or just a white line. Stay illuminated by the rays of the sun for as long as possible. The meaning of the major arcana Tarot in love scenarios describes the inverted Sun as a positive undertaking. Be patient, because you will have a long road to happiness, which you will surely overcome.- Court... The meaning of the Tarot card of the senior lasso, the interpretation of which is described as summing up, is positive. The time has come to look back at the past years and take stock of what we have done. Next, you should do this so that the mistakes of past years are not repeated. It is not for nothing that the Last Judgment is drawn on the map. You are on the verge of a new chapter. Don't take too much with you. An inverted card indicates an unexpected end to something. It could be sudden loss, health problems, or rupture.
- Peace... It personifies the last spurt in achieving the goal. You are one step away from victory. Do it, no matter how hard it is for you. Success awaits you around the corner, and very soon you can be rewarded for your work. If an inverted World fell out in the layout, you should learn how to complete the work you have begun. Do not give up halfway through, no matter what changes this path promises. Your inconstancy prevents you from achieving what you want.
Jester (0 Arcanum)... At the head of the string of senior arcana is the Jester. You can also find other names of the card. The Fool or the Fool represents something new. It could be a chance, an opportunity, or a new page in life. Most likely, the symbol of material life is concerned, because the Jester is depicted rejoicing and open to adventure. Inverted Jester means unwillingness to let the coming changes into your life. Preparation required.
Tarot cards are called Arcana. Each Arcanum has its own image, name and properties that determine its semantic meaning. The traditional deck consists of 78 cards or Arcana, which is divided into several groups: the first 22 cards are the Major Arcana group. Major Arcana begin with zero (0) card "Fool" ("Jester") and end with card (XXI) "World". Occult researchers have come to the conclusion that the images of ancient secrets are encoded in the drawings of the Tarot cards. The Major Arcana symbolize the Great Mysteries. The remaining 56 cards symbolize Minor secrets and are called Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana are comparable to a regular deck of playing cards. The Minor Arcana of the Tarot consist of the same four groups or four suits, like ordinary playing cards. Their similarities are not limited to this. The suits of Swords, Cups, Denarii and Wands actually correspond to the suits in playing cards of spades, hearts, tambourines and clubs. In each suit of Tarot cards, the first card is an Ace, followed by cards Two, Three, Four, Five, and so on up to Ten.
The Major Arcana in the layout refer to important issues and major events, and the Minor Arcana reveal the secrets of ordinary life and relate to the events of everyday life. They clarify the influence of the Major Arcana and show how they affect daily life.
As in playing cards, in Tarot cards there are curly cards depicting figures, these are picture cards, which include the Page (jack, messenger, princess), Knight (cavalier, rider), Queen (Lady, Sibyl) and King (Pharaoh) ... All figured cards in the Minor Arcana are also called "court cards". You can notice that Tarot cards differ from ordinary playing cards by one figured card - the Knight.
Major Arcana Tarot - meaning
View concise Essentials and Keywords on the page
But the main feature of the difference between Tarot cards and a playing deck is the presence of a group of cards consisting of 22 pieces. These are the Major Arcana of the Tarot, on which fortune-tellers made their layouts for a long time. Strictly speaking, the name "Tarot" for such decks of cards was not given immediately, cards like Tarot in the 15th century were called "triumphs" - "Trionfi". And the name "Tarot" for decks of this kind began to be used from the beginning of the XVI century. Cards depicting recognizable figures, virtues, vices, celestial bodies such as the Fool, the Emperor, the Pope and even God and the Devil were usually called "Allegories of Triumph", or simply "Triumphs" in 15th century manuscripts. It can be assumed that such and other images - "triumphs", in the end gave rise to a series of 22 Triumphs, prototypes of the current Major Arcana Tarot. The names of these cards and the images on the pictures of the cards indicate the mystical essence and deep meaning. If we look at the cards and trace the sequence of the Major Arcana following each other, then each card ahead guaranteed victory over the next one, surpassing it in value. The images seem to represent an allegory of the world of the Renaissance and line up in human ranks - a triumphal procession of characters and an allegory of personality evolution: Power (Emperor and Hierophant), Christian virtues (Strength and Justice), events (Death and Resurrection) and heavenly bodies (Stars, Sun and the moon).
Minor Arcana Tarot - meaning
The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits, each of which consists of ten numbered cards and four court cards. Each suit contains ten numbered cards ranging from Ace to Ten. The court cards are made up of three men and one woman and can be different depending on the deck. The cards of the court include the Page (Jack), Knight (Rider), Queen (Queen) and King (Dad). In some modern decks, the Page turned into the Princess, the Knight turned into the Prince, the Queen into the Mother, and the King into the Father.
The names of the Minor Arcana suits may vary depending on the deck. You need to understand that we are talking about the same suit. Denarii are often called Denarii, Pentacles, Disks or Coins. Wands are often called Staves, Sticks, or Flowers. Cups may be called Cups or Hearts, Swords - Lances. But you can easily recognize the suit by its symbol. In old cards, the value of the card was indicated by a number and symbols corresponding to the suits. For example, on 9 wands, the number 9 and nine wands were depicted.
Suit Swords in Tarot cards the first suit of the deck. Swords are associated with logic, reason and intellect. She is the most powerful and dangerous suit and personifies the forces acting on the physical plane, struggle, passionate desires, conflict situations, any purposeful action on oneself or another person. In divination, the Swords warn of enemies, dangers, strife and failure in business.
Suit Cups in Tarot cards
is the opposite of the suit of Swords and symbolizes love, concern for other people, care and kindness in all its manifestations. The suit of Cups symbolizes the sensual and emotional spheres, which include love, harmony, pleasure, happiness, and healing. Cups are desires that can be satisfied in different ways: rest, holidays, feasts, gluttony, pleasant acquaintances, love, art, the world of tangible and creation.
Suit of Denarius (Pentacles) in Tarot cards - this is the third most powerful suit of the Minor Arcana in the Tarot deck, which symbolizes property, money, wealth, material well-being, business, prestige, communication, contacts, success, achievement of goals, human health, and his intellect.
Suit of Wands in Tarot cards - this is the fourth suit, which symbolizes fame and success, is associated with business and financial matters of the fortuneteller. The suit of Wands indicates a person's potential, his efforts to achieve success. The suit of the Wand in the Minor Arcana of the Tarot personifies enterprise, development, wisdom, aspiration, energy, ingenuity, authority, position in society, superiority, material well-being. The suit of Wands also includes politics, management and administrative affairs.
Tarot cards - interpretation of meaning
It is not known exactly when the 22 Triumphs, otherwise the Major Arcana, were combined with the 56 Minor Arcana cards to form the complete deck of 78 cards, which we now know as the Tarot. An important point in studying Tarot cards is their main meaning. The main meaning of each card can be determined by two keywords, which, like the two sides of a coin, characterize the positive value of the card and the negative one. These are not opposite meanings, these are two polarities of the same card, the essence is somewhere in the middle. Depending on the layout and adjacent cards, the balance of the main value moves more in one direction or another. The semantic meaning of the card is specified in each specific case with the help of other keywords.
An important point in the study of the meanings of Tarot cards is played by Key words, secondary meanings of Tarot cards. These words are usually related and complementary in meaning. From homogeneous values, the fortuneteller chooses the most appropriate for the situation in order to find the balance and average value between the keywords in each specific case. When interpreting the layout, a novice fortuneteller can choose any value of the Tarot card from the Basic meanings and from the Key words, which is most suitable for the meaning of the layout.
If the entire deck is used in the layout, then the Major Arcana play the role of the main forces of a wider and more prolonged spectrum of action than the Minor Arcana. Minor Arcana indicate less significant symbols and powers that are temporary and more everyday. In the layout, you should always pay first attention to the Major Arcana that have fallen out, and then proceed to the interpretation of the Minor Arcana. Major Arcana in the layout are primary, the values of the Minor Arcana in the layout depend on the value of the Major Arcana, and not vice versa. On our website, the most common and classic meanings of the Tarot cards of the Minor Arcana are given, which can take on additional meanings depending on the specifics of the deck.
