Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: How Do Tarot Cards Actually Work?

Ever wondered about the mystique surrounding tarot cards? How do they seemingly reveal insights into our lives, guiding us through uncertainties? With 78 uniquely designed cards, each bearing its own symbolism, tarot decks are more than just a collection of images. They're a blend of art and intuition that can illuminate paths and offer guidance.

From the suit of wands symbolizing creative resources to the major arcana representing significant life moments, understanding tarot isn't about right or wrong interpretations. It's about intuitively connecting with what each card signifies for you. Whether you're a beginner drawn to the original imagery of the Rider-Waite deck or an enthusiast keen on exploring deeper meanings, there's a world within these cards waiting to be discovered.

Understanding Tarot Cards

Dive deeper into the mystical area of tarot, unravelling its structure and history. The journey isn't about being right or wrong; it's about connecting with the symbolism on a personal level.

The Structure of a Tarot Deck

A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, a number that might seem daunting at first glance. But, these cards are divided into two main categories: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards including the Fool, which acts as the protagonist in the tarot story. Each card signifies significant life moments or stages in a spiritual journey. These aren't mere cards; they're potent symbols representing universal life experiences.

The remaining 56 cards from the Minor Arcana, further split into four suits: Wands (creative resources), Cups (emotions), Swords (mind), and Pentacles (material resources).

One notable feature of tarot decks is their ability to adopt multiple meanings depending on the reading context. For instance, in one reading, a card from the suit of swords might represent conflict; in another reading, it could symbolize clarity.

The History of Tarot Cards

Tracing back to the fifteenth century, tarot decks have evolved significantly over time. The earliest decks were primarily used for playing games until Jean-Baptiste Alliette assigned divinatory meanings to these enigmatic cards around 1783.

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is often considered a cornerstone in tarot history due to its widespread use and influence on later decks. This deck owes its fame to illustrator Pamela Colman Smith and academic A.E. Waite who added detailed imagery to each Minor Arcana card in 1910 - an innovation that made interpretations more accessible.

But, it's important to remember there isn't just one type of tarot deck out there. Over centuries, countless versions have surfaced - some sticking to traditional imagery and others reinventing the tarot symbols to align with different cultural, social, or personal perspectives.

Remember, tarot is a personal journey. The key is to find a deck that speaks to you and helps you navigate through life's intricate maze.

How Tarot Cards Work

Before delving into the workings of tarot cards, it's essential to recognize that tarot is not about predicting the future. Instead, tarot serves as a tool for reflection and guidance, helping you tap into your intuition to navigate life's complexities.

The Role of Intuition in Tarot Readings

Tarot readings rely heavily on intuition. Imagine a group of women playing cards, much like Antoine Court de Gébelin did. This French clergyman didn't just see a game; he perceived something far more profound - an ancient Egyptian origin, mystical Qabalistic import, and divine significance in these cards.

He believed that the tarot represented ancient Egyptian theology and related four tarot cards - Temperance Tarot card, Justice Tarot card, Strength Tarot card and The Hanged Man Tarot card - to the four Christian Cardinal virtues. Each card symbolizes different aspects of our existence and reflects various stages of life.

So how does intuition come into play? When you draw a tarot card during a reading, your intuitive responses to the card's symbols guide your interpretation. For instance, Court de Gébelin viewed the High Priestess card as representing Isis. Your interpretation may differ based on your personal experiences and emotions at the time of reading.

The Concept of Synchronicity

Synchronicity is another crucial aspect in understanding how tarot cards work. Coined by Carl Jung, synchronicity refers to meaningful coincidences that seem too connected to be mere chance. In terms of tarot readings, this concept implies that there's no such thing as a random draw.

Let's consider an example from legendary director Alejandro Jodorowsky's screening event at the Museum of Modern Art: during an audience question period, Jodorowsky asked a member to pick numbers between one and 22 – corresponding with cards in Major Arcana. Even though the member did not understand the purpose, Jodorowsky gave a verbal reading on the fly based on the chosen numbers, leaving her stunned.

This anecdote illustrates synchronicity in tarot readings. The cards drawn during a reading aren't random; they synchronize with your current situation or question, providing guidance and insights.

Remember, tarot cards are not about predicting exact events or outcomes. They're tools enabling you to tap into your intuition and understand your inner self better. Whether it's seeking clarity or finding answers to complex questions - tarot cards serve as guides in your journey towards self-discovery.

Conducting a Tarot Reading

A tarot reading is not just about shuffling and laying out cards; it's about creating a communicative bridge between your consciousness and universal wisdom.

Interpreting the Cards

Interpreting tarot cards is like deciphering a secret language, one that speaks directly to your subconscious. Each card in a tarot deck carries symbolic meanings, influenced by imagery, elements, numbers, and more. For instance, Cups often signify emotions while Swords may denote intellectual pursuits. But remember: context is king! The meaning of a card can change based on its position in the spread and relation to surrounding cards.

Let's imagine you've drawn the Death card. No need for panic—it doesn't prophesize literal death! Instead, it symbolizes transformation or the end of an era. Now, if this card appears in your past position, it indicates you've experienced significant changes that have shaped your current circumstances.

Common Tarot Spreads

Tarot spreads are specific layouts used in readings to address different types of questions. Each position in a spread represents a unique aspect related to your query. Some spreads are small and focused—perfect for straightforward queries—while others are complex and detailed—suited for exploring multifaceted situations.

The three-card spread is among the simplest yet most powerful layouts you can use. It represents 'Past', 'Present', and 'Future', providing clarity on how past events influence your present situation and potentially shape future outcomes.

For deeper insights, you might choose the Celtic Cross spread—a ten-card layout that offers comprehensive perspectives on various aspects like potential obstacles, external influences, personal hopes or fears, and possible outcomes.

In conducting a tarot reading—whether interpreting cards or choosing suitable spreads—the key lies in trusting your intuition. It's your personal dialogue with the universe, told through the symbolic language of tarot cards. Always remember, there's no right or wrong way—only what resonates with you.

The Philosophy Behind Tarot

The philosophy behind tarot has roots dating back to ancient times, with tarot cards believed to be a repository of the wisdom of Hermes Trismegistus, an emblematic figure in alchemical and hermetic traditions.

Using Tarot for Self-Reflection

Tarot cards aren't just about predicting the future; they're tools for self-reflection. Let's say you've had a long day, filled with decisions that left you feeling uncertain. You turn to your tarot deck, seeking guidance. You shuffle the cards, your thoughts focused on the situations at hand. As you lay out the cards one by one in a specific spread, each reveals an aspect of your life or psyche.

For instance, consider The Fool card from the Major Arcana. It represents new beginnings and opportunities but also cautions against naivety and reckless actions. If this card appears in your reading during a phase when you're considering a significant life change—perhaps a career shift or relocating—it's an invitation for introspection. What are your motivations? Are you prepared for potential challenges?

In 2018, Fiona Lensvelt told The Guardian about her belief in tarot as a tool for empowerment—not just fortune-telling. She mentioned how tarot helps voice problems and work through them by identifying possible roadblocks.

So remember: when using tarot cards for self-reflection, it isn't about carving out an unalterable path ahead but rather understanding where you stand now and exploring life's complexities more confidently.

Discover Your Perfect Tarot Deck at Earthworks