Free Tarot - The Basics of Tarot Reading

 

The most popular version of the Tarot was established in 1910 by the artist Pamela Colman-Smith. She worked under the guidance of occultist A.E. Waite. The Waite deck was the first tarot deck to include symbolic imagery on all 78 cards.

The tarot has its roots in many different philosophical and religious backgrounds. It originated in a time imbued with symbolic imagery that was influenced by many cultures, languages and historical references. The tarot's symbolism is based on archetypal elements and metaphors, giving its imagery an universal appeal. Regardless of one's cultural, religious or educational background, the Tarot experience is collective. Their interpretations are recognizable by everyone.

The modern Tarot deck is comprised of 78 cards, 40 in the minor arcana, 16 court cards and 22 cards that make up the major arcana. The 16 court cards consist of pages, knights, queens and kings. The four suits in the minor arcana include the Suits of Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. Each Suit is connected to one of the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. They are also connected to the four directions: North, South, East and West. The imagery of Tarot reflects an association to these elements. This enables the tarot reader to identify the key aspects that are influencing a particular situation or individual.

The Suit Cards

In tarot, the cups suit represents the dream world, the unconscious, feelings and relationships. The wands suit represents fertility, creativity and one's sense of purpose or career endeavors. The sword suit represents reason, life challenges, the mind and truth. And lastly, the pentacles suit represents the material, financial and ethical aspects of a person's life.

There is a king, queen, knight, and page in every suit as well. They are referred to as the court cards and each one (excluding the page cards) has an astrological sign associated to it. This adds yet another level for interpretation in tarot card readings. To be helpful, here are the astrological associations. I often encourage people to identify their sign and the associated tarot card meaning. This can offer tremendous insights into ones strengths and vulnerabilities.

* Aries: King of Wands

* Taurus: Queen of Pentacles

* Gemini: Knight of Swords

* Cancer: King of Cups

* Leo: Queen of Wands

* Virgo: Knight of Pentacles

* Libra: King of Swords

* Scorpio: Queen of Cups

* Sagittarius: Knight of Wands

* Capricorn: King of Pentacles

* Aquarius: Queen of Swords

* Pisces: Knight of Cups

The Major Arcana Cards

The Major Arcana cards reflect where one is in his or her life's journey. There are 22 tarot cards in the Major Arcana. The first half of the Major Arcana (the Fool through the Hermit) identifies the transition from child to adult and all of the challenges we must face as we progress into a deeper level of maturity and spirituality. More here Tarot en Mostoles

The second half of the Major Arcana (The Wheel of Fortune through the World) reflects our personal and spiritual world view. In a tarot reading, the second half of the major arcana typically points to a more inward-looking stage or process in our development. Keep in mind, this does not always happen in procession. In fact, in some areas we are still the "fools" while in other areas we can be the "The Hermit".