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CONTENTS...
1. A bit of history |
Why be interested in the tarot? As an ancient divination tool, tarot offers an open window into our cultural past, while allowing us to explore the world of symbols and archetypes that populate the collective unconscious. It thus provides insights that resonate within each of us, sometimes helping us discover our own self. It was therefore time to write a comprehensive dossier on tarot, its history, and its proper use.
1. A bit of history
1.1. A birth in the Italian aristocracy
The journey of tarot begins in the mid-15th century in Italy, specifically in the aristocratic courts of Milan, Ferrara, and Bologna. Initially, these cards were not intended for divination but served as a playful pastime among the elite. The earliest known decks, called tarocchi, such as the Visconti-Sforza tarot, were richly decorated and used in sophisticated court games, commissioned by noble families from painters of the time. The cards were notably covered with gold.
These decks included cards now known as the Major Arcana, allegorical figures bearing symbols rich in meaning. At that time, the card images reflected Christian, classical, and medieval themes, echoing the concerns and values of Renaissance Italian society.
1.2. Then a turn towards esotericism
During the Renaissance, with the rise of humanism and renewed interest in the art and symbolism of Antiquity, tarot cards began to spread throughout Europe and were seen as more than mere entertainment. It was at this time that Marseille became the center of tarot production, its port facilitating European distribution. Thus was born the famous tarot de Marseille.
The true transformation of tarot into a divination tool began with the European esoteric movement, particularly in France in the 18th century. Antoine Court de Gébelin, a scholar and occultist, played a decisive role in this transformation. In 1781, in his work Le Monde Primitif, he claimed that tarots contained the secret wisdom of the ancient Egyptians. According to him, the cards were a book preserving mystical teachings and were capable of revealing universal truths.
In the 19th century, Éliphas Lévi, another occult scholar, linked the tarot to the Kabbalah, claiming that the 22 Major Arcana corresponded to the 22 paths of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. This association strengthened the connection between tarot and esoteric systems of thought, solidifying its role as a divination tool.
Then, in the 20th century, figures such as Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith designed the Rider-Waite Tarot, which incorporated images full of symbolism intended for divination. This deck became one of the most popular for divinatory practice. More specifically, Aleister Crowley created his version of the tarot following his fascination with Toth.
2. Structure and Symbolism of Tarot Cards
Tarot is a tool rich in symbolism, each card depicting a scene full of meanings. Understanding its structure and symbolism is essential for anyone wishing to use it for divination or personal development.
2.1. Tarot Glossary
Before going into details, I think it is necessary to pause for a moment on the vocabulary of tarot, which uses particular terms specific to its use:
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Arcana: the word "arcana" comes from the Latin arcanum, which means secret or mystery. In the context of tarot, the arcana are the cards themselves.
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Cards: this term is often used as a synonym for tarot cards. Each "card" is a piece of cardboard or paper on which a symbol, figure, or scene is drawn. The cards can be referenced when talking about the arcana, especially in French writings on tarot.
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Suits: in the minor arcana, the suits correspond to the traditional categories of cards, similar to those found in a classic deck of playing cards.
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Querent: the querent is the person consulting the tarot cards, often during a reading. This person asks the questions or expresses the topics they seek clarity on.
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Tarot Reader: the tarot reader is the interpreter of the cards, the person who reads and explains the meanings of the drawn cards, often in relation to the querent's life or questions.
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Layout or Spread: this is the method by which the cards are arranged after being shuffled and cut. There are various layout methods, each suited to specific types of questions or objectives. The layout patterns can influence the interpretation of the cards in relation to each other.
2.2. Structure of the divinatory tarot
Traditional tarot is divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana:
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The Major Arcana includes 22 traditional cards. Each card depicts a scene with characters and strong symbolic elements. These cards follow a numerical order, from 0 to 21, starting with The Fool and ending with The World. The Major Arcana represent major life stages, important spiritual lessons, and archetypal forces influencing human existence.
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The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits (wands, swords, cups, and coins or pentacles), each containing 14 cards: ten numbered cards (from Ace to 10) and four face cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). The Minor Arcana reflects daily events, practical challenges, and emotional aspects of life.
2.3. Description of the Major Arcana
Each Major Arcana card is rich in symbols, and their interpretation can vary greatly depending on context and tradition.
| / | The Fool (or The Jester) | The Fool represents freedom, new beginnings, carefreeness, and often a naive but full-of-potential spiritual journey |
| I | The Magician (or The Juggler) | This card symbolizes creation, ingenuity, confidence, and the power to manifest desires through skills and available resources |
| II | The High Priestess (or The Great Priestess) | The High Priestess embodies wisdom, hidden mysteries, intuition, and deep knowledge. |
| III | The Empress | It symbolizes fertility, abundance, nurturing action, and the beauty of nature |
| IV | The Emperor | It represents structure, authority, regulation, and the father figure. |
| V | The Pope (or The Hierophant) | This card means teaching, traditional beliefs, conformity, and organized spirituality |
| VI | The Lovers | It indicates relationships, moral choices, dilemmas, and love |
| VII | The Chariot | It symbolizes victory, determination, and control over the direction of one’s life |
| VIII XI |
Justice | It represents fairness, truth, karmic law, and the consequences of one’s actions |
| IX | The Hermit | It embodies reflection, caution, isolation, and the search for truth |
| X | The Wheel of Fortune | This card evokes the cycles of life, fate, opportunities, and change |
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XI |
Strength | It symbolizes courage, perseverance, self-mastery, and inner strength. |
| XII | The Hanged Man | It represents sacrifice, suspension, reversed perspective, and renunciation |
| XIII | Death (or The Nameless) | While frightening, this card signifies change, transformation, necessary endings, and the beginning of a new cycle |
| XIV | Temperance | It evokes balance, moderation, patience, and the goal of finding the right measure |
| XV | The Devil | It represents material attachments, excesses, dependencies, and illusions |
| XVI | The Tower (or The House of God) | It symbolizes brutal destruction, sudden revelations, the collapse of false structures |
| XVII | The Star | It offers hope, faith, inspiration, and a guiding light after troubled times |
| XVIII | The Moon | It illustrates illusion, uncertainty, emotional challenges, and psychological troubles |
| XIX | The Sun | It brings brightness, joy, success, vitality, and renewed energy |
| XX | Judgment | It speaks of resurrection, judgment, a call to a new life or redemption |
| XXI | The World | It represents accomplishment, total harmony, and spiritual fulfillment |
2.4. Description of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana of the tarot include numbered cards and court cards in each of the four suits (which correspond to the four elements): Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each suit contains 14 cards, including 10 numbered cards (from Ace to 10) and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
The court cards (or face cards) provide the main direction of the interpretation. They can represent real people, personality traits, or influences affecting the situation in question.
The numbered cards, on the other hand, help refine the interpretation. They focus mainly on daily events, circumstances, and everyday life challenges. They reflect the practical, emotional, intellectual, or material aspects of existence.
2.4.1. The Wands (Fire element)
The suit of Wands in tarot, associated with the element of Fire, embodies the dynamics of inspiration, action, and passion. Like fire that transforms everything it touches, the Wands symbolize the human mind's ability to initiate change and passionately pursue its aspirations. This suit reflects our inner strength, the force that drives us to act, innovate, and defend our beliefs.
The Fire element is the engine of ambitions and inspirations represented by the Wands. It is the creative spark that initiates projects, the persistent flame that sustains effort, and the blaze that forges determination and courage in the face of challenges. In the context of divination tarot, the cards of this suit often invite the querent to harness their potential to take initiatives or embark on bold adventures.
The Wands reflect life situations where the energy of Fire is evident: starting new projects, facing challenges, or moments of true personal fulfillment. They highlight the need for action and commitment where passivity would let ambitions fade. Thus, in a tarot reading, these cards encourage cultivating and channeling this fiery energy toward concrete goals, reminding us that it is through our will and action that we shape our reality.
Thus, each numbered card has a very specific meaning:
| Ace of Wands | New beginning, creation, inspiration |
| Two of Wands | Planning, future decision, progress |
| Three of Wands | Expansion, exploration, forecasting outcomes |
| Four of Wands | Celebration, harmony, security |
| Five of Wands | Competition, minor conflict, struggle |
| Six of Wands | Victory, recognition, success |
| Seven of Wands | Defense, persistence, challenge to opponents |
| Eight of Wands | Speed, movement, quick actions |
| Nine of Wands | Perseverance, preparation, inner strength |
| Ten of Wands | Burden, excessive responsibilities |
Similarly on the court cards:
| Page of Wands | Discovery, enthusiasm, exploration |
| Knight of Wands | Adventure, energy, impulsiveness |
| Queen of Wands | Warmth, hospitality, maturity in action |
| King of Wands | Leadership, charisma, control |
2.4.2. The Cups (Water element)
The suit of Cups in tarot is linked to the element of Water, representing the flow of emotions, relationships, and intuition. Like water that takes the shape of its container, the Cups reflect the adaptive and receptive capacity of our emotions and psyche. They are the mirror of our inner world, highlighting our deepest feelings, emotional reactions, and interpersonal connections.
The Water element characterizes the themes of the Cups: love, empathy, joy, but also sadness, disappointment, and melancholy. This suit captures the richness of human experience through the nuances of our interactions and the complexity of our emotional states. The Cups carry a message of emotional awareness, inviting us to dive into our depths to better understand and express what we feel.
In tarot readings, the Cups cards signal a time of emotional healing, relationship development, or introspection. They can indicate moments of family happiness, romance, enriching friendships, but also periods of solitude, grief, or inner reflection. Each cup, full or empty, speaks to us about balance and imbalance in our emotional life and highlights the importance of harmony in our relationships.
Thus, each numbered card has a very specific meaning:
| Ace of Cups | New love and joy, emotional beginning |
| Two of Cups | Union, partnership, mutual attraction |
| Three of Cups | Celebration, friendship, creativity |
| Four of Cups | Meditation, reconsideration, apathy |
| Five of Cups | Loss, mourning, regret |
| Six of Cups | Nostalgia, pleasant memories, innocence |
| Seven of Cups | Choices, illusions, desire |
| Eight of Cups | Search for meaning, disappointment, abandonment |
| Nine of Cups | Satisfaction, gratification, wishes fulfilled |
| Ten of Cups | Family harmony, complete happiness |
Similarly on the court cards:
| Page of Cups | Sensitivity, romance, messenger of love |
| Knight of Cups | Charming, idealistic, chivalrous |
| Queen of Cups | Compassion, calm, emotional care |
| King of Cups | Emotionally stable, generous, diplomatic |
2.4.3. The Swords (Air element)
The suit of Swords, associated with the element Air, embodies the realm of the mind, communication, and intellectual conflicts. This element symbolizes clarity of thought, the power of logic, and the ability to cut through illusion to reach the truth. The Swords highlight aspects of life involving judgment, decision, and sometimes confrontation.
Like air, which is essential but invisible, the Swords represent forces often intangible but powerful in our lives: our thoughts, words, and beliefs. They can reveal the duality of our intellect, capable of great wisdom but also severe criticism or conflict. This is the suit that speaks most directly about mental challenges and inner struggles, evoking situations of decision, dispute, or the need for clarity.
In tarot readings, the Swords can indicate periods of tension or conflict, requiring a thoughtful approach and sometimes decisive actions. They often highlight uncomfortable truths or the need to face reality without illusion. However, they also remind us of the importance of justice, ethics, and integrity in problem-solving.
The Swords cards push us to examine our way of thinking and communicating. They encourage us to be aware of how our ideas and words shape our reality and influence our environment. This suit challenges us to cultivate our intelligence, seek the truth, and practice fairness, while warning us of the dangers of aggression or manipulation.
Thus, each numbered card has a very specific meaning:
| Ace ofSword | Breakthrough, clarity, sharp judgment |
| Two of Sword |
Deadlock, difficult decision, balance |
| Three of Sword | Grief, separation, emotional loss |
| Four of Sword | Rest, recovery, contemplation |
| Five of Sword | Conflict, hollow victory, tension |
| Six of Sword | Transition, change, physical or mental journey |
| Seven of Sword | Trick, secret strategy, deception |
| Eight of Sword | Restriction, confusion, limited power |
| Nine of Sword | Anxiety, nightmare, intense fear |
| Ten of Sword | End, failure, disaster |
Similarly on the court cards:
| Page of Sword | Curious, restless, tactically skilled |
| Knight of Sword | Combative, quick, action without thought |
| Queen of Sword | Independent, insightful, organized |
| King of Sword | Intellectual authority, ethical decision, analytical power |
2.4.4. The Pentacles or Coins (Earth element)
The Pentacles suit, also known as Coins, is linked to the element of Earth. It embodies materiality, including not only money and physical possessions but also health, security, and the practical aspects of daily life. Pentacles deal with themes of prosperity, stability, and hard work, reflecting our interaction with the material world and our ability to manifest concrete results.
Like the earth we walk on, which is firm and supportive, Pentacles symbolize the solid foundation on which we build our lives. They represent the effort to cultivate resources, build lasting structures, and maintain a balance between giving and receiving. This suit emphasizes the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and prudent management of material goods.
In tarot readings, Pentacles cards can signal moments when attention should be focused on the concrete aspects of existence. They may indicate opportunities for financial growth, challenges related to resource management, or periods of harvest resulting from hard work. Pentacles encourage us to evaluate our relationship with the physical world, reminding us that health, education, and well-being are just as important as financial success.
The cards of this suit urge us to build and maintain a stable life by planning wisely and acting thoughtfully. They push us to stay grounded and realistic in our expectations while working diligently to achieve security and abundance. Pentacles remind us that tangible rewards often come from sustained and measured efforts, and that patience is essential to see the fruits of our labor.
Thus, each numbered card has a very specific meaning:
| Ace of Pentacles | New financial opportunity, prosperity |
| Two of Pentacles | Financial balance, adaptability |
| Three of Pentacles | Collaboration, learning, achievement |
| Four of Pentacles | Security, greed, control |
| Five of Pentacles | Precariousness, isolation, financial loss |
| Six of Pentacles | Generosity, charity, fair sharing |
| Seven of Pentacles | Patience, investment, future harvest |
| Eight of Pentacles | Diligent work, mastery, commitment |
| Nine of Pentacles | Autonomy, luxury, well-being |
| Ten of Pentacles | Wealth, inheritance, family |
Similarly on the court cards:
| Page of Pentacles |
Student, new project, financial start |
| Knight of Pentacles |
Trustworthy, hardworking, methodical |
| Queen of Pentacles | Practical, warm, reassuring |
| King of Pentacles | Prosperity, business, skill |
3. Tarot card reading methods
So here we are ready to do a tarot reading. Even though there is a lot of information and possible interpretation depending on the spreads, the most important thing is to trust your intuition and therefore yourself. This also means setting aside any hopes or prejudices that could distort the result. Tarot is an objective practice and must remain so to give you the right answers.
3.1. Preparation
3.1.1. Prepare your space and your psyche
Like any divinatory practice, it is essential to prepare the practice space. Tidy up, purify, burn incense or sage, play concentration music if it helps you.
Preparation also involves yourself: keep distracting thoughts and distractions away as much as possible. You must focus on your questions, the present moment, and the cards.
3.1.2. Refine your question
Asking the right question should not be taken lightly and even less neglected. It is precisely on this question that everything will depend. In general, absolutely avoid closed questions.
I know that we tend to want precise answers. But asking a closed question (which can be answered by yes or no) will trap you, or even influence you in the wrong way. The goal of tarot is to give you as much insight as possible about yourself and what surrounds you.
You need to rework your question to allow a complete interpretation of the cards. Also, focus well on the essence of your question to eliminate unnecessary answers, even if it means dividing your question into sub-questions if necessary.
To be clearer, here is an example (very cliché, intentionally):
| Basic question | Will I become rich? |
| Rephrasing | What should I do to improve my standard of living? |
| Possible sub-questions |
Which professional paths should I explore to reach my goal? What obstacles are preventing me from reaching my goal? What changes do I need to make to reach my goal? |
3.1.3. Shuffle the tarot cards
Before proceeding with a spread, it is essential to shuffle (or mix) the cards well. This step not only randomizes the cards but also transfers your energy and that of the question asked to them. The most common method to shuffle the cards is to gather them into a single deck, then shuffle them by hand several times.
After shuffling, it is customary to cut the deck into three piles with the left hand (the hand associated with intuition), then reassemble them into a single pile, choosing the order that feels most intuitive to you.
3.1.4. Draw the tarot cards
When you draw the cards, focus on your question or the question of the person you are reading for. You can draw cards from the top of the deck or spread them out and choose those that catch your attention. Then place each card in the position defined by the type of spread you are using.
If you have sub-questions, you will draw one card per sub-question.
3.2. Tarot card spread methods
There are several methods of spreads and card placements, as well as ways unique to each practitioner. I will present here the most common and easiest to apply.
3.2.1. The three-card spread
This simple spread allows for a quick and direct reading. The three cards represent respectively the past, present, and future or body, mind, and soul, depending on what you want to explore. This spread is ideal for beginners or to get a general overview of a situation.
3.2.2. The Celtic cross spread
This ten-card spread offers a detailed analysis of the situation, more complex and comprehensive. It examines past influences, current issues, conscious and unconscious goals, possible future influences, and likely outcomes. It is a very popular spread for its depth and flexibility.
3.2.3. The star spread
Used to explore specific questions, this spread involves seven cards arranged in a star shape. Each position can represent a different aspect of the question, such as underlying causes, external influences, hopes, fears, and the likely outcome.
4. Interpretation of Card Combinations
Interpreting tarot card combinations requires careful analysis of the elements, the dynamics between Major and Minor Arcana, as well as interactions between court cards. Of course, it would be impossible to list all possible card combinations here, but here are the main guidelines to facilitate interpretation.
4.1. Influences
4.1.1. The Elements and Their Interactions
Here is how suit combinations can be interpreted with each other:
| Pentacles + Water | These elements can suggest a natural synergy, where material stability (Earth) supports and nurtures emotional needs (Water). For example, the Ten of Pentacles combined with the Two of Cups could indicate a prosperous relationship or a fruitful partnership supported by financial security. |
| Swords + Wands | These elements are dynamic and can indicate conflicts or challenges, but also actions inspired by ideas. The Page of Swords next to the Eight of Wands may suggest that news or rapid information will catalyze urgent actions. |
| Wands + Cups | As mentioned, this combination can symbolize the tension between action and emotion, where the desire for progress (Fire) is tempered or complicated by emotional considerations (Water). |
| Swords + Pentacles | This can represent the need for planning or logical thinking before engaging in material ventures. The Three of Swords followed by the Four of Pentacles could indicate moments of difficulty or loss preceding a period of financial stability or resource conservation. |
4.1.2. The Influences of the Major Arcana on the Minor Arcana
When a Major Arcana appears with a Minor, it is often interpreted as an indicator of deep influence or a broader context affecting the everyday life details represented by the Minors.
For example, The Wheel of Fortune appearing with the Five of Pentacles can indicate major changes or fluctuations in a person's financial situation.
The Major Arcana can also serve as catalysts for the lessons or energies indicated by the Minor Arcana, such as The Devil appearing with the Seven of Wands, which may suggest a struggle against temptation or a confrontation with darker aspects of competition or defending one's own interests.
4.1.3. Interactions Between Court Cards
Court cards, representing individuals or character traits, can indicate different facets of personality or influences from external people. The dynamic between the Queen of Cups and the King of Swords can illustrate an internal or external dialogue between logic and emotion, or between rationality and intuition.
These interactions can also reflect complex relational scenarios, such as a Page of Wands (young, energetic, perhaps impulsive) next to a Queen of Pentacles (maternal, pragmatic), possibly suggesting a mentoring or support dynamic in pursuing new initiatives.
4.2. Interpretation of combinations
4.2.1. Assemble your story
Consider each sequence of cards as a narrative framework where each card represents an event or aspect of the situation. Analyzing how one card leads to another helps understand transitions and developments within the consulted situation. This method allows you to approach the reading as a dynamic flow where the energies of the cards interact, counteract, or support each other.
4.2.2. Opposite and complementary cards
Some cards share natural affinities, and when they appear together, they can amplify a certain interpretation or theme. Combinations of cards that support each other often strengthen the positive or negative aspects of the situation, highlighting clear trends or advice for the querent.
Identifying cards that present contradictory elements is essential to detect tensions or challenges at the heart of the question. These oppositions often reveal internal or external conflicts and can point to obstacles to overcome or compromises to find.
4.2.3. Position in the reading
The meaning of a card can vary considerably depending on its position in a reading. Each position can represent a different aspect of the question, such as the past, present, future, hidden influences, or possible outcomes. Understanding how the position affects the meaning of the cards allows you to contextualize their message and provide specific interpretations that are directly applicable to the querent's life phase or current circumstances.
4.3. Special readings
Each reading has its specificities depending on your questions and the cards presented. There can also be some special readings that carry just as much meaning, notably the "non-mixed" readings, which do not include certain cards.
| Absence of Major Arcana | A spread without Major Arcana suggests that the situation or period in question is largely influenced by everyday concerns or immediate problems, rather than major themes or life changes. These cards indicate interactions, events, or feelings that are more down-to-earth and directly related to the querent's current life. |
| Absence of Minor Arcana | A spread composed only of Major Arcana indicates that the situation or period examined is influenced by major forces and significant events. The Major Arcana are often associated with important life lessons, karmic themes, profound changes, and powerful psychological or spiritual forces. Their exclusive presence suggests that the issues at stake are large-scale and have a considerable impact on the querent's life path. |
| Absence of court cards | Without the presence of court cards, the spread emphasizes more universal themes and general dynamics rather than specific individuals or relationships. Spiritual questions, important life lessons, and significant developments may be highlighted. |
| Absence of numbered cards | The absence of numbered cards suggests that the question asked or the situation at hand is less concerned with concrete details or practical aspects, and instead focuses on qualities or fundamental principles. The symbolic and conceptual aspects of the Major Arcana and court cards may be more relevant in this context. Questions of destiny, personal growth, and spirituality can take center stage. |
5. To conclude
If you have reached the end of this file, I can understand that you might feel overwhelmed by the information. But remember one thing: tarot is a tool that will guide you in moments of doubt or uncertainty. You just need to ask the right question or questions. Above all, trust yourself and focus on your concerns to allow your reading to provide the expected answers.
Also, like any divination method, the answer must be interpreted by considering the composition of the spread, the influence of the cards on each other, and so on.
But rest assured, whatever tarot deck interests you on our site, each comes with a clear and simple explanatory booklet. And now, you already know the theoretical basics. All that's left is to seek out your answers!
