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How to read tarot cards

I Tarot cards are an ancient divination system that uses a series of cards to provide information and advice on important life issues. This system was developed in 15th century Italy and has been used by many people over the centuries.

Reading Tarot cards may seem complicated, but it's actually very simple. You don't need to be an expert to learn how to read Tarot cards, but it takes some practice and study.

What are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards divided into two categories: the 22 Major Arcana and the 56 Minor Arcana. Each card has a symbolic image that represents a situation, event, or person.

The Major Arcana represent important events in life such as birth, death, love, and justice. The Minor Arcana represent more specific aspects of daily life such as work, family, and relationships.

How do Tarot Cards Work?

To read Tarot cards, you shuffle the deck and randomly draw some of them. The cards are then interpreted based on their position and symbolic meaning.

For example, if the Emperor card is drawn during a reading, it could represent an authority figure in the consultant's life. If instead the Tower card is drawn, this could indicate a traumatic event or an impending crisis.

  • Note: It's important to remember that Tarot cards do not predict the future in a precise and definitive way, but only provide advice and suggestions for facing life's challenges.

The History of Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are an ancient deck of playing cards that over the centuries have become a very popular divination tool. Their origin is uncertain and there are several theories about how they were created.

Uncertain Origins

Some scholars believe that Tarot cards were invented in 15th century Italy as a simple card game. However, others argue that their original use was to symbolically represent the entire range of human experiences.

The first known Tarot decks date back to the 15th century and contained only 16 cards. Later, the deck evolved to reach the 78 cards we know today. In the 18th century, Tarot cards became very popular in France and were used for divinatory purposes.

Esoteric Symbols

Tarot cards are known for their rich esoteric symbolism. Each card has a specific meaning and can be interpreted differently depending on the context of the reading.

For example, the Emperor card represents authority and power, while the Moon card symbolizes the unconscious mind and femininity. Some cards also have opposite meanings: for example, the Death card can represent the end of a cycle or the beginning of a new one.

Modern Usage

Today, tarot cards are still widely used as a divination tool. Many people turn to tarot cards to gain perspective on their life and the choices they must face. However, tarot cards are also appreciated as works of art and many collectors seek out antique and rare decks.

  • The history of tarot cards is long and complex, but their allure has never faded.
  • The esoteric symbols of the cards can offer a profound insight into human life.
  • Nowadays, tarot cards are still used as a divination tool and are highly valued as works of art.

The Meanings of the Cards

To understand how to read tarot cards, it's important to know the meaning of each card. Each card has a different interpretation, which can vary depending on its position within the spread.

The Major Arcana Cards

The Major Arcana cards represent the deepest aspects of human existence and consist of 22 numbered cards from 0 to 21. Some of the Major Arcana cards include:

  • The Fool: represents the beginning of a new path or adventure
  • The Empress: symbolizes fertility, creativity, and maternal love
  • The Hanged Man: indicates a situation of suspension or necessary sacrifice to achieve a goal
  • The Tower: represents the destruction of old structures to make way for new opportunities
  • The Sun: symbolizes happiness, vitality, and abundance

The Minor Arcana Cards

The Minor Arcana cards consist of four suits: cups, swords, wands, and pentacles. Each suit has ten numbered cards from 1 to 10 and four court cards: page, knight, queen, and king. Some of the meanings of the Minor Arcana cards include:

  • Cups: represent love, emotions, and spirituality
  • Swords: symbolize rational thinking, truth, and justice
  • Wands: indicate action, creativity, and change
  • Pentacles: represent money, work, and material prosperity

Remember that these are just some examples of interpretations of tarot cards. Each reading is unique and depends on the spread of the cards and the context of the question asked by the querent. With practice and experience, you will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the meaning of tarot cards.

How to Prepare for a Reading

Before starting to read tarot cards, it's important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Here are some useful tips:

1. Find a quiet and private place

Find a place where you can be quiet and focus on the reading. Make sure you have enough space to lay out the cards and take your time without interruptions.

2. Choose a tarot deck that resonates with you

There are many types of tarot decks, each with their own energy and symbolism. Choose a deck that resonates with you personally and that you feel comfortable with.

3. Ask the querent to express their question

Ask the querent to clearly express their question or the topic they want information on through the tarot reading. This will help both you and the querent focus on the objective of the reading.

4. Set the intention for the reading

Before starting the reading, take a moment to set the intention. This means that you need to establish the goal of the reading and ask the cards to provide you with the necessary information to achieve it.

5. Take time to connect with the cards

Before starting the reading, take a moment to connect with the cards. You can do this by holding them in your hands and focusing your energy on them. This will help you create a stronger connection with the cards and interpret their messages more accurately.

6. Be open to the information you receive

Finally, it is important to be open to the information we receive through tarot readings. Even if we don't always like the answers we get, we must accept them as part of our personal and spiritual growth process.

  • Remember to stay focused and present during tarot readings.
  • Don't rush and take the time needed to interpret each card.
  • Be kind to yourself and to the querent during the reading.

By following these tips, you will be ready to make an effective and emotionally satisfying tarot reading.

How to read the cards

To read tarot cards, you must first choose the deck of cards you prefer. There are many decks to choose from, but the most common ones are the Rider-Waite deck and the Tarocco Italiano deck.

After choosing your deck, it is important to know the meanings of the cards. Each card represents a different symbol and has a specific meaning. For example, the Fool card represents the beginning of a new journey or adventure, while the Death card represents the end of a cycle or transformation.

Once you have familiarized yourself with the meanings of the cards, you can start doing a reading. Here's how:

1. Focus on your question

Before starting to shuffle the cards, focus on your question. Make sure it is clear and specific. The more precise your question, the more precise will be the result of the reading.

2. Shuffle the cards

Shuffle the cards until you feel ready to stop. Some people prefer to cut the cards instead of shuffling them, so choose what works best for you.

3. Draw the cards

Draw a certain number of cards from the deck, depending on the type of reading you are doing. For example, for a three-card reading, draw the first three cards from the deck.

4. Read the Cards

Now that you have drawn the cards, begin to read them. Look at each card individually and try to interpret its meaning in relation to your question. Then look at the entire set of cards and try to see how they connect with each other.

Remember that tarot reading is not an exact science and there are many different interpretations for each card. There is no one right or wrong answer, so try to use your intuition and personal experience to guide you in reading the cards.

  • If you have difficulty interpreting the cards, try referring to the accompanying book of your tarot deck for more information on individual cards.
  • Practice reading tarot regularly to improve your understanding and develop your intuition.

Conclusion

Reading tarot can be a useful way to gain greater insight into your life and future. Knowing the meanings of the cards and having a good understanding of how to read them is essential for accurate readings. Always remember that tarot reading takes practice and patience, but over time you can become an expert in reading tarot cards.

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Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.