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Author: Shana Diamond

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of reading tarot cards is how subjective it is. It is both fortunate and unfortunate that there is no simple formula for interpreting the tarot.

Reading tarot cards is an art that combines skill and practice with intuition and emotion, making it a particularly challenging undertaking. The same card may have different meanings depending upon its context, placement in the spread, and the situation being asked about.

Combine this with the fact that there are, usually, 78 cards in the traditional tarot deck, infinite spreads (card layouts), and hundreds (if not thousands) of different decks, it’s understandable that some people spend their entire life honing their tarot reading skills.

The good news is that it’s totally doable – and totally fun! Reading tarot cards can be incredibly satisfying, not to mention useful. Along the way, you will learn more about yourself than you thought possible, and will give you a sense of accomplishment and “inside” knowledge.

Like a Language

You can compare the tarot with a language. Can anyone ever know every meaning of every single word in any language? Of course not. So with Tarot. It is a language in itself – a language of symbols.

Just as an individual word can have multiple meanings, so can every individual card. Beyond simple definitions, every word can have multiple connotations which vary with the context of its usage and even the tone of the speaker.

Ever heard, “It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it”? This applies to every language and no less to the tarot.

Can anyone read tarot cards? Sure they can. But just like learning a foreign language, some will seem to have a natural talent for it, while others may struggle. And just like a foreign language, there’s more to it than just memorizing lists of vocabulary and verb conjugations.

To be fluent in tarot, to be able to pull poetry from a spread, it takes an appreciation for the finer nuances of the symbolic language, and practice, practice, practice. Even Shakespeare worked at his art, and so must the tarot reader.

The key to successfully reading tarot is in honest study and sharpening your natural intuition. You know that feeling you get “in your gut” sometimes, that no one can really explain? To be able to effectively interpret a tarot spread, you have to trust your gut. Doing so will probably take some practice.

When seen this way, we see that tarot is more than just a memorization of card meanings. It also involves confidence, trust, and dedication. Most taroists meditate regularly, to become more adept at hearing, and understanding, their subconscious minds.

Learn the Symbols, Listen to Your Heart

There are essentially only two parts to learning the tarot: studying the symbols and learning to tap into that special part of you that is connected to the whole of the universe. Obviously, this is a gross oversimplification of the process, but it is the framework upon which successful tarot reading is built.

Learn the Symbols

In the basic tarot deck, the symbols draw upon the western European magical tradition, and include ideas from Christian mysticism, Pagan mythology, astrology, numerology, alchemy, and Kabbalah. One could spend an entire lifetime studying these traditions, but a comprehensive understanding is not necessary to successful tarot reading.

A basic understanding however, is required. Before we jump into the more analytical side of things, it’s important that you take a deep breath and connect.

Listen to Your Heart

Learning to listen to your subconscious is crucial. There are countless exercises and meditations designed to help you learn to listen. Since meditation is an art itself, and can be very frustrating to beginners, a good place to begin is to think of each card as a piece of art.

Most of us have stood in front of a painting and just looked. You don’t have to understand color theory and composition to appreciate beautiful art. It certainly helps, but it’s not a prerequisite. Go ahead and try it now:

Listening Exercise

• Get a pencil and piece of paper. You’re about to start your tarot journal. (Want a special notebook for this? Check out the fabric covered pads from Tarot Totes
• Pull a card from your tarot deck. Any card will do.
• Now look at it. Don’t worry about its divinatory meaning, the symbolic tradition. Just look at it. Let the card’s imagery draw you in.
• What do you feel? Can you describe the colors? Does the image remind of you something – a feeling, a dream, a person, a memory? What’s the first thing that pops into your mind?
• Before you forget the sensation, write down which card you pulled, and then your initial reactions to it.

You’re done! It’s that simple. You may want to look up the meaning of that card and compare it with what you felt. Though every card’s meaning is basically standardized, your own interpretation will color and highlight how you read the card.

That’s what’s so beautiful about tarot – every reader, and every reading is unique and personal. Without your own spin on it, a card is just a piece of paper with some pretty pictures on it.

During your “Learning the Tarot” journey it’s always a good idea to journal. Since you’re essentially learning a new language – a symbolic language – taking notes is never a bad idea.

Years from now you’ll be able to look back a see how far you’ve come. It’s a journey that will change you forever.

For more advice on reading tarot cards and for all the supplies you’ll need, try Tarot Cards from Tarot Totes.

About the Author:

With a B.A. in archaeology and a lifelong fascination with history, the occult, and languages, Shana Diamond has a wealth of information to offer the world. From flint-knapping to spell-casting, her unique and varied skill set gives her an invaluable perspective on both practical and arcane topics. She currently owns and operates RavensWell Wiccan Supplies and writes in her spare time.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Learning to Read Tarot Cards: Some Basic Advice

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Strength card from the Rider-Waite deck

Author: Victor Epand

The card of Strength is not referring to the physical attribute of that characteristic. The strength at work here is of character- the proper control of emotions and desires. This card symbolizes patience, courage, action and determination.

Aspects that are not associated with this card are compassion, nurturing and forgiveness. It is all about control of the self and of the surroundings.

There is a deep seated power here, one that moves softly but victoriously. This state of being is achieved by properly controlling your emotional side with your more rational mental prowess.

If this card appears in a tarot reading, whatever goals you are after can be accomplished if you are willing to be patient.

The Hermit from the Rider-Waite deck

The Hermit has a purposeful reason for shutting himself off from the world. He isn’t just an antisocial miser. He is trying to find his inner truth with only the help of a small lantern and the sound of the voice within.

The world’s distractions can obscure that truth and make it harder to utilize those helping tools. He has already done much work towards calming his internal chaos but the external chaos around him is preventing the task from being completed.

It is a purposeful and necessary isolation. When the job is done, he will return to the world enlightened.

If this card appears in your tarot reading, now is the time for self reflection- to figure out who you truly are and what you long to be. If the card refers to a specific problem, that issue will need to be resolved before any other progress can be made. If the card refers to a person, a mentor may be about to enter your life and guide you towards self discovery.

Wheel of Fortune from the Rider-Waite deck

Though it bears the same name as a cheesy televised game show, the Wheel of Fortune is energy in its most potent form. This is the charge behind our lives, the catalyst that sets the duo of fate and destiny in motion. The shape of the wheel is representative of the life cycles that we all must pass through in our quest to a proper life and enlightenment.

Fate and destiny seem to be things that we cannot predict but we can. But tarot readings and other divinity methods can clue us in to our destinies and fate operates on that cycle. Every beginning has an end- and a new beginning right after that.

Change is unavoidable and should be embraced and learned from. When the bad spells are overwhelming you, bear in mind that it is only a matter of time before the good times get their turn.

Justice from the Rider-Waite deck

Justice is not referring to the laws and rules created and enforced by man. He presides over the unchanging laws of the universe that keep things operating as they are meant to. Cause and effect are one of the areas that Justice is in control over.

Though we have long since figured out the relationship between these aspects, we are still not able to predict what exact effect will be brought about by every cause. Naturally, karma would also be a law that Justice would enforce.

If you behave in a positive manner, positive things will return to you. If you behave in a negative manner, beware what will come back.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for magic, art, and Tantra. You can find the best marketplace for magic, art, and Tantra at these 3 sites for tarot cards, art, and Tantra.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Four Important Cards in the Major Arcana of a Tarot Deck

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Page of Pentacles from the Rider-Waite deck

Author: Victor Epand

The Page of Pentacles represents a youthfulness that can bear the weight of responsibility on his grounded shoulders. He can manage wealth better than almost anyone else.

If this card comes in a tarot reading about an event, he is referring to a material or occupation oriented matter. Good fortune awaits you in one of these areas.

If the card refers to a person, it is someone who would be considered an “old soul” or wise beyond their years. They work hard, apply common sense and would never be considered a risk taker. He is the master of seeing an opportunity in the weeds and reaching for it.

If there is a team project or a large responsibility around the corner, the Page will provide the strength, energy and insight needed to deal with it effectively.

Knight of pentacles from the Rider-Waite deck

The Knight of Pentacles is a man of action—but thoughtful action, which isn’t the case with the other knights in the deck. He considers a situation thoroughly before acting but when it comes time to charge forward, he does so with tremendous force.

Dedicated, loyal and true to his word this Knight is willing and able to shoulder any amount of responsibility. Persistence could be his middle name. He is a man of tradition and logic and may find himself annoyed by those who would be considered dreamers.

He always achieves success with his ethical approach and strength of character.

Queen of Pentacles from the Rider-Waite deck

The Queen of Pentacles is maternal and fertile. Whatever wealth she has was gained through her kind and generous nature. This card can either represent an aspect of self or another person in a tarot reading. Intuition, dedication, love and happiness are what she is devoted to.

The weak spot in her facade is that she clings to notions of security. Trust and security are hallmark to her.

Material wealth is not a priority. The Queen is often portrayed as a mother, whether she actually has children or not, due to her caring nature and dedication to the home and family.

King of Pentacles from the Rider-Waite deck

The King of Pentacles has enough wealth to spread around and does so. This card is representative of another person or a part of the self in a tarot reading.

The King encourages others to behave as he has since it obviously turned out well for him. He is true to his word but unlike the Knight doesn’t take on responsibility just because he wants to. The King wants a profit.

Intelligence and experience make him a responsible businessman who gets what he wants in a respectable fashion. Like the Queen, he is concerned with security but finds it in the material world.

He is dutiful, traditional but adaptable and normally not prone to bouts of temper. If someone deceives him, the punishment will be great.

The King is the endpoint of a stage of success, a sign that effort can be suspended and wealth enjoyed for the time being. There is no negativity bogging this success down and the freedom of generosity can be expressed.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for magic, art, and Tantra. You can find the best marketplace for magic, art, and Tantra at these 3 sites for tarot cards, art, and Tantra.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Pentacles Court Cards of a Tarot Deck

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• Wands Court Cards in a Tarot Deck (0)

Ace of Wands from the Rider-Waite deck

Author: Victor Epand

Tarot card decks are divided into the Major and Minor Arcane. The Minor Arcane, which deals with everyday or common occurrences, is made up of fifty six cards divided into four elemental suits: Wands (fire), Cups (water), Swords (air) and Coins (earth).

Each suit contains ten cards that start with Ace, followed by two then proceeding on to ten. Then there are four court cards: the Page, Knight, Queen and King.

The Ace of the suit sums up the overall theme. The numbered cards in the center clarify what has or will happen and what can be done. The personifications of the court cards represent ways we can exist in the world and how that tactic could benefit or harm us. In certain Tarot patterns, they represent real people- either ourselves or someone we interact with.

The suit of Wands carries overall themes of action, creativity and movement. Fire is the associated element and its presence indicates passion, energy and being tested. The court cards of Wands introduce characters that can be recognized externally or internally.

They are more concerned with attributes than occurrences. Occurrences can be gleamed from other cards and approached with the knowledge of what court card personality will be available to take on the situation.

Page of Wands from the Rider-Waite deck

The Page of any suit is spontaneous and pleasure oriented like a young child. The Page of Wands is all about passion for life.

Internal energy can provide the fuel for conquering fears, habits and achieving freedom. This card is assertive and carries confidence and action.

The card will normally not come up in relation to an event—usually referring to either yourself or another person.

Knight of Wands from the Rider-Waite deck

The Knight of Wands is warm, generous, energetic, humorous, optimistic and enthusiastic. There is also a morality to this knight in shining armor including a desire to protect the vulnerable.

Dragons can be slain, doubts torn to bits and obstacles put behind you if this card comes up in your Tarot reading.

He does have a tendency to swing from one extreme to another, and balance can be a key to make sure his energy doesn’t become a runaway train.

Queen of Wands from the Rider-Waite deck

Determination and ambition mark the Queen of Wands. This card normally comes up in a Tarot reading after significant traumas have taught valuable lessons.

Loyal, honest, proud and forceful The Queen makes a good friend but strong foe. Her presence can signify to do absolutely anything if the will is great enough.

She is as capable as the King but has the quiet force of feminine energy.

King of Wands from the Rider-Waite deck

The King of Wands carries some of the same morality and nobility as the Knight. The King is connected with nature, mature, faithful and realistic. He has the strength to move through the obstacles of life while picking up the weak and carrying them on his back.

There can be a delay of action associated with this Tarot card stemming from an inability to wisely pick battles and overanalyzing.

Overall, the King is masculine strength and capability personified.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for magic, art, and Tantra. You can find the best marketplace for magic, art, and Tantra at these 3 sites for magic, art, and Tantra.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Wands Court Cards in a Tarot Deck

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Page of Swords from the Rider-Waite deck

Author: Victor Epand

The Page of any suit has a childlike personality about it. Of all the Pages, this is the most mature and capable but it maintains much of the lightness and whimsy of childhood.

This tarot card can represent an event, a part of you or an aspect of another person. It is typically a positive minded card, representing mental power and insight.

There is also an investigative nature at work here but usually not in a detrimental way. Balance and strength of heart exist in this card.

When this card shows up in a reading, you will have the clarity and diplomacy to make a decision regarding even the toughest decision.

Knight of Swords from the Rider-Waite deck

The Knight of Swords bears no resemblance to his little brother the Page. He is without emotion, hostile and a bringer of conflict. There is no fear here or chance of defeat.

His feelings of invincibility, while a negative on the whole, can give him the short term confidence needed to plow through an obstacle. There is no balance in judgment–but that can be a good thing.

Sometimes a situation can only be rectified by plowing straight through it without fear and with the knowledge that you can make it through to the other side unscathed. That said, the negative aspects of this card need to be watched so that they do not become overpowering and unproductive.

This card can represent an aspect of you, another person or an event.

Queen of Swords from the Rider-Waite deck

The Queen of Swords has an emotional side but you’ll never see it—even though it does influence her decisions. The majority of times that this card shows up in a tarot reading it is representing another person.

She is able to see through to the heart of a situation and sense even the most subtle deception. She holds honesty and truth higher than all other things.

She is often distant from others due to exacting standards and can suffer from negative self-worth feelings due to not living up to them herself. But her brilliant sense of humor can mask these feelings well for others.

She is symbolic of learning something from every situation and becoming a master of analysis.

King of Swords from the Rider-Waite deck

The King of Swords is the fairest judge you can find. Highly emotional, he is able to keep his feelings in check when making decisions.

Usually, this card represents another person in a tarot reading but it can occasionally be an aspect of self. He is a commander, a leader—someone that others follow out of trust.

He is capable of making the best decision for the group at whole. He is active and likely to make the first strike. His lack of empathy can come down harshly on those who break what he has deemed to be the rules.

When this card appears, the person it represents will draw attention of others as their leadership abilities and mental clarity become obvious. This is a person who takes charge of a room and leads them to battle. He is as far from being a wallflower as you can be.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for magic, art, and Tantra. You can find the best marketplace for magic, art, and Tantra at these 3 sites for tarot cards, art, and Tantra.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Swords Court Cards of a Tarot Deck

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Page of Cups from the Rider-Waite deck.

Author: Victor Epand

The Page of Cups takes on the most imaginative and emotional aspects of childhood. This person lives with their feet floating above the ground so that their head can remain firmly in the clouds.

If the card represents an event in your tarot reading, the event in question will likely have to do with a child—as in a pregnancy. But it can also be the birth of a relationship or new emotional state.

If the card represents another person or a part of you, it is representative of a romantic. Compassion, gentleness, and imagination define this person. They love peace and can’t always handle conflict. There is bravery under their dreamy fadade.

But there is also a moodiness and impracticality that stems from not being connected fully with reality. Under this card, dream big and dare to think the impossible can be possible.

Knight of Cups from the Rider-Waite deck.

The Knight of Cups does not gallop forward as quickly and boldly as the knights of the other suits. He travels slowly, calmly and with his intuition and emotional self acting as his guide.

He is often a messenger of love and opportunity. He can be the bearer of the beginning of a new relationship that bears a warning of not looking at it with too much idealism.

If this represents a person, expect them to be a romantic dreamer with a flirtatious side. They will be passionate and goal oriented.

They can’t tolerate those who don’t believe in them or their dreams. The Knight emphasizes moderation in dreaming and love.

Queen of Cups from the Rider-Waite deck.

The Queen of Cups is capable of a great deal of insight. A counselor, healer, psychic and shoulder to lean on all wrapped in one royal package. Her beauty is astonishing and her ability to attract others to her remarkable.

She is also a dreamer that can lose herself in those realms away from reality. She defines herself in part by her relationships and thus puts great weight on their success. Her intuitions into others and ability to show them what is there is astonishing but she isn’t always able to do the same for herself.

Depending on how this card shows up in a tarot reading, it can be a sign that you are not using your intuition enough or that you are relying on it too much.

King of Cups from the Rider-Waite deck

The King of Cups has a calm, glassy surface and a passionate fire burning below. He can be an advisor or healer, a fair judge, a sympathetic and compassionate ally.

Wise, romantic and confident, the King is nevertheless hiding much about himself. He has motives and an agenda. He can be selfish and to those that he draws near unfaithful. At heart, he is filled with insecurity and doubt.

When this card appears, use the King’s tolerance and fairness to solve whatever problems you are facing. Stay between his fire and water sides to not feel the negative effects of this card. After all, it is no better to drown than it is to burn.

About the Author:

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for magic, art, and Tantra. You can find the best marketplace for magic, art, and Tantra at these 3 sites for tarot cards, art, and Tantra.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Cups Court Cards of a Tarot Deck

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