for Beginners

Secrets of Tarot

Tarot Course

Contents

Tarot cards have ancient roots and have undergone a long evolution. There are several theories about the origins of Tarot cards.

One theory links Tarot to ancient Egyptian esoteric knowledge. It is believed that Tarot symbolism may be connected to the Egyptian Book of Thoth, the god of wisdom and knowledge. This was said to be a book containing symbolic illustrations and formulas used for divination and prediction. Some researchers suggest these images may have influenced the creation of modern Tarot cards.

However, it is important to note that there is no definitive historical evidence proving a direct connection to ancient Egypt. Many other cultures and historical periods may also have contributed to the development of this symbolic system.

1. The History of Tarot

The first documented references to Tarot appeared in Europe in the 14th century. One of the earliest mentions of playing cards potentially linked to Tarot is found in Italian archives in Ferrara, dating back to 1442. These archives mention a set of cards ordered for Duke Leonello d’Este of Milan.

n some 14th-century records, card games referred to as “triumphal” are mentioned. These games may have been precursors to Tarot decks.

Over time, Tarot evolved into a mystical and divinatory tool, especially from the 18th to 19th centuries, as it became associated with esoteric practices. Tarot began to be used for predicting the future, interpreting symbols, and uncovering hidden meanings.

In the 20th century, interest in Tarot grew significantly, particularly in the context of the New Age movement and popular culture. Numerous artists created unique Tarot decks, each reflecting their interpretation of symbols and archetypes.

Tarot is a mystical art associated with the use of a deck of cards for predicting the future, self-discovery, reflection, and communication with the subconscious. It combines elements of creativity, esoteric knowledge, psychology, analytics, and spiritual practice.

♦ Cards can be used in meditative practices to deepen awareness and gain intuitive insights.
♦ People can use the cards for self-exploration, reflecting on their thoughts, emotions, and behavior to better understand themselves and their inner processes.
♦ Tarot can be consulted to receive predictions and advice about the future in various areas of life, such as career, relationships, health, etc.
♦ Tarot can serve as a tool for consultations and support in helping others make important decisions.
♦ The art of Tarot is also a space for creative inspiration for artists, who may bring their own interpretations of the symbols and themes of Tarot to their work.

Overall, the art of Tarot represents a unique fusion of art, symbolism, and mysticism that continues to inspire and attract people worldwide.
The art of Tarot often reflects the cultural and historical influences of the era in which specific decks were created. For example, some decks may reflect the strong aesthetics of medieval or Renaissance iconography, while others may be more modern and abstract.

Marseille Tarot

Rider-Waite Tarot

The Rider-Waite Tarot is one of the most famous and widely used Tarot decks in the world. It was created in the early 20th century by Arthur Edward Waite, a British occultist, and Pamela Colman Smith, an artist and illustrator.

Arthur Waite aimed to create a new Tarot deck based on his research into esoteric symbolism. Waite provided Smith with detailed instructions regarding the symbolism and content of each card. Their collaboration resulted in a deck that combined the classic Tarot arcana with new illustrative elements, making it more accessible and understandable to the modern reader.

The deck was first published in 1910 by the publishing house “Rider & Son.” It was named the “Rider-Waite Tarot” in honor of the publisher William Rider and Waite himself. The deck gained widespread recognition for its original symbolism and detailed illustrations.

The Rider-Waite Tarot has become a standard in the world of Tarot and has significantly influenced many contemporary decks. Its symbolism and design are often used as the basis for other decks, and numerous treatises and instructional guides on Tarot are centered on this deck.

The Rider-Waite Tarot cards feature vivid and memorable illustrations, each filled with symbolism and archetypes. Each card carries its unique energy and significance, reflected in the imagery and arrangement of symbols.

The illustrations on the Rider-Waite Tarot cards are rooted in archetypal symbols and esoteric traditions such as Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and more. Every symbol holds meaning and contributes to a deeper understanding of the card.

The deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Minor Arcana (56 cards) and the Major Arcana (22 cards). However, some manufacturers include an “extra blank card.”

This card can serve various purposes depending on the preferences and methods of the Tarot reader. For example, it can be used to determine the deck’s readiness for divination or as an indicator that it is necessary to postpone the reading to a more suitable time. Alternatively, it may replace a lost card. Using the card as a spare allows for a creative and personal approach to Tarot readings, adding unique depth to the Tarot session.

The Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite Tarot form the first group of 22 cards in the deck. These cards represent key symbols and archetypes, reflecting the fundamental aspects of human experience and spiritual development.

In the deck, the Major Arcana begins with 0 instead of 1, which is unusual and sets it apart from some other Tarot decks. This decision was made by the deck’s creator, Arthur Waite, to emphasize the special significance and symbolic meaning of the first card, The Fool.

Many Tarot readers and practitioners consider the 22 cards of the Major Arcana in the Rider-Waite Tarot to represent the journey of the soul or spiritual path. This perspective is based on the traditional interpretation of Tarot, in which each card symbolizes various aspects of human experience and spiritual growth.

The journey of the soul through the Major Arcana is viewed as a process of initiation, where each card represents different stages of the path. Beginning with naivety and beginnings (The Fool) and ending with the realization of one’s essence (The World), each card carries its own lesson, challenge, or aspect for exploration. The path through the Major Arcana is seen as a deep journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and transformation.

Unlike the Minor Arcana, which often reflects everyday events and influences, the Major Arcana represents deeper and more universal themes.

Each card of the Major Arcana embodies its own unique archetype, which can be interpreted in various contexts. They reflect universal themes such as transformation, spiritual growth, new beginnings, love, wealth, balance, and inner harmony, covering many aspects of life.

Starting at zero has its own symbolic meaning. In Tarot, the number 0 is often associated with emptiness, potential, beginnings, and possibility. Thus, The Fool symbolizes the start of a journey or path yet to be traveled and represents the initial stage of spiritual growth.

Brief description of the Major Arcana (0–21)

(You can find a more detailed description of each card’s meanings on our website in the section
“Card Meanings and Interpretations.”)

The Minor Arcana consists of the remaining 56 cards of the deck, divided into four suits: Pentacles, Cups, Wands, and Swords. Each suit represents specific aspects of human life and is often used to interpret particular situations in divinatory practice.

1. Pentacles (or Coins): Represent the material world, finances, work, health, and everything connected to earthly aspects of life. This suit is often associated with prosperity, material success, financial stability, but it can also indicate financial difficulties, hardships, or instability.
2. Cups: Reflect the emotional sphere, feelings, relationships, and the inner world of a person. Cards in this suit can describe love, happiness, joy, as well as sadness, disappointment, loss, and emotional struggles.
3. Wands: Associated with the spiritual realm, energy, action, creativity, and the element of fire. This suit points to movement, activity, growth, but can also signal conflicts, tensions, or struggles for power.
4. Swords: Represent intellect, thought, mental processes, and communication. Cards in this suit can indicate clarity of thought, truth, decisiveness, but may also symbolize conflicts, disappointments, painful truths, and loss.

1. Numerical Arcana: Tarot includes cards from Ace to Ten, each of which has its own unique symbolic meaning and represents different aspects of human experience or fate.

• Aces symbolize beginnings, opportunities, ideas, and initial impulses.
• Twos represent duality, balance, choice, and union.
• Threes signify harmony, growth, creativity, and collaboration.
• Fours are associated with stability, foundations, and structure.
• Fives reflect challenges, change, instability, and adaptation.
• Sixes symbolize balance, fairness, harmony, and cooperation.
• Sevens signify self-reflection, wisdom, inner knowledge, and exploration.
• Eights represent movement, overcoming obstacles, goal achievement, and strategy.
• Nines are associated with the completion of cycles, high standards, spiritual understanding, and inspiration.
• Tens reflect the successful completion of processes, goal attainment, satisfaction, and renewal.

2. Court Cards, also known as “royal cards,” include the King, Queen, Knight, and Page for each of the four suits. These cards represent various aspects of human personality and energy, as well as different roles or aspects of life we might encounter:

• Kings embody strength, power, authority, and confidence. They symbolize leadership, resilience, and stability. Each King has unique energy corresponding to their suit.
• Queens symbolize intuition, emotional wisdom, care, and compassion. They may also reflect feminine energy and aspects of nurturing.
• Knights represent dynamism, action, passion, and ambition. They often indicate striving toward goals or addressing challenges.
• Pages are associated with new beginnings, exploration, learning, and communication. They frequently represent youthfulness, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas.

The Minor Arcana cards complement the Major Arcana with detailed and specific aspects that can either amplify or mitigate the reading, depending on their position in the spread.

(For a more detailed explanation of each card’s meanings, visit our website in the section “Card Meanings and Interpretations.”)

Working with Tarot cards is a highly individual process, as each person can find their own unique approach to this art.

Step 1: Choose a deck that feels right for you. As mentioned earlier, beginners are recommended to start with a classic deck, but you can explore other options and select the one that captures your attention and interest the most.
• Step 2: Study each card carefully after choosing your deck. Look at the illustrations, familiarize yourself with the symbolism and associations they represent, and understand the stories or emotions conveyed by the cards.
• Step 3: Decide how you want to use Tarot. Some people prefer to use Tarot for reflection and meditation, while others use it for divination and receiving insights. Define your goals and intentions in working with the cards.
• Step 4: Formulate clear questions or focus on specific issues when using Tarot. This helps better concentrate on your readings and interpret the cards correctly.
• Step 5: Create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for your readings. Many Tarot readers recommend meditating or grounding before beginning to elevate your energy and focus.
• Step 6: Trust your intuition during readings. It’s essential to connect with the cards and analyze their meanings based on your personal feelings and associations.

Remember that working with Tarot is a personal practice, and there are no absolute rules. The most important thing is to maintain focus, trust your intuition, and allow the cards to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Reading Tarot cards is a process that requires intuitive perception and understanding. Trust your intuition and allow your inner voice to guide you during card interpretation.

When using Tarot cards, it’s not only important to know the meanings of individual cards but also to analyze and interpret their combinations, as well as their interactions within a specific spread. It’s also crucial to consider the position of each card in the spread and its significance in that particular position and orientation. Some Tarot readers include reversed card meanings in their practice.

• Adding Depth and Nuance: Reversed cards can add additional layers and subtleties to a reading, enriching your understanding of the situation. They may highlight hidden or overlooked aspects that aren’t apparent in the upright position.
• Drawing Attention to Obstacles and Challenges: Reversed cards can point to obstacles, challenges, or shortcomings in realizing the positive aspects of the upright card. This helps to better understand the situation and prepare for potential difficulties.
• Improving Precision and Specificity: Reversed cards can point to more specific aspects of a situation, making the reading more detailed and informative.
• Revealing Deeper Personal and Situational Aspects: Reversed cards may indicate inner problems or personality shortcomings that should be considered during self-analysis. They help uncover deeper aspects of yourself and the surrounding world.

• Difficulty in Interpretation: For beginner Tarot readers, interpreting reversed cards can be challenging and confusing. Understanding reversed meanings requires additional practice and experience.
• Variety of Practices: Some Tarot readers prefer not to use reversed cards, focusing only on upright meanings. This can be especially useful for those seeking a simpler and more straightforward approach to Tarot readings.

Ultimately, the use of reversed cards in Tarot is a matter of individual preference for each Tarot reader. Some find these additional nuances enriching, while others prefer to stick to the upright meanings.

One of the essential aspects of interpreting Tarot spreads is the interaction between the Major and Minor Arcana. Here are some ways the Major Arcana can influence the Minor Arcana in readings:

• Core Themes and Energy: Major Arcana cards often represent overarching themes, key moments, and significant events in life. They highlight broader tendencies or critical aspects of a person’s life, while the Minor Arcana provide context and details.
• Emphasis of Meaning: Major Arcana cards can amplify or modify the meaning of the Minor Arcana they appear alongside. For instance, the Wheel of Fortune near a Cups card might signify an emotional shift or flow of change.
• Supportive Interpretation: Major Arcana cards can add depth or nuance to the Minor Arcana, revealing hidden aspects or providing a holistic view of the situation.
• Focus and Attention: In spreads, Major Arcana cards often demand more attention and highlight the most important elements of the reading.
• Intuitive Signals: Major Arcana cards can give intuitive cues about what’s happening on a deeper level, helping to uncover the underlying issues or opportunities in the reading.

Reading Tarot involves not only knowing the individual meanings of cards but also analyzing and interpreting their combinations. This requires the ability to see how cards interact and influence each other within a spread.

1. Symbol Analysis: Examine the symbolism of each card in combination. What images, colors, and elements dominate? How do they relate to one another? For example, the Moon (Major Arcana) paired with the Nine of Pentacles (Minor Arcana) might indicate the need for introspection to achieve material success.
2. Intuitive Perception: Allow your intuition to guide you to the most profound understanding of what the cards collectively express.
3. Combination of Key Cards: Focus on creating clusters of cards that highlight critical themes or possible connections. For example, pairing the World card with the Six of Cups might point to finding closure through emotional nostalgia.
4. Position in the Spread: A card’s position in the spread matters. For instance, a reversed Justice card in an outcome position may suggest unresolved issues, whereas in a challenge position, it might indicate a need for self-reflection.
5. Contrasts and Highlights: Look for contrasts, such as a combination of high-energy and low-energy cards, which can indicate conflict or balance.
6. Reinforced Meanings: Repeating themes across multiple cards can emphasize the importance of a particular aspect.

7. Practice and Study: The more you practice interpreting spreads, the more intuitive and confident you’ll become.

Remember, each reading is unique, and the meanings of the cards may change based on the context and the reader’s intuition.

The world of Tarot offers numerous spreads that can be used to answer various types of questions or explore specific aspects of life.

For those just starting with Tarot, it is recommended to begin with simple and easy-to-understand spreads. Simple spreads help you grasp the basic aspects of card interpretation and develop your intuitive understanding of Tarot symbolism. Gradually, as you progress, you can experiment with more complex spreads and reading techniques.

The One-Card Tarot Spread is a simple yet effective way to get a brief answer to a specific question or gain insight into a current situation.
1. Take your Tarot deck and focus on your question or the situation you’d like to explore further.
2. Shuffle the deck, think about your question or chosen topic, close your eyes, and concentrate on it.
3. Draw one card from the deck. This can be the top card, or you can randomly select one that catches your attention.
4. Examine the card and analyze its symbolism, colors, imagery, and associations.
5. Reflect on how these elements connect to your question or situation.
6. Interpret the card’s meaning in the context of your query or situation.
7. Note any insights that come to you during the card’s analysis.

By regularly drawing a single card and analyzing its meaning, you can gradually develop your intuition and deepen your connection with the Tarot deck.

This spread can be used not only for divination but also for meditation. Observe the card, focus on its symbols and associations, and allow your thoughts to wander freely. This can lead to profound understanding, insight, or relaxation.

No matter how you choose to use the one-card spread, it’s essential to remain open to interpretation and trust your intuition when analyzing the card and receiving its message.

The Three-Card Spread is a common and versatile way to use Tarot for obtaining a more detailed and in-depth answer to a question or analyzing a situation.

Steps to Perform the Spread:
1. Focus on Your Question: Take time to clearly define your question or topic. Formulate it as specifically as possible.
2. Draw Three Cards: Shuffle the deck while concentrating on your question, then draw three cards.
3. Arrange the Cards: Lay the cards in a row or any order that feels comfortable. Each card will represent a specific aspect of the situation or answer.
• Card 1 (Left): Represents the past or the roots of the situation. It helps to understand how past events or influences are affecting the current state.
• Card 2 (Middle): Reflects the present or the current state of the situation. It highlights active factors or forces at play.
• Card 3 (Right): Represents the future or the possible outcome. It shows trends, potential developments, or results depending on the current course of action.
4. Analyze the Cards:
• Interpret each card individually, focusing on its meaning in the context of its position.
• Examine the relationships between the cards, noting how they connect and build a cohesive message.
• Pay attention to colors, symbols, and emotions depicted on the cards, as well as their placement and interaction.

The three-card spread is straightforward but rich in depth, making it ideal for exploring questions with clarity and gaining actionable insights.

The Cross Spread allows for a deeper understanding of various aspects of a situation, including its past, present, and future, as well as the internal and external factors influencing it.

Card Positions and Their Meanings:
1. Card 1 (Center): Represents your current state or the main theme of the question. It is the central focus around which all other cards will be interpreted.
2. Card 2 (Above the Center Card): Reflects the influence of the past on your current situation. This could include past experiences, energies, or factors that continue to play a role in your life.
3. Card 3 (Below the Center Card): Indicates future trends or influences that may impact your situation going forward.
4. Card 4 (To the Left of the Center Card): Represents internal factors or aspects of your personality that may be affecting the situation. This could include feelings, thoughts, or beliefs.
5. Card 5 (To the Right of the Center Card): Depicts external factors or surrounding conditions that might influence your situation, such as events, people, or the environment.

Interpretation:

Once all the cards are revealed:
• Interpret each card’s meaning within the context of its position.
• Analyze the relationships and connections between the cards to uncover deeper insights.
• Pay attention to the colors, symbols, and emotions depicted on the cards, as well as their placement and interactions.

This spread provides a holistic view of the situation, helping you to see how internal and external influences interplay with past, present, and future elements.

Several tips for creating your own Tarot spread:

• Explore existing spreads: The first step can be studying various Tarot spreads that already exist. This will help you understand the basic principles and structure of spreads, as well as determine what you like or dislike about them.
• Define the purpose of your spread: Ask yourself why you want to create your own spread. For example, you may want to gain deeper insights that consider specific aspects of your life or situation.
• Consider the number of cards and their layout: Decide how many cards you want to use in your spread and how they will be arranged. Will you stick to a standard number of cards, or do you want to modify their quantity and positioning?
• Connect each position to a specific question or aspect: For each position in your spread, determine what aspect of the situation or question it will represent. This will help you clearly define what each card will signify.
• Test your spread: Once you’ve created your spread, start using it in practice. Conduct readings for yourself or friends to ensure that your spread is effective and easy to understand.
• Make adjustments: Based on your experience and feedback, make changes to your spread as needed. You can modify the number of positions, their arrangement, or the questions associated with them to make your spread more accurate and useful.

Creating your own Tarot spread is a process that may take time and experimentation, but it can be rewarding and help you better understand and use Tarot cards in your practice.

11 Tips for Beginner Tarot Readers