Published 16/12/2022 by Joanne Jones
Tarot cards have been used for centuries and have a rich and complex history. Their origins can be traced back to the 15th century in Italy, where they were first used as playing cards.
However, it was in the 18th century that tarot cards, as we know them today, became popular as a tool for divination and spiritual guidance.
People often ask how many cards are in a tarot deck, as there are many variations. However, the most complete decks consist of 78 cards, divided into two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana consists of 22 trump cards, each with its unique symbol and spiritual message. At the same time, the Minor Arcana is divided into four suits – Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles – containing 56 numbered cards, Aces plus four court cards, Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings.
There are many bespoke tarot decks; the most common deck is the Rider-Waite tarot deck.
Each card has images that are usually symbolic and may include scenes from nature, such as animals, plants, or trees and figures representing religious figures or spiritual entities. Each card is numbered and often features astrological symbols or traditional playing cards suits like hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
Each card in the Tarot deck has a unique interpretation based on the combination of symbols in the artwork.
Tarot cards have been used for centuries to provide insight and guidance on various aspects of life, such as love, career, and spirituality.
These cards are steeped in symbolism and are believed to tap into the deeper subconscious mind to reveal hidden truths and potential outcomes.
Getting a tarot reading is relatively easy nowadays, as there are many online tarot reading services you can call from the comfort of your own home and at a time that suits you.
Before seeking out a tarot reader, it is essential to ensure they are reputable and experienced in their craft. Reading customer reviews or asking for recommendations from friends can help with this process.
Tarot cards can offer guidance and potential paths for individuals seeking clarity in life. The insights gained from reading can provide a fresh perspective, open up new possibilities in life, and gain a greater understanding of oneself. It's important to remember that one's free will ultimately determine the outcomes of your own personal situation.
The use of tarot has existed since at least the 14th century though its exact origin remains unknown. It was likely developed from a combination of esoteric traditions such as astrology, numerology, and alchemy, which were popular then.
Throughout the 20th century, online tarot phone reading has grown more popular as people turn to it for spiritual guidance or simply an escape from everyday life.
The Hierophant Temperance Tarot The Sun The Star Tarot The Emperor Tarot The Magician Tarot Strength Tarot Justice Tarot The World Tarot The High Priestess The Hermit The Lovers The Fool The Hanged Man The Tower
The Knight of Pentacles The Knight of Wands The Queen of Pentacles The Page of Pentacles The Ace of Swords The Page of Wands The Ace of Cups The King of Cups The Ace of Wands The King of Swords The Ace of Cups King of Pentacles The Knight of Cups 9 of Pentacles 3 of Swords 10 of Cups 4 of Wands 6 of Wands 8 of Cups 4 of Cups 9 of Wands 7 of Wands 3 of Wands 6 of Swords 5 of Cups 10 of Wands 9 of Cups 5 of Swords 8 of Wands 5 of Pentacles 6 of Pentacles 8 of Pentacles 5 of Wands 6 of Cups 10 of Pentacles 4 of Pentacles Eight of Swords Ten of Swords Two of Wands Two of Pentacles Three of Pentacles Seven of Cups King of Wands
For centuries, tarot cards have been used for their divinatory meanings and spiritual insight. These cards feature unique images and symbols representing various aspects of the human experience, ranging from love and romance to career and personal growth.
By learning how to use these cards, you can tap into their power to gain valuable insight into all aspects of your life.
To begin, choosing a tarot deck that resonates with you is essential. Countless decks are available, each with a unique style and energy. Some decks are more traditional, featuring images from the Rider-Waite tarot deck, while others are more modern and eclectic.
Take some time to research different decks and find one that speaks to you.
Once you have your deck, it's time to start exploring the cards. There are typically 78 cards in a tarot deck, each with meaning and symbolism. The best way to learn these meanings is to study the cards individually and in relation to one another.
Many tarot books and online resources offer detailed interpretations of each card and guidance on how to read them in a spread or spread combination.
When you're ready to do a reading, it's important to centre yourself and focus your intention. You can light candles, burn incense, or meditate to help you connect with your intuition and the divine.
Once you feel grounded and centred, shuffle your cards and ask questions or set your intention.
Countless spreads range from simple three-card spreads to more complex layouts. As you lay out your cards, interpret their meanings to your current situation and how they relate to your question or intention.
Feel free to use your intuition and make connections between cards that may initially seem unrelated.
When using a pack of cards for readings, a person begins by asking a question they want an answer to or searching for guidance on something they need assistance with. As they draw and interpret each card in the spread, they can begin to connect with messages from their subconscious mind and higher self-guidance, allowing them clarity on any issues or decisions they face.
The tarot allows introspection and spiritual growth through meditation and contemplation on each card's meaning relating to any personal situation or experience.
When focusing on each card's symbolism along with the cards, one can better understand themselves and their current situation, leading one towards transforming life for the betterment of oneself.
Reading tarot is an art form that can take time and patience to learn. It starts with getting familiar with the different decks, as each deck has slightly different meanings and symbols associated with them.
Once you have chosen a deck, begin by familiarising yourself with the contemporary meaning of every single card. Learning these meanings can help you understand how the cards interact with each other as you lay them out in spreads (commonly used patterns for reading).
When laying out your cards, you must focus on your question or purpose and use intuition to interpret the cards. You do not need to follow strict interpretations or methods; instead, let your ideas guide you. This can be done through meditation, writing down free associations that come to mind, or just sitting quietly and noticing what thoughts arise while you look at the spread.
As you become more familiar with Tarot readings, there are some common spreads or patterns you may use for detailed readings; one popular spread is called the Celtic Cross Spread, which consists of ten cards spread out in a cross pattern.
Each card in this spread has its meaning, and when interpreted together, it provides insight into a person's life or situation.
There are other kinds of spreads depending on what type of reading you want: love readings often use Triangle Trusts consisting of three cards reflecting past-present-future. There is also the relationship tarot spread.
Health readings sometimes use Wheel of Fortune Spreads, which consists of seven cards representing various health-related aspects. Career Readings will sometimes use Ask Three Questions Spreads, where three cards answer three questions related to career decisions.
Tarot cards are real and are widely used as a tool by people interested in exploring their lives more deeply and gaining insight into making better choices for their growth and happiness.
They offer meaningful ways of discovering patterns within our lives while providing clarity on moving forward with positive intentions towards our goals.
While some people may remain sceptical about the efficacy of tarot card reading, a growing body of evidence suggests that reading can have real, tangible benefits.
Studies have shown that people who regularly engage in readings report higher levels of self-awareness, greater clarity of purpose, and increased confidence in their decision-making abilities.
Whether tarot cards are real is a complex question, as no scientific evidence supports their efficacy. The widespread use and popularity of tarot consultations suggest that many people find them valuable for gaining insight and guidance.
While there is no obvious answer as to how true a tarot reading may be, some believe that the accuracy of any given reading depends on the reader's interpretation of the cards being used.
For instance, if a reader has an intimate knowledge of symbolism and its relation to specific concepts or life situations, they may be more likely to interpret a spread accurately than someone who does not have such knowledge.
Readers can draw upon their intuition when interpreting the cards, allowing their insights and experiences to shape their understanding of each card's meaning.
People turn to the tarot for many reasons, such as to gain insight into their lives, clarity and understanding in difficult situations, or to seek guidance for decision-making. The cards have mysterious symbols that present archetypal themes, tapping into the collective unconsciousness and reflecting our innermost emotions and desires.
Different combinations of cards offer different interpretations and meanings, which an experienced reader can interpret.
Thousands of people believe that tarot readings are true because they can provide meaningful insight into us while offering direction and guidance when making decisions regarding life's biggest challenges. Combining ancient wisdom with modern psychology gives readers an unparalleled opportunity to access a spiritually deeper meaning unavailable through any other means.
Additionally, using intuitive skills alongside symbols found in numerology helps card readers accurately interpret what these cards mean for each person seeking guidance – making it possible for them to provide incredibly accurate readings every single time!
For thousands of years, people have asked whether tarot cards are bad. Some use the tarot to tap into their intuition and receive spiritual guidance.
They can be used to access deep wisdom within oneself or to gain insight into one's life path. However, they can be misunderstood or misused if not approached respectfully and cautiously.
There is an ongoing debate about the morality of tarot readings and whether they can be considered an occult practice. On one side of the argument, proponents feel they should not be viewed as anything other than a tool for self-discovery and guidance.
However, some believe using cards is a form of divination that can lead to spiritual danger. The truth is that there are no definitive answers regarding this issue since all person's beliefs and values will influence how they interpret any given situation.
The reality is that tarot is neither good nor bad; it all depends on how they are used. People who use them as part of their spiritual practices often find them helpful when exploring new ideas or looking for insights into their lives and relationships.
At the same time, those who view them as a form of fortune-telling may use them in ways that could harm themselves and others by making predictions based on incomplete information or giving false hopes to people seeking help.
The Death card is one of the most powerful in a tarot deck and symbolises the end of something and a new beginning.
It represents a transformation that can be sudden or gradual but is ultimately inevitable. The figure of 'Death' depicted on the card represents this change; it could be interpreted as the death of an old habit, relationship, job, or life stage.
Death in this context does not necessarily imply something negative; instead, it suggests that we should embrace change and accept it as part of life's cycle.
In a way, death symbolises rebirth and renewal in our lives, signifying that something needs to end before something new can start. In many cases, the Death card indicates that positive changes will soon occur if one accepts the need for such transformation.
Tarot readers often consider the Death card to symbolise growth and progress towards self-improvement and personal development. It may indicate growth opportunities which means leaving behind certain aspects of oneself or relationships to open space for new experiences and ideas.
Ultimately, embracing change brings about a greater understanding of oneself and opens potential paths to explore.
The meaning of the World tarot card is for fulfilment, success, and growth. It is about tapping into the power within oneself to manifest one's dreams, representing great success from completing a project or journey.
The card resonates with themes of wholeness, integration, mastery and achievement.
The illustration on the World Card is significant because it represents a state of unity and interconnectedness between all parts of life. It features a nude female figure surrounded by four living creatures representing different aspects of nature (such as fire, wind, water, and earth) in unified harmony.
At the centre of these four creatures is an ethereal wreath with symbols representing eternal life, including laurel leaves, flowers, rings, and an interlocking infinity symbol.
This visual representation speaks to the idea that all aspects of life must be balanced for true fulfilment to be achieved - physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional realms must be connected to create this fulfilling energy within us.
The meaning behind this card is one of universal stability; it encourages us to take our experiences from our past and use them as sources for progress in the present moment.
We can learn from our past mistakes and successes as we move into new phases to ensure success in whatever we embark on next. By embracing our linearity while recognising our infinite potential in each moment, we can access higher states of being where true fulfilment is achieved.
The meaning of the Fool tarot card is one of inner strength, trust, and intuition. It reflects the idea of taking a leap of faith and having the courage to follow your heart's desire.
This card can signify the need for change and taking risks to achieve something more significant. It can also be interpreted as a call to embark on a journey of self-discovery to uncover your true potential.
The Fool card depicts a figure standing at the edge of an abyss with a few possessions in hand and a white rose given as a gift from an angel. The figure also holds an open umbrella to protect him from any danger that may arise during his journey. The angel signifies divine guidance, while the open umbrella represents protection, representing that one's destiny may not always be known but will be protected by higher forces.
This reminds us to remain open-minded and embrace new opportunities, whether risky or uncertain. Taking time to reflect on our goals and desires is essential when deciding what path we should take in life, as this card also signifies that it's always possible to start fresh or make changes to become who you want to be.
The Fool card speaks about trusting oneself, believing in divine guidance, and taking risks without fear, regardless of how daunting the task may seem. It helps remind us that there is no failure, only lessons learned, so one must not be afraid of making mistakes along their journey towards self-realisation.
The meaning of the Lovers tarot card is a powerful symbol of partnership, connection, and love. It depicts two figures standing side-by-side, usually shown as an angel and a human figure in older designs, but sometimes as two humans.
The card features a third figure in the background, usually God or Cupid. The meaning behind this card reflects the union between physical and spiritual love. It represents our choices in relationships with ourselves, others, and our world. It can also signify a deep connection to yourself and your self-worth.
The Lovers card meaning symbolises harmony in relationships, both romantic and platonic. It encourages us to cultivate strong emotional bonds with those around us while respecting one another's individuality.
Regarding career, it speaks to networking opportunities that can help you reach goals more quickly; it also reminds you to stay true to yourself and what you believe in achieving success. Ultimately it speaks of unity between mind and body, heart and soul: both sides must be balanced to feel truly connected with someone else or with our inner selves.
The Star tarot card's meaning is hope, healing, and renewal. The intention is often associated with a new beginning in life and reminds us that all things are possible if we have faith and trust in ourselves.
The card can also represent spiritual guidance and insight, as the star appears shining down from the above heavens. More practically, it is associated with good luck and divine direction.
The Star card encourages us to look for hope in any situation we may find ourselves in; no matter how dark it may seem, there will always be something positive if we allow ourselves to find it. It also encourages us to trust our inner guidance system to move forward confidently on our chosen path.
Finally, this card reminds us to recognise all blessings that come into our life as signs that everything will work out for our highest good if we remain open-minded and optimistic about the future.
The Tower tarot card's meaning is disruption, upheaval, and unexpected change. It indicates that life may be about to enter a chaotic period where old structures and beliefs are tested and destroyed.
The Tower card often signals a transition from one stage of life to another. It can represent powerlessness or lack of control in one's life.
The Tower card also suggests that something thought to be solid and reliable is proving otherwise. The tarot card meaning denotes a sudden shock or surprise, sometimes connected to public humiliation or exposure. This could involve breaking an established relationship, financial loss, job loss or other significant changes or setbacks.
The meaning of the Devil tarot card indicates the darker aspects of life, including materialism and obsession. It serves as a reminder that while indulging in pleasure and passions can be satisfying now, it is essential to take responsibility for one's actions and not get too wrapped up in hedonism.
The Devil card is associated with addiction, obsession, escapism, and temptation. It encourages us to look honestly at our behaviours, habits, and relationships.
The image on the Devil card typically shows a horned figure with bat wings standing atop a pedestal flanked by two figures chained together. This suggests some bondage, restriction, or captivity from us or someone else. It reminds us that lower impulses and desires often enslave us, which can keep us from reaching our highest potential.
The meaning of the Empress tarot card is one of fertility, abundance, and love. Symbolically, The Empress card meaning represents feminine power, creativity, and the ability to create beauty out of chaos.
This impressive card usually signifies growth, development, prosperity, and abundance. It symbolises motherhood, fertility, and femininity. It can also refer to physical beauty or creative expression.
In readings, the Empress often functions as a reminder that abundance comes from within us - we are all potential creators if we only take the time to recognise our unique gifts. Additionally, it encourages us to be mindful of our responsibility towards ourselves and others - creating a balance between giving too much of ourselves away or holding onto everything tightly for fear of vulnerability.
Striking this balance allows for true joy and happiness in life that comes from inner happiness and harmony.
The Hierophant card is one of the essential powerful cards in the tarot deck, representing traditional values and beliefs, conformity to the masses, social norms, and spiritual guidance.
This card often symbolises religious or spiritual enlightenment, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of a higher power. The Hierophant is traditionally depicted as a male figure wearing robes and sitting on a throne-like chair with two others at his feet. He holds a staff in one hand, and two fingers of his other hand are raised in blessing.
He has an air of authority about him that marks him as an influential spiritual leader.
The Hierophant is associated with divine wisdom, virtue, and tradition – all things he embodies in himself. The Hierophant often encourages us to respect traditions for their timelessness and be open to seeking new paths of knowledge; his role is to help us find a balance between these two approaches. It can often be interpreted as a reminder that while striving for personal growth and development.
The Hierophant brings messages about inner truth, education, religious exploration, spirituality, and faith – whatever your individual beliefs. He encourages us to stay attuned to our inner wisdom and trust our intuition when making decisions or navigating life's challenges.
The Temperance tarot card meaning is symbolic of balance, moderation, and harmony within oneself and with the surrounding world. It is represented by an angel or figure with one foot in the water and the other on land, holding two cups being poured back and forth between them. This card indicates a need to find a middle ground and avoid extremes, whether in one's emotions, actions, or relationships.
When the Temperance card appears in a tarot reading, you may need to exercise restraint, patience, and self-control to overcome challenges and achieve goals. It also indicates that the querent may need to rely on their intuition and inner wisdom to make wise decisions and avoid impulsiveness or recklessness.
The Sun tarot card meaning indicates warmth, illumination, and vitality. It is depicted by a golden sun shining on a child riding a white horse, surrounded by sunflowers. This imagery is symbolic of clarity, energy, and rebirth.
The Sun card signifies success, joy, and positivity in a tarot reading. It is a sign that life will shine on the individual, and they can be confident in themselves and their abilities.
This card indicates that any obstacles or challenges faced in the past have been overcome, and the individual is now free to bask in their success.
The Sun card can also represent inner strength and a strong sense of self. It suggests that the individual is in tune with their intuition and inner wisdom. The Sun card is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always light and hope to be found.
The Hanged Man means, in tarot, a time of confusion. The card depicts a man suspended upside-down by one foot from a tree branch, with his arms tied behind his back. The card is surrounded by a halo of light, indicating a spiritual significance.
The Hanged Man tarot card often represents sacrifice, letting go, and surrendering to experience a spiritual awakening. It is a reminder that sometimes the only way to move forward is to pause, reflect, and consider an alternative perspective.
The card signifies a transition period and can be a sign of great potential and uncertainty.
It is a card with deeper meanings of sacrifice, acceptance, and surrender. Its imagery invites us to reflect on our perceptions of life and encourages us to embrace new perspectives. This card is not meant to be seen as a punishment or negative omen but rather as an opportunity for introspection and spiritual growth.
The Strength tarot card is about courage, determination, and resilience. This card typically depicts a woman gently holding a lion's jaws, representing the human spirit's triumph over brute force.
The woman's calm expression and gentle touch convey a sense of strength through gentleness and love rather than aggression or violence.
In a reading, the Strength card often represents the inner strength required to face challenging situations with grace and composure. It encourages the seeker to believe in their abilities and trust in positive outcomes in difficult circumstances. This card can also signify the need for patience, inner courage, and perseverance in adversity.
The meaning of the Magician Tarot card is a representation of power, creativity, and manifestation.
It is the first card in the Major Arcana, symbolising the beginning of a new cycle or journey. The Magician is depicted standing confidently, holding a wand or staff in one hand, and raising the other hand upward as if invoking the power of the universe.
The card also includes symbols like the infinity sign, the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), and a table with various tools.
In a reading, the Magician card can represent a sense of confidence and self-assurance, a new project or venture that is starting, or an invitation to tap into one's potential and creativity. There needs to be a focus on intentions and using available resources wisely to achieve goals.
The meaning of the Hermit tarot card is one of the most symbolically rich cards in the deck. Traditionally, it depicts an older man holding a lantern and walking alone on a mountain path, portraying solitude, introspection, and self-discovery.
The Hermit is a card of wisdom, introspection, and personal growth, encouraging the seeker to take a step back from the world and turn inward to search for answers.
The Hermit is associated with introspection, education, and spiritual growth. It represents a phase of solitude where the seeker engages in self-discovery, learning, and personal growth. This card urges the seeker to take time, reflect on their experiences, and develop a deeper awareness of themselves.
The Justice tarot represents fairness, balance, and impartiality. In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, the Justice card depicts a female figure with a sword in one hand and scales in the other, symbolising the dual concepts of truth and balance.
This card is often associated with legal and moral matters, suggesting that a just decision will be made or that justice will be served. It also represents the idea of cause and effect, reminding us that our actions have consequences and we will be held accountable for them. In a tarot reading, the Justice card may signify the need to decide based on logic and reason.
It suggests a need to evaluate a situation objectively and impartially.
The minor Arcana cards are one of the two main divisions in tarot card readings. They are typically composed of four suits, often called rods, cups, swords, and coins.
Each suit is divided into ten numbered cards (Ace through ten) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
In a tarot consultation, the minor arcana card meanings represent people's everyday events and experiences. They are generally seen as more practical and action-oriented than the major arcana cards.
These cards often offer insights and guidance on specific situations, such as relationships, career decisions, and personal growth.
The minor set is typically interpreted based on its tarot meanings and position in the spread. For example, the ace of cups may represent new emotional beginnings, while the ten swords may indicate a painful ending or betrayal.
The Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major set comprises 22 cards and represents major life events and archetypes, such as strength, death, and the fool.
The Minor set consists of four suits, each with 14 cards, representing everyday life and experiences, such as love, money, and relationships.
Tarot card reading has always been controversial, with some people believing in its true accuracy and effectiveness while others dismiss it.
The accuracy and credibility of tarot readings depend on various factors, including the reader's proficiency, the question asked, and the seeker's openness to interpretation.
While these readings have helped many people discover their path or make critical decisions, it is essential to note that the cards' interpretation is subjective and may vary from person to person.
You can read your tarot as you know intimately about your life, experiences, and challenges. This can make it easier to interpret the cards' meanings and connect with the tarot's symbolic language.
Reading your cards can be a deeply personal and introspective experience that allows you to better understand your innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.
However, it is essential to approach the process of reading your tarot with respect and care. It is crucial to clear your mind and focus on the present moment before drawing your cards, as this can help you to connect with your intuition and receive accurate guidance.
It is essential to be honest with yourself and to approach the cards with an open mind, even if the messages they convey may be challenging or uncomfortable.
Reading your tarot can be an enriching and enlightening experience, providing you approach the process with care and respect. By understanding the symbolism and meanings behind the cards and relying on your intuition and inner wisdom, you can better understand yourself and your life's journey.
Tarot is a deck of cards typically representing significant events and life-changing decisions; the Lovers, High Priestess, and Death cards all represent life-changing events.
Conversely, the Minor Arcana consists of four suits of face cards and numbered cards, each depicting a particular aspect of life. These suits are the Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles.
Tarot readings work by drawing cards from the deck and interpreting their meaning in a specific position of a spread, a pattern of card placement.
A skilled tarot reader will use their intuition and psychic ability to read the cards and translate their symbolism into meaningful insights about a person's past, present, or future.
If you are seeking guidance or insight into specific areas of your life, finding a good tarot card reader can help. However, finding a good tarot reader can be a daunting task. Here are some tips on how to find a reliable and skilled reader.
In conclusion, finding a good tarot card reader can be intimidating, but with Trusted Psychics, you can trust that you will receive a high-quality and insightful reading.
Their carefully selected and experienced readers, extensive profile information, satisfaction guarantee, and 24/7 availability make them an excellent choice for anyone seeking guidance through tarot card readings.
Trusted Psychics is an excellent resource for those seeking professional tarot readings; they have some of the industry's best and most experienced readers.
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