What is the Tarot?
Tarot is a mystical roadmap to the soul, a guide that helps illuminate our path through life’s twists and turns, both in the spiritual realm and the everyday world. It’s not about predicting your fate or reading your future with certainty—it's about unlocking the deep, hidden wisdom that already resides within you. Tarot invites you to connect with your higher self, revealing the insights you need to move forward with clarity.
Tarot readings aren’t reserved for psychics or fortune tellers. Anyone can dive into the cards, as they simply reflect the truth already buried in your subconscious. Each card is a mirror, offering a new perspective on what you already know deep down—whether you’re seeking guidance for the present or understanding your innermost desires.
While the true origins of Tarot remain a mystery, we know that its use as an oracle dates back to at least the 14th century in Europe, and the familiar structure of the Tarot as we know it today has been in practice since the 1600s. It’s an ancient tool that continues to guide witches, seekers, and spiritual wanderers on their journeys toward greater self-awareness.
The Major and Minor Arcana
The Tarot deck is divided into two main sections: the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, which reveal profound insights, and the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana, which shed light on the more day-to-day aspects of life. The Minor Arcana is further broken down into four suits, each representing a different element: Wands (Fire), Swords (Air), Cups (Water), and Pentacles (Earth).
Each suit contains fourteen cards: Ace through Ten, plus four Court Cards—Page (Princess), Knight (Prince), Queen, and King. Keep in mind that deck variations may use different names for these cards, but their essential meanings are often the same. For example, in some decks, the Knight is called the King instead of the Prince. If you're new to a deck, most come with a guidebook to help you understand the specific interpretations.
The Minor Arcana offers insight into the practical and emotional elements of our everyday experiences—our challenges, opportunities, and the ups and downs we encounter on our path. The suits reflect different aspects of our personality and energy, such as the fiery energy of Wands or the grounded nature of Pentacles.
Meanwhile, the Major Arcana captures the epic journey of life itself, starting with The Fool (0) and ending with The World (21). These 22 cards align with the milestones we all face on our personal journeys, much like the stages in Joseph Campbell's "The Hero’s Journey." The Major Arcana represents the universal stages or phases we all encounter in life—each one an essential piece of our evolution. These phases are cyclical and can repeat at various points in our lives, meaning there's no true beginning or end, just continual growth and transformation.
Tarot Spreads
There are countless ways to lay out Tarot cards, each spread offering a unique perspective or insight. One of the most well-known and traditional spreads is The Celtic Cross, which consists of 11 cards (including the Significator). Other popular spreads include the Tree of Life, Planetary spread, Tetraktys, and Pentagram spread, each with its own purpose and symbolism.
Some readers prefer simplicity, opting for smaller spreads like the three-card layout. A three-card spread is incredibly versatile and can represent different aspects of your life, such as Past-Present-Future, Mind-Body-Spirit, or Situation-Action-Outcome. The possibilities with a three-card spread are endless, making it a perfect option for quick insights or deep reflection.
Arcana Major
The Major Arcana cards in the Tarot are deeply symbolic and represent the universal stages of our spiritual journey. These 22 cards are not just a collection of images, but a map of our evolution and the forces that shape our lives. Each card carries its own powerful energy, serving as both a guide and a mirror to the self.
I. The Fool – Represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and the journey ahead, inviting you to trust the unknown and take a leap of faith.
II. The Magician – Mastery, manifestation, and the power to create; reminds you that you have the tools to shape your reality.
III. The High Priestess – Intuition, secrets, and wisdom; calls you to connect with your inner voice and higher knowing.
IV. The Empress – Nurturing, abundance, and creation; invites you to embrace your fertile, creative energy and nourish yourself and others.
V. The Emperor – Structure, authority, and leadership; represents the energy of stability, protection, and discipline.
VI. The Hierophant – Tradition, spiritual guidance, and wisdom; encourages you to seek higher truths and learn from trusted mentors.
VII. The Lovers – Love, harmony, and choice; symbolizes the importance of relationships and aligning with your true values.
VIII. The Chariot – Determination, victory, and willpower; urges you to take control of your direction and move forward with confidence.
IX. Strength – Courage, inner strength, and resilience; calls you to face challenges with grace and calm.
X. The Hermit – Solitude, reflection, and wisdom; invites introspection and quiet contemplation on your life path.
XI. Wheel of Fortune – Change, cycles, and destiny; reminds you that life is ever-evolving and that the wheel is always turning.
XII. Justice – Fairness, truth, and balance; urges you to seek harmony and ensure your actions align with your highest principles.
XIII. The Hanged Man – Surrender, perspective, and sacrifice; invites you to pause, reflect, and see things from a different angle.
XIV. Death – Transformation, endings, and new beginnings; symbolizes the necessary cycles of life and the shedding of the old to make way for the new.
XV. Temperance – Balance, patience, and healing; encourages you to find harmony and moderation in all aspects of your life.
XVI. The Devil – Temptation, attachment, and materialism; warns you to examine where you might be bound by unhealthy patterns.
XVII. The Tower – Sudden change, upheaval, and revelation; represents a breaking down of structures to clear the way for new growth.
XVIII. The Star – Hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance; reminds you to stay hopeful and trust in the universe’s plan for you.
XIX. The Moon – Illusion, intuition, and the subconscious; calls you to trust your intuition and navigate through uncertainty.
XX. The Sun – Joy, success, and vitality; represents the clarity and abundance that comes with embracing your true self.
XXI. Judgement – Rebirth, transformation, and awakening; encourages you to rise up and embrace your higher calling.
XXII. The World – Completion, wholeness, and fulfillment; signifies the successful conclusion of a cycle and the realization of your potential.
The Major Arcana cards represent key turning points, challenges, and lessons in our lives. They symbolize universal themes we all encounter at different stages of our spiritual journey, offering deep wisdom and guidance as we navigate through them. 🌟
