Tarot Card Meanings: A Beginner’s Guide

Before you learn all the tarot card meanings, you should start at the basics: Tarot reading is the centuries-old practice of using a 78-card deck as a tool of divination—that is, the art or practice of discovering hidden knowledge or unusual insight through divine messages. Tarot card interpretation can be used to answer a multitude of questions by those who have learned and connected with their deck.  

Whether you’re reading for yourself or others, the symbolism and stories interwoven with the tarot deck are meant to procure a reaction from the subconscious in order to make connections that might not have been seen otherwise. While tarot cards do not give the reader the ability to see the future, they are a way to reflect, react, and respond accordingly. (Not unlike how someone reads a horoscope for their sun sign, rising sign, and moon sign.)

Interested in learning tarot? Read on for all the tarot card names before you begin your own journey.

What are tarot cards?

Each card in a deck has its own unique imagery, and the deck as a whole is broken into two categories: the Major and Minor Arcana. 

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, spanning from numbers 0 through 21 that tell “the fool’s journey.” In short, it’s an archetypal story of life. The Minor Arcana is made up of all four elements—fire, air, water, and earth are represented by wands, swords, cups, and pentacles respectively—and counts upward from ace to 10 and then through four court cards (page, knight, queen, king). The Major Arcana is said to represent big life-changing events, while the Minor Arcana usually represents people, feelings, and day-to-day occurrences.

What is the history of tarot?

Tarot cards are thought to have originated in the 15th century in Europe, more specifically in Italy, and originally the deck was called Tarocchi. The cards quickly gained traction throughout many other European countries after the French conquered Milan and the Piedmont in 1499. The Major Arcana, previously dubbed trump cards, were custom made and painted for wealthy families, including multiple decks that were created for the Visconti family in Milan. The oldest surviving cards are the 15 Visconti-Sforza tarot decks commissioned by Duke Filippo Maria Visconti between 1418 and 1425, which means that people have been learning how to read tarot cards for over 600 years.

What was the original purpose of tarot?

While we know that tarot cards were used in aristocratic society, their original purpose is still not fully known. Whether they were family heirlooms to be passed down to the next of kin, simply a fun customized card game, or something in between is up for debate. What matters now: Over time, tarot cards became symbolic divinatory tools. Their use has far expanded beyond their original purpose as they assist us with spiritual guidance and self-reflection. 

What is the difference between tarot and oracle cards?

Tarot decks have to consist of exactly 78 cards made up of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. No more and no less. They also need to include four different suits. In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, these are pentacles, swords, cups, and wands; however, some decks use different representations of these same four elements. Tarot will also always include court cards (traditionally page, knight, queen, and king), though some decks swap out pages for princesses or other minor shifts in the deck’s creative direction.

While oracle cards are used in a similar way—that is, as a tool of self-reflection—there are fewer rules. An oracle card deck can include any number of cards and meanings. 

How can I learn how to read tarot?

Tarot as a tool of divination is meant to give clarity to the person being read for. That could be either you reading for yourself, you reading for someone else, or someone else reading for you. In order to learn how to read tarot, it’s important to start by understanding the meaning behind each archetypal card. Much as we learn words before we start stringing together sentences, knowing the meaning of the cards individually will the guide you as you read them in tarot card spreads.

How do you ask tarot questions?

When you are asking your tarot deck questions, it’s important to set an intention first. Try something like, “I call forth my spirit guides of the purest and highest intention to give me messages of clarity for each question being asked hereafter.” From that point, ask the tarot questions that are both specific and nonspecific. A specific question would be, “Should I move forward with the new job I was just offered?” or “Am I really falling in love?” Nonspecific questions sound more like, “Tell me about my current relationship.”

As you study the tarot, learn which cards represent yes or no within the deck to answer your own “yes/no” questions. However you choose to ask the tarot your questions, just be sure that it’s always done with sincere intentions and a level of respect for the guidance you’re seeking. Each answer will show itself through the cards, but it’s important to understand that tarot is not information written in stone. You always have free will and the power to change your approach to life, whether that’s to continue or to diverge from the path you’re currently on.

Why is it important to clean tarot?

If you’re the owner of the tarot deck you’re reading from—so, reading for yourself—keep your deck clean and treat it with care. Clean your deck by smoking it using sustainably harvested sage or palo santo, bathing it in the aura of cleansing crystals like clear quartz or selenite, or placing the cards under the moonlight. This helps clear energy away from previous readings and any influence not from a pure space; as a tool of divination, tarot cards can absorb energy from the people using it—so any past readings or spiritual entities that try to come through. Cleaning helps your deck maintain energetic integrity to ensure a more accurate tarot card reading. 

What are tarot card spreads?

The position of the cards that you put down on the table to be read is called a tarot spread, meaning that cards are placed down in a specific order and spot, and each placement has its own meaning. Two of the most common tarot spreads include:

Past, Present, Future: A three-card spread in which the cards are placed with the leftmost (and first) representing the energy of the past, the middle representing what’s currently happening in the present, and the rightmost representing the energy of the future.

The Celtic Cross: A 10-card spread that starts with two cards pulled in the middle overlapping one another. These first two cards represent:

1. The central focus of the person being read for;

2. What is helping or hindering this focus presently.

Then cards are placed clockwise around these center two cards, starting with below, then left, above, and right. Their meanings are:

3. The subconscious (below);

4. The recent past, or events leading up to this moment (left);

5. The higher path or destiny (above);

6. What lies ahead, or the near future if you stay on your current path (right).

Then four cards are pulled up the right side of this central area from bottom to top. They are:

7. The questioner—that is, the person being read for and their energy;

8. Outside energy and influences and/or the questioner’s environment;

9. The questioner’s hopes and dreams;

10. The final result.

Most readers will say that the placements of the higher-path/destiny card (#5) and the final-result card  (#10) are interchangeable if the questioner is willing to follow their intuition moving forward, as the destiny is the best possible outcome and the final result is what can happen given the culmination of other cards and their circumstances. 

Both beginning readers and seasoned professionals use these two tarot spreads, and they work as a great foundation for those learning how to read. As with many things, it’s important to learn the basics of reading tarot before getting creative and branching out into your own unique style—which will come with time, practice, and experience!

Once you’re ready to get creative, you can even connect the tarot cards to your zodiac chart. Glamour’s monthly tarotscopes combine tarot with astrology to help guide the zodiac signs.

Which tarot cards represent which zodiac signs? 

Although they are not intrinsically interwoven, there’s been a long-standing tradition of placing astrological influence onto each tarot card. This helps to get more accurate readings with timing and identifying the people whose energy is showing up in a reading. It’s said that each suit is associated with an element in the zodiac, so:

Each zodiac sign can also be seen in the Major Arcana cards. There’s a slight discrepancy between readers and which sign they assign to each Major Arcana card, but these are the discoveries that I’ve seen most accurately in my years of professional readings:

  • Aries: The Emperor, The Fool;
  • Taurus: The Hierophant, The Empress (Venus ruled);
  • Gemini: The Lovers, The High Priestess (both showing duality);
  • Cancer: Temperance, The Chariot, The Moon (Planetary Ruler);
  • Leo: Strength;
  • Virgo: The Hermit; secondary: The Maiden in Strength;
  • Libra: Justice; secondary: The Empress (Venus ruled);
  • Scorpio: Death
  • Sagittarius: Judgment, Temperance
  • Capricorn: The Devil
  • Aquarius: The Star, The Hanged Man
  • Pisces: The Moon

The World card and The Wheel of Fortune also represent and show imagery of the four fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), so it’s important to note that they all share influence over these two cards. 

What is the most powerful tarot card?

Each of the 78 tarot cards holds different importance to each person who interprets them. The 22 Major Arcana cards are said to be representative of big, life-changing events in comparison with the Minor Arcana’s 56 cards, which are more indicative of emotions, people, and day-to-day experiences. 

For this reason alone, we can say that one of the Majors is more likely to be the objectively most powerful card. This list below of the basic tarot card meanings can help you narrow down your decision on which one holds the most significance for you:

  1. The Fool: The first card of the tarot. The beginning and ending of everything, a quick change that requires a leap of faith. The Fool card, sometimes called the Idiot, represents infinite possibilities and potential—something no other card could accurately portray.
  2. Strength: Literally translating into power and inner strength, the Strength card is one that asks the questioner to reach deeply into their power reserves and push forward so they can overcome whatever is in their way. 
  3. The Sun: The happiest card in the tarot deck, this represents positivity and optimism. Without a shadow of a doubt, a bright future lies ahead when this card is pulled.
  4. Death: As with happy, positive beginnings, sometimes new life is born from the ending of something else. Although it rarely indicates a physical death, the death card can signal an ending that will eventually lead into a new beginning for the questioner. This phoenix-rising-from-the ashes archetype is important and powerful, and it’s something that cannot be avoided in life. Once death is embraced, it can act as a powerful catalyst into change and transformation. 
  5. The World: When this card is pulled, know that there is an undeniable sense of wholeness for the questioner. This card signals that a cycle has ended and all is well for the questioner. This card makes the pause before the next chapter it’s own important moment in time and usually represents achievement, fulfillment, successful conclusions, and endless possibilities that can come from it all.

What are the tarot card meanings?

Although every card cannot be the most powerful, they all hold an undeniable importance. See below for the meaning of all 78 of the tarot cards, starting with the 22 Major Arcana cards and then broken down into Ace through King of all four suits (cups, wands, pentacles, swords). Consider this Tarot Cards for Beginners.

The Sun Tarot: Meaning, Symbolism and Interpretation

The Sun Tarot is one of the most popular and iconic cards in the tarot deck. It is often associated with positivity, success, and happiness. The Sun Tarot is the nineteenth card in the Major Arcana, and it is represented by a bright, shining sun with rays of light beaming out in all directions.

In tarot readings, the Sun Tarot can represent a variety of meanings, depending on the context of the reading. In general, it is a symbol of optimism, vitality, and energy. It can indicate that the querent is on the right path and that success and happiness are within reach. The Sun Tarot can also represent a sense of enlightenment or spiritual awakening, as the sun is often associated with higher consciousness and divine wisdom. Overall, the Sun Tarot is a powerful and uplifting card that can bring positive energy and encouragement to any tarot reading.

The Sun Tarot Card Meaning

Symbolism of The Sun Tarot Card

The Sun Tarot card depicts a bright yellow sun with a smiling face, surrounded by sunflowers. A naked child rides a white horse, holding a red banner with the symbol of the sun. This card represents joy, positivity, and vitality. The sunflowers symbolize the life force, and the child represents innocence and purity. The white horse symbolizes strength and purity, while the red banner symbolizes action and passion.

Interpretation of The Sun Tarot Card

The Sun Tarot card is a very positive card that represents success, happiness, and achievement. It indicates that the querent is experiencing a period of growth, enlightenment, and clarity. The card encourages the querent to embrace their inner child, to be playful, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It also suggests that the querent should be confident, bold, and assertive in their actions.

Reversed Meaning of The Sun Tarot Card

When The Sun Tarot card is reversed, it can indicate a lack of confidence, self-doubt, or a feeling of being lost. It can also suggest that the querent is feeling stuck, or that they are experiencing a setback or delay. The reversed card may indicate that the querent needs to take a step back and re-evaluate their situation, or that they need to let go of their fears and doubts and embrace a more positive outlook on life.

History of The Sun Tarot Card

Origins of The Sun Tarot Card

The origins of the Sun Tarot Card are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have its roots in ancient Egyptian mythology. The Sun was a symbol of life and vitality in Egyptian culture, and it was often associated with the god Ra. The Sun was also seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, as it rose each day and brought light to the world.

Over time, the Sun became a popular symbol in many other cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Celtic cultures. It was often associated with the idea of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

Evolution of The Sun Tarot Card

The Sun Tarot Card as we know it today has its origins in the Tarot de Marseille, a deck of cards that was first published in the 18th century. In this deck, the Sun is depicted as a large, radiant sun with a face in the centre. The rays of the sun are shown as straight lines, and there are usually two children or cherubs riding horses in the foreground.

As the Tarot became more popular, different artists and designers began to create their own versions of the Sun Tarot Card. Some decks feature more abstract or stylised versions of the sun, while others incorporate different symbols and imagery.

Today, the Sun Tarot Card is one of the most popular cards in the Tarot deck. It is often seen as a symbol of success, happiness, and enlightenment, and it is associated with the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts.

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

The personality of the Queen of Pentacles combines the positive earth energy of the Pentacles suit with the inward focus of a Queen. If you were to visit the Queen of Pentacles, the first thing she would say is, “Come in, come in. It’s great to see you. Have a bowl of soup!” No one is more welcoming and nurturing than she. Her greatest pleasure is to care for others – making sure they are happy and secure. Her home is always overflowing with children, pets, plants and footloose friends. She is warm and generous to all. In day-to-day matters, she is sensible and practical. She doesn’t have a lot of time for elaborate plans and other craziness. If something needs doing, she just takes care of it without a lot of fuss and bother. If necessary, she makes do with little and always comes through in a pinch. There is a down-to-earth, matter-of-factness about her. She is always loyal and steadfast. Because she is trusting by nature, others trust her completely. When you are hurting or in need, the Queen of Pentacles will calm your fears and share your troubles.

In readings, the Queen of Pentacles asks you to think and feel as she does. For example: Are you feeling warm and caring toward others? Are you being sensible? Have you been true to your word? Do you feel generous? Can you be counted on when times are tough?

This Queen can also represent a man or woman who is like her, or an atmosphere of warmth, trust and security. In a reading, she tells you that her special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this Queen in whatever form she appears in your life.

Nurturing

gives love and support
creates a warm, secure environment
makes people feel better
responds to the natural world
has a green thumb
has a way with children and animals

Bighearted

will do any service for others
is a soft touch
always has an open door and welcoming smile
gives freely and abundantly
is warm, generous and unselfish

Down-to-Earth

handles problems matter-of-factly
allows others to be themselves
has no pretensions or affectations
takes a simple, sensible approach
appreciates all the senses

Resourceful

finds a use for whatever’s at hand
is handy and versatile
makes a little go a long way
gets around every obstacle
comes up with what’s needed

Trustworthy

keeps confidences and secrets
is loyal and steadfast
comes through in a pinch
keeps faith with others
is true to his or her word

THE WITCHES PENTACLE

The  Witches Pentacle, the symbol of Witchcraft, is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world. The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.

Imagine the perfect apple, ripe and bursting with life. Sliced in half, it reveals a beautiful five-point symmetry-a star formed by the seeds inside. In fact, each of these five seeds may be seen to contain a symbolism of its own mirroring the spiritual aspects of this universal symbol: idea, sustenance, life, secret knowledge and the hidden mysteries within the earth. Why has this beautiful and potent emblem, the five-pointed star or pentagram, become such a misunderstood and stigmatized symbol in these times of re-emerging enlightenment?

In the tale of Adam and Eve, the apple signified hidden knowledge which was forbidden to human kind. Other early cultures encouraged holy and learned persons in their search for divine wisdom. For example, the Vedas state that the universe and ourselves are One, and that by realizing this and tapping into that Universal energy and state, we achieve wholeness and bliss. These concepts were known to many ancient civilizations. For most of the western culture, sacred knowledge was designated as the right of the One Deity only., It was considered heretical to study the Divine workings of the Universe. The apple signified that which we should not attempt to know, and many attempts over the centuries to obtain knowledge of the Universe (and therefore, ourselves) were suppressed. The pentagram in its modern guise as the pentacle was also a target of this subjugation.

For modern-day Pagans, the Pentacle contains many wonderful layers of symbolism. The five points symbolize the four directions with the fifth point as the sanctity of Spirit, within and without. The circle around the star symbolizes unity and wholeness. It represents the quest for Divine Knowledge, a concept which is ancient in origin and universal in scope from the earliest written ritual texts in Babylonia, to the Celts, to the Native American traditions. Similar to other figures which are made of a single unbroken line, this symbol is used to mark off magical enclosures or ritual areas, especially when used for invocation of deities or spirit.

The pentagram is one of the most powerful and popular symbols used by many Neo-Pagans, including those involved in Wicca and Ceremonial Magic. In working magic, Pagans may draw the shape of the pentagram in the air with the athame, or sacred blade, sometimes in the four directions as part of the ritual. A physical pentacle in the form of a flat disc is often the a main feature of the altar and is a widely used ritual tool. The symbol is used to decorate magickal tools or items such as a chalice, cauldron, or the handle of the athame itself. For some it represents feminine energy relating to the Goddess and may be used to bind elemental spirits of the earth as well as to hold consecrated objects such as herbs, amulets and crystals. The spoken or chanted text of a spell or invocation may be repeated five times to help insure its effectiveness. (3, 5, 7, 9 and 13 being some of the most commonly used repetitions in this context). The pentacle is worn both ornamentally and symbolically by many Pagans for protection and to signify that they are involved in the world of magick and divine wisdom.

It is interesting to note that five-fold symmetries are rarely found in non-organic life forms but are uniquely inherent to life, as in the form of the human hand, a starfish, flowers, plants and many other living things. This pattern of five exists even down to a molecular level. Five, therefore, embodies the form and formation of life, the very essence of life.

The pentagram is a very widespread sacred symbol used since ancient times in many areas including Egypt, India, Persia and Greece. Almost all cultures had a five-fold symbol, which was very important to their religious and spiritual life. The sacred nature of five, the important nature of “five-ness” is amply attested to in Celtic tradition from which much of modern Paganism is derived. Five appears in numerous Celtic contexts: Ireland had five great roads, five provinces and five paths of the law. The fairy folk counted by fives, and the mythological figures wore five fold cloaks.

In the ancient Irish tale, “Cormac’s Cup of Gold”, the hero “saw a royal fortress with four houses in it, and a bright well with nine ancient hazels growing over it. In the well, were five salmon who ate the nuts that dropped from the purple hazels, and sent the husks floating down the five streams that flowed therefrom. The sound of the streams was the sweetest music…The spring was the Well of Knowledge, and the five streams the five senses through which knowledge is obtained. No one will have knowledge who drinks not a draught out of the well itself or out of the streams. Those who are skilled in many arts drink from both the well and the streams.”

In another part of the world, around 500 B.C.E.(Before Current Era) lived Pythagoras, an unparalleled scholar, teacher and leader renowned for his knowledge of arithmetic, music, government and sacred geometry. He tapped into the divine mysteries, and, like the ancient Celts, (and many Neo-Pagans) learned from and existed comfortably between both worlds.

Pythagoras set up a school where he taught many people, both male and female, who flocked to him in pursuit of divine knowledge. Unfortunately, the school was suppressed in a brutal fashion for political reasons. After this, his followers and the knowledge itself were forced underground, Pythagoreans considered the five-pointed star to be a symbol of life and of the divine human. Therefore, it became the secret sign of the pythagorean followers, “so that they may know each other, ”

The Pythagorean schools continued on in secret and from this line of descent came the Gnostic and Hermetic Mystery Schools (which contained both men and women and were Christian to varying degrees), as well as the Masonic Guilds, expert stone-masons initiated into Mystery Schools learning which included sacred geometry. Even though the Church considered the Masons to be quite heretical, they hired them to build the most sacred structures in Europe- the great cathedrals-many of which contained pentagonal or five-fold symmetries. Parallel with Masonic culture were the alchemists of medieval Europe, scientists, philosophers and magicians, both male and female, who studied the mysteries of the Universe. These societies held onto this five-fold symbol which kept its positive, ancient attributes and signified hidden, luminous knowledge.

This ancient wisdom lived on underground through the mystery schools and other sources and continued throughout the Middle Ages up until modern times. However, because this Divine knowledge threatened the authority and power of the Church, those who pursued it and the symbols they used were severely persecuted.

The star of life, which had been a symbol of divine illumination, became stigmatized as a sign of heretical thought and eventually as something evil. These negative attributes were further reinforced by the use of the upside down pentagram by some satanic cults who are probably more “Anti-Christians” than “Pagans”. as their beliefs are not those of most Neo-Pagan groups. Modern media continues to distort the meaning of the pentagram by showing it in both its upright and inverted position, yet portraying all who use it as evil.

In spite of this difficulty history, the symbol has survived, and continues to be used by those who uphold the search for divine knowledge. The sacred pentagram maintains its many wonderful and magickal ancient attributes and is still the symbol of life it has always been.

QUICK GUIDE: TAROT (MAJOR ARCANA)

This is a quick reference guide for the Major Arcana, the main 22 cards of the Tarot

FOOL – innocence, looking before leaping, foolishness

MAGICIAN – knowledge, skill, magic

HIGH PRIESTESS – mystery, priestess, occult

EMPRESS – mother figure, feminine power, beauty

EMPEROR – father figure, masculine power, leadership

HIEROPHANT – religion, guidance, advice

LOVERS – relationship, love, marriage

CHARIOT – energy, work, driving force

JUSTICE – balance, order, law
HERMIT – isolation, seclusion, loneliness

WHEEL OF FORTUNE – fate, luck, destiny

STRENGTH – strength, forbearance, determination

HANGED MAN – sacrifice, obstacles, insight

DEATH – transformation, sorrow, end

TEMPERANCE – harmony, equilibrium, rejuvenation

DEVIL- materialism, perversion, inner demon

TOWER – crashing down, destruction, ruin
STAR – inspiration, hopes, dreams

MOON – illusion, secrets, darkness

SUN – light, warmth, joy

JUDGEMENT – rebirth, breakthrough, awakening

WORLD – success, cosmic dance, freedom

Basic layout: Five Card Spread

Get your client to shuffle the cards and choose 5 of them, then lay them out 1,2,3,4, 5. The first represents the present, the second the past, the third the future, the fourth the question, and five the outcome.

In depth layout: Celtic Cross

This is more in depth. Get your client to shuffle the cards and choose 10. Your first card is in the middle and represents the person. The second crosses the first and represents the problem. The third is placed below the centre two and represents what is below or has gone before (the reason for asking). The fourth is placed to the side on the left and represents the past. The fifth is placed above the centre cards and represents what is before the client and possibilities. The sixth is placed to the right side of the centre cards and represents the future. The seventh is placed separately in a new line to the right side and represents unknown aspects. The eight card is placed above this one and represents the surroundings, where the enquirer finds themselves. The ninth is placed above this one and represents the hopes and fears and the last one represents the outcome.

Remember that ‘reversed’ cards are read negatively. If you have too many ‘negative’ cards place a significator (another card) at the side. Never hint in any circumstances of physical death. Always try to end the reading positively as much as possible e.g. in a very bad reading try to give a ray of hope to the person!

TAROT CARDS

There are a number of tarot decks out there in the world, now. (There are Oracle
cards that are great for personal readings, and their meanings are all found within the
books that come with those decks. Choose one that feels right to you, or speaks to you.)
The traditional tarot decks are also available, with Major Arcana (The Fool, Magician,
High Priestess, etc), and Minor Arcana (4 suits, much like playing cards, but the suits
are different: Swords, Pentacles, Chalices, Wands)
Playing cards can replace the Minor Arcana cards, and can be read on their own if
that is what you have on hand. In this case, Aces are Power cards of Elemental
Influence, 2-10 of a suit are mundane cards of life experience, and Royal cards of people
or personal characteristics are the face cards (Jack = page/knight, Queen, King). If you
do use playing cards, choose one special deck for this and keep it aside for Divination.
The illustrations on your cards may influence your reading of them, and you will
find your interpretations vary by deck and reading. When looking at new cards, Ann
looks at the 10 of Swords, which can be nightmarish, and the Devil card, to judge
whether she can use it or not. 10 of Swords is often viewed as disaster, when it actually
means turning your back on a bad situation and moving on. The Devil card often
depicts the Christian Devil, rather than the Horned God, who stands for things taking
their natural course, or natural blessings. So choose your cards wisely, by their overall
meanings and by the images upon them.
Text pages 122-126 of Book 1 list the cards and their core meanings, but then, the
meaning might vary by the deck. If in doubt, trust your instinct, and the book that
comes with your chosen deck of cards. Becca’s note: I like using both the list in this
book as well as the card’s book, together- It adds a deeper view and more perspective.
When reading your cards, you might play them out and flip them all, then read
them. Or you might flip them one at a time and read them as they fall. Sometimes the
overall picture is clearest with the whole spread turned together, and sometimes it’s
better to focus on one area at a time. How you do this is up to you.
If you deal the cards out and they are upside down, reversed, that can have a
different meaning than the same card, when dealt reversed (upside down). Generally
the meaning when dealt upside down is opposite the meaning if you dealt the same card
upright. The reverse meanings are listed with the meanings, but Ann prefers to discard
them unless she senses it is pertinent. If a deck does not have reverse meanings for its
own cards in the book, don’t worry about figuring out the opposite of that card. Just
read it as if it was played right side up. Major Arcana cards (mystical archetypes) are
typically read right-side up. Power Cards of Elemental Influences (Aces) always are read
right-side up.
When interpreting regular playing cards, the suits need to change, and are more
generalized. Hearts are love and emotions. Diamonds are money and success. Clubs
are career and social matters. Spades are often related to difficulties, illness, and
warnings.
The Jack combines the page and the knight, and is generally read as news, young
people,and thoughts taking direction or moving into action. Aces remain power cards.
Two aces imply a marriage, three or four show great success. Multiple queens may warn
of gossip or scandal, unless you see individuals in the cards and identify a connection
with the querent. Multiple kings suggest big business dealings. Multiple Jacks suggest
mischief or competition. 3 or more 10’s show something good on the horizon, possibly
more money. 3 or more 9’s suggest sudden good fortune. 9 of hearts is considered a
“wish” card- make a wish when you see it, and it will come true.
Beyond the cards themselves, there are many spreads; ways to lay them out and
read them. The different throws affect the interpretation, by their meanings:

TAROT CARDS MEANING

The Celtic Cross spread is a deep look into your
life/situation/where you’re coming from/where you’re going.
● The Tree of Life spread uses either playing cards or tarot deck, using the
final 3 cards as a final impression-(Book 1, pg 119) makes a tree shape in
its lay out. The trunk shows the nature, attitudes, and strengths of the
querent’s life. Roots show the beliefs, foundations, and personal
interactions. The heart of the tree shows the most important matter
before the querent at this time. This spread uses up all of the cards, and
would take some time to read, but would give a full view into the person’s
life, and interpersonal relationships. The vision presented with this type
of reading is more important than the individual cards’ meanings.
● 5 card Elemental Spread (book 3, page 75) helps answer a question. You
draw 1 card for each element (North/Earth= physical influence, East/Air=
mental influence, South/Fire= energy influence, West/Water= emotional
influence, Spirit in the center of the circle, answers the question.
● Situation Spread (book 3, page 76) helps when you are unsure what to ask.
The end spread looks a bit like an hourglass, and the center card in the
spread points out what is really on your mind. It might re-state your
query, or show you some underlying concern.
● (not listed in the books, but has been very helpful to me) 3 card spread:
very simple spreads with multiple uses. The cards can be placed in a line,
or two can cross each other, etc. But here are some different things this
can indicate:
○ Past, Present, Future
○ You, Your Path, Your Potential
○ You, Relationship, Partner
○ Situation, Action, Outcome
○ Idea, Process, Aspiration
○ Mind, Body, Spirit
○ Physical State, Emotional State, Spiritual State
○ Subconscious, Conscious, Superconscious
○ Option 1, Option 2, Option 3
○ What I think, What I feel, What I do
○ Strengths, Weaknesses, Advice
○ What worked well, What didn’t work well, Key lesson
○ This brings you together, This pulls you apart, You must Focus on
This
○ You want this from the relationship, Your partner wants this, Your
relationship is heading towards this
○ Option 1, Option 2, and What you need to know to make a decision
○ Situation, Obstacle, Advice
○ Aspiration, Obstacle, How to Overcome
○ Opportunities, Challenges, Outcome,
○ Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

CAULDRONS TAROT

● Ace- abundance, love, joy, inspiration; (R) emotional upset, delays
● King- intuition, counselor, creative desire; (R) obstacles, immobility
● Queen- nurturing, psychic, emotional ties; (R) emotional ambivalence
● Prince (Knight)- inspiration, opportunity; (R) fraud, unworkable ideas
● Princess (Knave)- emotional realization, artistic; (R) indiscretion, unfulfillment
● 10- contentment in home and family; (R) quarrel, loss of friendship
● 9- intuition accurate, self-satisfaction; (R) imperfect impressions
● 8- reason, old discarded for new; (R) continued effort leads to joy
● 7- gains in love, resolve, success; (R) fear of failure, delusion
● 6- loving acceptance, nostalgia; (R) resisting changes, egotism
● 5- anger, imperfections, useless regrets; (R) difficulties overcome
● 4- new possibilities, love, faithfulness; (R) apathy, discontentment
● 3- good luck, intuition takes form; (R) unappreciation, indulgence
● 2- balance, unity, strong intuition; (R) misunderstanding, delusion

SUIT OF SWORDS TAROT

● Ace- strength, power to achieve goals, action: (R) complexity needs caution
● King- authority, will and intellect, implementation of ideas decided; (R) tyranny,
plans halted or methods undecided
● Queen- determination, action taken; (R) impracticality, spitefulness
● Prince (Knight)- heroic, career, action begun; (R) ideas unformed, conceit
● Princess (Knave)- matter resolved, insight; (R) hindrance, cunning
● 10- misfortune, disappointment; (R) improvement through courage
● 9- worry, plans about to be realized; (R) deception, disgrace, doubt
● 8- indecision, actions require care; (R) improved health, fears end
● 7- creative action, frustration, artistic energy; (R) poor advice, postponement of
plans
● 6- success after worries, journey, altruism; (R) hindrance, selfishness
● 5- force applied for good, courage; (R) empty gains, power misused
● 4- orderliness, rest, peace; (R) discretion in renewed activity
● 3- separation, strife; (R) regrets, confusion, need to understand
● 2- balance of opposing forces, harmony; (R) duplicity, wrong choices

MAJOR ARCANA

● 0- The fool- innocence, enthusiasm, start of a quest; (R) the quest has been
achieved, it is time to rest and decide on a new narrative
● 1- The Magician- control over one’s own destiny; (R) lack of confidence,
hesitation
● 2- The High Priestess- intuition, seeking wisdom and meanings of mysteries; (R)
knowledge received is tailored to suit one’s ability to understand.
● 3- The Empress- inspiration and competence, a project nears completion; (R)
initial progress is slow, but one gains understanding
● 4- The Emperor- reason dominates; (R) vitality to take action to bring ideas to
life
● 5- The High Priest (Hierophant)- spiritual truths and energy; (R) Divine guidance
inspires actions
● 6- The Lovers- the greater perspective of unity results in trust and partnership;
(R) appreciation of one’s self worth allows one to reach out to others
● 7- The Chariot- establishing balance, control by willpower, project launched; (R)
direction found and action taken with comprehension of goals
● 8- Strength- willpower, ability to overcome obstacles; (R) power tempered with
kindness
● 9- The Hermit (Seeker, Wise One)- search for wisdom and enlightenment; (R)
learning begins
● 10- The Wheel (in some decks this card and Justice are reversed in order)-
destiny, seeking purpose, changes in life; (R) moving on to the next goal in life
● 11- Justice- fairness, virtue; (R) The reward is appropriate to the action
● 12- The Hanged Man- inner peace, suspended activity, wisdom not applied; (R)
course of action decided upon, knowledge put to use
● 13- Death- change, end of one project and the start of a new one, casting off
restrictions; (R) resisting change, self evaluation, teaching others
● 14- Temperance- balance, moderation, patience, trusting intuition; (R) emotion
ruling reason, disharmony will end when unity regained
● 15- The Horned God (Horned One, Devil)- acceptance of harmony with nature;
(R) bondage to form over substance, seeking spiritual freedom
● 16- The Tower- sudden change, old beliefs vanish with enlightenment; (R) self
revelation
● 17 the Star (Stars)- opportunity, good prospects, hope, creativity, inspiration; (R)
seeking creativity and success
● 18- The Moon- warning of deception, reflection of actions, trust intuition; (R) self
denial, overcoming temptation, awareness of facades
● 19- the Sun- success, contentment, mental and spiritual growth; (R) success
delayed, answer to problems discovered
● 20- Judgement (Karma)- rebirth, atonement, potential fulfilled, appropriate
reward received; (R) gaining knowledge from the past, learning from past
mistakes
● 21- The World (The Universe)- achievement, union with the Goddess and God,
success, joy; (R) striving for greatness, seeking attainment

MINOR ARCANA

Minor Arcana (56 cards), divided by suits:
Wands (or Rods)
● Ace- creative power, new beginning; (R) stagnation, decline
● King- conscientiousness, plan is possible; (R) criticism, inaction
● Queen- practical, concept formed, sincerity; (R) poor planning, envy
● Prince (Knight)- journey, movement; (R) discord, plans change
● Princess (Page)- completion, energy, message; (R) uncertainty
● 10- determination, fruition of plans; (R) difficulties, plans halted
● 9- pause, deeper awareness, readiness; (R) obstacles, delays
● 8- travel, quick action, learning; (R) deception, journey canceled
● 7- obstacles overcome, success; (R) dissipation of energy, doubts
● 6- triumph after difficulty, understanding; (R) vanity, disloyalty
● 5- conflict leads to change, renewal; (R) complexity needs caution
● 4- serenity, romance, stability; (R) dissatisfaction, disorganized
● 3- business success, negotiations; (R) end of trouble, fact-finding
● 2- fulfillment, forceful personality; (R) hollow gains, no growth

BASICS OF READING TAROT CARDS

When reading other people, trust your intuition.

The reader should be relaxed and open to communication.

The reading will present cards that represent things at the present time, at the time of the reading.

Any future cards are suggestive of a likely outcome, given the present situation.

The querent does have the power to take the reading and make changes to their life, to affect a different future than was previously predicted.

Sometimes, however, things in the querent’s life have already unfolded to the point that the future prediction is impossible to avoid.

When reading your own cards, do so with an open mind and positive heart.

You may choose to ask help from the Lady and the Lord, your guides, etc, for aid in interpretation.

It may be true that some people may have an issue with reading their own cards.

However, it could be said that if you cannot trust yourself to influence the cards in self readings, how can you be sure you’re not reading your own needs of the cards you’re reading for others?

Bearing this in mind, it may be an idea to learn to read for yourself and close friends first.

After this, you may choose to branch out once you feel confident in your reading ability.

Pentacle Tarot

● Ace- material gains, growth, happiness; (R) immobility, empty wealth
● King- sensible, worldliness, manifest ideas; (R) inability, corrupt
● Queen- stability, culture, plans become reality; (R) neglect, delays
● Prince (Knight)- mature, responsible, implementation; (R) reckless, no gains
● Princess (Knave)- completion, study; (R) dissipation of energy, unrealistic
● 10- prosperity, stability, joy; (R) worries, changes, disruption
● 9- accomplishment comfort, growth; (R) health cares, growth halted
● 8- increase by personal effort; (R) unambitious, vain, untrusting
● 7- gain by perseverance, goal achieved; (R) lack of achievement
● 6- gratificatoin, wealth, sincerity, balance; (R) avarice, illness
● 5- loneliness, worries lessen by understanding; (R) relief, courage
● 4- endurance,security, materialism; (R) losses, fortunes reversed
● 3- work rewarded, goods acquired, pregnancy; (R) indifference, greed
● 2- effort for balance, energy to gain goals; (R) news, weakness

Tarot Cards ( Breaking in a New Deck)

When breaking in a new deck,  you may wish to do so with a dedication using incense.

Maybe you could use incense-like Frankincense, and sprinkle an herb (such as rue, betony, cinquefoil, burdock, elder, lavender, marigold, mugwort, or wormwood).

When done with the sprinkle, the herb may be burned with the incense, dropped into a candle flame, or the herb may be placed in the box where the cotton-wrapped cloth cards are kept when not in use.

The color of the cloth may vary by one’s focus, but black, yellow, and purple are common choices.