How to Use Tarot Cards - Astrology Valley

There's a good chance that you found this page because you have just bought a Tarot deck and are now ready to put the cards to work. You have spent time familiarizing yourself with the deck and flipping the cards, and it's an exciting endeavor. The cards can provide insights into your past, present, and the factors that could influence your future.

It's possible to feel overwhelmed or confused because there are many cards to master, and you may feel a little lost. However, Tarot is a game where you can trade your fear for trust. By the end of this section, you'll be much more comfortable reading, placing, and shuffling your cards.

What is Tarot?

Let's start with some history. Tarot was first created as a card game back in the 15th century. Although it might seem that reading cards is an ancient art, divination with Tarot really took off in the 18th Century. The Tarot is a system that deals with archetypes, or universal symbols. Therefore, the meanings of each card as well as the stories they tell, span time, culture, and continents.

Although you may have thought of the Tarot as a tool for predicting the future, or even changing it, the cards can be used to reflect on and empower decision-making. This vantage point will help you on your path to fulfillment.

Why are some cards in suits while others aren't?

You may notice that your cards have different names and are numbered from zero to 21, or one to 22, depending on the deck. Some cards appear the same way as traditional card decks, with aces and kings. The major arcana consists of cards that do not have suits, while the minor arcana are those labeled with the names of pentacles, swords, wands, or cups. Standard decks contain 78 cards, with 22 in the major arcana and 56 in the minor.

What's in the Major Arcana?

Major arcana cards are made up of archetype-related cards that suggest key themes and lessons that the querent should be aware of.

Many cards in your deck can signify impending change. If you see cards from the major arcana, such as Death or The Tower, it means that there are changes coming.

Not all cards in the major arcana deck are equal. Some card names can be changed depending on the deck and are available in increasing numbers and more creative ways. To understand all the idiosyncrasies of your deck, make sure you read it.

What's in the Minor Arcana?

The minor arcana represents the joys and triumphs, fears, worries, annoyances, and challenges that we all experience daily. These issues are important, but the word "minor" doesn't mean they aren't important; it just indicates that they are more short-term and less long-lasting than those in the major arcana cards. These issues are also easier to handle.

Each suit represents a different aspect of the minor arcana. Pentacles represent the material world and symbolize work and finances, while swords and wands symbolize action and motivation.

This crash course is aimed at one simple goal: a willingness to read for yourself and others. It's not a bad idea to read for yourself, as you can use the cards to gain insight. All you have to do is shuffle the cards.

There are many Tarot spreads you can try. While it might be tempting to create a ten-card Celtic Cross spread, it's best to start with something simpler, but equally powerful. A three-card spread can be both informative and versatile.

How to Make a Three-Card Spread

Start by shuffling the deck and then thinking about your question. Your shuffled deck may be divided into three piles, and you can reassemble it after pulling your cards. Alternatively, you may prefer to lay the cards face-down and then move them around before making your selection. You can choose how you shuffle, but the most important thing is to keep your focus on the question that you are trying to answer.

Take three cards from the top of the deck and place them in a position that allows you to read the cards from left to right. Although this spread might seem straightforward, it is very versatile. The cards can be used to indicate the past, present, and future, or situation, action, and outcome. You can also designate the first card to represent you, your partner, or potential partner, and the third to signify the relationship between you. Remember, you cannot alter the parameters of your inquiry during the reading!

You don't have to know all the meanings of every card yet. There are 78 cards in total. Building your intuition is a big part of reading Tarot. Learn the keywords for each card and refer to your book or the internet for help. And remember, the illustrations are there for a reason. Take a close look at the cards and notice how they relate to each other. They should tell a story. Don't worry about perfection. This journey will be easier if you have patience, practice, and an open mind.

Now, pause your research and shuffle your deck to pull a three-card spread. You're now ready to read Tarot like an expert.