Tarot 101

08 Jul Tarot 101

 A Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: Unlocking the Secrets of the 78 Cards

 

Welcome to the mystical world of Tarot! If you’re new to Tarot and eager to learn the basics, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the 78 Tarot cards, giving you a solid foundation to start your Tarot journey. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the structure of the Tarot deck, the meanings of the cards, and how to perform basic readings. Plus, we’ll show you where to find more resources and professional readings to enhance your understanding.

 

 The Structure of the Tarot Deck

 

A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

 

 Major Arcana

 

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing significant life events, spiritual lessons, or major archetypes. These cards are often considered the heart of the Tarot, symbolizing the journey of the Fool (the first card) through various stages of life. Here are the Major Arcana cards in order:

 

1. The Fool – New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity.
2. The Magician – Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
3. The High Priestess – Intuition, mystery, subconscious mind.
4. The Empress – Fertility, abundance, nurturing.
5. The Emperor – Authority, structure, control.
6. The Hierophant – Tradition, conformity, spirituality.
7. The Lovers – Relationships, choices, harmony.
8. The Chariot – Determination, willpower, victory.
9. Strength – Courage, patience, inner strength.
10. The Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, guidance.
11. Wheel of Fortune – Change, cycles, fate.
12. Justice – Fairness, truth, law.
13. The Hanged Man – Suspension, letting go, new perspectives.
14. Death – Endings, transformation, transition.
15. Temperance – Balance, moderation, patience.
16. The Devil – Bondage, addiction, materialism.
17. The Tower – Upheaval, sudden change, revelation.
18. The Star – Hope, inspiration, serenity.
19. The Moon – Illusion, fear, anxiety.
20. The Sun – Joy, success, positivity.
21. Judgement – Reflection, reckoning, awakening.
22. The World – Completion, achievement, fulfillment.

 

 Minor Arcana

 

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit has 14 cards: Ace through Ten, plus four Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). The Minor Arcana deals with everyday events and situations.

 

 Suits and Their Meanings

 

– Cups: Emotions, relationships, and connections.

– Pentacles: Material aspects, work, and finances.

– Swords: Thoughts, challenges, and conflicts.

– Wands: Creativity, passion, and energy.

 

 Learning the Card Meanings

 

While memorizing 78 card meanings can seem daunting, start by focusing on the Major Arcana and then gradually incorporate the Minor Arcana. Here are some tips to help you remember:

 

1. Associations: Connect each card with a personal experience or story.
2. Visualization: Study the imagery on the cards, as each detail holds a clue to its meaning.
3. Practice: Perform daily readings to familiarize yourself with the cards.

 

 Basic Tarot Spreads

 

Once you’re comfortable with the card meanings, it’s time to practice some Tarot spreads. A spread is the layout of cards during a reading. Here are two simple spreads to get you started:

 

 One-Card Spread

 

This is the simplest spread, perfect for daily guidance. Shuffle the deck, draw one card, and reflect on its message.

 

 Three-Card Spread

 

A three-card spread provides a bit more insight and can be used for various questions. It typically covers:

 

1. Past: Influences that have shaped the current situation.
2. Present: The current state or immediate challenges.
3. Future: Possible outcome or advice moving forward.

 

 Tips for Accurate Readings

 

1. Clear Your Mind: Before starting a reading, take a few moments to relax and focus.
2. Ask Clear Questions: The clearer your question, the clearer the answer.
3. Trust Your Intuition: Your intuition is a powerful tool in interpreting the cards.
4. Journal Your Readings: Keeping a Tarot journal helps track your progress and spot patterns.

 

 

 Explore More at Tarot Astro

 

For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Tarot, we offer a range of resources at our website. Here’s what you can find:

 

 Free Resources

 

– Yes or No Readings: Get a quick answer to your burning questions.

– Daily Card Reading: Receive daily insights and guidance from the Tarot.

– A Library with free Tarot Content on all the 78 cards

 

 Professional Readings

 

Sometimes, a professional reading can provide the depth and clarity you need. Our store offers a variety of readings performed by experienced Tarot readers, including:

 

– Relationship Reading: Understand your romantic relationships and what lies ahead.

– Career Choices: Get guidance on your career path and decision-making.

– “The Cupid” Reading: Insights into potential new connections and their significance.

– Monthly and Semi-Annual Forecasts: Detailed predictions to help you plan your future.

– Celtic Cross Reading: A comprehensive spread that provides deep insights into any question or situation.

 

By choosing a professional reading, you can benefit from the expertise and intuition of our seasoned Tarot readers. Whether you’re seeking answers about love, career, or life in general, our readings can provide the clarity and direction you need.

 

Starting your Tarot journey is both exciting and enlightening. By understanding the basics of the Tarot deck and practicing regularly, you’ll soon develop the skills to read the cards with confidence. And remember, at  Tarot Astro, we’re here to support you every step of the way with free resources and professional readings tailored to your needs.

 

Happy reading!