Tarot Card Reading – Free Tarot Reading (Your Answer to Tarot Card Spreads)

Tarot Card Reading: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Tarot Meaning

Tarot is a popular divination practise, and while occultists have been drawing the metaphorical cards for ages, graphic decks are now available everywhere. The inherent aestheticism of this ancient discipline has reignited interest in tarot, and after viewing so many tarot readings on TikTok, maybe you’re ready to start your own practise. Tarot manicures, after all, are a thing. Read on to discover the answer to any tarot question. Focus and patience is required when searching for the answer, often a moment of clarity will present itself full of love and prosperity.

Despite its pervasiveness, the art can remain enigmatic and perplexing. What is tarot, exactly? What do the cards mean and how do you use them to understand a situation? Don’t worry: the principles are simple to grasp. Here’s what every beginner should know about the history of tarot, as well as some pointers on how to get focus on your own practise.

What is the origin of tarot?

Surprisingly, it is a very new craft. Though tarot decks have been around since the 1400s, they were originally used for games rather than prediction. Cartomancy, or fortune-telling using playing cards, was not invented until 1785, when French occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette — known by his pen name, Etteilla, an inversion of his surname — established complete ties between illustrated cards, astrology, and ancient Egyptian tradition.

Over the next century, mystics and philosophers expanded the importance of the tarot. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the organisations responsible for the modern magical rebirth, was founded in the late 1890s by many London-based occultists. MacGregor and Moina Maters, two of the group’s founders, wrote Book T, a manual that detailed the tarot’s symbolic potency.

Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith created and published a tarot deck based partially on the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1909. This classic deck, known as the Rider-Waite deck, is still the most popular tarot version for both novice and experienced card readers. In 1943, occultist Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris produced their own interpretation of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s tarot. Their Thoth deck, named after the Egyptian deity of alphabets, includes astrological symbolism in each card, connecting divination to the universe.

What is the distinction between Major Arcana Cards and Minor Arcana cards?

Let’s speak about the deck’s structure and the meanings of its cards. Tarot, astrology, and spell casting are all based on the Hermetic maxim “as above, so below.” In other words, the microcosm of individual experience reflects the macrocosm of the cosmos. As a result, the entire cosmos can be found within a tarot deck, with each card representing a different person, location, or event. These symbols appear in both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards, which refer to greater secrets and minor secrets, respectively.

The Major Arcana cards reflect massive, game-changing influences. They mark the beginnings and finishes of our journeys, and each stands alone as a profound message, reflecting life-changing motions. These dynamic cards occur at significant changes, indicating different points of transformation. The cards are numbered to represent stations along our life’s journey; their chronological sequence illustrates the passage of time.

The Minor Arcana cards, on the other hand, are concerned with everyday issues. These cards depict average individuals doing mundane things like dancing, drinking, sleeping, or arguing. They imply action driven by human behaviours and arise during delicate transitions that may be brief or have only modest impact.

What is a Simple tarot card?

The Minor Arcana deck is divided into four suits, each with ten numbered cards and four court cards. The number of a card in the Minor Arcana shows the stage of an event: the ace signifies the beginning, while the ten represents the end. Similarly, the advancement of the court cards illustrates our comprehension of situations on an individual level, with the court cards representing either personality types or actual persons. The Page (or Princess in certain decks), Knight, Queen, and King interpret events with varying degrees of intelligence and wisdom.

The suits (Wands, Pentacles, Swords, and Cups) each represent a different aspect of life and astrological aspects. Wands represent passion and inspiration (the fire element), Pentacles represent money and physical realities (the earth element), Swords reflect intellectual intrigues (the air element), and Cups represent emotional problems (corresponding with the water element). These suits disclose which areas of influence are active, providing insight on how to best manage any given situation.

How can I begin reading the free cards?

The Major and Minor Arcana cards work together to provide a comprehensive graphic language. It is critical to remember that the deck contains all of the answers we seek, with each card representing a person, circumstance, or prospective consequence. Because there are no hidden puzzles or agendas in tarot, the capacity to identify significance is limited to your own narrative interpretation.

Before beginning any reading, shuffle (or “clear”) the cards. This focused action should be turned into a meditation. Visualize your inquiry while feeling the physicality of the cards in your palm. If you’re reading for someone else, use this contemplative time to get to the bottom of their problem and help you frame precise questions for them. Take as much time as you need. Clearing the deck is an important first step in tarot card reading because it opens the channel between spiritual levels. When you’re finished, cut the cards into three and re-arrange the pile, face down. Prepare to select cards for your tarot “spread” on your favourite cloth (be careful with your tarot deck).

What are the various spreads?

One of the most basic and effective tarot spreads is the “three-card spread.” You can change the categories to fit any occasion (past, present, future; yourself, the other person, the relationship; opportunities, challenges, outcomes; mind, body, spirit). The cards and their positions will effortlessly reveal bonds and dynamics. But, before you read the plain explanation for each card, take a moment to make up your own story based on what you see. How do you feel about the cards you drew? What colours and symbols are there? Are the characters facing each other or away from each other? Do the illustrations appear unified or disjointed?

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Of fact, there are several tarot card spreads other than the three-card pull. Professional tarot card readers frequently utilise the “Celtic cross spread,” which uses ten cards and, as the name implies, is shaped like a Celtic cross. The 10-card spread helps you to consider not only the past, present, and future, but also the obstacles, outside influences, and even outcomes.

A one-card-a-day pull will plenty to get you used to the technique for beginners (and honestly, even seasoned tarot readers do this). Pick a time of day (typically in the morning) and simply ask the cards, “What do I need to know today?” or “How should I spend my energies today?” This system is efficient, simple to follow, and a terrific way to learn the cards.

Though each card has traditional meanings, your intuition is the most effective tool at your disposal. Take note of your initial emotional reaction: Your instincts will guide your research and increase your visual memory. You’ll eventually establish your own systems and patterns, and individual cards will have meanings unique to you. Perhaps the Devil card will signify an ex-lover, and the Two of Wands will represent a new career. Your own lexicon will guide your readings, allowing you to craft personalised tales that may be applied to any setting or event.

How do I read a reversed deck I select?

There is no shortage of visually appealing, vibrant tarot decks. Hundreds, if not thousands, of exquisite decks have been published since the mid-twentieth century. The Tarot de Marseille deck is a beautiful replica of a vintage French deck; the Motherpeace deck perfectly depicts the ethereal atmosphere of the 1970s; and the Black Power deck features prominent Black luminaries.

French Tarot cards: the Sun, the House of God (the Tower), the Nine of Swords, the Magician, and the Devil. 17th century France. French Tarot cards: the Sun, the House of God (the Tower), the Nine of Swords, the Magician, and the Devil. 17th century France. (Image courtesy of Getty Images)

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Some tarot readers feel that you should get your first deck as a present. While everyone enjoys receiving gifts, there is nothing more valuable than rewarding yourself with the power of divination, thus I believe you should take advantage of the opportunity to select your first deck. With so many enticing alternatives, the most crucial aspect is your personal connection to the cards.

Observe Your Feelings

Observe your feelings as you peruse different tarot decks, whether you are shopping online or in person. Is the one you’re thinking about exciting you? Wary? Confused? Trust your instincts: Your diligent thought will eventually influence your interpretation of the cards. Investigate the imagery: Do you like traditional or modern representations? Take note of the symbols: Are they appealing? Remember that there is no hierarchy of tarot cards, so select the deck that truly entices your spirit.

Rider-Waite

Because so many future decks are based on its iconic pictures, the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is an excellent beginning deck. The deck is often used as a reference in useful tarot books, such as 78 Degrees of Wisdom. Begin with the Rider-Waite deck, and then add decks that speak to you to your collection. It’s available online, but you can also go to your local occult store and see what speaks to you in person.

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