Tarot Reading and Why It Matters
Tarot reading has only managed to refine itself over the course of centuries. From starting out as humble playing cards in 14th-15 century Italy, people have come to learn that cards don’t just exist for amusement, but also as legitimate sources of inquiry.
Much of this boils down to the fact that each symbol has its own meaning. The modern and commonly-used Rider-Waite deck takes perfect advantage of this through the separation of the Major and Minor Arcanas, of which there are 22 and 56 cards respectively.
Broadly speaking, the Major and Minor Arcanas are also separated by the following wise:
- The Major Arcana typically discusses concepts and borrows imagery from other religions to support this. The Hierophant card, for example, is reminiscent of the Catholic Pope and even has all the associated imagery such as the cross. Predictably, its meaning is tied to faith and tradition.
- The Minor Arcana has cards that typically revolve around fixed ideas and their various scenarios, symbolized by their respective images. Bluntly, the Suit of Cups represents relationships, the Suit of Swords displays power, the Suit of Wands symbolizes imagination, while the Suit of Pentacles embodies wealth.
Daily Tarot Reading: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every day, more and more people are turning to Tarot cards for guidance. After all, the meanings behind each card are so all-encompassing that you can safely seek their counsel for any matter, be it financial, romantic or social.
But how do you use Tarot cards on a daily basis? In this step-by-step article, you will learn 3 crucial steps to make your Tarot reading more productive. Each of them should take you no longer than 5 minutes.
Once you’ve mastered Daily Tarot reading, you can then take it to the next level and become more connected with the universe in ways you’ve possibly not imagined. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Meditate on your Question
All Tarot readings begin with a general question. This is because the symbolism behind the Tarot cards tends to adjust according to what you’re asking for. Since you’re doing a daily Tarot reading, be specific about your question for the day.
For example, you can ask yourself: “How should I spend my money today,” or “What should I do with my friends today?” As you do this, focus on why this question matters to you today.
Within 5 minutes, sit in a meditative position. Ask yourself: why do you feel the need to spend your money? Is it because you want some time off, or is there some deeper existential meaning behind it?
As you explore the more philosophical aspects of your primary question, you will feel more invested in the card’s true meaning, allowing you to better understand what to do next.
Step 2: Think about the card’s imagery
Shuffle the deck and draw a card. As you do so, the first thing you will notice is the card’s position: upright or reverse. This alone changes the dynamic, as the former typically means that the outcome is positive and the latter, negative.
From here, notice the card’s orientation, particularly if it’s one of the Minor Arcana cards. Generally, here are the meanings of each suit:
- Suit of Swords - Power, strength, ability
- Suit of Pentacles - Wealth, material benefits
- Suit of Wands - Ambition, dreams, illusions
- Suit of Cups - Love, social connections
Afterwards, narrow down your interpretation to the card’s meaning. You can consult articles online, but you may also process the imagery by yourself. Either way, you will notice that the meaning doesn’t come to you immediately, but gradually. This is very important, because Tarot reading is a revelation, gradually unraveling itself to you.
Step 3: Reflect on the results
Once you’ve gained insight into the larger meaning of the card you’ve drawn, return to your question and reflect on how the card answers it in practical terms. Should you hang out with your friend or spend your money? Why or why not? What does the card say?
When you finish, reflect on the larger meaning. After all, there is always a larger reason behind the card’s meaning. Take some time to think about this– even if it’s just a little. From there, apply the lesson on a more forward basis. This will also influence which card will show up in the future.
