tarot cards

How many tarot cards are there?

78

How many cards are minor?

22

How many cards are 56?

Major

Remember to…

look at detail on cards and numbers too

History behind tarot cards

Tarot cards are a deck of playing cards, which were first used in the mid-15th century in Europe. Their first use for divination came in the late 18th century, although some scholars can trace certain cards back to ancient Egypt.

The Basics: Tarot cards

The Tarot has four suits, as most modern-day playing cards do. The specific suits varied, depending on the region.

When were French suits used?

Northern Europe

When were Latin suits used?

Southern Europe

When were German suits used?

Central Europe

How many cards are in each traditional suits?

14

How many cards are in the trump suit?

21 long, along with a card called The Fool

The Fool in the traditional playing tarot cards

In some games, this was the top trump

Tarot cards history

The origin of the tarot cards is largely unknown. Some speculate that it is derived from the Italian term "tarocchi" or "tarooco"

What does tarocchi or tarooco mean

Blood orange

Second belief about the origin of tarot

Others believe that the cards originated in Milan or Bologna, taking their name from the Taro River in Northern Italy.

Third belief about the origin of tarot

Others believe it comes from the Arabic term طرق turuq, which means ways, or ترك taraka, which means to leave, abandon, or omit.

When did tarot cards get popularized?

In Europe in the late 14th century

When were the suits as traditional playing cards first commonly used?

Italy, Spain, and Portugal

What was the difference between Tarot cards and playing cards?

Symbolic illustrations

When did picture cards first emerge?

In the early 1400s, as a deck of 16 cards containing images of Greek gods and four types of birds.

Until the invention of the printing press…

owning Tarot cards was a privilege only the very wealthy could afford. Decks were hand-painted and as a result, were quite costly.

When were the first rules of Tarot card games invented?

A manuscript by Martiano da Tortona, produced near 1425

Tarot, as a game,…

has many cultural variations and has survived for centuries.

When did another set of rules become published?

1647

Where are tarot games the most popular at?

all throughout Europe, (except for Ireland, Britain, the Iberia peninsula and the Ottoman Balkans)

Whist some versions, such as the Tarocchini, still persist in Italy…

Tarot is currently most popular in central Europe

What regional tarot games are still widely played?

Tarock, tarok, or tarokk

Tarotology

the practice of using a Tarot deck for divinatory purposes. Though the cards were first recorded as being used to play games, they are now primarily used for divination.

Querent

a person for whom a Tarot reading is given. In other words, a querent is someone with questions seeking answers from a Tarot deck.

What are you called if you are reading to answer your own questions?

you are both the reader and the querent

Major arcana

Arcana is Latin for the secret. The term was chosen because the deck is seen as something that reveals secrets to the reader.

Spreads or layouts

the way the cards are set out on the table in a specific way, so the reading can be performed.

How are cards usually work?

Cards are usually drawn and laid out one at a time. The meaning of the cards depends on each one's position. For example, a three-card spread may mean the past, present and future.

Significator or signifier

a specific Tarot card chosen that represents the querent.

If you want to choose a significator or signifier…

you must do so before the reading. In addition, whether or not a Signifier is selected is up to the reader's discretion, as it is not appropriate in all cases.

Choosing a deck

Trying to find the perfect deck can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially if you are not prepared. There are hundreds on the market, each with different energies, symbols, stories and artwork. Even seasoned pros sometimes find it hard to suss out the best deck for their needs.

Choosing a deck 1

The first and most important tip to keep in mind is to trust your instinct. Make sure you feel personally and intuitively connected with any deck you purchase.

Choosing a deck 2

If you do not feel that connection, look for another one. Never buy a deck you don't feel connected with, in the hope that something develops later on. Instead, spend your time searching for a better deck for you.

Choosing a deck 3

Make sure you listen to your gut more than you listen to others. For example, your friends or Tarot teacher may swear by a particular deck, but it may not appeal to you.

Decks that have a connection with their users are easier to read, resulting in more accurate readings.

Choosing a deck 4

Make sure you take the time to examine each card one by one, paying close attention to the images on each one.

If you are buying your deck in person, spend time handling each card and exploring the imagery in detail. If you are making your purchase online, take the time to zoom in on each image.

Choosing a deck 5

Don't worry if you can't find the perfect imagery for the style of deck you like straight away. There are hundreds of variations of each type of deck available - it just takes time to find the right combination of deck style and imagery. Certain types of decks, for example, have beautiful imagery for the Major Arcana, but less attractive images adorn the pips. It is okay to focus on finding the right deck with the right images for you.

Choosing a deck 6

It is also important to find a deck where the meaning of each image is clear to you. Examine both the Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana carefully. Some cards do not always make their meaning immediately clear. Spend time looking at each card and reading the accompanying LWB (little white book) or LBB (long book), to be sure your future readings are accurate.

Choosing a deck 7

Make sure you read the accompanying LWB or LBB before you finalize your purchase. Some decks come with books that are filled with useful information, whilst others simply define the cards with little explanation. If you are just starting out, you may want to choose a deck with detailed descriptions of the cards and their layout.

Tarot cards: sizes and styles

Tarot cards come in a variety of sizes and styles. The size of the card that is right for you may depend on your use, your abilities and your intent.

What are large cards perfect for?

Group readings since everyone involved can clearly see the cards that are drawn.

What are mini cards perfect for?

Mini cards may be appropriate in other cases, such as for travel or for more intimate one on one readings.

Shuffling before purchase

Make sure you can easily handle and shuffle the cards, before purchase. Cards that are too large or too small can be hard to manage, resulting in less accurate readings. If possible, handle the cards and practice shuffling and drawing them before you make your final purchase.

Before you purchase 2

If you are shopping online, pay close attention to the dimensions and cut some scrap paper at home into that approximate size. Try to cut 20 or so fake cards, so you can practice shuffling and handling them.

As you become more advanced..

you may see that there are different decks for a wide range of uses.

Choosing a deck 8

There are decks designed to help bring focus and inner peace into your life, ones that can help querents reconnect with their spiritual side and others that are suited for predictive readings.

Choosing a deck 9

It can be hard to figure out the purpose of each deck, especially as you begin to shop for your first one. You may want to spend some time online, reviewing decks based on use.

Ace of Wands + Empress in close proximity

Upcoming pregnancy or birth. It could mean that the querent may begin a family soon, or it could represent someone close to the querent.

Ace of Wands + Eight of Pentacles in close proximity

A new job may be on the horizon

Six of Wands + Six of Pentacles in close proximity

Promotion or financial success

Seven of Wands

Ten of Wands

Eight of Swords

Nine of Swords

Five of Pentacles

Knight of Swords

in a spread

Your querent is likely under a great deal of stress. Make sure you read the other cards in the spread carefully, to provide context and so you can offer a few suggestions for relief.

Tarot spreads or layouts

The way in which a reader lays the cards out on the table in preparation for a reading.

Quick readings…

often involve only one or two cards, whereas more in-depth readings, or those addressing complex questions, involve a larger spread.

Why is it important to learn how to perform both types of readings?

to better serve your querents or reflect on your own questions.

Beginner spreads

It is a good idea to have a small array of spreads you can memorize early on, learning more advanced spreads as you master the easier ones.

Intro to tarot cards

There is a lot more to reading Tarot cards than arranging them in a spread. Before you can begin any reading, there are a few steps you need to know.

Formulating a question

The first step to any reading is to formulate your question or have your querent come up with something they want to ask. If you are doing a reading for another person, make sure you fully understand the question they are posing. Effective readings demand clear questions that are understood by both the reader and the querent.

How to ask questions

Wherever possible, avoid yes or no questions. The cards reveal more about a querent when the question posed is open-ended. Yes or no questions do not give the cards a chance to provide context or information about a situation. For example, "Should Elizabeth marry Fitzwilliam?" is too restrictive. Instead, ask the cards "What does Elizabeth need to know about her future with Fitzwilliam?".

This second question can provide more context and background information about the situation, helping you or your querent learn more about their relationship. Be sure the question asked is not ambiguous and do not ask the cards questions multiple times.

When to use certain spreads

There is really no "right" or "wrong" spread to use in any given situation. Most readers pick a spread based on the question posed by the querent. A question that has a simple response does not always warrant a complex spread, such as the Celtic Cross. Instead, a one or three-card spread often provides just as much clarity.

Readers often choose spreads based on their personal preference. Some layouts might be easier for you to interpret than others. In some cases, certain layouts "speak" to readers, whilst others are more challenging to read. The perfect spread for any given situation depends on preference, the question posed and the length of time you have set aside for reading.

The Horse Shoe spread

More time to layout and interpret than one consisting of three cards. When in doubt, trust your instinct.

Shuffling the cards

Whilst there is no wrong way to shuffle your deck, it is generally advisable to be gentle. Any aggression or agitation you use is passed on to the cards, which can affect the accuracy of the reading. Open yourself up to the energy around you and ask your question out loud as you shuffle the cards. Take your time as you shuffle. Imagine pure energy connecting you, the querent and the cards as you shuffle.

Most readers shuffle gently and then cut the deck into three sections, with the bottom part of the deck as the first section and the top part of the deck as the third. They then compile these three parts into one whole deck and shuffle once more, before laying the cards on the table. Your own shuffling method may vary as you develop your skill and learn to rely on your instincts.

Three-card spread

This spread is one of the simplest ones to complete. It is also the fastest one to read and interpret, making it popular amongst busy Tarot readers or those who do not have a lot of time to consult the cards. The three-card spread is also ideal for beginners, as it helps you learn to read the cards in isolation, in connection to a question and in relation to one another. It also helps remind readers and querents that even the most complex problems often have simple solutions.

Position one

The card placed in this position represents the querent's past. It may indicate a person, situation, group of people, or even a strong emotion.

This individual or event influenced the querent in some way and has bearing on their current situation.

The other cards in the spread and the precise nature of the querent's question give context to this card. For example, if your querent had questions about their romantic situation, this card may represent past feelings that could be holding them back.

Position two

Cards in this position represent the present. This card can cover everything from the querent's current state of mind, any external influences on the situation, obstacles the querent needs to overcome, or even the querent's true desires.

As with all readings, the other cards and the querent's question provide context. If the reading is done in connection to work matters, this card could represent the querent's true professional ambitions, as well as the obstacles preventing them from succeeding.

Position three

The final card is the future card or the outcome card. It could reflect an immediate resolution to a problem, or a long-term solution requiring work on the part of the querent.

The type of outcome indicated depends entirely on the question posed by the querent. For example, outcome cards in response to questions about relationships often advise the querent on a direction to take.

Future cards read in connection to career concerns may provide the querent with a new career path or advice on how to advance at their current workplace.

Fact about three-card spreads

Three-card spreads are commonly used by professional Tarot card readers, because of their simplicity and ability to provide a clear answer.

Nine-card spread

The nine-card spread is another useful spread for beginners, as it helps you to see a connection between the cards as well as the connection the cards have to the querent's question. This particular spread gives more context and background to the questions posed. Don't be discouraged if you do not immediately see the connection between the cards. It is a good idea to practice this spread on your own, before trying it with other querents.

Positions one two and three

The first three cards represent the querent's past. As with the three-card spread, these cards may indicate people, events, or emotions from the past that are affecting the querent today. As there are more cards in this spread for you to read, it might be easier to determine what aspect of the querent's past the cards are meant to reflect.

Positions four, five and six

The next three cards represent the querent's present situation. Multiple cards in this position help give you a bit more context. For example, if your querent has a question about their romantic situation, these three cards might reveal their true thoughts about the situation, as well as provide some clues as to how their prospective romantic partner views the situation.

Positions seven, eight and nine

Cards in these positions are the future or outcome cards. They offer insight and guidance into how the future may unfold. Make sure you look for a connection between the cards. Even if one is not immediately obvious, each one relates to the querent's future, so a connection between them helps to offer additional advice and guidance. For example, if your querent had a question about their career, these cards could offer direction about which path to choose, or help the querent figure out what is standing in the way of achieving professional goals.

The Star Spread

The Star Spread is named because of its distinctive star shape. It is a short reading but provides more details and context than a simple three-card spread.

Readers often use the Star Spread to provide guidance and assistance for querents in difficult situations. This spread helps reveal obstacles and challenges, as well as forces working in the querent's favor.