Unveiling the Mysteries of Tarot: A Guide to Better Understand Your Cards

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For centuries, tarot has been a cherished tool for witches, mystics, and seekers, offering profound insights into life’s mysteries. Whether you’re a novice witch or a seasoned practitioner, diving into tarot opens doors to self-discovery, divine guidance, and the enchanting art of storytelling. In this post, we’ll journey through the history of tarot, explore the meaning of each card, and share tips to deepen your connection with the deck.

The History of Tarot

Tarot’s origins trace back to the 15th century in Europe, where it began as a card game known as Tarocchi. Over time, its use evolved beyond entertainment. By the 18th century, mystics like Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) introduced tarot as a divinatory tool, connecting the cards to ancient Egyptian wisdom, astrology, and the Kabbalah.

Today, tarot is embraced globally as a spiritual practice, with its 78 cards serving as mirrors to the soul, windows into the subconscious, and keys to divine wisdom.

Understanding the Cards

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two groups:

The Major Arcana (22 cards)

The Major Arcana represent life’s big lessons and spiritual themes. Each card offers a deep archetype, guiding us through the "Fool’s Journey"—a metaphor for personal growth.

1. The Fool: New beginnings, spontaneity, potential.

2. The Magician: Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.

3. The High Priestess: Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom.

4. The Empress: Abundance, nurturing, creativity.

5. The Emperor: Authority, structure, stability.

6. The Hierophant: Tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity.

7. The Lovers: Relationships, choices, harmony.

8. The Chariot: Willpower, determination, success.

9. Strength: Courage, inner strength, compassion.

10. The Hermit: Introspection, solitude, guidance.

11. Wheel of Fortune: Cycles, fate, karma.

12. Justice: Fairness, truth, accountability.

13. The Hanged Man: Surrender, new perspective, pause.

14. Death: Transformation, endings, rebirth.

15. Temperance: Balance, moderation, healing.

16. The Devil: Shadow self, attachment, limitations.

17. The Tower: Sudden change, upheaval, revelation.

18. The Star: Hope, inspiration, renewal.

19. The Moon: Illusion, intuition, the subconscious.

20. The Sun: Joy, success, clarity.

21. Judgement: Awakening, reckoning, higher calling.

22. The World: Completion, wholeness, achievement.

The Minor Arcana (56 cards)

The Minor Arcana reflect daily challenges, joys, and experiences. They are divided into four suits:

Wands: Creativity, passion, inspiration (Fire).

Cups: Emotions, relationships, intuition (Water).

Swords: Thoughts, conflict, truth (Air).

Pentacles: Work, wealth, the material world (Earth).

Each suit has 14 cards: Ace through Ten and four court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

Tips for Interpreting Your Readings

Choose Your Deck Intuitively

Select a deck that resonates with you. Popular options include the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Thoth Tarot, but don’t hesitate to explore indie or artistic decks that spark a personal connection. Two of my personal favorites are The Goddess of Love tarot and Music tarot. You can find both of these and a few other recommendations listed here.

Create Sacred Space

Before a reading, cleanse your deck by simply knocking on it three times or with smoke, crystals, or moonlight. Set your intention and ensure a quiet, focused environment. This will help you hear any intuitive thoughts that may be sent from your spirit guides, deities, ancestors or whomever you are choosing to communicate with through your deck.

Start with Simple Spreads

For beginners, try one-card pulls for daily guidance or three-card spreads for insight into past, present, and future.

Pay Attention to Imagery

Each card is rich with symbolism. Look closely at the artwork, colors, and expressions—they often hold the key to your intuition’s interpretation.

Combine Intuition with Study

While learning traditional meanings is essential, let your intuition guide you. Ask yourself how the card makes you feel and what story it tells in the context of your question. If you struggle to connect to your intuition, check out this post next.

Journal Your Readings

Documenting your spreads helps you track patterns and understand how the cards’ energies play out in your life.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you work with tarot, the more confident you’ll become in interpreting its messages. Read for yourself, friends, or even imaginary scenarios to hone your skills.

Use a Pendulum

This is something I still continue to do myself. A pendulum gives simple yes, no, and maybe answers and can help confirm your understanding of your tarot spreads. Pendulums are my favorite divination tool to recommend for beginners because once you get the hang of it you can get quick responses to anything you need help with. For more on pendulums check out this post next.

Closing Thoughts

Tarot is a magical ally, offering clarity, wisdom, and a deeper connection to the universe. Whether you’re seeking answers or simply exploring its rich history and meanings, remember: the power of tarot lies within you. Your energy, intuition, and intention breathe life into the cards.

What’s your favorite card in the deck? Or do you have a memorable tarot experience to share? Let’s chat in the comments below!