Interpreting Tarot Cards
Interpreting Tarot cards is, as you might expect, quite
difficult and requires much practice. So is there an easy way? A
short cut? yes - by focusing only on the Major Arcana cards.
What are the major cards I hear you ask? The standard tarot
deck, whatever imagery is used to depict the symbols, is 78
cards in 2 sections, namely the major and minor arcanas. The
major cards are by far the most important, and for quick
readings, it is perfectly permissible simply to discard the
minor cards and concentrate solely on the major arcana
('secrets' in latin). To lay out the cards in a standard reading
is beyond the scope of this article, consult
www.psychicsuperstore.com if you need instructions on how to
start a reading.
There are 22 major arcana cards, each one of which symbolizes an
aspect of our existence. In our lives, we are constantly
influenced in terms of our essential drives by forces that are
depicted in the Tarot. Together, the major Arcana represent the
'Fools Journey' - the trip we all make - our lives in other
words. To become a fully rounded individual and complete the
journey successfully, each quality represented by the cards must
be experienced or in some cases mastered.
These 'qualities' we all must experience are universal, although
of course the order they occur in our lives and the particular
form the lesson takes is completely individual. From the '0'
card (representing our first awareness) to card 21
(fulfillment), each of these cards is a stage on the road to our
final destination. When giving a reading, you must remember that
although these universal experiences and lessons must be in
everyone's life, your client will not have experienced them in
the same way as you (or even at all yet!) and so you must be
careful not to superimpose your own life experiences on the
cards as they fall.
Taking the cards in order, we start with the Fool. Based on the
medieval 'jester', the Fool can watch, mimic and make fun of
others. As the Fool is essentially unpredictable and full of
surprises, this card is a reminder that life has unlimited
potential. Simultaneously, the Fool stresses that fact that life
is basically good. The very innocence of the Fool brings him
joy. In readings, the Fool often signals a new start or change
in direction. He also puts you on guard to keep your faith and
trust your own instincts. Believe in yourself and follow your
heart, your own convictions are right, and no one else can tell
you otherwise, no matter how mad your course may seem on the
outside.
Next we have the Magician. This card agrees that your have a
massive opportunity to use your creative powers if you will only
claim them as your own and focus. If your course is clear, this
card says 'act now' or the moment will pass.
Card 2 is the High Priestess. This card makes an observation -
that you need to go deeper and look beyond the obvious.
Underneath is the real truth. Like the Fool, she also reminds
you of your incredible potential, yet also perhaps the need to
not rush - to consider carefully before acting. Remember that
sometimes your destination can be reached without decisive
action.
The next card is the Empress. Strongly associated with
Motherhood, she is beyond the specific case of simply being a
mother, and recalls the fact that this is just one aspect of a
true essential - the creation of life and it's nurturing through
love. On the material level, she signifies wealth and abundance
as long as you understand that these riches are not for you but
are to be distributed lavishly as mother to your children.
The last card we will examine in this article is the Emperor,
who symbolizes the need for organization. Sometimes this card
means a brush with authority or the chance to become an
authority. Often associated with legal matters or officialdom,
the Emperor is the archetypal 'father figure'. He can indicate
the need for you to take control of your life - to accept
responsibility for your actions and to actually start to enjoy
that power. We'll look at more major arcana next time, or you
can pop over to www.psychicsuperstore.com for more info on tarot
card reading for beginners.