Learning the Tarot pt.4

The Aces~

Now that we have a basic understand of the Major Arcana, we will move on to the Minor.

If you recall from Lesson 2 there are 4 suits in the Minor Arcana. Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. The suits are also numbered one (aces) through ten. Please refer to Lesson 2 for more information regarding each number and suit.

For this lesson we will start to cover the individual card meanings. I find the easiest way to do this is to break it down into sets of four. We will begin with the Aces, since they are number one.

The Ace of Pentacles~
This is a card many people love to see, as it usually indicates unexpected money coming to them. Or some type of material gain.
It also tells us to appreciate the good things in life.
This card brings new possibilities and tangible improvements.

When this card is pulled in a reading it can indicate an inheritance, promotion or a windfall of some type.
It could signify that the Universe and luck is on your side financially, and it's a good time to play the lottery.
In a love spread it means gifts given, perhaps even a ring is bought!

The reversed meaning of this card signifies loss of money, prosperity or tangible goods.
It could indicate that the person became too greedy with their material gains, and now it has been taken from them. (ahh, the rules of karma coming back to bite!)

The Ace of Swords~ 
This is a card of success or victory, especially after a time of strife in your life.

As we know from Lesson 2, swords deal with our mental affairs, and the Ace is no different. This card also indicates mental clarity and intellect. This cards also speaks of power and powerful ideas.

When we pull this card in a reading it usually indicates an "ah-ha" moment. Things snap into place! It signifies a new view or breakthrough. You have had enough strife and have figured out how to move forward. Nothing can stop you now. You are diligent, and have no problem using power and force if necessary.

The reversed meaning of this card signifies destructive behavior. Using to much force or pressure in the situation, and thus making it worse. The clarity you had in the upright position, gives way to clouded judgement.

The Ace of Wands~ 
Opportunities are knocking on your door, and this card is telling you to go ahead with them! Wave the wand and harness the power!.
The opportunities this card speaks of are usually of the creative nature, though it could indicate a new business venture as well.
Since this is also a card of new beginnings it may also signify a birth in the family.

When we pull this card in a reading it generally means the person is on the right path. Whatever new and inspiring ideas they may have are right with the Universe and should be encouraged.

The reversed meaning of this card signifies a time to stop and rethink. Time to stop and start over.

The Ace of Cups~
Just as the picture on this card signifies, your cup runneth over with good. Blessings, joy, good health and happiness are all around you.
And with this being an Ace, it also shows new beginnings. New friendships, jobs or relationships, as well as new spiritual development. It is the beginning of all things good.

When we pull this card in a reading it indicates a good place in the querent's life. Things are going good, or will soon be very good. They are on the right path, and are very blessed. Remind them to be grateful for all they have.

The reversed meaning of this card signifies being selfish with your blessings. Or perhaps the ego has gotten in the way. It can also indicate a fear of having to start over.

Now keep in mind that these are just basic meanings. When you are doing a reading your intuition will often tell you more than just this. The cards are very open to interpretation.

Just as we did with the Major Arcana, I would recommend writing down the meanings in a journal. Writing things down helps us remember things easier.

Learning the Tarot pt. 3

The Major Arcana~

There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana

So far we have gotten to know our decks, and we have a basic understanding of the root meanings of each suit and number. Now we will start getting into the meanings of the cards themselves. We will break this down into sections to make it easier, and seem less daunting.

I encourage you to write down each card, and at least a few keywords. Writing things down helps you to memorize it better. While writing down the meanings, take a good look at your card. What's going on in the card, and most importantly how does the card make you feel. You will start to associate the images on the card with these meanings.

There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana. They are the "trump"cards. They are the highest ranking suit. When they appear in your readings, pay special attention to these cards.

To keep things simple, we won't be going over the reverse meanings just yet.

Card 0 ~ Is the Fool.
The Fool card represents a fresh start, taking chances and being open minded. Having blind faith and stepping into the unknown.

Card 1 ~ The Magician.
The Magician is ambitious and intellectual. When he appears in our readings he wants us to harness the powers of the universe. Take action and grasp opportunities! He is the very start of creative ideas.

Card 2 ~ The High Priestess. 
She is mysterious, intuitive and holds the secrets of the universe. This card urges you to look within yourself, use your intuition to find deeper meaning. Open your third eye, or use your psychic ability. This will bring a sense of calm to your life.

Card 3 ~ The Empress. 
The Empress is considered the motherly card, as she is the card of fertility and femininity. She is nurturing and compassionate. Also she gives good advice and guidance.

Card 4 ~ The Emperor. 
He is structured, protective and authoritative. He is a great leader and business builder. This card could also represent a father figure or person of authority.

Card 5 ~ The Hierophant. 
A great advisor, especially in areas of spirituality. He is a conformist, and set in his traditional ways. He is wise and upholds ancient traditions that he passes on to new generations. He offers us his blessings.

Card 6 ~ The Lovers.
The lovers is just what it sounds like. As trong connection or soul mate. Physical unity and harmony. Two are better than one, and this card can symbolize a marriage.

Card 7 ~ The Chariot. 
Victory and success are two great keywords for the Chariot. Conflict resolution, focus and living a well balanced life are also key. This card could also indicate travel.

Card 8 ~ Strength. 
Not physical strength, but inner strength. Having courage and confidence. Most strength cards show a lion, which could indicate a Leo in your life.

Card 9 ~ The Hermit.
The Hermit speaks of taking some time to search for your own truth. You do this through deep thinking, solitude, prayer and meditation. Put your projects on hold and search within yourself for the answer.

Card 10 ~ The Wheel of Fortune.
The card of fate, destiny and luck. This card represents cycles or a turn of events. It gives us renewed hope. It also speaks of karma, what goes around comes around. Therefore if you want your fate to be good, put more good out there.

Card 11 ~ Justice. 
Decision making. Weighing out both sides. Fairness and honesty. This card asks us to make our wrongs right. It take balance to find the truth.

Card 12 ~ The Hanged Man. 
This card isn't as scary as it may seem. It simply means you are at a crossroad and are indecisive on which way to go. It could mean you need to bide your time and wait things out to see which direction is the best way to improve your life.  A state of suspension.

Card 13 ~ Death.
Also not as scary as it seems. This card represents lasting changes. The removal of something to begin anew. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's a fresh start or a new approach.

Card 14 ~ Temperance. 
Balance and harmony. Practicing moderation in all areas of life. Compromise. Being true to yourself.

Card 15 ~ The Devil.
This card is as bad as you may think. It speaks of feeling hopeless and being too materialistic. The Devil is manipulative and greedy. It indicates someone who feel they can't get out of a bad situation, the feeling of being dominated or trapped. It can also mean an illness.

Card 16 ~ The Tower. 
The tower is all about catastrophic change. Something is going to happen to really shake things up. You will need to adapt to these changes, as they will lead to new beginnings.

Card 17 ~ The Star.
Hopes and inspirations. Living in a balance between the conscious and subconscious. She represents going in the right direction with life. Reflect on your blessings, and keep a positive outlook. Have faith and serenity. Accept your imperfections, embrace who you are.

Card 18 ~ The Moon. 
The moon controls emotions. Our deep thoughts and dreams. This card also represents our intuition and psychic abilities. And just as the moon has cycles, so does our life. Face your fears to move forward in change.

Card 19 ~ The Sun. 
Enlightenment, freedom, and independance. Feeling confident and successful. Full of energy. The sun also indicates a happy family or a possible pregnancy.

Card 20 ~ Judgment. 
The judgement card isn't so much about judging others, as it is ourselves. It speaks of renewal, and reflection. You need to look back to move forward. Forgive, and rekindle past relationships. Absolution.

Card 21 ~ The World. 
The final card of the Major Arcana. This card signifies the highest  level of consciousness. The perfect integration of body, mind and spirit. This card is about the fulfillment of your desires. The cycle is complete. You have new found freedom, and new beginnings.

These are some basic keywords and meanings for each of the Major Arcana. Upon more study, you will find that everyone has slightly different ideas of what the cards mean. You will even come to find your own meanings. This is using your intuition. The meanings can change slightly by what cards are surrounding it too.

If you have the basic idea of what each card stands for though, it will only help your intuition more.

~*~Bright Blessings~*~

Lesson 1 here
Lesson 2 here

Learning the Tarot pt. 2

The Root Meanings

Elemental Meanings~
Each set of cards has a numerological and elemental association. Keeping these in mind will help you with your readings.

As you have noticed by spending time you your deck that there are 4 suits, with each card numbered one through ten. Each number has a basic meaning, as well as each suit. Let's start with the suits.

Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles

The suit of wands are associated with fire.
They are made of wood. Wood signifies growth and energy. The energy that burns within us. Meaning the wands usually deal with our passions, will and desires. The stuff that fuels are inner fire.

The suit of swords are associated with air. 
Swords can be used as weapons or useful tools. So can the mind. Our thoughts can be used as weapons or for good. The swords signify your mental state, communication and sometimes conflict or cruelty. The air concept comes from the idea that swords can be stormy or clear and calm, just as the mind can be.

The suit of cups are associated with water. 
Cups are used for holding water. Water nourishes, cleanses and refreshes. It is also reflective. They can stand for deep waters, like and ocean, unknown and vast. Much like our subconscious. Water flows, much like our emotions. As cups usually deal with our feelings.

The suit of pentacles are associated with earth.
They usually show up on your cards in the form of coins. Showing that we are grounded to material resources or money. Pentacles signify wealth, security, careers and even health. The things in life that make us feel grounded.

The Major Arcana are associated with our souls or spirituality. 
They deal with morality, karma, spirituality and our philosophies.

Numerological Meanings~
Just as each suit has a basic meaning, so does each number.

Ones or Aces~ They are associated with beginnings, since it is the first number.
 It can also stand for self or the ego.

Twos~ Connections, balance or decisions.

Threes~ They can signify the connection of the twos, making a third. So creativity and reproduction are the main key words here. They can also signify resolutions.

Fours~ Stability and structure. Like a table with 4 legs, they are sturdy.

Fives~ Signify changes are life challenges. Things in life that make for new learning experiences.

Sixes~ Overcoming the challenges of the fives. Adjustments, and finally peace.

Sevens~ Life's tests and inner growth. Mastering things in your life, possibly things you have learned to     adjust to from the 5 and 6's.

Eights~ Success, power and moving on with your life.

Nines~ Satisfaction, endings or accomplishments.

Tens~ Life moves in cycles. The tens signify the beginning of a new cycle. The last chapter of your life has   been closed, now to start a new one.

The Court Cards~ 
The suits of these still follow the elemental meanings of the suits mentioned above. However they also represent a person in most cases. The rank of each card is used to define whom the card is speaking of.

Pages~ A young person, usually a child. It could pertain to someone who is childish or playful as well.

Knights~ A teenager or young adult. Someone still immature, who is trying to find their place in life.

Queens~ A mature woman. She is usually focused and intuitive.

Kings~ A mature man. He is strong and direct. He could represent a boss in a career spread.


Using what you know from the elemental meanings above you can glean a basic understanding of what each court card means, and the personality of the person the card is representing.

Example, the Page of Cups could mean an emotional child in the querent's life. Or the Queen of Swords could be an intelligent older woman. It will be easier to know who the card is speaking about based on other cards in the spread. Say our Queen of Swords in next to the nine of swords, this could mean an older woman going through a hard emotional time. Someone who is anxious or worried. Your querent would then relate this card to his mother, who is dealing with her emotions and is letting them get the best of her.

Don't worry, we will dig deeper into the card meanings later. This is just a very basic understanding of the cards. The tip of the iceberg so to speak.

                                                                ~*~Bright Blessings~*~



Lesson 1 here.

Learning the Tarot pt. 1

Part one; Choosing the right deck for you. 

No matter how intuitive we are, sometimes we need a little help along the way. This is where the tarot comes in. It's a great tool to help guide us in our lives. 

Maybe you are interested in learning how to use your intuition and read the cards yourself, but you find the task to be a bit daunting. I know it can seem that way. With so many cards to learn, that all have slightly different meanings to each person, to which spread to use for the question at hand. And of course let's not forget those cards all have reverse meanings! 

I've decided to start a simple series on tips to learning the tarot yourself. I'll break it down into smaller parts, making it easier to do this one step at a time. 

The very first thing you need to do is find the perfect deck for you. This alone can seem like a chore. There are so many decks to choose from. Some of you may have been blessed with a deck as a gift. I would suggest starting off with that deck, for it was meant for you! If you haven't been given a deck, it is ok to buy your own. Just take your time and choose one that really resonates with you. Looks at the art, the colors and feel the energy the deck gives you. Does it just feel "right"? This is the first step in using your intuition. You will simply know when you have found the right deck for you. 

The Rider-Waite deck is one of the original decks, many find it easiest to interpret. 

Once you find your first deck, you will want to spend some time with it. Like getting acquainted with a new friend. Some people like to sleep with their deck, wrapped in silk, under their pillows for the first few nights. This will help the cards pick up your vibrations. 

Another thing you will want to do is use your cards. Shuffle them, look them over, take time looking at and holding each card. Even if you have no idea what the card is supposed to mean, use your intuition and see how each card makes you feel. Does it invoke negativity? Does it make you feel happy? Does the card tell you a mini story? What is going on in each card? Just the act of holding and studying each card will bond you to your deck. 

While going through your deck, try a little exercise to open yourself up, and get your intuitive juices flowing. 

Take each card, and while you are looking at it and getting a feel for each one, make three piles. A positive pile, a negative pile and an indifferent pile. 

After you have separated your cards into piles, go back with a book and see if your idea of each card matches up with what the book says the card means. Did the Devil make you feel uneasy? If so, does the book say this card is negative? What about the Death card? Did it make you sad, or did you feel it was indifferent, neither bad or good? Take a few notes, see which ones you were correct on. You may be surprised with just how intuitive you are without knowing what each card represents. This is a great beginning. 

Death means a change. The death of something old, to make way for something new. 

Take a few days to do this with your cards, use them, sleep with them and really just spend some time with them. This is really the first and very important key into beginning you tarot reading journey. 

And it most certainly is a journey. So don't rush it. Take your time. Realise that the tarot is mysterious, and you will never fully master it. You will continue to learn more and become better and better at using your cards. It's a fun journey, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.