How to Read and Understand Tarot Cards
Psychic Expert / 20 Years of Experience / Psychic, Tarot Expert, Spiritual Advisor
24,688 Readings | Active Since 2002
As a psychic guide here at Mystic Lotus, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Tarot. These symbolic cards offer a rich tapestry of archetypes and energies that can illuminate the hidden aspects of ourselves and our lives. While the imagery and structure of the Tarot provide a framework for understanding, it’s crucial to recognize that truly unlocking its deeper wisdom often involves more than just intellectual interpretation. The intuitive connection and experienced insight of a psychic Tarot reader can unveil layers of meaning that may remain unseen to the untrained eye. Let’s explore the fundamentals of reading and understanding Tarot cards, while also acknowledging the vital role of intuitive guidance in accessing their profound truths.
Understanding the Structure of the Tarot Deck
The Tarot deck is traditionally composed of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana: Archetypal Energies
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing significant life lessons, universal themes, and powerful archetypal energies. These cards often signify major shifts, turning points, and profound spiritual or personal growth. Understanding the core meaning of each Major Arcana card, from The Fool’s journey to the culmination of The World, provides a foundational understanding of the overarching narratives at play in a reading.
The Minor Arcana: Everyday Experiences
The Minor Arcana comprises 56 cards, further divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit corresponds to a different aspect of life:
- Wands: Represent energy, action, creativity, passion, and inspiration.
- Cups: Symbolize emotions, feelings, relationships, intuition, and love.
- Swords: Relate to intellect, truth, challenges, communication, and decisions.
- Pentacles: Represent the material world, finances, career, health, and practicality.
Within each suit, there are numbered cards (Ace through Ten) representing the progression of energy within that domain, and four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) which often embody specific personality types, roles, or approaches to the suit’s themes.
Basic Steps to Reading a Tarot Card
Observing the Imagery and Symbols
Pay close attention to the artwork, colors, figures, and symbols depicted on the card. Each element can offer clues to the card’s meaning and its message within the context of a reading. Consider the overall feeling and mood evoked by the imagery.
Understanding the Core Meaning
Familiarize yourself with the generally accepted core meaning of each individual card, both in the Major and Minor Arcana. Numerous resources, including books and online guides, can aid in building this foundational knowledge.
Considering the Card’s Position in a Spread
The position a card occupies within a Tarot spread significantly influences its interpretation. For example, a card in the “challenge” position will be understood differently than the same card in the “outcome” position.
Interpreting the Card in Context
The meaning of a card is never absolute; it must be interpreted in relation to the other cards in the spread and the specific question being asked. Look for patterns, connections, and recurring themes among the cards.
Trusting Your Intuition
While understanding the traditional meanings is essential, allow your own intuition to play a role. What feelings or thoughts arise as you look at the card and the spread? Your subjective impressions can add valuable layers of meaning.
The Crucial Role of Intuition and Psychic Insight
While anyone can learn the basic meanings and structures of the Tarot, accessing its deepest truths often requires intuitive and psychic abilities. A skilled psychic Tarot reader brings more than just knowledge of the cards to a reading. They can:
Tap into Energetic Fields
Psychic readers can often sense and interpret the subtle energetic fields surrounding the querent and the situation, providing context that goes beyond the literal card meanings.
Receive Direct Intuitive Guidance
Through their heightened senses, psychic readers may receive direct insights, feelings, or messages related to the cards that are not explicitly depicted or traditionally associated with them.
Connect with Higher Guidance
Some psychic readers act as a conduit, connecting with higher sources of wisdom or spirit guides to receive deeper understanding and guidance relevant to the reading.
Discern Nuances and Hidden Layers
The intuitive eye can often discern subtle nuances and hidden layers of meaning within the cards and the spread, revealing truths that a purely intellectual approach might miss.
It is important to understand that without this intuitive connection, the cards may present a framework, but the deeper, more personalized, and often more accurate answers and truths may remain veiled. The Tarot acts as a powerful tool, but the skill and intuitive gifts of the reader are often what truly unlock its potential for profound insight.
Developing Your Own Tarot Reading Skills
If you are drawn to learning the Tarot, here are a few tips:
Start with a Rider-Waite Smith Deck
This deck is widely popular and rich in symbolic imagery, making it a good starting point for beginners.
Study the Card Meanings
Utilize books, online resources, and workshops to build a solid understanding of the traditional meanings of each card.
Practice Regularly
The more you work with the cards, the more familiar you will become with their language and nuances. Practice reading for yourself and trusted friends.
Keep a Tarot Journal
Record your readings, your interpretations, and any intuitive insights you receive. This will help you track your progress and develop your personal understanding of the cards.
Be Patient and Trust the Process
Learning the Tarot is a journey that unfolds over time. Be patient with yourself, trust your intuition, and enjoy the process of discovery.
While the journey of learning to read Tarot is a rewarding one, remember that the intuitive gifts of a psychic reader can offer a depth of insight that goes beyond learned knowledge. If you seek profound clarity and deeper truths from the Tarot, consider connecting with an experienced psychic Tarot reader here on Mystic Lotus. I am here to guide you with both knowledge and intuition.