The classic 78 card Tarot Deck:The classic tarot deck has 78
cards. There are many variations to decks in both number, card and
suit names, and design.These facts will help you to understand your
deck more clearly and as you become more experienced you may want
to experiment with other types of deck.There are 2 main parts to a
deck:The Major Arcana which consists of 22 cardsThe Minor Arcana
which consists of 56 cardsThe word Arcana is taken from Latin and
means secret. An individual card can be referred to as an
Arcanum.
The Minor Arcana:The 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four
suits, much like traditional playing cards. These are Wands, Cups,
Swords and Pentacles.Some of the suits may have other names:Wands
are also known as Rods or BatonsPentacles are also known as Coins
or DiscsEach suit has numbered cards 1-10, and 4 court cards: Page,
Knight, Queen and KingAstrological elements and signs associated
with each suit are:Wands Fire Aries, Leo, SagittariusCups Water
Cancer, Scorpio and PiscesSwords Air Gemini, Libra,
AquariusPentacles Earth Virgo, Capricorn and TaurusWands are
associated with career, work, and creativityCups are associated
with emotions and affairs of the heartSwords are associated with
our thoughts and intellectPentacles are associated with money and
material mattersWe will cover the Minor Arcana cards in lessons
4-9.
Homework:Spend the next week studying this information on the
Major and Minor Arcana using your cards. It will certainly give you
a broad base of understanding, as a foundation to build more
detailed knowledge of the Tarot deck in the coming weeks.Which
court card is your astrological card?Queen adult woman of any
ageKing men aged 35 or overKnight men aged under 35Page a male or
female child or adolescent
The Fool
Element:Air.Planet:Uranus.Positive associations with this tarot
card:new beginnings, optimism, spontaneity, fearlessness,
excitement, visionary, joy, inventiveness.Negative associations
with this tarot card:navet, thoughtlessness, immaturity, lack of
responsibility, impulsiveness, lawlessness.Expect the unexpected
when The Fool turns up in a reading, influences that could have a
dramatic affect on the decisions and choices you make.When The Fool
appears it is a time for new beginnings, a journey perhaps into the
unknown that will be exciting and fun. Any trials along the way
will make you a more experienced and perhaps wiser person.If The
Fool falls in the first position of a reading exercise caution - it
could indicate fool hardiness or perhaps the question you are
asking is the wrong one or you are asking it for the wrong
reasons.The Fool can also represent a person in a reading, if so be
prepared to meet a real maverick, an eccentric with lust for
life.The Fool represents the untapped potential in all of us.'Fools
rush in where angels fear to tread'however sometimes it can be wise
to'Look before you leap'.
The Magician
Planet:Mercury.Positive associations with this tarot
card:action, power, originality, confidence, individuality,
willpower, new beginnings, potential.Negative associations with
this tarot card:trickery, deception, lack of self-confidence,
indecision, abuse of power.The Magician is an excellent omen
symbolizing new opportunities, the importance of new enterprise and
that you will have the willpower and initiative to succeed in
whatever you do.The mercurial nature of The Magician means that you
will be able to think on your feet and bluff your way through any
difficulties.Negatively this card represents trickery or deception
and is a warning to be careful of whom you place your trust
in.Another negative aspect of The Magician is that it may suggest
that you are lacking in self-confidence and being indecisive.
The high priestesss
Positive associations with this tarot card:intuitiveness,
understanding, wisdom, mystery, psychic ability, the divine
feminine.Negative associations with this tarot card:lack of
intuitiveness, emotional insecurity, secretiveness, hidden
obstacles or opponents.The High Priestess is the guardian of
secrets so when she appears in a reading it can mean a secret is to
be revealed or there is a secret you wish to be
revealed.Symbolizing our intuitiveness and the realms of our
unconscious, the High Priestess is our guide to our inner self and
potential.When the High Priestess appears it suggests you should
trust your instincts, let your intuition be your guide. she may
even represent a person who will provide wise counsel and advice.In
a man's reading the High Priestess can represent the most important
woman in his life.Negatively the High Priestess can represent
emotional insecurity and the danger of being tempted to use
emotional blackmail.Another negative aspect is that a secret is
being kept from you, perhaps unknown obstacles or opponents.In a
man's reading the negative aspect of this card could represent a
woman who is a bad influence on him.
Positive associations with this tarot card:fertility, birth,
motherhood, harmony, nature, prosperity, joy, love, artistic
ambition.Negative associations with this tarot card:domestic
upheaval, emotional blackmail, over-protectiveness, poverty,
infertility, unwanted pregnancy, surpressed artistic expression.The
Empress symbolizes love, reassurance, prosperity and birth so when
she appears in a reading in a favourable position she is a very
welcome card.She can represent pregnancy or actual birth of a child
however she can also represent the creation or birth of a creative
project or involvement with nature.Negatively The Empress can
signal that you, or a woman in your life, is being too protective
for comfort and may even resort to emotional blackmail to get what
she wants.She may indicate money worries and a need to handle your
finances carefully.Another negative aspect of The Empress is that
she can symbolize infertility or unwanted pregnancy.
Astrological Sign:Aries.Positive associations with this tarot
card:achievement, authority, protection, support, trustworthy,
discipline, provider, consolidation, reason, willpower.Negative
associations with this tarot card:weakness, immaturity, failed
ambition, status driven, tyrannical, untrustworthy.The Emperor is a
sign of achievement and honour and in many cases can represent a
stong male influence such as a father, husband/partner or man of
significance in your life, or person of authority such as a
boss.When he appears in a reading he can suggest that a man of
authority or significance as outlined above will stand by you and
support you, in personal as well as business matters.When The
Emperor falls in position in a reading that refers to you he
suggests that you will be able to influence people and have a great
sense of your own authority.Negatively The Emperor can mean that
either you or a man of influence in your life is using bullying
tactics and being overbearing, an abuse of power.Another negative
aspect of this card is failed ambitions, a craving for status and
insecurity around a man of authority.
Astrological Sign:Taurus.Positive associations with this tarot
card:advice, wise counsel, spiritual consolation, knowledge,
identification, faith, conformity, tradition.Negative associations
with this tarot card:misinformation, lack of faith, deviousness,
bad advice, confusion, disorderly conduct.The Hierophant is a
symbol of moral law, a wise and capable advisor, a practical
instructor and spiritual guide.He also represents the more
conventional, tried and tested traditional values, therefore
advising on more conventional thinking rather than novel
approaches.The Hierophant may actually represent a teacher, priest
or advisor but is more likely to symbolise moral lessons to be
learned from events.This card can be an indicator of marriage or a
desire for marriage, as well as point to legal resonsibilities and
official documents.Negatively The Hierophant can symbolize feeling
stifled by others wanting you to conform to their expectations
rather than being yourself, and not wanting to take more
traditional options. however there is an upside to this negative
aspect of the card that can mean making your own rules.Another
negative aspect of this card is that he can represent confusion, a
crisis of faith or self belief that results in disorderly
conduct.
Astrological Sign:Gemini.Positive associations with this tarot
card:desire, new lover, relationships, physical attraction, love,
sex, commitment.Negative associations with this tarot card:lust,
moral lapse, temptation, indecision, seperation, failed love
affair, emotional loss.The Lovers can symbolize that a new love is
going to enter your life even if you can't see where from - you're
in for a surprise .This is a card that symbolizes an importance
choice that could affect the rest of your life.The Lovers
symbolizes a choice between duty versus your heart's desire, take a
risk and it could lead to greater happiness and emotional
fulfillment, stay dutiful and life will remain the same.This card
means that your heart rules your head and a dramatic change of
attitude will lead to happier times.Negatively the Lovers can
represent an unhappy love affair or relationship yet you are unsure
what decision or choice to make.Another negative aspect of this
card is that it can represent intense temptation and warns of being
unfaithful to your own morals.
Astrological Sign:Cancer.Positive associations with this tarot
card:triumph, movement, change, self-belief, assertiveness, good
news.Negative associations with this tarot card:rage, tyranny,
overinflated ego, selfishness, arrogance, delays, frustration.The
Chariot symbolizes conflicts ending in victory, so advises
sustained efforts if in a current struggle or facing one, as you
will win in the end.This card also heralds unexpected good news and
represents self reliance and belief in your own abilities.Travel
and change is indicated by The Chariot as well as representing a
vehicle - if in a favourable position it could mean you'll get that
car you've been wanting!.Negatively The Chariot can mean that
either you or someone of influence around you is being a bully,
arrogant and selfish.Another negative aspect is that it can
represent frustrations and delays or travel plans that don't go
well.
Astrological Sign:Libra.Positive associations with this tarot
card:justice, truth, integrity, balance, arbitration,
responsibility, fairness.Negative associations with this tarot
card:prejudice, injustice, bad judgement, bias, bad advice.When The
Justice card appears in a reading it can represent justice,
fairness and equilibrium in all dealings with people, so it's a
good omen concerning partnerships, business deals and legal
issues.This card can also signify the righting of a wrong that has
been done to you in the past, or you seeking justice for another.A
karmic card that heralds good fortune and reward for past efforts
even if you are unsure why you are being favoured.Negatively The
Justice card represents injustice, business deals that flounder,
legal decions that won't go your way even if you are morally
right.Another negative aspect is that it can symbolize bad
judgement and receiving bad advice.
Astrological Sign:Virgo.Positive associations with this tarot
card:introspection, solitude, guidance, advice, patience.Negative
associations with this tarot card:obstinacy, suspiciousness, fear,
impatience, folly, arrogance.When The Hermit appears in a reading
he symbolizes a need for careful consideration of issues and
possibly a desire for peace and quiet and solitude.He warns against
making hasty decisions and recommends taking advice from someone
you trust before making any decisions.Concerning health, The Hermit
indicates a time of convalescence and rest.Negatively The Hermit
can imply arrogance and obstinacy, suspiciousness and a refusal to
accept advice when help would be beneficial.Other negative aspects
of this card are impatience leading to bad decisions and
loneliness.Planet:Jupiter.Positive associations with this tarot
card:destiny, movement, vision, good luck, new cycle,
synchronicity.Negative associations with this tarot card:obstacles,
temporary bad luck, unpleasant surprises .When The Wheel of Fortune
appears it heralds a new cycle in life, good luck and fortune. it
is fate that has brought this into your life rather than your own
doing.This card heralds an end to current problems and rewards for
past efforts.Negatively The Wheel of Fortune is obviously turning
in the opposite direction and heralds a time of misfortune and
unpleasant surprises, however this is temporary - as the wheel
turns downwards, in time it will turn up.
Astrological Sign:Leo.Positive associations with this tarot
card:strength, willpower, compassion, patience, courage, triumph,
fortitude.Negative associations with this tarot card:cowardice,
fear, inertia, defeat, loss of opportunity.When the Strength card
appears it represents not just physical strength but the ability to
cope with extreme pressure and win through in the end.If ill health
has been an issue this card indicates rapid recovery, if
considering giving up an unhealthy habit such as smoking or
drinking this card indicates a good time to start.The Strength card
signifies triumph over most things; challenges in your
relationships or career, even defending yourself against jealousy,
ignorance and oppression .Negatively this card represents
insecurity, fear and giving up, perhaps being beaten by unfair
means.The Strength card warns of missed opportunities and not to
give up when you could be so close to the finish line
Element:Water.Planet:Neptune.Positive associations with this
tarot card:transition, flexibility, rebirth, deliverance,
release.Negative associations with this tarot card:materialism,
inflated ego, lack of willpower, easily influenced, martyrdom.The
Hanged Man symbolizes self-sacrifice, whether that be material or
emotional, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances.This card
can represent a time of limbo or a pause in life until something or
perhaps someone is given up for greater gain.The Hanged Man can
represent ill health, stress and anxiety, this is a time for
patience and not worry.This card represents a trial of passage and
hence the self-sacrifice aspect of this card has spiritual
overtones.Negatively The Hanged Man symbolizes selfishness, the use
of emotional blackmail by playing the martyr.Another negative
aspect of this card is that a weakness of will may lead you in a
wrong direction, materially, emotionally and lead to missed
opportunities
Astrological Sign:Scorpio.Positive associations with this tarot
card:endings, transformation, clearance, sweeping change.Negative
associations with this tarot card:stagnation, loss of opportunity,
loss of friendship, fear of change.Without a doubt it is this card
that causes most fear in a reading and yet it rarely, if ever,
symbolizes actual death, more a time of absolute endings and
absolute beginnings.Whilst The Death card can represent rather
shocking or unexpected events or changes, they usually clear the
way for a brand new start and a greater value for life itself.Out
with the old and in with the new, a time of transformation is
another way of looking at this card.Negatively there isn't much
difference, other than you may have a greater sense of fear and
dread. when this card appears it's time to show what you're made
of.Another negative aspect of The Death card is stagnation,
resisiting change when change is essential which may lead to lost
opportunities.
Astrological Sign:Sagittarius.Positive associations with this
tarot card:harmony, health, moderation, compromise, peace,
self-control.Negative associations with this tarot card:impatience,
lack of foresight, conflict, quarrels, domestic strife.When the
Temperance card appears it symbolizes self-control, the ability to
handle volatile factors and so bring about a positive result.This
card heralds a time of harmonious relationships, peace and harmony
a time to be enjoyed.Moderation is the key and spirituality will
bring comfort. it can be said that this card represents an angel or
guardian spirit looking over you.Negatively Temperance represents
over indulgence, lack of foresight, impatience, conflict and
quarrels causing domestic strife.This card warns of making hasty
decisions out of impatience that will thwart your progress.
Astrological Sign:Capricorn.Positive associations with this
tarot card:permanance, commitment.Negative associations with this
tarot card:entrapment, lust, greed, ignorance, anger, tyranny,
obsession.The Devil is not all bad, if marriage or commitment to a
relationship is under consideration and this card falls in a
favourable position in a reading The Devil is a good omen.Regarding
most other issues this card is not a very positive one. The Devil
symbolizes lust of the flesh, temptation and addiction which don't
tend to lead to favourable outcomes.Concerning relationships this
card can warn against obsession or people that are no good for us
and prompts you to to examine the situation carefully.The Devil
stands for a warning against the destructive consequnces of your
actions motivated by greed, lust and power.More positively, the
Devil can be a sign that you are gaining control, or at least
awareness, of your weaknesses or addictions.Always consider your
motives when The Devil appears, it is a helfpul indicator for you
to change course whilst you still can.
Planet:Mars.Positive associations with this tarot
card:re-evaluation, necessary change, a blessing in
disguise.Negative associations with this tarot card:sudden change,
downfall, disruption, disaster.After the Death card and the Devil,
The Tower is likely to be the card that causes most fear and
constenation. It's hard to find a positive side to this card,
however, it tells you that the unexpected shock and upheaval of
events will create new opportunities and make you a stronger and
wiser person.The Tower represents sudden and sometimes shocking
changes in events and can often represent problems or delays
relating to your home or the purchasing of home.Whether material or
emotional upset, this card encourages you to see that such
upheavals can force new directions that can be more
beneficial.Negatively The Tower represents unecessary suffering.
You may be falsely accused of something and suffer some form of
imprisonment or isolation, or you may be the one causing the shock
and change with a rebellious attitude.The main thing to remember
with this rather unpleasant card is that this phase will pass and
that a new direction or new opportunities can be created from
it.
Astrological Sign:Aquarius.Positive associations with this tarot
card:hope, generosity, serenity, wishes coming true, good health,
spiritual awareness.Negative associations with this tarot
card:self-doubt, lack of trust, cynicism, pessimism.The Star is a
welcome card bringing insight into the future, optimism and hope,
renewal of faith and unexpected gifts!.When considering a new
relationship or enterprise The Star is an excellent omen.This card
heralds good times for many things, artistic or educational
endeavours, travel, health and spiritual awareness or
development.Negatively this card warns against the perils of
self-doubt and negativity that may lead to lost
oportunities.However even with the negative aspect of this card you
will be surprised with good luck despite your cynicism.
Astrological Sign:Pisces.Positive associations with this tarot
card:imagination, unexpected possibilities, illumination.Negative
associations with this tarot card:fear, confusion, highly charged
emotions, bewilderment, lies, deceit.When The Moon appears you can
be sure it will be a time of highly charged emotions and confusion
.Despite any fear you may have, the wan light of The Moon will
illuminate the way, and even if the path you are on is tough, all
will turn out right in the end.Upright and in a favourable position
in a reading this card is a good omen if you are involved in a
clandestine affair, otherwise it may signify that your secret may
be exposed.The Moon can lead to artistic expression through art,
writing or music, which may lead to unexpected
opportunities.Negatively this card stands for lack of progress
because of deep rooted fears and anxieties. It tells of failure of
nerve, it also warns of lies and deceit - perhaps this is the cause
of your worries.
Planet:Sun.Season:Summer.Positive associations with this tarot
card:happiness, greatness, enlightenment, vitality, good health,
love, fulfillment.Negative associations with this tarot
card:misjudgement, delays, potential failure, inflated ego.Simply
one of the best, if not the best, cards in the Tarot. The Sun is a
most welcome card and a signal of very happy, joyous times.This
card can represent holidays, good news around children or perhaps
news or the conception or birth of a much wanted baby.The Sun
heralds a time of fun with friends and family and agreeable
companionships and relationships.Ultimately The Sun dispels
negativity and promises of a happy ending.Negatively The Sun
perhaps suggests delays to your plans or achievements and does warn
against arrogance and misjudgement caused by an inflated ego.
Element:Fire.Planet:Pluto.Positive associations with this tarot
card:rebirth, rejoicing, absolution, new potential, rewards for
past efforts.Negative associations with this tarot card:guilt,
loss, self-reproach, delays, fear, obstinacy.The Judgement card
heralds a time of accomplishment and rewards for past efforts.
Taking stock of ones life and consideration of a brand new phase in
life.If there has been ill health this card signals a recovery with
a new lease of life.The Judgement card brings an opportunity which,
once given, must not be ignored, a new project or decision could
change your life.This card generally speeds up events in your
life.Negatively this card warns of obstinacy and a refusal to move
with change when change is essential, which only causes delays.you
will experience fear of nearly everything, fear of change, illness,
perhaps even death.Another negative aspect of the Judgement card
warns of self doubt and guilt over past mistakes - this will only
blur the way forward.
Planet:Saturn.Positive associations with this tarot
card:fulfillment, completion, satisfaction, joy, wholeness,
success.Negative associations with this tarot card:stagnation, lack
of will, impatience, delays.The World heralds the arrival of your
heart's desire, whatever that may be, a time of achievement,
recognition, success and triumph.This card signals a time of
enjoyment, of holidays and travel, time with loved ones, a
fulfilling relationship is on offer and spoiling yourself with the
material things you've been wanting.The World also marks the end of
one cycle and the beginning of another.Negatively, The World points
toward delays and that you may still need to overcome some
challenges before you suceed, so don't give up so close to the
finish line.Don't be lacking in vision or feel insecure, success
will soon be yours.
Ace of Wands- Fire- positive: creativity, originality,
fertility, new beginnings- negative: frustration, greed,
overconfidence2 of Wands- Dominion- positive: earned success,
partnership- negative: futility, pride without humility, worthless
goals3 of Wands- Established Strength- positive: new ventures,
conviction, partnerships- negative: lack of nerve, frustration,
personality clashes4 of Wands- Perfected Work- positive:
satisfaction, completion, new home- negative: decadence,
snobbishness, impatience5 of Wands- Strife- positive: conflict,
competitiveness, struggle- negative: fraud, defeat through devious
means, acrimony6 of Wands- Victory- positive: victory, fulfilment,
great news- negative: suspicion, delayed news, anxiety7 of Wands-
Valour- positive: challenges, courage, ultimate success- negative:
indecisivenes, lost opportunities, timidity8 of Wands- Swiftness-
positive: activity, travel, action- negative: delays, impetuous
action, poor judgement9 of wands- Strength- positive: inner
stength, self-assurance- negative: obstinacy, avoidable delays,
suspicion10 of wands- Oppression- positive: pressure, over
commitment- negative: deceit, burdens, abuse of power
Ace of Cups- Water- positive: contentment, faithfulness,
creativity- negative: barreness, lost love, despair2 of Cups- Love-
positive: partnership, love, understanding- negative: separation,
divorce, betrayal3 of Cups- Abundance- positive: fertility,
happiness, creativity- negative: sex without love, self obsession,
exploitation4 of Cups- Blended Pleasure- positive: re-evaluation,
familiarity- negative: fatigue, overindulgence, depression5 of
Cups- Loss in pleasure- positive: reassessment- negative: worry,
futility, sense of loss, bad luck6 of Cups- Pleasure- positive:
harmony, happy memories, the past shaping the future- negative:
nostalgia and inability to face reality7 of Cups- Illusionary
success- positive: imagination, choice, aspirations- negative:
self-delusion, deception in matters of love8 of Cups- Abandoned
success- positive: change, breaking of ties, development- negative:
restlessness, dissatisfaction, unrealistic goals9 of Cups- Material
happiness- positive: emotional stability, kindliness, happiness-
negative: complacency, vanity, finding fault in others10 of Cups-
Perpetual success- positive: commitment, peace, love- negative:
antisocial behaviour, disruption of routine
Ace of Swords- Air- positive: victory, mental clarity, necessary
change- negative: injustice, misuse of power, destruction
2 of Swords- Peace restored- positive: friendship in adversity,
peace of mind, equilibrium- negative: tension, deceit,
disharmony
3 of Swords- Sorrow- positive: new beginnings- negative:
heartache, discord, acrimony
4 of Swords- Rest from Strife- positive: healing peace,
withdrawal- negative: exile, isolation, depression
5 of Swords- Defeat- positive: acceptance- negative: treachery,
spite, deceit
6 of Swords- Earned Success- positive: brighter future, respite,
a journey- negative: procrastination, failure to face up to
problems
7 of Swords- Unstable effort- positive: diligence- negative:
lack of nerve, indecision, confusion
8 of Swords- Shortened Force- positive: patience- negative:
depression, hard work with little reward, restriction
9 of Swords- Despair & anxiety- positive: none- negative:
deception, disappointment, misery, isolation
10 of Swords- Ruin- positive: none- negative: desolation, ruin,
continued suffering
Spend some time with these cards and think about how you would
convey negative messages to someone without knocking their
confidence. How you can be truthful yet always convey hope and
encouragement.
Ace of Pentacles- Earth- positive: security, wealth,
recognition- negative: greed, self-obsession, superficiality
2 of Pentacles- Harmonious Change- positive: changing fortunes,
journeys, foresight- negative: distractions, inconsistency,
impending trouble
3 of Pentacles- Material works- positive: recognition, teamwork,
prosperity- negative: delays, critisism, bitterness
4 of Pentacles- Earthly power- positive: contentment, emotional
and material security- negative: greed, indecision, material
obsession
5 of Pentacles- Material trouble- positive: none- negative:
financial loss, unemployment, hard times
6 of Pentacles- Material success- positive: charity, prosperity,
balance- negative: loss, careless money management
7 of Pentacles- Success unfulfilled- positive: perseverance,
sustained effort, eventual success- negative: failed opportunities,
despondency, self induced money problems
8 of Pentacles- Prudence- positive: change in fortune, craft
skills, satisfaction- negative: lack of direction, squandered
opportunities
9 of Pentacles- Material gain- positive: material success,
achievement, solitude- negative: devious means, financial
instability
10 of Pentacles- Wealth- positive: inheritance, wealth, family
ties, emotional security- negative: financial problems, family
restrictions
Page of Wands- Astrological signs associated with this card are
Leo, Aries and Sagittarius- this card can represent a child - male
or female- appearance - brown hair, blue or hazel eyes- positive
characteristics - loyal, enthusiastic, hard working- negative
characteristics - spoilt, impatient, hyperactivepossible event -
lots of messages and communications, careful consideration of your
next move as you may not have all the facts. A possible reunion
with an old friend or lover.Knight of Wands- Astrological signs
associated with this card are Leo, Aries and Sagittarius- this card
can represent a young man less than 35 years of age- appearance -
fair hair, grey or blue eyes- positive characteristics - vigorous,
athletic, unpredictable- negative characteristics - argumentative,
violent, jealouspossible event - dramatic changes in events; a move
of home, travel possibly overseasQueen of Wands- Astrological signs
associated with this card are Leo, Aries and Sagittarius- this card
can represent a woman of any age- appearance - red/fair hair, brown
or blue eyes- positive characteristics - warm, practical, homely
yet independent- negative characteristics - overbearing,
matriarchal, vindictivepossible event - being over reliant on
others, where being introverted or shy is thwarting your
progressKing of Wands- Astrological signs associated with this card
are Leo, Aries and Sagittarius- this card can represent a man aged
35 or over- appearance - red/fair hair, hazel or grey eyes-
positive characteristics - traditional, fair and courageous-
negative characteristics - autocratic, prejudiced,
intolerantpossible event - a need to develop psychological balance
and gain wisdom. Ideals and practicalities will merge, enabling you
to act with integrity
Page of Cups- Astrological signs associated with this card are
Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces- this card can represent a child - male
or female- appearance - fair/brown hair, brown or blue eyes-
positive characteristics - loving, caring, creative- negative
characteristics - selfish, scheming, insecurepossible event - easy
to fall head over heels in love, but be careful of giving your
heart so readily. Take heed of a friends advice as the object of
your desire may not be all that they seem. Can also mean a need to
study for exams.Knight of Cups- Astrological signs associated with
this card are Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces- this card can represent a
young man less than 35 years of age- appearance - fair/brown hair,
grey or blue eyes- positive characteristics - enthusiastic,
artistic/creative, passionate- negative characteristics - devious,
immoral, faithlesspossible event - sudden changes in your emotional
state, instant attractions and amorous relationships are indicated.
Negative event - your feelings may be abused by a fickle
lover.Queen of Cups- Astrological signs associated with this card
are Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces- this card can represent a woman of
any age- appearance - brown/brunette hair, blue or bown eyes-
positive characteristics - artistic, affectionate, intuitive-
negative characteristics - disloyal, unfaithful, vainpossible event
- being over emotional allowing your heart to rule your head,
behaving irrationaly. Wanting to make a gesture to show your
affection for someone.King of Cups- Astrological signs associated
with this card are Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces- this card can
represent a man aged 35 or over- appearance - fair hair, blue eyes-
positive characteristics - charming, life and soul of a party, good
mediator- negative characteristics - self centred, treacherous,
secretivepossible event - diplomacy may be required as you may have
to act as mediator between two factions. Negative event - you won't
be able to persuade rivals to come to an understanding.Practical
Exercise for this weekNow it's time to practice the 3 card reading.
You need only remove the court cards of Swords and Pentacles, as
you should now be getting to grips with the rest of the deck.You
can also try a reading with just the Wands and Cups suits. This
will be a reading focused on love and relationships, and work and
career, but hey isn't that what most of us are interested in?! Ok,
Ok, some of us are also interested in Money, but we aren't doing
the Pentacle Court cards till next week.
Page of Swords- Astrological signs associated with this card are
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
- this card can represent a child - male or female- appearance -
fair hair, blue eyes- positive characteristics - intelligent,
loyal, truthful- negative characteristics - devious, sarcastic,
criticalpossible event - changes and important decisions will be
made by you or others, possible legal disputes, someone may have it
in for you and you may be the victim of slander and malice
Knight of Swords- Astrological signs associated with this card
are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
- this card can represent a young man less than 35 years of age-
appearance - dark hair, dark eyes- positive characteristics -
courageous, intelligent, witty- negative characteristics -
reckless, impetuous, headstrongpossible event - conflicts,
whirlwind events that leave you confused and feeling everything and
everyone seems to be unpredictable
Queen of Swords- Astrological signs associated with this card
are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
- this card can represent a woman of any age- appearance -
fair/brown hair, grey/green eyes- positive characteristics -
intelligent, independent, perceptive- negative characteristics -
critical, devious, insincerepossible event - you will need to
concentrate very hard on focusing on yor goals and objectives to
overcome obstacles, if negative you'll try and resort to
manipulation which will back fire on you
King of Swords- Astrological signs associated with this card are
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
- this card can represent a man aged 35 or over- appearance -
black/dark hair, dark eyes- positive characteristics - rational,
authoratative, wise- negative characteristics - bullying,
calculating, impersonalpossible event - you will find the ability
to take charge of your life, if negative you will feel controlled
by othersPage of Pentacles- Astrological signs associated with this
card are Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus
- this card can represent a child - male or female- appearance -
brown hair, brown/dark eyes- positive characteristics -
conscientious, honourable, loyal- negative characteristics - lazy,
greedy, impatientpossible event - prudence, and careful money
management is required as finances are short. Any news about money
though will be good news.
Knight of Pentacles- Astrological signs associated with this
card are Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus
- this card can represent a young man less than 35 years of age-
appearance - brown hair, brown/dark eyes- positive characteristics
- practical, hardworking, truthful- negative characteristics -
smug, complacent, lazypossible event - improvements in your
financial situation but patience is required, if negative you will
have some temporary set backs financiallyQueen of Pentacles-
Astrological signs associated with this card are Virgo, Capricorn
and Taurus
- this card can represent a woman of any age- appearance -
black/dark hair, dark eyes- positive characteristics - financially
responsible, down to earth,compassionate- negative characteristics
- materialistic, suspicious, insecurepossible event - too much
worry about financial matters, being overly protective of
others.
King of Pentacles- Astrological signs associated with this card
are Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus
- this card can represent a man aged 35 or over- appearance -
black/dark hair, dark eyes- positive characteristics - patient,
trustworthy, practical- negative characteristics - materialistic,
insensitive, jealouspossible event - resolute action will lead to
financial gain, good fortune in money matters, if negative you may
have strong opponents working against you.
Spreads Part IIt isn't always necessary to use all 78 cards when
you do a Tarot reading. There are many ways to use the cards.for
example you could use ...- the Major Arcana- the Minor Arcana- Aces
and Major Arcana- Aces and Minor Arcana- Court cards and Minor
Arcana- Court cards and Major Arcana
If you do a little research by studying different Tarot books
and other web sites, you'll discover hundreds, if not thousands of
different spreads and card combinations - you can even create your
own mix of cards and your own spreads!In lesson 12, I'll be
covering guidelines for reading the Tarot in a little more detail,
but for now I'll simply outline a couple of basic pointers to help
you get started.Card Positions and Orientation: Some people read
the cards differently, depending on whether they are reversed
(upside down) or upright. This is a personal preference and one you
need to decide for yourself. Personally, I choose to get a feel
from the spread as a whole, to guide me as to whether a card is
indicating its negative or positive interpretation, and I ignore
whether a card is reversed or not. You can do the same, but if you
find that difficult, you can read upright cards as positive in
meaning and upside down (reversed) cards, as negative in meaning.
Intepreting the relationship between cards in their various
positions is a little more difficult. Many books do give some
guidance on this, and I recommend Jonathan Dee's excellent 'Tarot
an illustrated guide' for this reason. For now, simply
understanding what each card indicates in a particular position in
a spread will enable you to give a reasonable readingThe Client:
When you read for someone, this person can be referred to as 'The
Querant' or 'The Enquirer' and they should shuffle the cards. When
they have finished shuffling you can spread the whole deck and ask
them to pick the appropriate number of cards, or you could split
the deck into 3 smaller packs and get them to pick a pack they are
most drawn to. I choose to do the latter, but you can feel free to
find your own way for the querant to pick their cards. Many people
feel quite nervous when they come for a reading, especially for the
first time, or if they are feeling distressed about something. Find
your own way to make them feel at ease. I do this by explaining the
process and what I believe the tarot is all about. I explain each
of the spreads I use and often explain the meanings of the cards.
However, many Tarot readers feel it is better not to do this, and
only convey the message they see in the cards. It's up to you to
find your own way of working with the tarot and with the people you
read for.So, let's move on to some spreads.
You've been working with a classic 3 card spread, so let's use
this same reading to create a new one ... by using it twice!
Spread 1. The Choice Reading - 6 cardsThis is ideal when a
querant has to choose between 2 options, for example Should I stay
married or should I leave my spouse? Should I go out with Steve or
Michael? Should I become a lawyer or a hair stylist?You get the
idea!Simply ask the querant to shuffle the cards and pick 6, and
then spread the cards as below:Card 1Card 2Card 3Card 4Card 5Card
6
this 1st row represents their first choicethis 2nd row
represents their second choice
You then read each row as you would the 3 card reading you've
been practising:1st card is - influences from the past2nd card is -
advice3rd card is - outcome.The idea of the spread is to help guide
the querant to the most positive or favorable choice. Of course
both options could lead to seemingly equally negative or positive
outcomes, in which case you can do an additional spread for
clarification.This could be ...Spread 2. Guidance Reading - 4
cardsIn this situation, you could use the guidance reading to ask
for more information on each option.Lets say that Option 1
was:'Should I go out with Steve?'Lay the cards out like this:
Card 1Card 2Card 3Card 4
Read the cards like this:1st card is - the current situation2nd
card is - what is going for you3rd card is - what is going against
you4th card is - the outcome
After finishing this reading, shuffle the cards again and do the
same for Option 2:'Should I go out with Michael?'If they still both
have a similar outcome, then you have more work to do, or perhaps
your querant will decide to go out with both of them!The 4 card
Guidance reading can be used to ask any question, it doesn't need
to relate to a choice. You could use it to get a feel for what's
going on around the querant generally, or to ask a specific
questions such as:-"will I have love in my life soon""will my
finances improve""will I sell my house"
OK, so now you have 3 spreads to work with:-Classic 3 card
spread6 card 'choice' spread4 card 'guidance' spread
The cards should be laid out as illustrated below:card 5card
3
cards 1&2
card 4card 6
card 10
card 9
card 8
card 7
Card 2 lays horizontally across the top of Card 1 (it should
look that way in the diagram, but some older browsers may mess
around with the layout!)The card positions relate to the
following:-Card 1 - your current circumstancesCard 2 - what is
blocking you or holding you backCard 3 - your conscious
thoughtsCard 4 - your subconscious thoughtsCard 5 - influences from
your immediate pastCard 6 - your immediate future (closely linked
with the outcome card)Card 7 - how you see yourselfCard 8 - how
others see youCard 9 - your hopes and fearsCard - 10 outcome
(closely linked with the immediate future card)
The 4 Aces - 12 cardsThis is a great spread. I really enjoy
using it, as it helps me understand what is most important to the
person I am reading for.Extract the 4 aces and the Major Arcana
from your deck. Ask the querant to shuffle the 4 aces and give them
back to you, then they shuffle the Major Arcana and pick 8 cards
and give these to you.You then lay the out the cards like this:
MA 1Ace 1MA 2
MA 3Ace 2MA 4
MA 5Ace 3MA 6
MA 7Ace 4MA 8
Place the 4 aces in order first - placing the major arcana cards
either side as shown.This is a reading based on another traditonal
3 card reading:Past, Present and Future.Ace of Wands represents
work, career, effortAce of Cups represents emotions, love lifeAce
of Swords represents troubles and concernsAce of Pentacles
represents money, material issuesThis tells you what issues are
most important to the querant, for example if Ace 1 was the Ace of
Cups followed by the Ace of Swords, Ace of Pentacles and Ace of
Wands, you would see they are more concerned about their emotional
state, love life, and troubles than about money and work.
OK, so now you have another couple of spreads to work with, but
feel free to do your own research and find the spreads you feel
most comfortable with and most want to use.