About the Tarot

“I believed as well that serious researchers, philosophers, and scholars interested in the emerging science of ‘consciousness’ might discover in Tarot certain unique and compelling examples of a transpersonal intelligence readily accessible through a method that capitalized on, of all things, random selection and synchronicity.” ~ Arthur Rosengarden, Tarot and Psychology

Introduction to the Tarot

Tarot cards have been around since the mid-15th century. Originally used as regular playing cards, in the 1700s they began to be used for “cartomancy” which means “telling the future using cards”.

But Tarot card readings are not intended to predict the future. Instead, they’re intended to provide a space for us to evaluate our lives and highlight any blind spots we may have. They are a tool to enlighten us about the choices at our disposal and the possibilities that each choice has depending on the path we take. The Tarot tells stories about the cycles of our lives, and its deeper psychological symbols give us insight that we can then apply to everyday life. Consequently, the interpretation we get from the reading should not scare us or make us excited. Instead, it should help us to take control of our lives and give clarity to help us make informed decisions. The cards can be thought of as kind and wise guides that help us access our subconscious minds. In 1933, Carl Jung called Tarot readings a process that "unveils the unconscious".

A pack of Tarot cards typically contains 78 cards, split into two sections: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards or trumps that do not belong to a suit and are numbered 0 to 21. These include cards like The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Tower, The Moon, and The World. The Major cards represent big, consequential events or circumstances in your life and their numbers are chronological, marking the passing of time.

The other 56 cards are the Minor Arcana, which are divided into four suits: swords, batons or wands, coins or pentacles, and cups. In each suit, there are 10 numbered cards and four courtier cards (sometimes called 'pip' cards): the King, Queen, Knight, and Page (called the Prince or Princess in some decks). The Minor cards reflect upon smaller, more everyday happenings and these can change and shift regularly. These do not ascend chronologically but grow with a deeper understanding and maturity, so the courtier cards represent a significant amount of wisdom in a situation.

Each suit corresponds to the astrological elements that guide the influences over your question. Wands represent spirit and fire and reflect passion and creativity. Coins or pentacles are an earth element and are linked with physical matters such as money and work. Swords are air and find meaning in intellect and knowledge, while cups represent water and connect to our emotional lives.