The Tarot Deck: The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections:

• Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life events, spiritual lessons, and overarching themes. Examples include The Fool, The Lovers, Death, and The Magician.

• Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards reflect day-to-day situations and challenges. They are divided into four suits:

  • Cups (emotions, relationships, intuition)

  • Swords (intellect, thoughts, conflict)

  • Wands (creativity, action, inspiration)

  • Pentacles (material world, career, finances)

The Tarot Spread: The arrangement of the cards during a reading is known as the “spread.” Different spreads are used depending on the question or issue at hand. Some common spreads include:

• The Celtic Cross: A popular spread used to answer questions and explore different aspects of a situation.

• Three-Card Spread: A simple spread that can represent the past, present, and future or provide insights on a specific situation.

• One-Card Draw: A quick reading where one card is drawn to answer a specific question or provide guidance for the day.

The Reader’s Role: A tarot reader is someone trained in interpreting the symbols, meanings, and messages in the cards. While the tarot deck is often seen as a tool for gaining insights, the reader’s intuition, experience, and connection with the cards play a significant role in the reading. Many readers will use the cards in conjunction with their own intuition, tapping into spiritual or psychic insights as well.

Interpretation of the Cards: Each card in the tarot deck has its own specific symbolism and meaning, but how it is interpreted can change depending on its position in the spread, the surrounding cards, and the question being asked. The cards are often seen as reflections of energy, patterns, and potential outcomes.

• Upright Cards: When a card appears upright (not reversed), it generally represents the most straightforward meaning of that card, whether positive or negative.

• Reversed Cards: When a card appears upside down or reversed, it may indicate a blockage, delay, or challenge related to that card’s meaning, though interpretations can vary among readers.