Tarot is a holistic system of symbols and meanings used as a tool for self-knowledge and for predicting certain events.
An interesting fact: almost all sources agree on one idea: Tarot cards are remnants of encoded ancient knowledge, as indicated by the presence of elements of Egyptian religious symbolism and orphic mysteries, Arabic numerical symbolism, Celtic legends, astrology, and Kabbalah.
As we know, the cards are divided into arcana. The word “arcana” from Latin translates as mystery or secret. Therefore, each card contains a unique image and meaning, through which one can decode a message or receive a hint.
In the Tarot system there are 78 cards. They are divided into arcana: Major and Minor. The Major Arcana includes 22 arcana (0–XXI), which have no suits. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 arcana, 14 in each of the 4 suits. The suits are, in turn, divided into Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.
In spreads, the Major Arcana symbolize: the driving forces in the situation for which the reading is done; forces that may influence transformation and changes of the querent; deep psychological or spiritual processes that are a consequence of the involvement of these forces; important and significant people who greatly influence the situation and the person asking about it.
The Minor Arcana, in turn, are divided into two categories: 16 arcana — Court cards, which are considered elemental combinations; the other 40 cards are numbered cards, which represent each of the four main elements, from 1 to 10.
Numbered arcana most often reflect situations, events, patterns of behavior, and experiences. In divination, we interpret them as indicators of worldly experience.
Court arcana are interesting in that their images are not archetypal, as some call them. Each of these cards is unique, as it has its own gender, age, facial expression, clothing, jewelry, posture, and even background, which in a spread also needs to be paid attention to and interpreted as part of the answer. Tarot offers its own concept of psychological portraits. If we compare Court arcana with the Major Arcana, the former mostly have conventional images.
In predictions, Court cards symbolize: people and participants in the situation being analyzed; patterns of behavior and roles taken by the participants in the situation.
It is important to remember that the Tarot card system has its own diversity and depends directly on the author.
Let us take a closer look at the meanings of the suits in the cards!
Wands are associated with the element of Fire. They correspond to passion, impulsiveness, mental and physical actions, self-expression, and the desire to create something. Wands are considered a source of primary energy, therefore in spreads these cards may indicate the beginning of a cycle of creation.
Cups correspond to the element of Water. They are associated with inner experiences, emotions, a person’s states, as well as art and creativity. When interpreted, these cards often speak about relationships, sympathy, love, and a person’s inner world. In a negative sense, Cups may indicate uncontrolled feelings, illusions, and a break in connection with one’s inner Self.
Swords are the element of Air. This suit is not about romantic feelings, but about intellect, inner work, our ambitions, fears, and worries. They can be used both for good and for harmful intentions (as one deserves).
Pentacles belong to the element of Earth. They speak to us about the material world: money, real estate, and everything that can be touched. In divination, cards of this suit show situations involving career, generosity or greed, realized or unrestrained ambitions, and long-term future prospects.
Today we told you about the basics of Tarot cards. May this knowledge help you travel the esoteric paths!
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