Tarot and Guidance: Interpreting the Cards to Know Yourself Better
Tarot has fascinated readers for centuries. Once seen as a divinatory tool, it's now used as a true guide to personal development . But how can you properly interpret tarot cards to better understand yourself? In this article, we'll explore the basics of tarot, simple reading methods, and interpretation tips for beginners.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this article will give you practical keys to using tarot as a powerful tool for introspection and personal growth.
Understanding the Basics of Tarot
Origins and functioning of the tarot
Tarot dates back to 14th century Italy and was first used as a simple card game. It was not until the 18th century that tarot became a spiritual and divinatory tool , notably with the works of Antoine Court de Gébelin .
The tarot is made up of 78 cards , divided into:
- 22 major arcana : They represent the major stages of life and spiritual lessons.
- 56 minor arcana : They detail the aspects of everyday life and are divided into four families (wands, cups, swords and coins).
Each card has a unique symbolism , influenced by its position and neighboring cards during a draw.
Tarot vs. Oracle: What's the Difference?
|
Criteria |
Tarot |
Oracle |
|
Structure |
78 cards with a fixed organization |
Variable number, free structure |
|
Symbolism |
Based on a universal system |
Created by the author, more intuitive |
|
Interpretation |
Based on progressive learning |
More spontaneous and immediate reading |
|
Use |
Self-exploration, guidance and divination |
Inspirational messages, personal development |
Tarot is more structured and analytical, while oracle is more fluid and accessible to beginners.
The 22 Major Arcana and their quick meaning
|
Map |
Meaning |
|
The Magician |
New beginning, potential |
|
The Popess |
Intuition, introspection |
|
The Empress |
Creation, abundance |
|
The Emperor |
Stability, authority |
|
The Pope |
Wisdom, teaching |
|
The Lover |
Choice, relational |
|
The Chariot |
Determination, success |
|
Justice |
Truth, balance |
|
The Hermit |
Reflection, solitude |
|
The Wheel of Fortune |
Cycles, changes |
|
The Force |
Mastery, courage |
|
The Hanged Man |
Letting go, new perspective |
|
Arcanum XIII |
Transformation, renewal |
|
Temperance |
Harmony, patience |
|
The Devil |
Desires, attachment |
|
The House of God |
Shock, liberation |
|
The Star |
Hope, guidance |
|
The Moon |
Illusions, unconscious |
|
The Sun |
Joy, clarity |
|
The Judgment |
Revelation, renewal |
|
The World |
Accomplishment, fullness |
These cards are essential to understanding a reading and its overall message.
How to draw cards for yourself?
1. Create a sacred space for the draw
- Find a quiet place without distractions.
- Light a candle or incense to aid concentration.
- Take a deep breath and set your intention before shuffling the cards.
2. Formulate your question well
A well-posed question allows for a clearer interpretation.
- ❌ Bad question : “Will I succeed in my career?” (Too closed)
- Good question : “What are the obstacles and opportunities for my professional development?”
3. Choose a suitable print
Three-card spread (Past - Present - Future)
This simple draw provides insight into a situation.
Example : Question: “How do I manage my current relationship?”
- Past : The Lover - Passionate beginnings, important choices.
- Present : Justice - Balance to be found, decision making.
- Future : The Sun - Clarity and fulfillment to come.
💡 Interpretation : The couple is going through a phase of reflection, but with the potential for future happiness.
Cross Draw (Problem - Cause - Solution - Final Result)
Example : Question: “How can I advance in my career?”
- Problem : The Hanged Man - Feeling of stagnation.
- Cause : The Moon - Doubts and lack of clarity.
- Solution : The Chariot - Take initiative, persevere.
- Bottom Line : The World - Success and Accomplishment.
💡 Tip : This draw helps you see blockages and how to overcome them.
4. Intuitive interpretation: Trusting your feelings
- Look at the colors and symbols on the cards.
- See if they give off positive or negative energy.
- Connect them to your question for a personalized answer.
Example: If the Moon and the Devil appear together , it may indicate confusion caused by illusions or toxic influences.
Tips for progressing in tarot
- Practice regularly : Draw one card per day and note your feelings.
- Read the cards like a story : Each reading is a story in which you are the hero.
- Don't fear "negative" cards : They often indicate lessons to be learned.
- Meditate with the cards : Focus on a card to better understand its message.
Tarot is a powerful tool for guidance and self-knowledge . By using it with intention and intuition , you will be able to better understand your blockages, explore your life path, and make informed decisions.
FAQ
1. Is tarot a tool for divination or personal development?
Both! It can be used to predict future trends , but above all to better understand one's emotions, blockages and opportunities .
2. What is the difference between tarot and oracle?
- The tarot follows a fixed structure (78 cards: 22 major + 56 minor).
- The oracle is more free and intuitive, with a variable number of cards.
If you are a beginner, the oracle is easier to access, while the tarot requires gradual learning.
3. How to properly formulate a question for a draw?
Avoid closed questions (yes/no). Prefer:
❌ “Will I succeed in my project?”
✅ “What are the challenges and opportunities for my project?”
This allows for a more nuanced and useful response.
4. Do you have to be a psychic to read tarot?
No! Anyone can learn tarot with practice. The important thing is intuition, observing the symbols, and connecting with the cards .