Finding meaning within the tarot is the most important aspect of doing readings and despite popular opinion it is not as difficult as one might expect.

          While there are many books on the subject and a brief search on the internet can provide one with a significant amount of meanings, the strongest and most meaningful definition of the cards come from within. Meanings of the cards can vary from deck to deck depending on the context in which the card is used in the deck as well as the varying of pictures on each card. A prime example of this is how some decks consider "the fool" card to be the first in the deck and others consider it to be at the end of the major arcana after "the world". There are 78 cards in total in the tarot deck and they are divided into two main groups: the Major arcana and the Minor arcana.

          It is important for the beginner to understand that the meanings behind the cards come from multiple sources and using the book meanings is only part of the process. Meanings come from the artist or creator of the pictures on the cards, a readers personal experience, and the style of the cards one is using. The artwork on the cards is extremely influential in a reading and more then likely the pictures will guide a reader into a certain way of thinking or reading. "The death" card is a prime example of how the artwork on a card can reflect varied meaning. In the Robin Wood deck, death is visualized as a reaper wearing a maroon cape, a butterfly, and a rose blossom opened in full. This particular card represents guidance and change into a more positive state of being. Other decks visualize "the death" card more literally. The Rider-Waite deck depicts death as a skeleton knight making his way into a local village. This image focuses on a more physical state of change where Robin Wood focuses more on the spiritual. Obviously this could significantly change the advice one might give when doing a reading. One might then ask, "Which one is correct?" or "Which meaning should I use?" The answer is actually quite easy. Both meanings are correct, and the one that should be used is the one that feels correct. The tarot is meant to be used as a personal guide and the more personal you make it the better your readings will be. The idea here is that one simply needs confidence in himself or herself. While reading for others may feel a little intimidating at first, it will inevitably come in time and with experience. The style of the cards can also influence a reading as well. For example, a Celtic deck might give slightly different meaning to the cards than perhaps an Egyptian or Native American deck. Again, this is perfectly ok and it will help to make your readings unique and help to increase your accuracy with others. Having trust and faith in yourself and your work is crucial. Trust that your ability in using the tarot will naturally grow in time.


          If you ask ten people how to read the cards, you will probably get ten different answers. We all have our own styles, each what works best for us.

          I tend to draw the cards and use them to paint a single, unified picture of the person in the here and now- read the person with help from the cards. I look for patterns in the cards, themes, relationships between them. I tend to focus on the cards themselves and admire the pictures with the querant in my write-ups. Many cards have two or three different meanins depending on the cards around them. To me, turning the cards puts a face on those vague feeling swirling around about a particular person. My gift is empathy, and the cards help bring those feelings to the conscious mind. Some, like Urukai have very structured reads- one question one card. some are good at relationship reads. Some use the cards only as prompts to focus their intuition. Some eventually leave the cards behind, and go "out there" to find and read the person without any props at all.

          It is good to learn the meanings of the cards, both the individual cards and the numbers/suits, so each card really has two meanings, one based on the picture and one based on number and suit. Learn some of the spreads. But most importantly, find your own style, what works for you. Use the cards in harmony with your own unique talents.

And practice!


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INTRO- Part Two

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