What is tarot?
Tarot is a form of divination known as cartomancy. It is a system of 78 pictorial cards which is split into 2 groups, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana can be described as “the fool’s journey” through life from starting out with the Fool with enthusiasm ending with the World which is completion. There are many trials, tribulations and successes along the way. The Minor Arcana is further divided into 4 suits that relate to the elements. Cups relate to water, Pentacles relate to earth, Wands (Rods) relate to fire and Swords relate to air.
Decks these days usually fall into 2 categories. Pip decks follow the more traditional Marseille-style deck where the minors have illustrations only depicting the numbers and the suit, whereas other decks will have artwork showing a more illustrated scene which was in the deck creator/artist’s imagination. Many of the decks follow the system of Rider Waite Smith. However, there are other systems such as thoth that people may learn as an alternative. A lot of readers will also read purely intuitively looking at the pictures only.
Numbers or “pips” are shown in Marseille-style decks as opposed to “scenic” decks
MAJOR ARCANA MEANINGS
0 The Fool - Innocence, Journey, Beginning, Adventure, Carelessness, Freedom
1 The Magician - Will, Ability, Power, Deception, Skill, Talent, Focus, Manipulation
2 The High Priestess - Knowledge, Wisdom, Secrecy, The Unknown, Subconscious, Intuition
3 The Empress - Nurturing, Fertility, Creativity, Nature, Motherhood, Sexuality, Abundance
4 The Emperor - Domain, Authority, Leadership, Pride, Fatherhood, Power, Responsibility
5 The Hierophant - Guidance, Faith, Education, Mentorship, Teaching, Tradition
6 The Lovers - Choice, Love, Passion, Union, Romance, Bonding, Creativity, Harmony
7 The Chariot - Triumph, Progress, Energy, Victory, Confidence, Bravery, Commitment
8 Strength - Power, Force, Endurance, Self-discipline, Composure, Compassion
9 The Hermit - Enlightenment, Withdrawal, Isolation, Retreat, Solitude, Silence, Philosophy
10 Wheel Of Fortune - Circle, Repeat, Fate, Cycles, Possibilities, Opportunities, Fortune, Karma
11 Justice - Justice, Law, Decision-making, Logic, Fairness, Balance, Intellect, Severity
12 The Hanged Man - Inversion, Reversals, Insight, Halt, Delays, Sacrifice, Perspectives, Acceptance
13 Death - Transformation, Ending, Transition, Conclusion, Regeneration, Loss, Release, Rebirth
14 Temperance - Mediation, Compromise, Blending, Harmony, Rejuvenation, Recovery, Moderation
15 The Devil - Passion, Excess, Shadow, Materialism, Obsession, Hedonism, Temptation, Addiction
16 The Tower - Destruction, Ruin, Shock, Liberation, Chaos, Sudden Change, Disruption
17 The Star - Hope, Infinity, Optimism, Trust, Joy, Inspiration, Insight, Wishes
18 The Moon - Mystery, Illusion, Dreams, Cycles, Unconscious, Fantasy, Imagination, Deception, Instincy
19 The Sun - Happiness, Success, Growth, Radiance, Clarity, Exuberance
20 Judgement - Renewal, Awakening, Revelation, Reconciliation, Restart, Closure, Redemption
21 The World - Completeness, Fulfilment, Accomplishment, Success, Travel, Contentment, Perfection, Harmony
The Devil
from the Housewives Tarot
The Emperor
from the Whimsical Tarot
MINOR ARCANA MEANINGS
CUPS SUIT
Element - Water
Keywords - Feminine, Receptive, Adaptive, Emotions, Feeling, Love, Intuition, Empathy, Psychic Ability, Caring, Consideration, Loyalty, Artistic
Ace - Feeling, Intuition, Romance, Emotion, Opportunity, Emotional Care
2 - Union, Attraction, Agreement, Affinity, Understanding, Coule, Love, Reciprocation
3 - Communion, Frivolity, Joy, Sharing, Friendship, Celebration, Excitement, Feast
4 - Disenchantment, Disappointment, Boredom, Discouragement, Refusal
5 - Loss, Shortages, Difficulties, Regret, Guilt, Pessimism, Self Sacrifice
6 - Nostalgia, Remembrance, Past, Childhood, Happy Memories, Peace
7 - Tempation, Choices, Illusions, Desires, Envy, Daydreams, Fantasies
8 - Release, Rejecion, Journey, Freedom, Changing Direction, Transition
9 - Satisfaction, Contentment, Pleasure, Fulfilment, Success
10 - Happiness, Harmony, Family, Fulfilment, Serenity, Peacemaking, Joy
Page - Enthusiasm, Messenger, News, Intution, Psychic, Receptivity, Romantic Friend
Knight - Feeling, Attraction, Flattery, Invitation, Pleasure-Loving, Imagination
Queen - Sensitivity, Wife, Lover, Friend, Empathy, Listening, Affection, Falling in love,
King - Charisma, Protector, Charm, Sympathetic, Inuitive, Placid
PENTACLES SUIT
Element - Earth
Keywords - Feminine, Material, Possessions, Money, Health, Nature, Property, Stability, Order, Slowness, Tradition, Endurance
Ace - Gain, Acquisition, Success, Possessions, Opportunity, Gift, Beginning, Fortune
2 - Duality, Choice, Juggling, Balance, Flexibility, Indecision
3 - Planning, Craft, Talent, Project, Inspiration, Artistry, Collaboration
4 - Posessions, Thrift, Savings, Stability, Control, Concentration
5 - Need, Povery, Lack, Longing, Sadness, Dispair, Hardship, Victim, Struggle
6 - Charity, Favour, Generosity, Gift, Altruism, Fairness, Distrbution, Aid
7 - Planning, Growing, Accomplishment, Patience, Waiting, Counting, Checking, Developments
8 - Work, Habit, Commitment, Dedication, Skill, Craftmanship, Proficiency, Routine
9 - Security, Richness, Elegance, Fabulousness, Self-assurance, Abundance, Achievement
10 - Wealth, Inheritance, Legacy, Home, Family, Continuity
Page - Practical, Effort, Application, Study, Learning, Realistic, Dependable, Stable
Knight - Realism, Plodding, Professionalism Honesty, Traditionalist, Determined, Faithful, Hardworking
Queen - Wealth, Comfort, Domesticity, Protection, Capable, Abundance, Conservation
King - Administration, Trade, Businessman, Ambition, Money, Practical, Intelligence, Materialism
WANDS SUIT
Element - Fire
Keywords - Masculine, Creative, Explosive, Desire, Passion, Morals, Work, Growth, Action, Sexuality, Inspiration, Intention, Pursuits, Career
Ace - Creativity, Initiative, Enterprise, Adventure, Vision, Originality
2 - Ambition, Restlessness, Risk, Plan, Design, Expectation, Yearning
3 - Waiting, Observation, Attention, Anticipation, Patience, Business
4 - Stability, Harmony, Tranquility Celebration, Rest
5 - Competition, Conflict, Fight, Training, Rivalry, Strife, Challenge
6 - Victory, Triumph, Award, Fame, Limelight, Success, Accomplishment
7 - Defensiveness, Opposition, Self-confidence, Opionion
8 - Speed, Action, Movement, Flying, News, Flow, Rushing
9 - Vigilance, Protection, Persistence, Exhaustion, Courage
10 - Fatigue, Responsibility, Burden, Strength, Work, Overload
Page - Vitality, Friendship, Loyalty, Support, Fidelity, Commitment
Knight - Courage, Recklessness, Travelling, Adventure, Exploration, Optimism, Foolhardy, Enterprise
Queen - Attention, Inspiration, Magnetism, Dignity, Sensuality, Passion, Power, Attractiveness
King - Leadership, Experience, Boldness, Vitality, Motivation, Initiative
SWORDS SUIT
Element - Air
Keywords - Masculine, Rational, Directional, Thoughts, Communication, Decisions, Ideas, Expression, Apprehension
Ace - Truth, Clarity, Idea, Power, Discipline
2 - Discussion, Arbritration, Mediation, Duality, Stalemate, Adaptation
3 - Sorrow, Despair, Heartbreak, Treason, Pain, Injury, Difficulty, Suffering
4 - Meditation, Withdrawal, Reflection, Seep, Waiting, Solitude, Closure
5 - Selfishness, Conflict, Competition, Disagreement, Revenge, Drama, Unfairness
6 - Recovery, Travel, Escape, Transition, Exploration,
7 - Indiscretion, Deception, Stealthy, Gossip, Intrigue
8 - Trapped, Paralysis, Limits, Restriction, Lethargy, Difficulties, Fears
9 - Anguish, Crisis, Despair, Nightmares, Bewilderment, Worry
10 - Ending, Sorrow, Fear, Emptiness, Tears
Page - Apprenticeship, Eagerness, Attention, Genius, Scholar
Knight - Bravery, Aggression, Warrior, Momentum, Anger, Hastiness
Queen - Honesty, Abruptness, Realistic, Straightforwardness, Precise, Astute
King - Analysis, Judgement, Authority, Order, Decisive, Clear, Analytical, Rationality
What will the tarot teach me?
The Fool “to see the world through the innocent eyes of a child and with an open heart”
The Magician “to discover new talents and skills that I didn’t know I had”
The High Priestess “to recognise the signs and meanings hidden in life events”
The Empress “to rein in my emotions to become more stable and a role model for others”
The Hierophant “to find my path in life and in doing so, become a guide for those aound me”
The Lovers “to meet other people with whom I can share joy and happiness”
The Chariot “to reach my objectives by developing new and orginal ideas”
Strength “to improve my self-control and understand what really motivates me”
The Hermit “to rediscover the joy of tranquility, meditation and prayer”
Wheel Of Fortune “ to adapt to the role that fate has provided me with”
Justice “to develop fair and balanced opinions towards people and situations around me”
The Hanged Man “to trust my inutuition and see things from different angles”
Death “to let go of the past and concentrate on the present”
Temperance “to combine the various elements of my life in a harmonious way”
The Devil “to accept my weaknesses and overcome my sense of guilt”
The Tower “to break through my blockages and inhibitions, making room for growth”
The Star “to believe everything is possible and not give up on what is important to me”
The Moon “to express myself freely, without being influenced by others”
The Sun “ to draw on my deep reserves of strength and energy”
Judgement “to open myself up to new ideas and possibilities”
The World “to understand with greater clarity that I have control over my own future
The Hanged Man teaches us to trust our intuition and see things from a different perspective
TIMINGS IN THE TAROT
Timing in tarot and indeed any other form of divination is notoriously difficult. I personally believe that our future isn’t fixed and we make our own decisions and this can influence outcomes. Pay attention to any major arcana cards that come up in a timing forecast. I would also say don’t read for more than 3 moths ahead at a time in any divination forecast unless you are doing say a specific 6 month or 12 month reading as things are very much likely to change.
Some people look at the pictures in the scenic decks and something might catch their eye, for example Spring flowers, a pumpkin representing the Autumn or a snowy scene representing the depths of Winter.
Below are some examples of timings you may wish to experiment with. Keep a diary of your predictions to improve your accuracy!
TIMING WITH THE TAROT SUITS
Cups - Water - Ebbs with the moon - Months or Summer
Pentacles - Earth - Grows slowly - A season to a year or Winter
Wands - Fire - Burns fast - Days or Spring
Swords - Air - Flows quickly - Weeks or Autumn
TIMING IN THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Fool - When you least expect it (Uranus)
The Magician - No timing indicated but the energy moves quickly along the trajectory (Mercury)
The High Priestess - The timing for this is hidden/secret (Moon)
The Empress - The timing is likely to depend on at least one other person (Venus)
The Emperor - Aries (21st March to 20th April)
The Hierophant - Taurus (21st April to 20th May)
The Lovers - Gemini (21st May to 20th June)
The Chariot - Cancert (21st June to 20th July)
Strength - Leo (21st July to 21st August)
The Hermit - Virgo (22nd August to 22nd September)
The Wheel Of Fortune - No timing indicated but a lucky sign (Jupiter)
Justice - Libra (23rd September to 22nd October)
The Hanged Man - Delays, no timing available (Water/Neptune)
Death - Scorpio (23rd October to 22nd November)
Temperance - Sagittarius (23rd November to 20th December)
The Devil - Capricorn (21st December to 19th January)
The Tower - Unexpectedly and avoidably, with force (Mars)
The Star - Aquarius (20th January to 18th February)
The Moon - Pisces (19th February to 20th March, also night time)
The Sun - Daytime or Summer
Judgement - No timing available and two outcomes are likely as each other (Fire/Pluto)
The World - Winter, delays and trials are likely (Saturn)
Timing in the tarot is often calculated by astrology. The Justice card may represent the period of Libra in the astrological calender
