Fundamentals of Tarot Interpretation

Tarot is a unique card system that combines elements of the game, mysticism, symbolism and spiritual development. In order to understand how this system was formed and developed, let's dive into the history of tarot and trace its evolution over the centuries.,

Initially, tarot originated in Europe in the 14th-15th centuries and was a deck of playing cards. It is believed that the first tarot cards were created in Italy for the aristocracy and were used as entertainment at banquets and holidays. The decks of that time differed from modern ones and had a different number of cards, as well as their own design features.,

In the 16th century, tarot began to be used in different countries of Europe, and from that moment its mystical history began. In France, in particular, the first texts appear in which the tarot is associated with Hermeticism, Kabbalah and astrology. One of the most famous adepts of this knowledge was Antoine Court de Gebelin, who in his work "Mond Primitif" (1773-1782) claimed that the tarot comes from the ancient Egyptians and is a kind of symbolic code containing deep mystical knowledge.

In the 19th century, on the wave of interest in the occult and mysticism, tarot became popular among occultists and mystics. This period gave rise to many new ideas and theories about tarot, and also led to the creation of the classic "Rider-Waite-Smith" deck (1909), which is still considered one of the most popular and authoritative decks.

Today, tarot continues to win the hearts of people around the world and helps them open new horizons, develop intuition and self-knowledge. Various authors create their own unique decks, combining ancient knowledge with modern art, philosophy and psychology. Tarot is becoming more and more accessible, and many practitioners, books and courses allow beginners to master this art and learn how to use it in their lives.

Tarot is also actively used in psychology and personal growth. Tarot-based practices help people understand their inner experiences, understand life's problems and find answers to important questions. Tarot can serve as a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing people to look into the depths of their souls and find harmony.,
With the development of the Internet, tarot has become even more popular. Many sites and apps offer online divination, tarot learning, and the ability to share your knowledge and experience with other enthusiasts. Social networks and forums create communities where tarot lovers can communicate, share experiences and receive support.

Despite its long history, tarot continues to evolve and adapt to modern realities. Today, tarot is not only a spiritual tool, but also a form of art, self-expression and cultural heritage. It provides endless opportunities for exploration, creativity and personal growth, becoming an indispensable companion for many seekers of truth.

Tarot reading is a complex and multi-level process that requires knowledge of the symbolism of the cards, the development of intuition and the ability to interpret the cards in the context of a particular divination. In this chapter, we will look at the main steps in preparing for tarot reading and the principles that will help you master this art and use it in your life.

Stage 1: Reading preparation
Before you start working with tarot, it is important to create the right atmosphere and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Choose a quiet and cozy place for reading cards, where you will be comfortable and nothing will distract your attention. It is also important to clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts and focus on your inner state.

Step 2: Formulate the Question
A clearly formulated question is the key to successful tarot reading. Try to phrase the question in a way that is specific, neutral, and open to different scenarios. Avoid questions that require an unambiguous "yes" or "no", as well as questions related to coercion or control over other people's actions.

Stage 3: Choosing a layout
'There are many different tarot spreads, each designed for a specific type of question and situation. Choose the spread that best suits your question and study its structure and the order in which the cards are laid out.

Stage 4: Shuffle and select cards
Shuffle the tarot deck, focusing on your question and inner state. Then choose the right number of cards for your spread, following your intuition or the suggested card selection method.

Stage 5: Map Interpretation
Now that the cards have been laid out, begin to interpret their meaning based on the symbolism, archetypes, and your intuitions. Consider each card in the context of the spread and your question. Consider the position of the card, the features of the image, and the relationship with other cards in the spread. Try to be open to different interpretations and insights that may arise in the process of reading cards.

Stage 6: Synthesis and application of acquired knowledge
After you have analyzed all the cards and gained an understanding of their meaning in the context of your question, make a synthesis of the information received. Think about how this knowledge and insights can be applied in your life, what decisions and actions they suggest, and what lessons can be learned from divination.

Basic principles of tarot reading:

1. Respect for the tarot: Treat the tarot deck with respect and responsibility, realizing that it is a powerful tool for self-knowledge and divination.

2. Developing Intuition: Learn to listen to your intuition and trust it so that your card reading becomes more accurate and deep.

3. Continuous learning: Study tarot constantly, expand your knowledge of symbolism and archetypes, and practice different readings to become an experienced and confident tarot reader.

4. Flexibility and openness: Be flexible and open to different interpretations of the cards, taking into account the individual characteristics and the context of divination.

5. Ethical principles: Observe ethical principles in your tarot reading practice, respecting the freedom of choice and the privacy of others.

By mastering the art of tarot reading, you will gain a powerful tool for self-discovery, developing intuition and making wise decisions in your life.

Familiarity with tarot cards is an important step in learning and successfully working with a deck. To begin with, you must understand the overall structure of the deck and go through each card, learning its symbolism, meanings, and relationship to other cards.

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main arcana: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana are cards that reflect significant events and experiences in life, as well as spiritual lessons.

The Lesser Arcana consists of four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, each of which reflects certain aspects of life.

When getting acquainted with the cards, it is recommended to start with the Major Arcana, studying each card separately. Pay attention to the symbols, colors, characters, and scenes featured on each card and try to understand their relationship. Then move on to study the Minor Arcana, starting with Wands, then Cups, Swords, and ending with Pentacles.

As you learn the meanings of each card, start practicing card reading. Compose the question you want to ask the cards and arrange them using the chosen layout. Try to interpret the cards in the context of your question, considering both the individual meanings of the cards and their relationship in the spread.

The more you become familiar with the cards and practice reading the tarot, the easier it will be for you to understand their messages and use them to gain spiritual wisdom and guidance in your life.

The Major Arcana are the most important and significant part of the tarot deck. In total, there are 78 cards in the tarot deck, of which 22 belong to the Major Arcana. These cards are symbolic images that reflect archetypal situations, life lessons and psychological aspects of human life. The Major Arcana illustrate the spiritual and inner growth experienced by each person throughout life.
Each Major Arcana card has its own name and number (from 0 to 21). Below is a list and interpretation of all cards

Fool:
Image: A young man with a staff and a bag on his shoulder, stepping on the edge of a cliff.
Upright: new beginnings, freedom, spontaneity, carelessness
Reversed: Unconsciousness, negligence, mistakes due to lack of experience.

Magican:
Image: A man with a stick in his hand, standing in front of a table with symbols of the four suits of the Tarot.
Upright: Mastery, control, creativity, initiative.
Reversed: Indecision, inefficiency, dishonesty, manipulation.

Priestess:
Image: A woman seated on a throne between two pillars, holding a scroll in her hand.
Upright: intuition, secrets, spiritual knowledge, wisdom.
Reversed: Lack of ear for intuition, ulterior motives, superficial perception.

Empress:
Image: A mature woman on a throne in a fertile garden, holding a scepter and a shield.
Upright: Fertility, abundance, care, motherhood.
Reversed: Overprotectiveness, addiction, sterility, blocking creativity.

Emperor:
Image: A man on a throne with a scepter and a crown, surrounded by mountains and a fortress.
Upright: Power, stability, authority, courage.
Reversed: Despotism, stubbornness, inability to manage the situation, loss of control.

Hierophant:
Image: A priest on a throne between two pillars, facing two followers.
Upright: tradition, spiritual guidance, teaching, moral values.
Reversed: Dogmatism, outdated beliefs, limiting beliefs, lack of individuality.

Lovers:
Image: A man and a woman under the archangel, symbolizing harmony and love.
Upright: Love, togetherness, relationships, free choice.
Reversed: Disagreement, conflicts, unstable relationships, indecision.

Chariot:
Image: A warrior in a chariot drawn by colorful sphinxes drives them with confidence.
Upright: Victory, control, courage, forward movement.
Reversed: Loss of control, going in the wrong direction, hesitation, doubt.

Strength:
Image: A woman calmly taming a lion symbolizes peaceful dominance.
Upright: Inner strength, patience, confidence, compassion.
Reversed: Weakness, self-deception, loss of self-control, aggression.

Hermit:
Image: An old man with a staff and a lantern, walking alone.
Upright: wisdom, self-knowledge, intuition, understanding.
Reversed: Closedness, isolation, missed opportunities, fear of the world.

Wheel of Fortune:
Image: A wheel with various symbols and four creatures in the corners of the map.
Upright: Fate, cycles of life, unexpected events, good luck.
Reversed: Failure, resistance to change, negative karma, obstacles.

Justice:
Image: A woman with scales and a sword, symbolizing balance and justice.
Upright: Justice, balance, honesty, responsibility.
Reversed: Injustice, imbalance, prejudice, falsehood.

Hanged:
Image: A man suspended upside down by one leg, with cruciform arms on his chest.
Upright: self-sacrifice, rethinking, intuition, liberation.
Reversed: Stagnation, selfishness, missed opportunities, inability to let go.

Death:
Image: Armored skeleton on a horse, symbolizing the inevitability of death and transformation.
Direct position: transformation, transition, the end of the old and the beginning of the new.
Reversed: Fear of change, resistance to change, stagnation.

Temperance:
Image: An angel pouring liquid from one goblet to another symbolizes balance and harmony.
Upright: balance, harmony, tranquility, healing.
Reversed: Unbalanced, indecisive, unbalanced, impulsive.

Devil:
Image: Satanic creature with tied people at the foot, symbolizes passion and enslavement.
Upright: temptation, dependence, passions, materiality.
Reversed: Releasing addictions, overcoming fears, realizing illusions.

Tower:
Image: A burning tower from which people fall symbolizes destruction and cataclysms.
Upright: Sudden changes, disillusionment, catastrophic events.
Reversed: Fear of change, avoidance of the inevitable, instability.

Star:
Image: A girl pouring water from two goblets onto the ground and into a river, under a starry sky.
Upright: hope, inspiration, spirituality, prosperity
Reversed: Disappointment, loss of faith, lack of spirituality, despair.

Moon:
Image: Moon above the water, surrounded by towers, a dog and a wolf.
Upright: intuition, secrets, subconscious, emotional fluctuations.
Reversed: Indecisiveness, fears, delusions, illusions.

Sun:
Image: Glowing sun, children playing against the backdrop of a blooming garden, symbolizes joy and achievement.
Upright: Joy, success, vitality, optimism.
Reversed: Loss of faith, underestimation of self, temporary setbacks, lack of vitality.

Judgement:
Image: An angel blows a horn, raising the dead from the coffins, symbolizes rebirth and liberation.
Upright: Rebirth, forgiveness, liberation from guilt, awakening.
Reversed: Fear of judgment, denial of responsibility, unwillingness to reform.

World:
Image: A girl in a wreath, surrounded by four creatures and a green wreath, symbolizes harmony and perfection.
Upright: completion, peace, harmony, spiritual unity.
Reversed: Incompleteness, internal conflicts, disunity, lack of satisfaction.
This is a brief description of the images on the major arcana of the Tarot and their interpretation in the upright and inverted position.

The Minor Arcana are 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit consists of 14 cards: ten number cards, starting with an ace (one) and ending with a ten, and four court cards - Page, Knight, Queen and King.

Unlike the Major Arcana, which represent archetypes and universal themes, the Minor Arcana focuses on everyday aspects of life and specific situations. They cover a wide range of topics related to emotions, relationships, work, finances and spirituality.

Each suit of the Minor Arcana is associated with one of the four elements and corresponds to certain qualities and themes. Wands are associated with the fire element and symbolize activity, creativity, passion and energy. Cups represent the element of water and are associated with emotions, love, spirituality and relationships. Swords correspond to the element of air and relate to thoughts, intellect, ideas and communication. Pentacles are associated with the element of earth and relate to material matters, finances, work, and caring for one's body and health.

'When interpreting the cards of the Minor Arcana, it is important to consider their place in the layout, context and combinations with other cards. This will help to get a more accurate and detailed interpretation of the situation, as well as to understand how best to act or what decision to make.

Working with the Minor Arcana can be especially helpful for getting practical advice and suggestions to improve your life, overcome difficulties, and achieve your desired goals.
Using the Minor Arcana in your spreads, you can also gain a deeper understanding of your inner experiences, motives and needs, which will help in personal development and self-knowledge.

Although the Minor Arcana may seem less significant than the Major Arcana, they play an important role in understanding the full picture of the tarot and provide valuable information about specific aspects of life. Having mastered the art of interpreting the Minor Arcana, you will be able to use the tarot to receive practical advice and predictions, as well as for personal and spiritual development.

We will look at each of the suits of the Minor Arcana in more detail below.

Cups represent the element of water and are usually associated with emotions, intuition, relationships, and spirituality. They correspond to the sphere of life associated with love, friendship, feelings and relationships. In this chapter, we will look at each card of bowls and their meanings upright and reversed.

Ace of Cups
Upright: New beginnings, love, intuition, creativity.
Reversed: Delays, blockage of emotions, loss of opportunity, unbalanced feelings.

Two of Cups
Upright: Partnership, reciprocity, love, harmony.
Reversed: Unsatisfactory relationships, differences of opinion, unbalanced feelings.

Three of Cups
Upright: Communication, friendship, joy, celebration.
Reversed: Discord, loss of friends, isolation, disappointment.

Four of Cups
Upright: Reflection, contemplation, dissatisfaction, apathy.
Reversed: An unexpected turn, restoration of interest, awakening of emotions.

Five of Cups
Upright: Sadness, loss, disappointment, mourning.
Reversed: Acceptance, forgiveness, healing, hope.

Six of Cups
Upright: Nostalgia, childhood memories, resurrection of the past.
Reversed: Fixation on the past, unwillingness to move forward, lack of prospects.

Seven of Cups
Upright: Fantasies, illusions, dreams, unfulfilled desires.
Reversed: Disappointment, broken illusions, acceptance of reality.

Eight of Cups
Upright: Renunciation, search for spirituality, parting, change of life path.
Reversed: Fixation on old relationships, fear of change, inability to move forward.

Nine of Cups
Upright: Fulfillment of desires, happiness, satisfaction, well-being.
Reversed: Lack of satisfaction, self-deception, misunderstanding of happiness.

Ten of Cups
Upright: Harmony, happy relationships, family well-being, spiritual fulfillment.
Reversed: Destruction of the family, loss of harmony, disappointment, failure in personal life.

Page of Cups
Upright: The emergence of new feelings, intuition, sensitivity, imagination.
Reversed: Unrealized emotions, lack of imagination, infantilism, isolation.

Knight of Cups
Upright: Romantic idealist, sensitivity, kindness, empathy.
Reversed: Instability, immersion in fantasies, volatility, indecision.

Queen of Cups
Upright: Intuition, empathy, caring, tenderness, motherly love.
Reversed: Egocentrism, emotional alienation, dependence, uncontrollable emotions.

King of Cups
Upright: Diplomat, good listener, wisdom, justice, sensitivity.
Reversed: Indecision, manipulation, lying, emotional instability.



When the cards of Cups appear in a spread, they can indicate the importance of emotional connections, sensitivity, and spiritual development in a given situation. They can also warn of the need to manage your feelings and be careful with illusions and self-deception.

Pentacles represent the earth element and are usually associated with the material world, finance, health, resources and stability. They correspond to the sphere of life associated with prosperity, the achievement of goals and the acquisition of material well-being. In this chapter, we will look at each card of pentacles and their meanings upright and reversed.

Ace of Pentacles
Upright: New opportunities, prosperity, success, stability.
Reversed: Missed opportunities, failure, instability, uncertainty.

Two of Pentacles
Upright: Balance, flexibility, variety, adaptation.
Reversed: Imbalance, stress, indecision, inconsistency.

Three of Pentacles
Upright: Collaboration, fruitful work, learning, achievement.
Reversed: Lack of coordination, problems at work, loss of interest, underestimation of ability.

Four of Pentacles
Upright: Stability, preservation, material security, modesty.
Reversed: Avarice, greed, mismanagement of resources, fear of change.

Five of Pentacles
Upright: Poverty, loss, hardship, need.
Reversed: Restoration, charity, deliverance from trouble, humanity.

Six of Pentacles
Upright: Gift, generosity, support, well-being.
Reversed: Inequality, dependence, selfishness, disorder.

Seven of Pentacles
Upright: Growth, patience, fruitfulness, thoughtfulness.
Reversed: Sterility, waste of time, wrong priorities, lack of patience.

When the cards of Pentacles appear in a spread, they often indicate aspects related to material well-being, stability, and achievement. They can also talk about the importance of practicality, responsibility and patience in a situation.

The Past, Present, Future spread is one of the most popular and simple tarot spreads. It consists of three cards which represent the past, present and future. This spread is ideal for getting a general idea of the situation and identifying possible directions for development.

When performing the alignment, you should focus on your question or situation and mix the deck thoroughly. Then three cards should be drawn from the deck and laid out in front of you from left to right. The first card represents the past, the second represents the present, and the third represents the future.

The past (1st card) shows the experiences and events that have affected the current situation. This card may also indicate previous issues that have not yet been resolved.

The present (card 2) reflects the current situation and what is affecting it right now. It may also indicate what actions or decisions can be taken at the moment.

The future (3rd card) shows the possible outcomes and development of the situation in the future. This map may also indicate possible obstacles along the way, or suggest additional solutions.

An example of a layout for a girl of 35 years old:
In the layout, I see that in the past (Seven of Pentacles inverted) you had a period when you faced infertility in one area or another of life, or perhaps set priorities incorrectly. You may have experienced loss of time or an inability to wait for the results of your efforts. This could apply to both personal life and professional activities.
Now (the Sun is direct) you have entered a period of bright well-being and success in life. You feel full of strength and energy, and ready to enjoy every new day. The sun symbolizes the achievement of one's goals, joy, optimism and happiness. Your present is full of confidence and positive emotions.

In the future (Magic Direct) you will have to realize your potential and mastery in what you do. The magician symbolizes the beginning of new projects, self-control and control over resources. It is likely that you will show leadership qualities, master the skills and knowledge that will help you succeed in whatever you decide to start. Your future lies in creativity, determination and the effective use of your abilities.
Your alignment shows that having experienced some difficulties in the past, you were able to find a path to well-being and joy. In the future, success, activity and the realization of your talents and capabilities await you.

The 'Past, Present, Future' spread can be used for any question, however, as with the single card spread, it may be less accurate for complex situations that require more detailed analysis.

The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most famous and popular tarot spreads. It consists of 10 cards and gives extensive information about the situation, including the past, present, future, possible problems, advice, and the final outcome.

To perform the Celtic Cross layout, you should lay out the cards as follows:
1. The first card (real) - is placed in the center.
2. The second card (problem or obstacle) - is placed on the first card, horizontally.
3. The third card (past) - located to the left of the center.
4. Fourth card (future) - placed to the right of the center.
5. The fifth card (consciousness) is placed on top, forming the top of the cross.
6. The sixth card (subconscious) - is located below the cross.
7. The seventh card (council) is placed to the left of the cross, starting a line of four cards.
8. The eighth card (external factors) - next in line, is located to the right of the seventh card.
9. The ninth card (hopes and fears) - next in line, is located to the right of the eighth card.
10. The tenth card (final result) - the last one in the line, is placed to the right of the ninth card.
After laying out the cards, you should carefully analyze their meaning and relationship in order to get a complete picture of the situation and advice on actions.

An example of a layout: a man of 40 years old:
In the layout, I see that we are talking about a difficult situation related to finances and resources. The Ten of Pentacles reversed indicates possible financial loss or failure in business or inheritance matters. The Nine of Pentacles reversed means that you may feel weakened and not equipped to deal with problems.

However, against the background of this situation, good prospects appear, which indicate the cards Knight of Swords and Nine of Pentacles straight. Here we are talking about positive changes, where you may have to make quick and decisive decisions.
The Ten of Swords direct card speaks of the end of difficult events and experiences that may be associated with the already mentioned situation. However, Five of Wands direct means that disagreements and conflicts are still possible, including with colleagues or loved ones.

The released card of Six of Pentacles directly speaks of the possibility of help from other people who can help in achieving success and improving the situation. However, this could possibly be a temporary and minor help, which indicates the Eight of Cups card is straight.

And the last card - Nine of Cups inverted - indicates possible disappointments. You may not get everything you expected or you may not be able to deal with your internal conflicts.

Thus, this Celtic Cross spread suggests that there are both positive and negative opportunities in your future. To achieve success and overcome difficulties, you must be ready to take quick and decisive action, as well as accept the help of other people.

Tarot reading can be a powerful and personal experience. You can use the cards to get advice and insights about your life and the lives of others. It is important to approach tarot reading with respect and seriousness, respecting ethical principles.

When you read tarot for yourself, be prepared to accept what the cards reveal, even if it's not what you wanted to hear. Consider your emotions and opinions when interpreting the cards, but try to be objective and honest with yourself.

When reading tarot to others, it is important to keep confidentiality and respect for the person in mind. Never share information about someone else's hand without their permission. As you read, try to be empathetic and supportive so that your counselor feels comfortable and trusts you.

Remember that tarot is a tool for guidance and self-discovery, not for predicting specific events or controlling the lives of others. Provide advice and interpretations, taking into account the freedom of choice of the consultant and their responsibility for their lives.

The principles of confidentiality and respect are the basis of the ethics of tarot reading and the relationship between the tarot reader and the querent (the one to whom the alignment is done). It is important to approach each querent with respect and openness, excluding bias and prejudice.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the tarot reader's professional ethics. All information obtained during the consultation must remain strictly confidential and must not be disclosed without the consent of the querent. This includes personal data provided by the querent as well as any information obtained from the cards.

The tarot reader must respect the personal boundaries of the querent and never insist on discussing topics that the querent does not wish to touch. The relationship between a tarot reader and a querent should be built on mutual respect, trust and empathy.

Following the principles of confidentiality and respect will help create a positive and productive atmosphere during the consultation, which, in turn, will allow you to get more accurate and understandable results when working with tarot.

Tarot and astrology have much in common, as both systems use symbolism and archetypes to describe life situations and a person's character. The relationship between tarot and astrology opens up new possibilities for a deeper understanding of the cards and their interpretation.

Astrology uses 12 zodiac signs, 10 planets and 12 astrological houses. Zodiac signs have certain characteristics and properties that affect a person's personality, as well as events in his life. Planets in astrology represent different energies and aspects of life, and houses define the areas of life in which these energies manifest.

There are several approaches to matching tarot cards to astrological signs, planets and houses. One common approach is to assign each of the 22 cards of the Major Arcana to a specific zodiac sign or planet. Thus, astrological correspondences allow you to expand the interpretation of cards and use astrological knowledge in the practice of tarot.

For example, the Emperor card can be associated with the sign of Aries, which symbolizes strength, determination and authority. The Lovers card can be associated with the sign of Gemini, representing communication, choice and duality. Given the astrological correspondences, the tarot reader can gain additional information about the possible situations and interactions described by the cards.

In order to achieve mastery in tarot reading, it is important to constantly improve your skills and expand your knowledge. Here are some tips to help you through this process:

1. Daily Practice: To become a confident tarot reader, practice regularly. You can do daily tarot spreads or meditate using the cards.
2. Learn different decks: Different tarot decks have different styles and symbols. Learning different decks can help you better understand and interpret the cards.
3. Read books and articles: Enrich your knowledge by reading books and articles about tarot and its history, symbolism and practice.
4. Share experiences with others: Join tarot groups, clubs or online forums to discuss your ideas and opinions with other enthusiasts.
5. Apply tarot to your daily life: Tarot can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and problem-solving. Use the tarot to work through your personal issues and help others with their problems.
6. Open your intuition: Develop your intuition through meditation, mindfulness, and tarot reading practice. The more you rely on your intuition, the more accurate and deep your interpretations will become.

By following these tips, you can improve your tarot reading skills and become a more proficient and confident card reader.