Modern Tarot

1. The Tarot is a powerful tool for self-discovery and intuition

The Tarot doesn't shoot me random factoids about the person I'm reading. What it does is, through the use of vibrant, detailed imagery, engage my creativity and intuition and allow me to see a story, a pattern, and use that to help the seeker make sense of where they're at and where they're headed.

Tarot as a mirror: The Tarot acts as a mirror, reflecting our subconscious thoughts and feelings back to us. By interpreting the cards, we gain insights into our own psyche and the situations we face. The rich symbolism and archetypes in Tarot cards tap into universal human experiences, allowing us to connect with deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us.

Developing intuition: Regular Tarot practice sharpens our intuitive abilities. As we become more familiar with the cards and their meanings, we learn to trust our gut instincts and first impressions. This skill extends beyond Tarot readings, enhancing our decision-making and problem-solving abilities in everyday life.

• Benefits of using Tarot for self-discovery:
  • Gain clarity on complex situations
  • Uncover hidden motivations and desires
  • Explore different perspectives on challenges
  • Identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors
  • Cultivate self-awareness and personal growth

2. Major Arcana cards represent life's major themes and lessons

The Major Arcana are a procession of archetypes beginning with the inquisitive, risk-taking Fool and ending with the triumph of the World. In between are a lifetime's worth of ups and downs, from the positive power unleashed by The Magician to the wild inspiration of The Star to the nerve-racking Judgment, when you are called to answer for how you chose to spend your time.

Life's journey: The Major Arcana cards represent the archetypal experiences and challenges we encounter on our life's journey. Each card embodies a crucial lesson or phase of personal growth, from the innocence of The Fool to the wisdom and completion of The World.

Profound insights: When Major Arcana cards appear in a reading, they often signal significant life events or transformative experiences. These cards encourage us to examine our lives on a deeper level, considering our spiritual growth, personal development, and the broader meaning of our experiences.

• Key themes in the Major Arcana:
  • Self-discovery and personal growth
  • Overcoming obstacles and facing fears
  • Balancing opposing forces within ourselves
  • Embracing change and transformation
  • Connecting with higher wisdom and spiritual truths

3. Minor Arcana suits reflect different aspects of daily life

Each suit contains ten chronologically ordered cards, which tell their own story—a rise, a fall, a resolution. Though the energy fluctuates, the knowledge increases throughout the cycle.

Everyday experiences: The Minor Arcana cards represent the more mundane aspects of life, dealing with day-to-day experiences, emotions, and challenges. These cards provide insights into specific situations and offer practical advice for navigating daily life.

Four elements: Each suit in the Minor Arcana corresponds to one of the four elements: Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Pentacles (Earth). These elemental associations help us understand the nature of the energies at play in different areas of our lives.

• Minor Arcana suits and their meanings:
  • Wands: Creativity, passion, inspiration, and action
  • Cups: Emotions, relationships, intuition, and inner experiences
  • Swords: Intellect, communication, conflict, and mental challenges
  • Pentacles: Material world, finances, work, and physical manifestation

4. Court Cards embody personality types and energies

Court Cards may also represent situations, not people.

Personality archetypes: Court Cards in Tarot represent different personality types, stages of development, or approaches to life. They can symbolize aspects of ourselves, people in our lives, or the energy we need to embody in a given situation.

Versatile interpretations: Court Cards are among the most versatile in Tarot readings. They can represent actual people, aspects of the querent's personality, or the energy of a situation. Learning to interpret Court Cards flexibly enhances the depth and accuracy of readings.

• Court Card hierarchy and general meanings:
  • Pages: Beginners, students, new ideas or opportunities
  • Knights: Action, movement, pursuing goals with enthusiasm
  • Queens: Nurturing, intuitive, emotionally mature energy
  • Kings: Mastery, leadership, achievement in their respective suits

5. Tarot readings require balance of intuition and knowledge

Tarot speaks to our intuition, to our guts. More and more scientific research points to the right-on power of our "guts" to make quick, intuitive, and correct decisions (it's not actually our intestines sending you these powerful hunches, but two bits of our brains, the ancient Amygdala and the tiny, hidden yet emotionally powerful Insula).

Blending knowledge and intuition: Effective Tarot reading combines a solid understanding of card meanings with intuitive interpretation. While it's essential to study the traditional symbolism and meanings of the cards, equally important is developing the ability to trust one's intuition and make connections between the cards and the querent's situation.

Developing reading skills: Becoming a skilled Tarot reader requires practice and dedication. Regular readings, journaling, and studying different interpretations of the cards help build a strong foundation. Over time, readers develop their own unique style and relationship with the cards.

• Tips for balancing knowledge and intuition in readings:
  • Study traditional card meanings but don't be bound by them
  • Pay attention to first impressions and gut feelings
  • Consider the context of the reading and the querent's situation
  • Look for patterns and connections between cards
  • Trust your intuition, even if it diverges from textbook meanings

6. Tarot can be used for personal growth and decision-making

When you have a regular relationship with the Tarot—say, picking a card a day, doing regular tarot-guided check-ins with yourself—you have a tool to dig under the surfaces you present not just to the world but to yourself: the ways we hide from ourselves, lie to ourselves, engage in denial, the Tarot cuts through these with a single undeniable image.

Self-reflection tool: Tarot serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Regular card draws or spreads can help us gain insights into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, encouraging self-awareness and personal development.

Decision-making aid: When faced with difficult choices, Tarot can provide a fresh perspective and help clarify our options. By exploring different aspects of a situation through the cards, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential outcomes and our true desires.

• Ways to use Tarot for personal growth:
  • Daily card draws for reflection and guidance
  • Monthly or seasonal check-ins to track progress and set intentions
  • Exploring specific life areas or challenges with targeted spreads
  • Journaling insights and reflections from readings
  • Using cards as meditation or visualization prompts

7. Incorporating magic and rituals enhances Tarot practice

Magic, like the Tarot, is 100 percent intention.

Intention and energy: Incorporating magical practices and rituals into Tarot work can enhance the overall experience and deepen our connection with the cards. By setting clear intentions and creating a sacred space for readings, we cultivate a more focused and powerful practice.

Personalized practice: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to combining Tarot and magic. Experiment with different rituals, spells, and practices to find what resonates with you and enhances your connection with the cards.

• Ideas for incorporating magic into Tarot practice:
  • Cleansing and charging your deck with crystals or moonlight
  • Creating a sacred space or altar for readings
  • Using candles, incense, or essential oils to set the mood
  • Performing simple rituals before or after readings
  • Combining Tarot with other divination tools or magical practices

Last updated: January 22, 2025