Understanding Tarot: A journey Into Symbolism, Intuition and Insight
- Nicole
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Tarot is a mystical and ancient tool for divination, self-reflection, and guidance. It has intrigued people for centuries with its rich imagery, symbolism, and seemingly magical connection to the unseen world. But what exactly is Tarot, and how does it work?
A Brief History of Tarot
The Tarot’s exact origins remain a bit of a mystery, but it's generally believed to have emerged in the 15th century in Europe. Initially, it was used as a card game, not for divination, but over time, it gained associations with mystical practices, fortune-telling, and the occult. While Tarot cards gained popularity in the Western world, their symbolism and structure have ancient roots that resonate with different cultures, from Egypt to China to the Middle East.
By the 18th century, Tarot cards were adopted by occultists and became a tool for spiritual insight, with famous figures like Éliphas Lévi and Aleister Crowley weaving them into their esoteric practices. Today, Tarot is used not only for divination but also for meditation, personal development, and creative inspiration.
The Structure of Tarot Cards
A typical Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, which are divided into two main sections:
The Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards represent significant life themes, milestones, and archetypal experiences. Each card in the Major Arcana offers profound insights into the larger, more spiritual aspects of a person’s journey. Some of the most famous Major Arcana cards include The Fool, The Magician, The Empress, and The Tower. These cards often symbolize life-changing events, transformations, or deep lessons that go beyond the everyday.
The Minor Arcana (56 cards): These cards focus on day-to-day situations, emotions, and challenges. They are further divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles, each representing different elements of life:
Cups: Emotions, relationships, and intuition.
Wands: Action, ambition, and creativity.
Swords: Intellect, conflict, and communication.
Pentacles: Material wealth, career, and physical health.
Each suit in the Minor Arcana contains 14 cards, beginning (as with playing cards) with the Ace up to the King, with each card depicting specific themes and meanings. For example, the Ace of Cups represents emotional fulfillment, while the Ten of Swords often signals the end of a difficult phase (amongst other meanings).
How Tarot Works
At its core, Tarot is a tool for introspection. It provides symbolic representations of different aspects of life, allowing users to explore their inner world and connect with their intuition. Many believe that Tarot can offer guidance on personal questions, spiritual matters, or life decisions by tapping into unconscious knowledge and universal archetypes.
When a Tarot reading is performed, a person typically asks a question or reflects on a specific issue. The reader then shuffles the deck, and the cards are drawn and laid out in a spread, every reader has their own style of shuffling and drawing cards, some will allow you to draw the cards and others will tap into their intuition and draw the cards for you. The cards’ positions in the spread and their symbolic meanings are interpreted based on the querent’s (seeker / you) question and the reader’s intuition. While each card carries its own specific meaning, it is the combination of cards and their relationship with each other that reveals the deeper story.
Some people see Tarot as a form of predictive divination, while others view it more as a psychological tool, helping people gain clarity or insight into their situation. Regardless of the approach, the key to Tarot is that it provides a mirror to the psyche, offering a fresh perspective on one’s thoughts and emotions. The future is never set in stone as decisions made by yourself or others can change the string of events, therefore discernment is always key and you will get much more out of your tarot reading if you allow the cards to guide you and expand your vision, mind and probable outcomes based on your current actions.
Tarot and Intuition
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tarot is how it invites people to tap into their intuition. When interpreting the cards, the reader isn’t just relying on the traditional meanings but also on their personal connection to the symbols, images, and stories the cards tell. The interpretations can be deeply personal, as each reader’s intuition shapes their understanding of the cards.
For instance, a Tarot card that represents conflict to one reader might indicate growth and transformation to another, depending on the context of the reading. This connection with the intuitive realm is often described as a channel through which a deeper understanding of oneself or a situation can emerge also can be labelled as being psychic. It is important to feel a connection with your reader and enjoy and understand their way of reading that will resonate with you.
Tarot in the Modern World
Today, Tarot has evolved from being seen as a mysterious occult practice to becoming a widely used and popular tool for self-discovery, mindfulness, and spiritual development.
There is such a wonderful variety and choice of Tarot decks today, ranging from classic and traditional to modern and artistic, it is almost impossible not to find one that 'speaks' to and engages you. Many people use Tarot for personal growth, meditation, or as a way to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
Some people turn to Tarot as a form of creative inspiration, finding that the cards help unblock their imagination or offer new perspectives on projects. Others use Tarot as a daily ritual to check in with themselves, asking the cards for guidance or affirmation.
The rise of online Tarot readings, apps, and social media platforms has also brought Tarot into the mainstream. It’s no longer just the domain of spiritualists and mystics; it’s a tool for anyone interested in exploring their inner world - again always using your discernment when listening to them is of the utmost importance.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you approach Tarot as a method of divination, a tool for personal growth, or a source of creative inspiration, the power of Tarot lies in its symbolism, its ability to stimulate the imagination, and its capacity to open up new paths of insight. It invites users to journey inward, uncovering hidden truths, understanding their current situations, and even foreseeing potential outcomes.
Ultimately, Tarot is a reflection of the human experience, offering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarot reader or a curious beginner, the Tarot invites you to explore the mysteries of life, one card at a time. Always remembering that you are working with a spiritual tool and should treat the cards with respect and care, if at anytime you feel uncomfortable or scared you should refrain from the practice and seek guidance from someone more experienced and knowledgeable.
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