Learn To Read Tarot

As I mentioned in the introduction to this Lens, I have been intrigued by Tarot for a long time. I'm not sure what it is - the beauty of the Tarot cards, the symbolism, the divination aspect or the ability to use all three to help others understand their life better. Whatever the reason, I decided I was going to learn to read Tarot this Summer.

Tarot: A Brief History

According to Wikipedia, playing cards in general have been around since approximately 1377. The first known creation of a Tarot deck was between 1430 and 1450 in Italy. This art has been around a long time!

The earliest know use of these cards for divination ("to foresee, to be inspired by a god") dates back to 1540. Because the original tarot cards were hand painted, they were in short supply and generally relegated to the upper classes. Like many things, it wasn't until the invention of the printing press that decks were mass produced.

The oldest surviving Tarot cards are from fifteen fragmented decks painted in the mid 15th century for the Visconti-Sforza family, the rulers of Milan. (Robert M. Place (2005) The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination)

What I've Discovered About Tarot Reading

After spending hours online and in the bookstores, here are some basic truths I've discovered for learning to read Tarot. I told you I was going to boil it down for you!

1. The Tarot card deck you choose makes a difference.
2. Reading Tarot is a very personal endeavor which involves your intuition.
3. There is not one single method to learn to read Tarot.

Helpful Tips To Get You Started (related to the discoveries above)

1. While you want to choose a deck that resonates with you, I would recommend the Rider-Waite Tarot card deck. I say this because the images are a bit more straightforward than others.

2. Please know, realize and take to heart that it is okay to incorporate your intuition in the process of reading Tarot to help others.

3. Most methods involve some learning and memorization of Keywords associated with images. Other methods rely strictly on use of intuition to read the meaning for yourself or others. The best method is one that involves both learning Keywords and using Intuition.

The amazing thing about learning to read Tarot is that once you have an understanding and mastery over the images and meanings of the cards, performing an actual reading can become a simple procedure. That is the power of learning Tarot!

I now love the power of Tarot. I hope as you learn you will find that same love and power.

Before you ever pick up a book or manual on Tarot card meanings, here is an exercise that I highly recommend.

Starting with the twenty two cards of the Major Arcana, examine each card carefully. First, notice the main figures on each card and their positions (seated, standing, what they are holding etc.). Take note of any other figures on the card and what are they doing in relationship to the main figure.

Look for props or tools that may be in the symbolism of the card. Look for how these tools are being used or held by the figures on the card. Lastly, look for anything in the background of the card that stands out for you. Write everything that you have discovered down in a notebook for use later on as you discover the Tarot card meanings.

Let me interject with a reminder at this point. If the symbolism of the tarot card deck that you are using is not meaningful for you, you are using the wrong deck. If the symbolism of the cards goes against your basic philosophical understanding, you will soon lose interest in that deck. There are many decks from various spiritual, political and philosophical viewpoints on the market. Choose the one that fits your understanding the best.

Once you have studied the illustrations on each of the cards, write down your impressions of what the card means to you. Ask yourself what does each detail means and what you gain from the detail. Try to decide for yourself what each detail and the card as a whole is saying to you. Like before, write each impression down for later use.

It may seem a bit redundant to do this when you have a book or manual that tells you the Tarot card meanings, but it is very important for you to make this initial examination on your own. Much of what is done in interpreting Tarot cards relies not just on your understanding of the cards, but on your intuition. This initial examination and exercise will open up your intuition and allow you to see the cards from your viewpoint. You only have one shot at this experience of the cards - use it!

Understanding Tarot card meanings is an exciting process. Before you dive into your manual, try this exercise. I believe it is one that will serve you well.