Tarot dates back some 5000 years and initially comprised 22 cards called the Major Arcana. The Tarot is based on a form of Numerology and the twenty two cards represented the journey of an apprentice (The Fool) through various stages until he reached the end of his journey having acquired the full spiritual knowledge to become a Magi (The Magician). In later years, the French added a further 56 cards called the Minor Arcana in order to play the game of Tarot. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: Wands, Coins, Swords and Cups. Most professional clairvoyants dismiss the Minor Arcana and only use the 22 cards of the Major Arcana.
Tarot spreads
An instruction book will tell you that there are several spreads:- Celtic Cross, Tree of Life etc. Again, my opinion is that you should ignore these and devise a spread which is personal to you!
Throughout my career I have always rebelled against regimentation. No two people are the same, we are all unique. No book can provide intuition. You must use your own!
Reading Tarot cards is all about sensing and feeling, not interpreting a card from a book! Professional clairvoyants use the Tarot as a focus and, during a reading, will seldom mention the card upon which they are focusing. Beware the reader who says, for example, ” I’ve got the King of Cups and it means…..” That reader is probably telling you something he has learned, rather than “sensed” or “felt” However, a professional might say “looking at the cards in front of me, I sense and feel ……..” which will prove he is a genuine clairvoyant.
Upside down or Reverse Tarot cards
The meaning of reverse cards depends upon the card and the reading. Suppose, for instance, that you are asking about a relationship and the spread of cards includes a man and a woman. One is the right way up, the other is reversed. This would indicate that the people concerned are going in the opposite direction.
Reading the cards
The Major Arcana is indeed beautiful and mystical. The following meanings are supplied by Graham.
0 The Fool
Positive Unrestrained and naïve, an innocent, childish nature, fun loving
Negative Making poor decisions by failing to learn from past experience, clownish
I The Magician
Positive Creative genius, flair, impressive skilful, ability to inspire
Negative Use of skills to destroy, control or deceive other people
II The High Priestess
Positive Wisdom, patience, someone who listens and has a helpful nature
Negative Opinionated, shallow, interfering, running other people’s lives
III The Empress
Positive An accomplished female, perhaps rich or in a position of authority
Negative A female with an inflated ego or abuser of power
IV The Emperor
Positive An accomplished male, perhaps rich or in a position of authority
Negative A male with an inflated ego or abuser of power
V Jupiter
Positive Kind, generous, philanthropic, relaxed, easy going, jovial, proud
Negative Lazy, complacent, reliant on others for support, a sponger, pompous
VI The Lovers
Positive Harmony, new love or deep appreciation between two people
Negative Unrequited love, a secret affair or other form of betrayal
VII The Chariot
Positive Triumph through hard work, panache, style, daring, courage, flair
Negative Failure through lack of caution or taking on too much
VIII Justice
Positive Getting what you deserve, reward for past efforts
Negative Getting what you deserve, retribution for past misdemeanours
IX The Hermit
Positive Caution, need for isolation or contemplation, ageing, older person
Negative Physical deterioration, antisocial, reclusive, outcast, over cautious
X The Wheel of Fortune
Positive Imminent change for the better, good luck through trusting in fate
Negative Imminent change for the worse, failure of a new venture
XI Strength
Positive Strengthening of body or mind, success in head-on confrontation
Negative Failure through underestimating the opposition, aggressive nature
XII The Hanged Man
Positive Letting others have control, standing back, waiting to see what happens
Negative Complete loss of power, helplessness, someone else calls all the shots
XIII Death
Positive Major transition, a drastic turning point preceded by loss, starting afresh
Negative Physical death or loss of someone close, sad endings, extreme danger
XIV Temperance
Positive Kind, patient, sympathetic, helpful, spiritually evolved, protective
Negative Too good to be true, a dreamer, unrealistic, opting out
XV The Devil
Positive A need to face up to phobias, fear, oppression or violence
Negative Victim of crime, physical or mental abuse, bullying, black magic
XVI The Lightning Struck Tower
Positive Rebuilding after a serious blow, coming to terms with disaster
Negative Sudden, utter disaster, financial ruin, physical or mental breakdown
XVII The Star
Positive Contentment, happy retirement, finding an ideal niche in life
Negative Wasting time, failing to deliver, basking in self-glory
XVIII The Moon
Positive Dreamer, poet, person who is not what (s)he seems, ability to disguise
Negative Deceit, betrayal of trust, infidelity, someone with a hidden agenda
XIX The Sun
Positive Open, honest, a good example to follow, encouraging, positive attitude
Negative Someone who loses out by being too honest and open
XX Judgement
Positive The moment of truth, reward for good effort, promotion, recognition
Negative The moment of truth, condemnation for past failure, relegation, redundancy
XXI The World
Positive Success, getting what you want, prosperity, major financial gain, travel
Negative Materialistic, greedy, hedonistic, corrupt
Minor Arcana
The following are suggestions only, based on the astrological system.
Ace Unity, self awareness, self development, personal interests, clothing, fashion
Two Duality, money, investment, security, comfort, luxury items
Three Illicit love, talking, school, travel, letters, email, siblings, neighbours
Four Home, family, mother, protection, self defence
Five Luck, gambling, love affairs, children, hobbies, pleasures, art
Six Health, healing, nutrition, work, training, service, duty, pets
Seven Partnerships, marriage, divorce, compromise, cooperation
Eight Legal matters, wills, sex, psychic activity, mysteries, transformation, death
Nine New horizons, freedom, long journeys, wisdom, study, hands-on learning
Ten Career, vocation, reputation, status, ambition, father
Page (Jack) Friends, social life, meetings, politics, humanitarian actions, independence
Cavalier (Prince) Compassion, charity, escapism, institutions, inner self, isolation
Queen Beauty, feminine strengths, superior or influential female, wife
King Authority, masculine strengths, superior or influential male, husband
Swords (Fire)
Assertion, drive, leadership, aggression, domination, quickness, power, stress, combat, yang.
Pentacles (Earth)
Steadiness, stability, support, practicality, materialism, money, inertia, common sense, yin.
Wands (Air)
Intellect, thought, ideas, communication, procrastination, variety, opinions, change of mind, travel.
Cups (Water)