Using The Tarot

The origins of tarot cards are uncertain, but cards have been used for divining purposes all over the world for centuries. China, Egypt and India all have long standing traditions. The 19th century saw the western world really engage with the idea. Many new decks were designed and used during this period.  Tarot cards present pictures of aspects that we all experience in our daily life. They can really help with personal reflection and decision making. Although ways to interpret them can be studied for years, their basic meanings can be learned very quickly.

Lots of people are able to use the tarot as a divining tool by picking random cards from the pack, laying them out and interpreting the way they interact. Decks normally contain seventy eight cards. Twenty two of which are called the Major Arcana. The Major Arcana depict the major changes we experience throughout life. Some readers will just refer to these to give a quick overview. The other fifty six cards, known as the Minor Arcana, go into greater detail and can be used for a much more detailed reading.

Tarot cards can play a huge role in the daily life of those who use them. It is normal for some people to keep a deck close at all times and pull a random card for advice at points during their daily life when they need some guidance. Exactly how the cards are used in daily life is really up to the individual. Some people will always want to lay out a pattern to read, others will feel they can gain something quickly by just looking at a single card.

Packs of tarot cards usually come with booklets explaining how to use them for quick or more in depth readings. Most people who use them believe that they are a way of connecting with the spirit so, although there are rules that can be followed it is important to remember that each user will find their own preferred way of using them to make the connection. When reading the cards you need to look at the design on the cards. Cards are said to be in a positive position or reversed position. Reversed cards tell of conflict or negativity or weaken the card's influence on the other cards. Begin to learn the card meanings by keeping a book or chart handy, but don’t be afraid to interpret the cards in your own way. You will come up with some of your own card meanings by following your instincts.The cards act as a way for the spirits to communicate information and ideas to people in the physical world, so they will guide you to understand the meanings too.