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After all,tarot manicuresare even a thing.
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Despite its ubiquity, though, the art can still seem elusive and confusing.
What do the cards mean and how are they used?
Don’t fret: The fundamentals are easy to understand.
The World, the Wheel of Fortune, and the Sun are all Major Arcana cards.
Where does tarot come from?
Surprisingly, it is a relatively modern craft.
Though tarot decks date back to the 1400s, pictorial cards were originally used for games rather than prediction.
The Swords card is among the Minor Arcana cards.
Over the next century, mystics and philosophers continued to expand the role of tarot.
What’s the difference between the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana cards?
Let’s talk about the structure of the deck and the meanings of its cards.
Neoclassical, hand-painted tarot cards: Le Stelle, Il Sole, and Il Bagattelliere etchings (Italy, 19th century)
In other words, the macrocosm of the cosmos is reflected in the microcosm of individual experience.
The Major Arcana cards represent monumental, groundbreaking influences.
These dynamic cards appear during major transitions, signaling distinctive moments of transformation.
The Sun, the House of God (the Tower), the Nine of Swords, the Magician and the Devil, French Tarot cards. France, 17th century.
The Minor Arcana cards, on the other hand, reflect everyday matters.
The Swords card is among the Minor Arcana cards.
How many tarot cards are there?
How can I get started reading the cards?
Together, the Major and Minor Arcana cards create a comprehensive pictorial language.
Before any reading, be sure to shuffle (or “clear”) the deck.
This deliberate gesture should become a meditation.
Feel the physicality of the cards in your hand, visualizing your question.
Take as long as you need.
Whenever you’re ready, cut the cards into three and reorder the pile, face down.
What are the different tarot card spreads?
The “three-card spread” is one of the most simple and effective tarot spreads.
The cards and their corresponding positions will effortlessly expose bonds and dynamics.
How do the cards you drew make you feel?
What are thecolors and symbols?
If there are characters, are they facing towards or away from each other?
Do the illustrations seem cohesive or disjointed?
Of course, there are many tarot card spreads beyond the three-card pull.
or “How should I focus my energy today?”
Though each card has classic associations, the most powerful resource available is your intuition.
Note your immediate emotional reaction: Your instincts will inform your study and strengthen your pictorial memory.
How do I choose a deck?
There is no shortage of stunning, dynamic tarot decks.
Since the mid-twentieth century, hundreds if not thousands of beautiful decks have been published.
Some tarot readers believe that your first deck should be gifted to you.
With so many enchanting options available, the most important variable is your unique connection to the cards.
Where can I buy tarot cards?
Whether you are shopping online or in-person, observe your emotions as you browse different tarot decks.
Does the one you’re considering make you feel excited?
Trust your intuition: Your careful consideration will ultimately guide your interpretation of the cards.
Explore the imagery: Are you enchanted by classical or modern representations?
Note the symbols: Are they enticing?
TheRider-Waite Tarot Deckis a wonderful first deck because so many future decks are based on its iconic illustrations.
Also, helpful tarot books, such as78 Degrees of Wisdomuse the deck as a reference.
Start with the Rider-Waite deck, and then expand your collection with decks that resonate with you.
Especially considering how important people of color are in occult’s history, this is understandably annoying.
The art deco cards were painted by Lady Frieda Harris at Crowley’s instruction.
Don’t trust anyone who says otherwise.
So, naturally, the occult community went nuts when The Slutist Tarot came out.
Don’t be surprised if you see a pro pull this one out at a professional reading.
