Making Sense of the Tarot

For more than thirty years, I have answered other people's questions using the Tarot cards. It is my belief that Tarot is the most precise method of obtaining a clear, concise answer to many problems individuals face in today's world. Whether you are looking for a fortune teller or would like to begin telling fortunes, there are some simple lessons to remember as you chart your course into the unknown.

The Tarot deck consists of twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana may be described as the epitome of life experience because their existence in a spread signifies significant change of circumstance. The Minor Arcana , on the other hand, may be described as daily fluctuations in thinking, attitudes, emotions and actions as reflected by the suits of Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.

Wands refer to human thought and the "fire" of original ideas that compel one into action. Cups refer to the ever changeable element of water because emotions constantly ebb and flow. Swords are relegated to the element of air because they govern human communication. Pentacles refer to the element of earth because they govern results.

The Ace of any suit is always the initiator. It is always considered as the number "one." The two contains dual traits of any suit. The number three indicates initial results with more to come. Four indicates more work is needed because something is lacking. Five is changeable. Six is harmonious. Seven is silent and secretive. Eight equals two fours and is always considered the card of the karmic reward, and nine is the culmination of all of the numbers. Ten is the number of completions. Even when the cards are reversed, the numerical value does not change.

In the Major Arcana, the first card is the Fool, which counts as zero. The Fool begins his path in life as one who is eagerly impetuous, setting off for parts unknown without planning ahead. He has no map. He is not certain of where he is headed but knows instinctively that the time is ripe for beginning something new. He is not concerned with failure or success. He is only interested in the adventure at hand.

The new graduate may be compared to the Fool. He has accomplished his educational goals, has his degree tucked securely into his belt. But in reality, he has no idea what the future will bring. Will he succeed? Or will he fail? The answer lies ahead. When the Fool is reversed, the path forks, and he chooses the path that contains the most obstacles, certain he will overcome them all. He cannot see that he is causing himself more work than is necessary. To observers, he has made an unwise choice. However, this does not indicate failure.

The most important aspect of the Tarot is to allow the card to speak to you with impressions instead of fear. Examine the symbolism in the illustrations and apply what you know to be fact. Magicians have the ability to trick the public. They also perform magic. What does this card tell you? Use your common sense. What are the positive vibrations that apply to the situation at hand? What negative connotations are connected with magicians?

Apply this new knowledge as you examine each card in the deck. Now that you know Major Arcana refer to major changes, make your own list of initial impressions. Practice giving yourself readings. Forget what others tell you. Tarot can be used to gather information that is vital to you. Use it to decide whether or not to go to certain entertainments with certain people. Use it to protect yourself.

Ask the Tarot, "What will happen if . . . " questions to determine if you will encounter problems. The royal cards of King, Queen and Knight that show up in either the eighth or tenth position of the classic Celtic spread will indicate who will make an appearance that will have a direct effect on the outcome. The page indicates news and gossip pertaining to whichever card shows up in these positions. Sometimes, a Knight showing up in the eighth position will indicate that you will spend time with this person-even if you think you will be with someone else.

Never underestimate the power of the Tarot. Do not ask the same question more than once in the same day. Allow the cards to "rest" when the outcome is important to you. Protect your cards from other people, and do not allow anyone else to handle your cards without your express permission and only when performing a reading. Tarot absorbs your vibrations. That is its power.

If you ask questions about the activities of another, the cards will respond only as far as the activities of another affect you. Tarot cannot read the minds of others. Asking questions that invade the privacy of another will not provide the answer you seek. Tarot can be very specific and give you general guidance. But you need to be specific.

When you perform a reading, the presence of three or more Major Arcana indicates that the outcome is not in your hands. Outside forces are heavily influencing the results. In this case, the Tarot is offering a warning that you should heed. When this happens, you will find a predominance of cards of the same number more often than not. Sometimes, there will be a combination of numbers in abundance, such as three knights and two queens. As you probably have guessed, groups of men are involved, and the two queens indicate the issue of jealousy.

Pay attention to the placement of the cards. Whatever card covers the Significator (you) will indicate the current attitude surrounding the question. The card that crosses you represents the obstacles that must be overcome. When the preponderance of minor arcana exists in a reading, the meaning indicates everyday activities and thinking that can change with time. Most often, the Tarot will point to an attitude that needs adjustment before real change is possible. Only the Tower from the Major Arcana indicates that change will be forced upon you. In all other instances, you have control over your thoughts, emotions and conduct.

When this is the case, the Tarot is capable of repeat answers with spreads that contain most of the same cards and the same meaning. While this may be surprising information to you, it is possible that you will need to rephrase your question and then ask for clarification-laying a second reading directly on top of the first. In this way, the pairs of cards that you see will suddenly make sense when applying the information in a different manner.

In addition, it may be helpful to be aware that the "scary" cards that make readers uneasy-the Devil, the Tower and Death-do not indicate the presence of true death. Never predict death as the outcome. Death refers to the end of situations and attitudes, not an end of life. However, Tarot can and will indicate the presence of evil.

To clarify, there are times in your life when you will meet certain people who make you feel uneasy. Sometimes, we feel uneasy for no good reason except that our sixth sense-intuition-gives us information that is felt on a subconscious level, and sometimes there is no warning. Do not be afraid to do readings on these people. The cards will warn you when someone has evil intentions. At all times, you must accept the responsibility to warn others when danger is imminent.

To give an example, when a friend of mine had his truck stolen, he asked me to give him a reading. I used the classic Celtic Cross. Quite plainly, the cards indicated that while he was at work, he would get a phone call from a man who had surprising news-his truck had been found. Three weeks later, he told me he got a phone call at work, and his truck was returned.

You will find that you need do nothing to convince anyone of the validity of Tarot. Let the cards speak for themselves. Lastly, in choosing a particular deck of cards-I advise you to allow yourself to be drawn to the illustrations and not make a blind purchase. Since there are numerous types of Tarot decks available for purchase, let your heart guide your purchase. Tarot chooses its owners.