What is Tarot Reading?#
Tarot reading is a divination method using 78 cards, with a history spanning several centuries. Through the symbolic designs and symbols depicted on the cards, you can gain insights into the past, present, and future.
About This Guide#
This Tarot reading guide is structured for progressive learning, from beginners to advanced practitioners. It comprehensively covers everything from basic Tarot concepts to practical reading methods.
Learning Flow#
Step 1: Acquire Basic Knowledge
Step 2: Learn Card Meanings
Step 3: Master Practical Techniques
Step 4: Deepen Your Understanding
For Beginners#
If you are new to Tarot reading, we recommend learning in the following order:
- Start by reading What is Tarot Reading?
- Understand the basic structure with Types of Cards
- Memorize the 22 cards of the Major Arcana first
- Practice with simple spreads (one-card draw, three-card draw)
- Once comfortable, learn the Minor Arcana
If you already understand the basic card meanings:
- Challenge yourself with complex spreads
- Improve your interpretation skills with How to Read
- Gain a deeper understanding with History
- Continue daily practice
For Advanced Practitioners#
If you aim for further skill improvement:
- Deeply understand the relationships between cards
- Seek a balance between intuition and logic
- Gain practical experience by reading for others
- Build your own interpretation system
Characteristics of Tarot Reading#
Diversity#
- Can address various questions
- Utilized as a tool for personal growth
- Stimulates creativity and intuition
Practicality#
- Provides concrete advice
- Offers an objective view of the current situation
- Suggests future possibilities
Symbolism#
- Cards filled with deep symbolism
- Expresses universal themes
- Reflects cultural backgrounds
Key Learning Points#
Continuous Practice#
- Develop intuition with daily one-card draws
- Track progress by keeping a record
- Gain experience by practicing with others
Open Mind#
- Let go of preconceptions
- Value intuition
- Challenge new interpretations
Balanced Approach#
- Emphasize both theory and practice
- Harmonize logic and intuition
- Balance tradition and innovation
Ethics of Tarot Reading#
Responsible Practice#
- Understand that readings are guidance, not absolute predictions
- Strive for expressions that do not instill fear
- Provide constructive advice
Respect and Consideration#
- Have respect for the cards
- Respect the querent’s privacy
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
How to Use This Guide#
Sequential Learning#
Beginners are recommended to learn progressively in the order presented.
Reference as Needed#
Experienced practitioners can refer to information dictionary-style as needed.
Continuous Review#
Regularly revisiting the basics to deepen understanding is important.
Support and Resources#
Through this guide, explore the world of Tarot reading deeply and utilize it as a tool for self-understanding and growth. If you have any questions or doubts, please check the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Tarot reading is more than just a divination method; it is a system of wisdom that enriches life. We hope this guide helps you on your Tarot learning journey.
Next Steps#
Once you are ready, begin your learning with What is Tarot Reading?. A wonderful world of Tarot awaits you.
Basic Concepts of Tarot Reading Tarot reading is a divination method using 78 cards with a history spanning several centuries. Through the symbolic designs and symbols depicted on the cards, you can gain insights into the querent’s past, present, and future.
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Prologue: Mysterious Origins Anyone who has held a Tarot card has likely been captivated by its mystical aura. Where did these beautifully illustrated cards come from? Were they born in ancient Egyptian temples, or created by medieval European alchemists?
In truth, the origins of Tarot remain shrouded in mystery and debate. Scholars have researched them for centuries, but their true genesis remains veiled in fog. Perhaps, that is part of Tarot’s allure.
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Overall Structure of Tarot Cards Tarot cards are composed of 78 cards, broadly divided into the following two categories:
Major Arcana: 22 cards Minor Arcana: 56 cards This structure is the origin of modern playing cards, and each has its own unique meaning and role.
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Basic Flow of Tarot Reading Tarot reading is performed in the following stages:
Preparation Phase: Preparing the environment and mind. Question Setting: Creating clear questions. Card Selection: Shuffling and selecting cards. Spread Layout: Arranging the cards. Interpretation: Reading individual cards and the overall message. Integration: Integrating the message and advice. 1. Preparation Phase Environmental Preparation Physical Environment
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Basic Questions Q1. What is Tarot reading? A: Tarot reading is a divination method using 78 cards, with the following characteristics:
Rich Symbolism: Cards filled with deep symbolism. Concrete Advice: Provides practical guidance. Promotes Self-Understanding: Helps deepen inner understanding. Stimulates Creativity: Develops intuition and creativity. These elements allow it to be used not just for prediction, but as a tool for self-growth and problem-solving.
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A-Z (Alphabetical) Arcana Meaning: Latin for “secret.” Tarot cards are classified into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
Celtic Cross Meaning: One of the most famous and complex spreads. 10 cards are arranged in a cross shape to analyze a situation from multiple angles.
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About Card Meanings All 78 Tarot cards have their own unique symbolism and meaning. By understanding these meanings, you will be able to read the messages from the cards more deeply.
Learning Approach Why Start with Major Arcana For beginners, we recommend starting with the 22 Major Arcana cards:
Cards with important meanings are concentrated. Easy to remember symbolic images. Easier to understand the major currents of life. Often play a crucial role in actual readings. Learning Minor Arcana Once you are familiar with the Major Arcana, move on to the 56 Minor Arcana cards:
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What is a Spread? A spread is a method of arranging Tarot cards in a specific pattern. Each position has a specific meaning, and the appropriate spread is chosen according to the content of the question and the information sought.
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About Practical Examples In this section, you will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to actual readings through concrete examples of Tarot divination. Various question types, spreads, and interpretation approaches will be explained in detail.
How to Learn 1. Step-by-Step Learning Basic Examples: Start with simple one-card draws. Intermediate Examples: Understand relationships with three-card draws. Advanced Examples: Comprehensive interpretation with complex spreads. 2. Learning by Question Type Love Consultations: Questions about relationships and the future. Work & Career: Questions about job changes and success. Life Direction: Questions about major decisions and changes. Self-Understanding: Questions about inner growth. 3. Mastering Interpretation Techniques Intuitive Interpretation: First impressions and card messages. Symbolic Interpretation: Card symbolism and deep meanings. Integrated Interpretation: Relationships between multiple cards. Practical Advice: Concrete action guidelines. List of Practical Examples Basic Practical Examples One-Card Draw Example Basic approach to everyday questions. Deep reading from a single card. Balance of intuition and knowledge. Three-Card Draw Example Reading Past, Present, and Future. Interpretation of Situation, Action, and Result. Understanding relationships between cards. Love Consultation Examples Questions about New Encounters “Will new love come?” “How can I meet my ideal partner?” Checking readiness for romance. Developing Existing Relationships “Will this relationship develop?” “What are their feelings?” Advice for relationship improvement. Questions about Marriage and Future “When is the right time for marriage?” “Do I have a future with this person?” Long-term relationship prospects. Work & Career Practical Examples Questions about Job Change “Should I change jobs?” “Will I succeed in a new workplace?” Judging the timing of a job change. Questions about Starting a Business/Independence “Will my business succeed?” “When is the right time to become independent?” Spiritual aspects of business planning. Questions about Career Advancement “What are my chances of promotion?” “What direction should I take for skill improvement?” Long-term career strategy. Life Direction Practical Examples Questions about Important Decisions “Should I move?” “Should I make a large investment?” Decision-making at life’s turning points. Questions about Self-Growth “What do I need right now?” “What is my next stage of growth?” Direction of spiritual development. Questions about Difficult Situations “How can I overcome this difficulty?” “How can I resolve relationship problems?” Coping strategies for adversity. Complex Spread Practical Examples Celtic Cross Interpretation Example Comprehensive reading with 10 cards. Multi-faceted analysis of complex situations. Understanding inter-card relationships. Yearly Outlook Reading Interpretation of a 12-month spread. Long-term life flow. Understanding themes for each season. Detailed Explanation of Interpretation Process Step 1: Record First Impressions Initial feelings upon seeing the cards. Grasping the overall atmosphere. Receiving intuitive messages. Step 2: Analyze Individual Cards Basic meaning of each card. Considering upright/reversed positions. Adjusting meaning based on spread position. Step 3: Relationships Between Cards Interaction with adjacent cards. Contrast with opposing cards. Checking overall balance. Step 4: Integrated Interpretation Integrating all information. Extracting the main message. Forming concrete advice. Step 5: Conveying to the Querent Explaining in easy-to-understand language. Providing constructive advice. Clarifying action guidelines. Common Interpretation Challenges and Solutions Difficult Card Combinations Problem: Card meanings contradict each other. Solution: Explore deeper symbolic meanings. Example: Combination of Death and The Sun → Rebirth after fundamental change. Ambiguous Messages Problem: Message from cards is unclear. Solution: Clarify the question and draw cards again. Example: Clarification with supplementary cards. Emotionally Unacceptable Results Problem: Querent cannot accept the results. Solution: Focus on the constructive aspects of the card. Example: Interpreting difficult cards as opportunities for growth. Notes on Practice Ethical Considerations Language that does not instill fear. Respect for the querent’s free will. Protection of privacy. Maintaining appropriate boundaries. Technical Considerations Consistent interpretation system. Accurate understanding of card meanings. Appropriate spread selection. Clarification of questions. Practical Considerations Concrete and actionable advice. Adjustment to the querent’s situation. Continuous learning and improvement. Follow-up on results. For Continuous Improvement Daily Practice Daily one-card draw. Habit of self-reading. Keeping interpretation records. Verifying results. Deepening Learning Mastering various spreads. Researching card symbolism. Comparing with other divination methods. Studying specialized books. Accumulating Practical Experience Practicing readings for others. Gathering feedback. Analyzing difficult cases. Researching successful cases. Summary Learning through practical examples and case studies is essential for improving Tarot reading skills. By applying theoretical knowledge to actual situations, you will gain deeper understanding and effective reading methods.
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