I hope you will find this text of some help in your learning to use the Tarot which can be a life long study. I have no intention of claiming that this can teach all there is to know about the subject but I hope it has cleared a few Ideas. If some of the definitions I have used in this Seem a little confused I apologize it is sometimes difficult putting the ideas the cards suggest to me into words. Feel free to pass it to anyone who is interested. Commercial use is prohibited.

Good luck with your study of the cards and I hope you find it as interesting as I do.

Introduction

It is not my intention to oversimplify the art of using the Tarot for either divination or self discovery but I would like to produce a document that is both straight forward and informative to anyone who is beginning with the Tarot. There are many good books on the subject which can go into much more detail than I can hope for in a small text file as this. What I Do want is to do is help people gain a hands on knowledge of the Tarot and hopefully clear away some of the misconceptions surrounding the subject.

The Tarot is not 'The Devils picture book' as some have called it in the past, it is not dabbling in any evil or black arts. The Tarot does not really tell you anything about the future or yourself that you do not already know, They are more like keys that unlock information that you have always possessed.
Another thing I would like to clear up is that Magick is a natural force that is all around is, just because we can't always see it doesn't mean it cannot exist. Magick as a force is neither good or evil - it is like electricity in the way that it is how it is used/abused that makes the difference and unfortunately there will always be the few who if not in the name of Magick would find something else to excuse their own behaviour and spoil it for the rest.

Even if you do not believe in the laws of Karma the laws of physics say that every action has an equal and opposite reaction so if you were doing a reading to find out about someone without their permission you are invading their privacy and with the laws of Karma/Physics some time in the future you may pay for it, be it something like the person find out and be upset with you or you could find something out that you really didn't want to know or the same thing happening to you!

The best idea to avoid problems is to make yourself a few little rules to follow. I will list a few but these are only suggestions and at the end of the day you must decide what is right and wrong for yourself.

A:
Believe in what you are doing - As with any Magickal act it will not work if you don't.

B:
Be objective -- It is very easy to read what you want into the cards especially if you are reading for yourself.

C:
Do not twist the meanings/messages of the cards to get someone to do what you want them to.

D:
Do not allow others to pressure you onto a reading if it does not feel right for you at the time.

E:
If someone asks you for a reading talk to them for a while and put them at ease, never take advantage if someone seems a little nervous or confused. ask them a little about the problems and explain that the Tarot is not 'a instant problem solver' but more a adviser.

These are general guidelines but at the end of the day you must decide what is and isn't ethical.

The Tarot are like any other Magickal tools and as such they should be treated with respect. Try to keep them away from mundane objects, You could keep them in a wooden box,wrapped in silk or just in a special draw, anything that makes them feel special to you and not just like ordinary objects.

Choosing Your Cards

You must choose a deck that feels right to you. Look at a few decks in the shop and see which ones appeal to you. If you are interested in Celtic traditions and the Arthurian legends then a good deck maybe the Arthurian Tarot but there is little point in such a deck if your interests lie in the Qabalah(I never spell that right!!) in which case a good deck may be the Thoth by Aleister Crowly. There are too many decks for me to list, but they cover most paths that people choose to follow and the more traditional (if there is such a thing) decks seem to have parts that all religions/paths can relate to.

As a first Deck I would recommend the Rider Waite it is reasonably straight forward in its symbols and a lot of the more modern decks are based on it. The other advantage of the Rider deck is that it has a pictorial minor Arcana rather than the pip type. This makes the cards a lot easier to learn as the image on the card tells you the meaning rather than trying to memorize them before hand.


The pictorial seven of Swords shows a man sneaking away from a camp carrying away five swords and leaving two stuck in the ground. This image gives the idea of cunning,sneakiness or even theft.

The pip version would just have a picture of a sword and the number seven or seven swords more playing card type. Which doesn't tell you much until you have learned the meanings.

Learning to Use the Tarot

Once you have chosen your cards you must get to know them. You will probably find a small booklet with the deck listing the meanings and generally how to use it. Read this by all means it will help to give you an insight into what the author/creator was thinking when making the cards but do not learn it parrot fashion. Each card has many meanings and none are fixed it depends on the nature of the reading on you and many other things.
The best thing to do is take some time to look at each card and make a note of what they mean to you, it could be completely different to the printed definition in the booklet. As I said before each card has many meanings and messages usually the first one that comes into your mind while you are reading the cards is the right one for that time, You must learn to trust your intuition and allow the symbols themselves to guide you.

When using the cards for a reading remember that destiny is not fixed The cards can only tell you what will happen if you do nothing and allow events to follow their own course. If you get a reading that may seem a little negative, try not to worry look at it as a warning and do something positive about the situation also remember that there is the chance that you could have misinterpreted the message in the reading. If you get a bad reading for someone else be careful how you tell them you may be wrong to cause worry for someone when there is the chance you could be mistaken.

Meditations

There are many books which go into more detail than I can hope to here, if there is demand I will write more in the future but here is the simplest way of meditating and learning with/from the cards.

Firstly sit comfortably somewhere peaceful where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
Now take the card you wish to learn more from and place it in front of you.
Completely relax your body - A good way of doing this is to tense all of your muscles and then gently relax them . Breath steadily in through the nose and out through the mouth. Feel all tension leaving your body and clear all thoughts from your mind.
Look at the image on the card allow it to fill your mind, close your eyes holding the image of the card in your mind.
Now imagine the borders of the card as a window frame looking out over a real scene.
Enter through the frame feel the images, the scents and the sounds if there is a character in the card to they speak? what sort of feeling do you get from them? this may seem a little strange at first but with a little
practice and an open mind you will get used to it.
When you have finished remember to thank any characters in the cards and then imagine yourself going back through the window frame out of the card.
Imagine the card becoming a picture again, then slowly open your eyes take a minute to relax as you get used to your surroundings again. Try to make a note of what you remember from your meditation.
This is an excellent way of making a personal link with the cards you have chosen, but be careful not to over do it at first - spend a little time each day rather than trying to meditate on too many cards in one go.

The Major Arcana

These are also known as the Tarot trump cards depending on which books and cards you have purchased. The 22 major Arcana tend to be describe the influences that are affecting a situation but this again depends on the reading at the time. They can also be looked at as a powerful set of lessons.

The cards I will describe here are from the Rider Waite (what a surprise I hear you say!) the names and numbering can vary depending on what deck you are working with. The definitions I am going to list are what the cards mean to me at this time, if you disagree with these: GOOD!
As I said before the definitions are not fixed it is what they mean to you that is important I will only suggest guidelines you must follow your will and do what is right for you.

0 The Fool

The Fool is shown happily walking towards the edge of a great precipice he seems unaware of the dangers ahead, Instead he stares dreamily into the sky appearing to have no worries at all. He carries a bundle over his shoulder which appears to be no burden, A small dog leaps at his feet.
The Fool can represent the lone seeker, often ignored he is the innocent fool that could inherit the world. He is on a journey in a unknown world heading towards knowledge all he has to do is take the final step. His dog could represent fear that holds us all back from what we want at times.
His pack could be so light as it is not yet filled with the memories of age in a reading the Fool can mean new beginnings, innocence, unexpected events, folly,distraction or carelessness.

I The Magician

The Magician stands before his table holding a wand towards the heavens and the other hand towards the earth depicting balance, on his table are the symbols of the four elements Wands,Cups,Swords and Pentacles these represent Fire, Water, Air and Earth thus displaying a knowledge and control over them. Above his head is a halo in the shape of a figure eight this can represent eternity, his belt is a serpent eating its own tail again a symbol of eternity probably that of knowledge.
In a reading the Magician can represent Skill, knowledge, council, confidence, help from someone wiser,deception or trickery.

II The High Priestess

The High Priestess sits confidently between a black and a white pillar representing again balance between opposites, She sits in front of a curtain which could stand for hidden knowledge. On her lap is a scroll with the word Tora on it this I believe means Cosmic law.
In a reading the High Priestess can represent confidence in what is known, psychic ability, potential not yet reached, hidden knowledge, dedication or secrets.

III The Empress

The Empress sits looking comfortable and relaxed in a fertile corn field. She looks happy and content and as the corn field represents fertility she could be showing a hint of pregnancy.
In a reading The Empress can represent potential fulfilled, fertility, care, compassion, feminine influences or doubt

IV The Emperor

The Emperor sits on his throne of power, There is a hint of armour under his clothes that may represent a readiness for action. In his hands he holds the symbols of office and he is a wise and logical ruler.
In a reading (Aren't you sick of that phrase!) The Emperor can represent Office, council, masculine influences, fruits of hard work, material possessions, stubborn streak, arrogance or someone not quite in tune with their emotions.

V The Hierophant

The Hierophant as with some of the other cards sits between two pillars representing balance, He is the link between men and Gods he is a spiritual leader relaying his wisdom to any who will listen.
In a reading The Hierophant can represent council from one wiser, advise, helpfulness, guidance, unrealistic ideas and a passing on of old wisdom.

VI The Lovers

This card shows two naked people standing far in front of a large mountain above them hovers an angel and as the woman stares towards that, the man stares towards her possibly representing a distraction from each other the tree behind the woman has a serpent climbing it - this could be the serpent of wisdom or it could relate to the Adam and Eve story.
In a reading The Lovers can represent Love, relationships, effort needed to make a relationship work, distraction. blessings or harmony.

VII The Chariot

This card shows a noble looking man standing in a chariot that is been pulled by two sphinx type creatures again one is black and one is white displaying balance of opposites. In the background is a large city.
In a reading The Chariot could represent Strength of will, control, travel, discipline, moving away from a problem, war or a struggle.

VIII Strength

This card shows a woman stroking a lion but rather than the lion biting her it licks her hand. Above her head is the figure of eight halo as with the Magician representing eternity.
In a reading Strength can represent strength of will, confidence, courage and self awareness.

IX The Hermit

This card Shows a lone man dressed in a long grey cloak, his way is illuminated only by the lantern that her carries before him, This could be the illumination of knowledge rather than just a physical light.
In a reading The Hermit can mean a time to be alone, self reliance, wisdom, meditation or loneliness.

X The Wheel of Fortune

This card shows the Wheel of fortune supported on the back of a creature high between the clouds, in the corners of the card are the four signs of the zodiac that also represent the elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
On the Wheel if read clockwise is the word TARO or if read anti-clockwise the word TORA(cosmic law) could be this be a hint at the origins of the word tarot?
In a reading The Wheel of Fortune can represent New cycles, change, a choice or big decision, responsibility for ones own actions, Karmic repercussions and unstoppable forces.

XI Justice

Again this card shows us someone sitting between two pillars in front of a curtain that could represent knowledge that is not always seen/shown. Justice holds a sword in one hand and the balance of logical thought in the other.
In a reading Justice can represent Logic, a time to think things through, fair judgment, inquiring mind or balance.

XII The Hanged Man

This card shows a man suspended by his ankle from a tree, his expression and posture suggest he makes this sacrifice of his own free will, His head is surrounded by a halo of golden light. Many have likened the hanged man to the lord Odin who hung for nine nights and days on the world tree Yggdrasil until he was given the gift of the knowledge of the runes. This is definitely a card of self sacrifice.
In a reading this card can represent Sacrifice, Giving up of something to gain more in the long run not just material but spiritually as well, a self giving person / caring person.

XIII Death

This card shows Death riding through a scene of people falling before him, a king lies on the ground, a holy man preys to be spared only the innocent child does not fear death this shows no matter who, be it king or priest death cannot be avoided in the distance the sun rises between two towers representing new beginnings.
In a reading (here I go again!) this card can mean unstoppable change, the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, loss followed by renewal, curable illness, fear, grief or things beyond ones control.

XIV Temperance

This card shows the angel of temperance pouring water from one chalice to another, refreshing and balancing the two, Temperance stands with one foot in the water and one on dry land which could represent the balance of logic and emotions the land representing the logic and the water the emotions.
In a reading this card can represent balance, renewal, sharing, patience, new beginnings and moderation.

XV The Devil

This card shows a devil sitting on a podium to which two naked people are chained this could represent self bondage as the chains do not look tight and the people look as though they could easily free themselves.
In a Reading this card could represent suspicion, self deception, sticking to old ideas, fear to move on, great effort and force.

XVI The Tower

This card shows a lightning struck tower, a crown falls from the top two people also fall from it this could represent the throwing off of material ties.
In a reading this card can represent throwing off material or earthbound ideas for a more spiritual outlook, destruction, fear, removal of self blocking ideas, unstoppable change, new beginnings or things that must be given up so you can move on.

XVII The Star

This card shows a woman pouring water from two jugs one into a pool replenishing and refreshing it and one onto the earth again nourishing it this could represent the replenishment and balance of mind and spirit needed for everyone to survive and progress.
In a reading this card is usually a good omen it can represent new beginnings, hope, good prospects, new era, inspiration and happiness.

XVIII The Moon

This card show the moon in three phases above the two towers again showing balance, a dog and wolf howl at the moon and a lobster climbs towards it from a pool, the pool could represent the mind and the lobster things coming from the past the dog and wolf could be representing shouting or anger at that which cannot be reached.
In a reading this card could stand for fluctuation, dreams, intuition, past experience affecting / causing the current problem, psychic ability or deception.

XIX The Sun

This card shows a child happily riding a white horse underneath a blazing sun this could represent innocence and happiness, sunflowers grow in the background high above a wall this could stand for the growth and life given by the sun.
In a reading this card may represent growth, happiness, progression, material gain and contentment.

XX Judgement

This card shows an angel blowing a horn to raise the Dead from their caskets representing new beginnings.
In a reading this card could stand for a new start, chances, renewal, favorable judgement or external help

XXI The World

This card Shows a person dancing in the middle of what looks like a laurel wreath, in the corners of the card represent the signs of the zodiac and the elements. The wreath has been said to represent the womb thus showing beginning and end.
In a reading this card can represent completion, success, happiness, karma, stagnation or liberation.

The minor Arcana

I Will now go onto the minor Arcana these are more descriptive of a person or situation rather than the influences at work.
I will not describe them in great detail as they could be a lot different depending on what deck you have chosen.

King of Wands

The king sits on his throne looking restless and ready for action he can represent a kind,helpful,patient person.

Queen of Wands

The Queen of wands is a noble kind woman, She has a good head for business and money matters. She is friendly and good natured and will help anyone out if she can.

Knight of wands

The Knight of wands is a friendly young man he is studious he can represent moving on,travel,interruption.

The Page of Wands

The page of cups again is kind and young he has a respect for others achievements he can stand for messages,help and respect.

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands can represent creativity,imagination especially in new ventures and business.

Two Of Wands

The two of wands shows a man looking out over a land, he holds a globe in one hand. This card can represent plans, new beginnings, confidence in setting out on a new venture.

Three Of Wands

The Three of wands shows the same person a little further on his way this can represent still a little further to go with plans, challenges still ahead, cooperation and far planning.

Four of Wands

The Four of wands show people dancing happily, it can represent a joyful occasion,completion of a task,success and contentment.

Five of Wands

This card shows five youths fighting with wands it can represent a struggle or delay,competition,restlessness or challenge.

Six of wands

This card can mean many things it can represent messages, victory, fear, joy, discussions and news both good or bad.

Seven of Wands

This card can stand for struggle, negotiations, valour strength needed both of body and mind.

Eight of Wands

This card can represent swift action, Moving away from something, travel fast decisions or too much haste.

Nine of Wands

This card can represent although there has been a struggle more strength is going to be needed, it can represent hidden reserves of strength and will and the ability to carry on under pressure.

Ten of Wands

This card can represent oppression,burdening,a burden soon to be lifted, hard work and strength.

The King of Cups

The king of cups is a kind educated man especially in either the arts or sciences he is not always in touch with his emotions but is helpful and on occasions a little shy.

The Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups is an imaginative artistic woman, she is not always realistic and can tend to be a bit of a dreamer. She can represent psychic ability and/or a emotional/intuitive person.

Knight of Cups

The knight of cups is a imaginative young man, he is careful and considerate. he can have a tricky type of humour but it is usually done in a light heated way.

Page of Cups

The page of cups is again an imaginative and creative person this person can be very artistic and psychic but can be too much of a dreamer.

Ace of Cups

This card represents an abundance of love and emotions joy, fertility, creativeness and inspiration.

Two of Cups

Again this card can mean true love, friendship, re-uniting of loved ones and happiness.

Three of Cups

This card can represent A happy event, Friendship, joy, contentment, happiness, healing or over indulgence.

Four of Cups

This card can represent discontent it can be a warning not to take too much for granted and a boredom with current possessions/situation.

Five of Cups

This card can represent a Grief for that which is lost be it love or possessions even though some still remain, it can be like when children leave home for the fist time although they are not there the memory and contact remains.

Six of Cups

This card may represent a gift or message coming from someone in the past be it friend or lover. It can represent inheritance and gifts.

Seven of Cups

This card could represent Glamour of possessions,choices. it can be a warning not to be too unrealistic. Dreams, lusts and unobtainable ideas can be a message in this card.

Eight of Cups

This card seems to represent the leaving of something behind so progression can take place. It could mean leaving things behind for a new start rather than flogging a dead horse.

Nine of Cups

This card can represent an abundance of things, Satisfaction, contentment physical and material gains,gluttony and fulfilment.

Ten of Cups

This Card can stand for Happiness and fulfilment not just of the physical like in the Nine of cups but emotionally and spiritually as well. It can represent Family and the joys to be gained from them and the fruits of hard work.

King of Swords

The King of Swords is a intelligent quick witted person. He is fair minded if not a little too logical for his own good. His judgment is fair if not somewhat harsh and he sees many things as black and white.

Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is a Strong minded person who has some sorrow or regret on her mind even though she knows time will ease this pain. She can represent a widow, even though she has sadness in her life she is fair and helpful to others rather than bitter.

Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords is a youth who quickly jumps to conclusions and actions often without thinking of the consequences. He can be arrogant and stubborn he is intelligent but prefers action to thought.

Page of Swords

Again a swift acting person but one who gives a little more thought to a situation before acting than the Knight of Swords.

Ace of Swords

This card can represent Success, force of will, ability to see though a problem to the cure.

Two of Swords

This card can represent A fear to move on. It can mean a balance is needed to maintain peace or a large choice.

Three of Swords

This card seems to mean problems of the heart, love, hurt, anguish. It can represent a fall out or divorce.

Four of Swords

This card can represent a time to let things take their course. A Time to rest and relax or a time to contemplate and heal.

Five of Swords

This card can stand for success, defeat,overcoming problems or giving up to them as you can see this is a very dualistic card and a lot depends on the reading its self.

Six of Swords

This card can represent Travel especially across water. It can represent moving away from problems to better times/things

Seven of Swords

This card can mean cunning,stealth It can be a warning of theft or a time when cunning / deceit may be needed.

Eight of Swords

This card can represent bondage or restriction with things beyond ones control. it can represent a fear to move on or progress.

Nine of Swords

This card can mean despair or sadness. It can mean bad dreams or guilt grief and emptiness.

Ten of Swords

This card although it looks grim may not be so bad it shows someone with ten Swords sticking into them but in the background the sun is rising to illuminate the black sky. This card could represent something that must be lost in order to progress and gain more. I.E. throwing off the old to gain the new.

The King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles is a happy content man he is fair thinking and aware of the earth and its problems. He is financially stable and much in control of his business and home.

Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles is a caring considerate person. She has wealth both materially and spiritually and knows how to enjoy it. She is also warm and generous.

Knight of Pentacles

The knight of Pentacles is a person well in tune with the earth. He has a respect for money and the work that has been done to earn it. He is hard working and responsible.

Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles is a loyal young person both studious and hard working. He respects money and work. He would be a good saver etc.

Ace of Pentacles

This card can represent a lot to do with finance. It can stand for inheritance,riches both gained from hard work or gifts.

Two of Pentacles

This card can represent many things the man juggling the Pentacles could represent careful balancing of money or financial difficulties. That could also be represents by the rough sea. The ship could represent messages or help on the way.

Three of Pentacles

This card can mean Gains from hard work both financially and in praise it can mean hard work or skill in ones field.

Four of Pentacles

This card can represent Greed, Power, mistrust and selfishness.

Five of Pentacles

This card can stand for poverty,Hard times ahead, Help that is unseen will soon come into play, a time to examine ones financial situation.

Six of Pentacles

This card can represent Help from others, Shared riches, generosity and or gifts.

Seven of Pentacles

This card can represent the Gain from hard work it can stand for the planning for the future in business or a waning not to wait too long before reaping in the profits of hard work.

Eight of Pentacles

This card can mean Apprenticeship or the learning of new skills. It can stand for work and a pride in doing it well.

Nine of Pentacles

This card can represent the comfort in financial security it can mean happiness, joy, satisfaction, material and spiritual fulfilment.

Ten of Pentacles

This card again represents a lot of which the Nine of Pentacles does but it also stands for comfort in old age,retirement,enjoyment of family and inheritance.

As I said before these are only what the cards mean to me and should be used only as a guideline, if you feel a card means something else make a note of it and use that definition. At the end of the day it is your intuition that matters.

Reverse Meanings

If a card comes up reversed in a reading many people class it as either the opposite to the usual meaning or one of the more negative meanings of the card. Again this is personal choice there are many who read the cards with and without reverse meanings and it is not my place to decide who is right and wrong!!

Shuffling the Deck

When you first get a deck it will probably be all set in order. the best way to change that is to lay out a large cloth and put all of your cards face down on it pick these up at random until then give the deck a good shuffle that should get rid of any preset order.

Many people have their own ways of shuffling the deck, some believe it should be the person who the reading is for who should shuffle. I prefer not to allow this I know many say it puts the other persons influence on the cards but that is not always a good thing.

When Shuffling whatever method you choose you should first take a moment to relax and to clear your mind. Then think of the question you wish to learn about, hold the question in your mind all the time you are shuffling the cards and avoid distractions from it. Once you feel the cards are shuffled enough you are ready to lay them out in a spread.
Remember once you have finished your reading to place the cards back in to the deck and reshuffle the deck with your mind cleared to remove any influences left over for the next reading.

Significators

Again a personal choice some people like to choose a card that either describes the person or situation the question is about before the reading and put it to one side. I personally do not like to do this as I do not feel to be using the whole deck. As I said before it is not my place to decide who is right or wrong and if it works for you then DO IT!

Spreads

Here are a few spreads To help get you going. There are many and I plan on compiling a more comprehensive list in the future but these few should be enough for now to help you get used to the cards.
Remember there is nothing to stop you making up your own spreads in fact you may find this works better for you as it makes it more personal. There are many variations of the following but these are the definitions that I know/use;

The Celtic Cross

The Tau Spread

The serpent Spread

The Celestial Circle

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