The Language of Tarot: A Beginner’s Guide to Symbols, Archetypes and Personal Growth

For centuries, Tarot has fascinated seekers of wisdom, truth, and self-discovery. What began in 15th-century Europe as a simple deck of playing cards has since evolved into a profound tool for divination and spiritual growth. Today, Tarot is more than just fortune-telling—it is a symbolic language that helps us explore the patterns of our lives, uncover hidden truths, and connect with our intuition.

Tarot is not about predicting fate, but about empowerment. By working with the cards, we can deepen self-awareness, illuminate choices, and align more closely with our soul’s journey. Whether you are curious about learning Tarot for yourself, seeking guidance in a reading, or simply intrigued by its rich history and symbolism, this timeless practice has something to offer everyone.

The Origins of Tarot

Tarot cards first appeared in Europe in the 15th century as playing cards, but by the 18th century, they had evolved into tools for divination and spiritual exploration.

What is Tarot?

Tarot readings involve asking questions and then drawing cards. The specific placement and combination of cards in a spread are then interpreted to reveal insights into a person's circumstances or a situation they are facing. Each card's unique imagery and meaning serve as a symbolic language that can offer a glimpse into the future or illuminate hidden patterns in life. 

Through drawing cards and interpreting their meanings within a spread, readers gain a deeper understanding of the past, present, and potential futures, acting as a tool for storytelling, self-discovery, and clarifying decisions. The realm of Tarot is fascinating, understanding tarot card meanings and interpretations can provide profound insights into your life's journey.

Each deck typically consists of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana, with 22 cards, represents significant life events and spiritual lessons.

Each card holds its own story, the Major Arcana reveals life’s great lessons and universal archetypes, while the Minor Arcana reflects our everyday experiences, our passions, emotions, challenges, and material world. Together, they form a mirror of the soul, offering insights into the past, clarity in the present, and possibilities for the future.

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana cards are the heart of the tarot deck, each depicting a universal theme or life lessons. These Major Arcana Cards are The Archetypes of Life. These are the “big shouty ones”, telling us what the Universe wants us to know, at this moment in time. Often a Major Arcana card can shape the whole spread.

While the Minor Arcana, with 56 cards, delves into everyday matters and detailed aspects of life.

The Minor Arcana

Minor Arcana represent the daily details. The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles, each representing different aspects of life.

• Wands:  Wands symbolize creativity, passion, and action. They reflect your ambitions, projects, and personal growth.

• Cups: Cups represent emotions, relationships, and intuition. They delve into your emotional landscape and connections with others.

• Swords:  Swords signify intellect, conflict, and clarity. They highlight mental challenges, decisions, and the pursuit of truth.

• Pentacles: Pentacles denote material aspects, career, and physical well-being. They focus on financial matters, health, and practicality.

What is Tarot used for?

Tarot cards can act as a guide, affirming positive aspects of the self and offering guidance to foster personal growth and empowerment. By reflecting on the cards' symbolism, individuals can gain clarity on their subconscious mind and connect their brain's beliefs with their soul's desires. 

Using Tarot for Personal Growth

Tarot cards can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal development. Regular readings can help you gain insights into your subconscious mind, identify patterns in your behaviour, and make informed decisions. By incorporating tarot into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deeper connection with your inner self and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.

How can Tarot help you?

The world of tarot is rich with history, symbolism, and mystique, drawing seekers of truth and wisdom for centuries. The Universe communicates with us in symbols and abstracts. By learning the meanings and interpretations of tarot cards, you can unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and guidance. Tarot card reading enhances your intuition, self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Tarot cards are much more than mystical objects; they are mirrors reflecting your inner world and the universe's wisdom. Whether seeking answers to specific questions or exploring your spiritual path, tarot offers a unique and enriching journey into the depths of your soul.

Why would you want to learn to use tarot?

People learn tarot to gain self-awareness, find mental clarity, and receive guidance on life's challenges by using the cards as a tool for self-reflection and exploring possibilities. The archetypal images in tarot can spark intuition and provide a fresh perspective on current situations, fostering personal growth, reducing anxiety, and connecting individuals with their inner voice. 

How to Choose a Tarot Deck

To choose a tarot deck, focus on decks that resonate with your intuition and artistic preferences. Look for imagery and artwork that appeals to you, and consider the deck's style, quality, and how well it aligns with your learning goals, especially if you're a beginner. 

Don't be afraid to experiment with different decks until you find the one that truly clicks with you. The most important factor is that you feel a genuine connection with the deck you choose. It's your tool for self-discovery and guidance, so make it a personal one. 

My personal favourite, my working deck is The Norse Tarot drawn by Clive Barrett. I cannot tell you why … it just speaks to me!

But, I carry a teeny tiny Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, in my handbag. It comes in handy when I have time to kill and folks are curious!

I am a skilled, knowledgeable Tarot Practitioner. I work both traditionally, interpreting symbols and abstracts as well as intuitively, trusting the Universe to show me what the querant wants or needs to know.

I offer private Tarot readings or join me for 121 Spiritual Awareness Sessions or beginners and advanced Spiritual Awareness Sessions in Peterborough to learn Tarot for yourself.

Beginners Tarot is explored as a spiritual subject or try advanced where Tarot is explored in depth over a six-week period.