Each of the Cups card meanings now have a reversed meaning, and have generally been reworked and fixed up. Over the coming weeks, the same will be done for the remaining Minor Arcana. Each of the Major Arcana already has a reverse meaning, so be sure to check those out too!
Thanks for visiting Tarot-Explained.
My interest in Tarot has only been growing over the years, but one thing really bothers me; can you really trust a Tarot reading? What sort of questions should you consult the tarot for? Have you ever made a life changing decision as a result of the cards?
Tarot is a form of divination that works on intuition and interpretation, that is to mean that it is completely subjective. Many will disagree, but the same cards drawn in the same spread, read by two readers, will often result in entirely different readings. The whole reason for Tarot-Explained existing is to have some sort of concise, largely agreed upon meaning for each card. As a logical person with an interest in Tarot, I found it hard to look up card meanings on different websites and different books, and find sometimes completely different meanings. With many cards, there is an almost unanimous decision regarding the meaning; ‘Death‘ means rebirth, ‘The Fool‘ means new starts, for example. For other, less well known cards, there seems to be a vague notion of their meaning. Tarot-Explained began as a way to have the most agreed upon meanings for each card, all in one place.
Over the last few years I have performed many readings, and received a few myself. Some of the readings I performed dealt with life changing things; new jobs or prospective partners. I’ve also heard stories of people quitting their jobs as a result of a Tarot card reading, and in one instance that stands out, it didn’t bode well for the querent at all. There are a few things I would be very wary of when looking for somebody to perform a tarot reading for you:
When you consult the tarot, depending on your belief system, you are likely consulting some form of higher intelligence. You should really only be asking about your path in life. Many tarot readers, myself included, will not perform a reading based on somebody else’s actions, person or feelings.
If you believe you have a medical issue, then your first point of call should likely be a doctor. Tarot is a good source of advice, but honestly I would leave it there. No card drawn is going to magically bring you out of bad health, or a bad situation regarding money.If you do decide to consult the tarot based on medical or financial woes, then try to give the cards the same wight as you would a friend giving you advice.
Tarot can become a self fulfilling prophecy when the future is considered. I have specifically heard a reader draw a spread and then say to the querent ;”You will go to Australia this year”. She didn’t go to Australia, but a reading like this can really change your life. Someone may draw cards that give you an idea of your future, and you may go out of your way to make that proposed future happen.
So what should you ask the Tarot for? My belief is that so long as you treat the Tarot as advice, and not an order, than you can ask for anything. We all know or have known people who give bad advice, and as discussed, people can run with bad advice from a tarot spread. The best part of tarot is that it can open your mind up to new possibilities in your life, but it is my belief that you have free will in this matter, in no way is the dealing of cards describing your future in a fatalistic sense.
All the cards are now available as a sticker, phone case or greeting card, over at Redbubble. If you have a specific card you’d like to go to, you’ll find they are all easily organised into collections. You can follow the links below to go to a particular suit.
Now that all of the rider Waite deck are uploaded, I’ll look to focus on other expired decks and custom illustrations. Thank you all for the support so far, and i’m glad you are enjoying your time at Tarot-Explained.com
Free readings are coming back at Tarot-Explained.com. Previously only open to newsletter subscribers, they will soon be open to all. Head over the the Reading page to learn more. Be aware that last time, this got so busy that they had to be limited, so get a request in as soon as possible. These readings are real, performed by an actual person, and we can have a little discussion after if you wish.
Also of note; reversal meanings are being added to Tarot-Explained.com, starting with the Major Arcana. Take a look at them here. Reversal meanings will be added to the Minor Arcana over the coming days. I’ve also been correcting silly mistakes along the way, as well as updating the pages and making them more user friendly.
That’s all for now, I look forward to receiving your reading requests when the service is available soon!
-Kali
Greetings all. Be sure to check out the new spread: “Loss“. This spread unlocks our inner feelings when we inevitably deal with Loss. We all deal with loss in our life, and it is important to understand why this happens.
Follow the link below to see the spread page.
Let’s be honest. Tarot decks are subjective, how can you have a ‘best?’ one? Popularity, quality of illustration and style are all things to take into account when choosing a new deck. This article exists to inform the reader of other decks which might take their fancy, from a selection of high quality decks.
Probably the most well known, though not the original, tarot deck in use. The Rider Waite deck is a brilliant starter set, as well as being perfect for advanced use. Every tarot reader should own a set of the Rider Waite tarot cards.
The Hermetic Tarot
The Hermetic tarot draws from hermetic and alchemical symbology. A beautiful deck, the Hermetic tarot deck can give you a different, more esoteric perspective on the questions you’re seeking answers for.
The Cosmic Tarot
The Cosmic Tarot is intended to make tarot more approachable, and helps by making the symbology of the cards easier to interpret. A fresh design and highly reviewed, one to check out if you haven’t had a look yet.
The Wild Wood tarot is as well known alternate deck, using neo-pagan symbology to tell the story of the cards. Beautifully detailed, it’s one to check out, especially if you are this way inclined.
The Druid craft Tarot
Created by practising druids, notably those of OBOD fame (Carr-Gomm), the Druid craft tarot is similar in some respects to the Wild Wood deck, but focuses on Druidism over other neo-pagan practices. Featuring fresh illustrations, it’s one to take a look at if the designs appeal.
I’ve recently started offering tarot readings on fiverr. The experience has been uplifting, and I’ve been able to help a number of people so far. It’s very different from offering readings in person, and there are certain pros and cons of distance reading. You’re unable to discuss the reading as it’s taking place, and can only offer the final product. I quite enjoy this aspect, you can stay focused on the initial query and there is no distraction from further questions. You also perform a purer reading, untainted by unconscious hints and body language the querent offers. You can have a look at the fiverr page here.
As soon as somebody orders though the gig page on fiverr, I get an email. I reply as soon as possible to say that I have received the request, and to give a rough timeframe. Fiverr allows extras, so if the querent has selected 1-day Delivery, I will make that reading my priority. Once this reply is set, I try to find a good period of time in the day I can dedicate to the reading.
Finding time to fit readings in can be tough, but so far I have managed every reading on time. It is so much more than shuffling, dealing cards, laying them out, then typing up the reading. I like to get into a good receptive mental state before performing the reading, and I always perform readings when I am alone. Usually, the readings are simple, one or two cards, as described on the gig page. I perform my readings while sitting on the floor, though this is mainly because I do not have a table! Once the cards are dealt, I simply look at them. Intuition and knowledge of tarot cards plays it’s part here. Once the cards are dealt, an image will start to form. At this stage, I’ll start typing up the report.
Once the report is typed up, I’ll leave it for an hour or so, and then come back to it. The reading is still in my mind, even after it has been performed, and sometimes taking a step back to observe the situation can help you see things from a new angle. At this stage, I’ll edit the report and review it, as an editor would review a book. The reports I type follow a set pattern, shown below in a censored, but actual report.
First I greet the querent, and then get started with the reading. I like to jump straight in. I make it clean I know their question, and then type how each card I draw relates to it. One thing I like to add, are missing cards or suits (if many cards are drawn). At the end, I summarise the reading into actionable steps for the querent. I like to give a sense of closure to the question.
I send the typed up and formatted report as an image or PDF file. It’s as simple as that. For once, the technological part of something is the easiest! I like to be open to communication afetrwards and I’m always happy to discuss the reading afterwards.
It’s really up to you. If you have a tight schedule like I do, then it’s a very good idea. You can still practice tarotology for real people, on your own time. I’ve found it to be just as good as a face to face reading, and my feedback so far has been very positive!
Check out tumblr! There are a lot of brilliant alternative blogs on tumblr, so it’s a great way to find like-minded people. within the first hour, I was liking and following many different blogs. This particular piece really struck me, it’s a commission from http://spring-forth-from-my-mind.tumblr.com. I hope you all like it! Be sure to follow us too. If you send us a message, we’ll be sure to follow you back!
(Permission was gained from the artist to share her work)
This spread shows a tarot card which represents each of the zodiacal star signs for the coming year, January 2018 to December 2018. One card per star sign, they should give you the general theme of how the year is going to progress and end. To use this Zodiacal reading, scroll to your Star sign, and read what is in store. Click the card for more information. If you would like a more in-depth personal reading, or you’d like to expand on this, considering a reading from Tarot-Explained.
The Six of Wands. This will be a good year. Expect goals to be completed. Go out of your way to make good memories this year.
Eight of Cups. You might give up on a long held belief this year, but remember it is for the best. Something might go wrong this year to change you, but you will recover and grow.
The Fool. New beginnings and new starts. Come into this year with a fresh perspective; New Year, New you. You’re only at the start of your journey.
Nine of Pentacles. It’s likely that things are coming to a happy ending. All that which you’ve worked for is going to pay off in the coming year. Be sure to congratulate yourself as you ascend to a better state of being.
Ace of Swords. If you’re willing to put the effort in, this will be your best year yet. Be strong and decisive. There’s no need to rush, you’re only at the start of it.
The World. You’ll accomplish much this year. If you believe you have a life goal, then 2018 is going to be either completing it, or getting very close. If you have set new years resolutions, then you’re sure to complete them in 2018.
The Emperor. You will take charge of your life this year. If you are feeling stifled and constrained, then 2018 is the year when you will break free.
The Devil. Be sure to look out for traps and pitfalls this year. There will be many choices presented to you which are not the right thing to do. Try not to give into past weakness,
The Moon.You might be feeling lost and directionless right now, but 2018 is the year when things pick up if you make them. Stop worrying about the little things.
The Magician. Don’t lose sight of your goals. You have a lot of ambition and there are many ways to apply your skills, don’t get overwhelmed, just focus.
Ten of Pentacles. Money might be tough this year, but you will end the year in a good state. You’re going to mature and grow a lot this year in an area you weren’t aware of.
Five of Swords. This will be a tough year for you. Expect adversity. Be prepared for it, what are people going to challenge you over this year?
Welcome to the first ‘weekly card’. Each Monday, we will feature a card and how it may affect you in the coming week. A weekly card is a general reading for all and in short it means; How will this week be? A weekly card reminds us to be mindful of the particular aspect of the card and how it manifests in our lives. Can a ‘one card for all’ approach truly work? Yes, of course, as long as you interpret it in a certain way; be mindful of the ‘things to look out for’ below. If you’d like to let us know if this card had an effect on your week, please let us know!
Our first weekly tarot card is the Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups can represent a powerful woman influential in your life, but also maturity and sensitivity. To find out more about the 13th card of the Cups Suit, check out it’s card meaning here.
Number : 13
Person : An older woman
Activity : Reconnect with someone who has helped you in the past and tell them how much you appreciate them.
Be Mindful of : Someone new that will require your help.
Other : Pay attention to your dreams this week!
For more information, check out The Queen of Cups card meaning here.