The Multi-Layered Magic Of The Tarot

It’s no secret that the Tarot is my favorite divination tool. It is like a trusted assistant to me, always there to provide support and clarity, both in my professional work and in my own spiritual practice.

Do you know how sometimes you have a gut feeling about something, but you can’t quite put it your finger on it? Or how sometimes you have trouble remembering someone’s name, even though it’s on the tip of your tongue?

Well, that’s how the Tarot helps me when I read for people. It often helps me bridge everyday life with the esoteric and translate psychic messages in a more practical way.

The cards act as a metaphysical magnifying glass, sharpening my psychic impressions and intuitions into clear messages, guidance and predictions. Sometimes it is just a single symbolic element in a card that jumps out, demanding attention and holding the key to unlocking the essence of the message.

A single Tarot card can reveal a plethora of meanings and insights, each layer shaped by that particular reading. Tarot is deeply symbolic and fluid, allowing each card to be interpreted in myriad ways.

First, the context of the reading is important. Whether the question is about love, career, health, finances, or personal fulfillment, the meaning of a card can change significantly. For example, the Two of Cups could mean a romantic partnership in a relationship reading, but a harmonious business partnership in a career reading.

Second, the client’s state of mind and personal circumstances influence the interpretation of the card. Their experiences, desires, and fears color how the imagery and symbolism will be perceived by the psychic. The same Two of Cups might highlight existing trust issues for one person, while signifying a newfound connection for another.

We hold a universe in our hands when we pick up a deck of tarot cards ~ Lon Milo DuQuette

Third, the psychic ability, expertise, and interpretive style of the reader adds another layer. An experienced psychic can see nuanced symbolism or hidden messages that a novice reader might miss. Their ability to interweave the card’s imagery with the client’s energy narrative can unlock deeper, more nuanced insights.

Finally, the multilayered intricacies of Tarot card symbols and design elements add further complexity to readings. Each card in a well-designed deck is a tapestry of esoteric symbolism and archetypal imagery, carefully crafted to evoke specific insights and meanings.

Multi-Layered Meanings In A Single Card

The Sun card (number 19) in the classic Rider-Waite deck depicts a bright sun, sunflowers, and a child on a white horse, which illustrator Pamela Colman Smith chose to capture the esoteric essence of this card.

The sun symbolizes enlightenment, vitality, and positivity. The sunflowers, following the sun’s path across the sky, represent alignment with one’s true self, enlightenment, and the nourishing warmth of the sun, contributing to the card’s overall theme of happiness and fulfillment. The child, in its innocent joy, conveys purity, new beginnings, and the limitless potential of life. The horse is a symbol of freedom, vitality, and progress. The white horse specifically represents purity and the unbridled energy of the spirit, moving forward joyously and with confidence.

These elements, woven together, create a rich symbolism of joy, enlightenment, and the warmth of life itself. It is meant to evoke a sense of  optimism, upliftment and the boundless energy of youth, in keeping with the card’s overall meaning of happiness, success, and vitality.

But sometimes a single Tarot card has a different, even very literal story to tell.

I once read for a woman whose son was having trouble in school. He was struggling with his grades and disciplinary problems, and she felt at a loss. Oddly enough, the Sun card kept coming up during her reading. Normally this would be a no-brainer: good grades, joy with his next report card, turning a new page with the discipline issues.

But in this case, there seemed to be more to this card coming up repeatedly. It just didn’t feel right, or like it was the whole story — not the way I would normally interpret it. So, I closed my eyes, took a deep, calming breath, and asked my guides for clarity.

“Just let the card speak to you,” said spirit.

I opened my eyes to look at the card again, and immediately my focus shifted to the horse. Then it came to me, clear as a bright sunny day!

“Have you ever considered riding lessons for your son,” I said without thinking.

But, surely it could not be that simple and obvious? Her eyes widened. A neighbor had recently bought a horse and invited her to ride, but she hadn’t thought about bringing her son, much less considering lessons for him.

A month later, she contacted me to share the incredible results: her son was thriving since he started riding. His mood had lifted, his grades had improved, and his behavioral problems were greatly reduced. Sometimes Tarot fills in the gaps in unexpected and very simple ways.

Tarot is always whispering to you. Tarot weaves truth, stories, secrets, and tales. All you need to do is slow down and listen ~ Sasha Graham

Multi-Layered Insights In A Simple Spread

Tarot spreads — the layout of the cards in a reading — help organize the insights for the reader, layering information like chapters in a story. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t need elaborate multi-card spreads to get a reading. Even a simple three-card spread can be profound.

In the classic three-card spread, the first card represents the recent past, the second card the present, and the third card the immediate future. This spread is often used because of its straightforward and insightful nature, making it ideal for beginners and experienced readers alike.

But when I use this spread, I like to add a fourth card on top of the trio for added clarity — a summation card that reveals hidden patterns or offers a potential action step. This additional layer is often the missing piece that ties it all together.

In one memorable session, a client asked about a possible promotion. The Emperor appeared in her three-card spread, flanked by the Star and the Ace of Cups. This combination indicated a promising career move. The presence of the Emperor suggested recognition from her superiors, while the Star pointed to divine inspiration and guidance. The Ace of Cups added an element of joy and passion for the work she would be doing in her new role.

But there was more. Even before we began the reading, I felt a pull to talk about love. When I asked her if she was open to exploring romantic matters, she admitted that she had recently met someone. When I looked at the same cards again, I saw a second layer of meaning: The Emperor — often a powerful, stable partner — now symbolized a soulmate connection. The Star heralded hope and alignment with destiny, while the Ace of Cups overflowed with love and emotional fulfillment.

The connections didn’t stop there. A third thread wove its way into the narrative when I heard the name “Harry” clairaudiently. My client confirmed that her late father, Harold, had died along with his sister, Harriet. Their presence fit perfectly with The Star’s association with spiritual guidance and ancestral support. The Emperor, in this context, symbolized her father’s influence, guiding her career and personal life from beyond the grave.

A single Tarot spread can offer guidance on many aspects of life, from career and love to spiritual messages from beyond. The same cards can speak to different themes simultaneously, weaving a tapestry of interconnected insights. In my client’s case, her father’s influence extended to both her professional success and her romantic destiny. The Ace of Cups even hinted at future fertility, a possibility she found both exciting and meaningful.

I’m endlessly fascinated by the depth of wisdom and the many interpretative complexities that the Tarot offers, even in just one card. It’s an esoteric tool that evolves with you, constantly revealing new layers of wisdom and insight. Each deck has its own personality and energy, bringing a unique voice to the table.

Over the years, I’ve amassed quite a collection of tarot and oracle cards — more than 170 decks and counting! Some might call it an obsession or addiction, but I prefer to think of myself as a serious collector. After all, there are worse things in life to become addicted to!

Tarot is not just a deck of cards; it’s a bridge between the seen and the unseen, a language of symbols that speaks directly to the soul. Whether you’re new to Tarot or a seasoned reader, there’s always more to explore. Each shuffle, each spread, and each reading is a new conversation with the universe — a chance to uncover hidden truths and step more fully into the magic of life.