tarot deck
The Soul Wisdom Of The Major Arcana
If you’ve ever felt a magnetic pull toward the Tarot, you’re not alone. For centuries, these cards have been used to unlock the mysteries of our life journey and soul path. Among the 78 cards in a traditional Tarot deck, there are 22 that stand out in their spiritual depth and archetypal wisdom: the Major Arcana.
The word “arcana” comes from the Latin arcanum, meaning “secret” or “mystery.” These 22 cards, beginning with The Fool and culminating with The World, chart a symbolic journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
In readings, Major Arcana cards often speak to life-changing lessons and soul-level growth. These archetypal cards form the backbone of the Tarot, guiding seekers on their journey of self-realization and spiritual refinement, known as The Fool’s Journey.
When several Major Arcana cards appear in a spread, I often sense that the querent (person receiving the reading) is going through a spiritually significant phase. These cards highlight soul contracts, karmic patterns, and transformative life events. They encourage us to pause, reflect, and connect with our higher self.
In contrast, the remaining 56 cards — known as the Minor Arcana — deal more with the day-to-day. They are divided into four suits representing the elements (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands) and include numbered cards and Court Cards, often called the “people cards.” When many Minor Arcana cards show up, the reading tends to focus on practical matters, offering insight and advice for navigating everyday challenges and choices.
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.
The Timeless Appeal Of Tarot Divination
I have yet to meet a spiritually-minded person who does not like the Tarot, or at least is not a little intrigued by this famous deck of cards.
The Tarot is arguably the world’s most popular and widely used divination tool, renowned for its rich symbolism and the depth of insight it offers. As an esoteric tradition dating back centuries, the Tarot has evolved into a diverse, sophisticated system of divination used by people from all walks of life to explore the mysteries of the mind, spirit, and the future.
Unlike some other forms of divination that require specialized knowledge or tools, the Tarot is accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners, offering a unique blend of art, intuition, mysticism, and storytelling. Its versatility allows it to address a wide range of questions, from personal and spiritual dilemmas to broader societal issues, making it a go-to resource for those seeking guidance, clarity, and self-discovery in an ever-changing world.
Each of the 78 cards in a Tarot deck is loaded with symbolic imagery and archetypal meanings that can be interpreted on multiple levels, from the deeply psychological to the spiritual and mystical. This layered symbolism allows diviners to explore personal dilemmas, spiritual growth, and the mysteries of life.
Unlike other divination tools that may rely on more rigid systems, Tarot offers a fluid framework that adapts to the reader’s intuition, personal beliefs, and level of psychic ability, making it accessible to people of diverse backgrounds and spiritual practices.
The True Spiritual Meaning Of The Pentagram
Perhaps no other spiritual or religious icon is as misunderstood as the pentagram, or pentacle. The true symbolism of the pentagram, a five-pointed star often surrounded by a circle, is commonly misrepresented.
Contrary to popular misconceptions that associate it with darkness, evil, or Satanism, the pentagram has multiple meanings within various spiritual and religious traditions, most notably within Paganism and modern Wicca.
The pentagram has been a spiritual symbol of significance for millennia, long before its association with modern religious movements.
Historically, it has been used by cultures around the world, often to represent celestial bodies, principles of harmony, or mystical concepts. Its use first appeared in ancient Greece and Mesopotamia around the 1st millennium BC.
It is not widely known that there are significant historical connections between the pentagram and Christianity. Prior to the widespread use of the cross, the pentagram was a popular symbol to adorn the jewelry and amulets of early Christians, often alongside an “X” or a phoenix. This symbol was associated with the five wounds of Christ and also represented the concept of Alpha and Omega united, as the star could be drawn in one continuous movement of the pen.
In contemporary contexts, particularly within Wicca and related neo-pagan belief systems, the pentacle has positive connotations. It’s seen as a symbol of protection, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of the elements. Each point of the star represents an aspect of balance, holistic existence, conscious living, and the cyclical nature of life.
Tarot Forecast May 2024: Judgement
The card for this month is Judgement, which encourages us to rid ourselves of what no longer serves us and to address karmic issues for personal and spiritual growth.
We may especially find ourselves facing the consequences of past actions or decisions this month.
Judgement emphasises the importance of accountability and responsibility, urging us to learn from our experiences and strive for karmic balance. By taking responsibility for our choices, we can break free from negative patterns and create a better future.
This will therefore be a month of reckoning and evaluation. Judgement invites us to reflect on our actions, choices and life path, and challenges us to take responsibility and face any unresolved issues with honesty and courage.
It will be a time of resolution and redemption, allowing us to find closure and make amends for past conflicts or mistakes.
By facing our challenges with integrity and compassion, we can experience inner peace and acceptance, paving the way for healing and growth. It also offers an opportunity for profound transformation and awakening, giving us a fresh start and the chance to embrace new beginnings with optimism and enthusiasm.
Lenormand Cards Illuminate The Everyday
A few years ago, I met a fellow psychic online who recommended that I add Lenormand cards to my divination repertoire. It is a decision I will always cherish, as learning these cards has certainly benefited both my spiritual and professional journey.
Like Tarot, it is a card-based divination system rich in symbolism, but it is simpler than Tarot, with fewer cards in the deck, and easier to learn. Lenormand has only thirty-six cards instead of the bulkier 78-card Tarot deck.
This system of cartomancy is named after Marie Anne Lenormand (1772-1843), a famous French fortune teller of the Napoleonic era who was known for her work with influential figures of her time, although she did not create the cards herself. Lenormand cards became popular in the 19th century and have seen a resurgence of interest in recent years.
I use two types of Lenormand decks in my readings. One is the Petite deck and the other is the Dondorf Lenormand.
The design of the Petite Lenormand deck is simpler and more direct than that of the Dondorf Lenormand, focusing on clear, easily recognizable symbols without extensive ornamentation. This simplicity is intended to facilitate the interpretation of the cards, as the symbols and their combinations are the primary means of divination. The cards are also smaller than typical tarot cards and are modeled directly after the types of decks that Ms. Lenormand herself might have used or recognized.
Tarot Forecast April 2024: Queen Of Wands
This month the Queen of Wands, a figure of authority and natural leadership, brings confidence, determination, and the ability to charm and inspire those around us. She is the Queen of Fire, symbolizing creativity, vitality and passion.
In the coming month we should be attuned to our ambitions as they may be strengthened. We may feel inspired to set new goals and make firmer decisions. There will be new motivational energies in our careers or businesses that will make it easier to keep our work goals and projects on track. This same energy will push us to get things done and take us to the next step.
The energy of the Queen of Wands calls us to tap into our inner self with instinct and confidence. As we face challenges in our professional or personal lives, our greatest asset this month is our self-awareness and ability to lead with confidence. Her energy will allow us to take control of situations that require a bold approach.
The Queen advises us to maintain our ideas and visions, especially in environments where our charisma can help others toward a common goal. Remember, to share is to care, so don’t hold back your gifts.