Tarot Reading: What do the cards really mean?

For a novice Tarot reader, the meaning of the cards is nearly as important as the meaning of life! Okay, I exaggerate a little, but it is true that novice Tarot readers devote countless hours of study to the individual meanings of all 78 Tarot cards, including their reversals. When the novice reader looks at other styles of Tarot decks, she will almost immediately see dramatic differences between what the companion book for one deck states is the meaning of a particular card, and another companion book for a different deck with an entirely different meaning defined. This will always lead the Tarot seeker to wonder, "What do the cards really mean?"

Do you need to understand the history of the Tarot to know what the cards truly mean? I find that the study of the origins and history of Tarot is definitely a worthwhile study, but it is not even slightly necessary for being able to read Tarot cards. In fact, the guidebook that accompanies most decks of Tarot cards isn't even necessary at all. In most cases the novice reader would do better to set the guidebook aside in the very beginning, and judge the messages of the Tarot cards by your personal reactions to them.

The only thing that anyone needs in order to use Tarot cards for divination and communication with guides or the Higher Self is an understanding of symbolism and archetypes in the collective unconscious. You will experience the best results with a Tarot deck that features artwork, symbolism and colours that are similar to your dream experiences. My dreams are always in vivid colour with feminine symbolism and a lot of astrology and elemental influences as well. I find the Gilded Tarot suits my needs the best, but you may find a different deck resonates with you better than the deck I picked for myself.

I love Aeclectic Tarot the best, and I use this online resource to check out new decks before I consider buying one. If you're interested in buying a deck for yourself, or replacing one that doesn't suit you well, you can browse the vast selection on this website and view images from each deck.

~*~Monica Who~*~