Understanding the Symbolism of Tarot Cards

Numbers and Images are the Main Tarot Symbols

Jun 13, 2009
Subha Ekambaram

Tarot Cards Symbols - Numbers and Images - EDgAR H

Tarot symbols are instrumental to the cards' popularity and widespread use. Besides helping in the comprehension of difficult concepts, symbols also help in divination.

The tarot card deck is made up of 22 cards called the major arcana and four 14-card suits called the minor arcana. The two main symbols of tarot are numbers and images.

There are no precise meanings for each card and layout, because the language of tarot is complex in that it is dependent upon the interpretation conducted by the individual involved in the reading. Some tarot readers compare the art of reading to a mirror, as the cards are said to reflect one's own hopes and fears.

Understanding the symbolism of the tarot cards does not happen overnight. It requires practice, patience and perseverance.

Understanding the Symbolic Language of Tarot

The symbolism of tarot serves two main purposes

Learning - The symbols help tarot card readers understand concepts that are hard to visualize and understand.
Divination - Every card tells a story about one's own personal journey at any point in time. Symbols can refer to a variety of interpretations every time the same card is read, based on the card reader's experience and intuition.

Beginners Guide to Learning the Symbolism of Tarot Cards

The following step-by-step tips could accelerate the familiarization process associated with tarot cards, allowing one to grasp the basic meaning of each card in a relatively short duration of time. An in-depth study of each card will take much longer to accomplish.

Separate the cards of the major arcana from the tarot deck. Lay the cards in a line or two rows.
Choose the card that you are most attracted to, and look up its complete interpretation. Get to know the card well. Repeat this with other cards in the deck that hold an attraction.
Look up the symbols associated with each tarot card and write down whatever comes to mind when viewing the symbol. Use free association for this process and keep the writings in a tarot card journal for future reference.
Start working with cards that are the easiest to comprehend. Then move on to cards that are more difficult to understand.
Once the cards of the major arcana are studied, focus on the cards of the minor arcana, by choosing a favorite suit after studying the symbolism of each suit.

Symbolism of Card Reading Rituals

Some tarot card readers like to use empowerment rituals before starting a reading. Some of the rituals and their meanings are as follows:

Keep the cards wrapped in a silk cloth to protect cards from negative psychic energy.
Place candles and crystals around a card layout to help the card reader improve focus.
Light sandalwood incense to symbolize the act of bringing in healing energy.
Pass a crystal pendulum over the cards to draw out negative energies.

The tarot deck has been used for centuries for divination and to discover hidden truths. Symbols are key to the popularity and success of tarot cards, because they speak the universal language of basic human feelings, ideas and thoughts. Its helpful to remember that tarot symbols are subject to constant redefinition and their meanings evolve with the card reader.