Given tarot's complexity, there are many ways to approach a reading. Like any skill, this is something you can develop over time, so move at a pace that feels right for you. While this will be your own journey, here are some basic tips and reflections you can incorporate into your practice.
Major Arcana vs. Minor Arcana
A quick and easy one is to check if the card you pulled is from the Major Arcana or Minor Arcana in the tarot deck. The Major Arcana cards are like the major plot points in the story of your life. They represent big themes, transitions, and significant life events. Think of them as the key chapters in your journey.
Conversely, the Minor Arcana cards capture the smaller, everyday moments and changes. They reflect the day-to-day actions and experiences that shape your life in more subtle ways.
Imagery and Symbolism
If you are a visual person, you will likely be a natural when it comes to interpreting the cards' the imagery and symbolism. Try to pay close attention to the actions and postures of the figures depicted. Notice their hand gestures, gazes, and facial expressions. Are they confident, curious, or introspective? Consider why images are positioned as they are and what deeper meanings they might convey. Every detail holds significance and can deepen your understanding of the card’s message.
Directions: Left vs. Right
In tarot readings, the horizontal axis of a card represents earthly reality. Movement to the left often symbolizes the past, while movement to the right points to the future. Think of it as expansion (right) versus retraction (left). This concept can be applied to individual cards and larger spreads, which can help you interpret the flow or directionality of your readings.
Directions: Up and Down
The vertical axis in tarot card illustrations represents higher and lower functions. Higher functions, like reason and emotion, are linked to the upper part of the card, while lower functions, such as bodily desires, are connected to the lower part. While some readers include reversed meanings (cards drawn upside down) for added depth, this can be complex when you're starting out. It's entirely your preference whether or not to include these in your readings.
Colors in Tarot
Analyzing the cards based on color is another great way to tap into your intuition. Bright colors often convey positive emotions, while dark colors can indicate more challenging feelings. Warm colors (reds, oranges) are typically associated with energy and action, whereas cool colors (blues, greens) relate to calmness and introspection. Noticing color patterns across cards can help you see visual connections and deepen your interpretations.
Numbers in Tarot
In tarot, numbers provide a practical way to understand the cards. For example, the number one often represents new beginnings or individuality, while the number ten signifies completion or fulfillment. By paying attention to these numerical cues, we can gain a clearer understanding of the themes present in the cards and how they relate to our lives.
“A number can appear in a tarot card in several ways. It can be the serial number of a card in the major suit (for example, card 4, the Emperor) or in a minor suit (for example, the 6 of Wands). It can be the number of a group of objects or the details in a card illustration, such as three windows in the Tower card, two cups in the Temperance card, or seven little stars in the Star card. A card may also show a geometric shape expressing a number, such as a triangle representing the number three or a square representing the number four” - Yoav Ben-Dov. The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods.
The Elements (Fire, Air, Earth, Water)
Each suit in the Minor Arcana is associated with one of the four elements, each relating to different spheres of experience:
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Cups → Water → Emotions
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Swords → Air → Intellect and Mind
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Wands → Fire → Creativity and Action
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Pentacles → Earth → Material World and Physical Desires
These associations extend to their corresponding astrological signs (e.g., Swords/Air with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius). The Major Arcana cards also have astrological connections, such as the Lovers card being linked to Gemini. Elemental dignity can also play a role, where elements influence each other positively or negatively depending on their interaction.
Some Final Tips
A great way to familiarize yourself with the cards is to start your own tarot journal. Maybe you pull a card each day and jot down any interpretations or observations that come to mind. Afterward, you can check your analysis against traditional tarot card meanings. Happy reading!
References
Tarot | wikipedia.org
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
The Big Book of Tarot: How to Interpret the Cards and Work with Tarot Spreads for Personal Growth | Joan Bunning
The Modern Witch Tarot Journal | Lisa Sterle
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided
