Learn Tarot – Introduction

On the many Facebook groups and forums you’ll regularly see people recommending the study of each individual card, using a mix of artwork interpretation and other references, over many, many months.  With 78 cards this is a considerable challenge;  if others learnt the hard way then you should too!  Right?

Wrong!  Let us show you not only the easy way – but the best way to learn the underlying associations.

In tarot, we have 56 minor arcana and 22 major.  Concentrating on the minor arcana, these 56 cards are divided into 4 suites (pentacles, swords, wands and cups) with 14 cards per suit (ace to 10 plus court cards).

If you learn the elemental and numerological associations you cut the work required to learn the minor arcana by 75%.   You also learn how to interpret *any* tarot deck, regardless of the type (pips) or artwork used.

You’ll often see people say they can’t “connect” with a deck;  what they usually mean is they lack understanding of the basic associations so rely only on interpretation of the artwork.  Whilst there is nothing wrong with this method of reading – it only scratches the surface of what tarot has to offer and often ties people to a specific deck.  Learning the underlying associations offers the freedom to choose and read any deck (even ‘cartomancy’ – the art of reading playing cards).

In further articles I will describe the elemental and numerological associations of the minor arcana, show how these form the basis of the artwork on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and demonstrate a reading using this knowledge – before later diving into the majors.

Ready to move forward?  The next article is: Learn Tarot – The Elements

If you’re already familiar with the elemental associations you can skip directly to Learn Tarot – The Numbers

Steve

Steve is a British esotericist and pagan musician with a profound affinity for the natural world, particularly the serene and mystic woodlands of his homeland. Steve’s particular passion lies within the realms of tarot, where he delves into the underlying systems and symbols that weave the rich narrative tapestry of this ancient divinatory tool. His life’s work embodies a blend of music, magic, and the deep reverence for nature, making him a distinct voice within the esoteric community.

www.learntarot.uk