In the 14th century the tool we know as Tarot, found its way into the world. While its history and origin remain clouded, the common premise has been, that tarot was created to preserve and keep safe the people who utilized old wisdom.
When a new age of knowledge entered the world, there were some groups of people who persecuted others, who believed and understood the world differently. In wanting people to have access to ancient wisdom, a community combined it all into pictograph form. Images painted onto a set of “playing cards” that have divinatory abilities.
Since that time, a wide range of tarot cards have been crafted to act as a link between our world and the unseen forces that influence it and hold knowledge we don’t have. While each tarot reader, both professional and personal, have their favorite deck, I advocate the Rider-Waite-Smith for all beginners.
Why the Rider-Waite-Smith?
- There is a lot of literature on the deck.
- Many tarot decks are based off the Rider-Waite-Smith.
- The Rider-Waite-Smith was the first deck to not only have images for the Major Arcana, but the Minor Arcana as well. Adding to the insight derived from the cards.
- Rider, Waite, and Smith combined other tools into the symbolism and design of their deck. (Astrology, Numerology, the Qabalah, color & symbolism).
- Each card’s color, symbols, and chosen images are based upon these tools.
Due to the many wonderful components found within the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, it makes for a great beginning deck. From there, each reader can choose a deck that resonates with them most. But the wisdom found within the Rider-Waite-Smith strengthens any tarot reader’s understanding of the cards.
The Tools in Tarot:
Tarot is our ancestor’s understanding of the world, the human experience, and how it all works together. As a result, it utilizes preexisting tools to help us navigate life.
You can use previous knowledge about astrology or numerology to aid in learning the tarot. Or use your knowledge about tarot to help you learn astrology or numerology. Either way, you can develop your understanding about life and about these tools to improve the quality of your life.
Astrology in Tarot:
Since Galileo and even before, human beings have gazed up into the heavens with awe and curiosity. As time has passed, patterns began to emerge. For those who dedicated their patience and observation to the powers of the sky, they uncovered a new tool to help aid humanity, astrology.
This tool is built upon the premise of energy. The idea that energy possess the ability to influence other things composed of energy. Like people, planets, and wildlife. Each are created out of matter becoming a defined form of energy.
As a result, astrology: “is when we learn about the energy in the heavens and the impact that energy has on our lives and world.”
Just as the moon’s energy creates the oceans tides, the energy from the moon also impacts us. Within the tool of Astrology there are different categories and ways we can utilize this tool.
One category is our personal Astrology Chart or Natal Chart. This is the record of energy present at the moment of our birth. This energy is then imbued into us as infants and influences who we are, what our life will be like, and other factors in our lives. Including how we will interact with those around us and the energy of the heavens moving forward.
The energy we are imbued with is one of the ways that we help shape and fulfill the requirements we’ve set in our Soul Contract (our plan for this lifetime). Instilling personality traits we need, for example.
Another component of astrology is learning about the energy each planet, star, and even comet has in the sky. When we learn about these energy traits, we can gain insight into the energy influencing us, as various planets enter into our sky.
In tarot, astrology is one of the tools woven into the cards. Each card is associated with a planet and zodiac sign. The energy of these planets influences the nature of a card.
We can then learn about a tarot card by pulling in our knowledge about a planet’s or sign’s energy.
For Example:
The tarot card, Knight of Swords is a combination of Mercury and Gemini energy. By looking at Mercury’s energy as well as Gemini’s, we can gain insight into what the Knight of Swords means in tarot.
Mercury Energy:
- Communication.
- Mental thought.
- Rash or emotional behavior.
- Ideas & how you share them.
- Your understanding of the world.
Gemini Energy:
- Communication.
- Collaboration.
- Short journeys.
- Family members
- Defines what makes us happy.
When we combine these two energies and look at the Knight of Swords we can better understand this card’s meaning.
Knight of Swords: “The Hell-Bent Knight” or “True Knight.”
- Charging into battle, not thinking about things.
- Courage, warrior, impatient, fearless.
- Chaotic.
- May need to get out of your own head.
- Need to filter your words. (Don’t talk off the top of your head.)
- Mentally agile, can bounce from subject to subject.
- Writing skills.
These are just a few meanings found within the Knight of Swords card. As you can see, the energy of Gemini and Mercury influence this card. When it shows up in a spread it can warn about talking (Gemini) off of the top of your head (Mercury).
Whether it’s the Knight of Swords or any of the other cards, in learning the astrological sign(s) connected with them, you can add another layer of understanding to what the cards have to say.
Numerology in Tarot:
Much like astrology, the tool of numerology is also built upon the premise of energy. Each number holds a unique personality or type of energy. This energy influences us and the quality of each tarot card.
In numerology, each digit (1-9) has a unique meaning, and like astrology has multiple categories within this tool. For numerology we can look at the energies present for our birth (birth date) and combine it with the numbers found in our name (each letter corresponds to a number) to uncover our Seven Personality Numbers.
We can also look at the numbers present each day (our daily, monthly, and yearly numbers) as well. All of these components of numerology help to shed light on who we are, and what energies our influencing our day and life.
In tarot, numerology is a little different. Each card (except the Court Cards) is associated with a number. This number not only sheds light on the quality and characteristics of a card, but creates a connection with the other cards that share this number.
For Example: The Number 8: In Tarot Means…
- Hard work.
- Action & motion.
- No short cuts.
- Seeing things to the end.
Cards with The Number 8:
- Strength.
- The Star. (Key 17= 1+7=8).
- The 8 of Wands.
- The 8 of Cups.
- The 8 of Swords.
- The 8 of Pentacles.
Strength:
This Major Arcana card symbolizes the start of our journey into the spiritual world. With our mastery of the physical world (The Chariot) we start a journey looking inwards. We address what we believe, how we feel, and where we want to go.
When you pull in the energy of the number 8, we learn that Strength is about hard work. Learning to master our inner animal or primal forces. To be able to embrace and also direct those wilder or even darker forces within us to positive results.
We are also acknowledging that in order to embrace ourselves and achieve that spiritual goal, we must take each step and continue to the end in order to be successful. This card of action speaks about the energy needed to achieve that end result.
8 of Wands:
The very image of this card invokes the idea of motion and action. There is no doubt that things are in motion, with these wands flying through the air. We will learn about what type of things are in motion (positive energy, or negative energy) based upon the cards surrounding the 8 of Wands.
8 of Swords:
While this image appears stagnated, when we pull in the energy of the number 8, we can see that there is indeed motion. The 8 of Swords speaks about our own self-fears and doubts that stall our motion forward.
When we pull in the energy of the number 8, we learn that this card is talking about pulling the energy of self-confidence and courage together, in order to untie ourselves. It also reminds us, that hard work is needed, and we must see things through to the end in order to be free of our fears.
8 of Pentacles:
In this image, we see a man hard at work. There is no doubt that he is in motion, chipping away at his list of things to do. By pulling in the energy of the number 8, we gain insight into this image. We learn that we need to keep chipping away and see things through to completion (10 of Pentacles), in order to attain the results we desire.
As you can see, the energy of the number 8 manifests itself differently depending on which card it is connected with. In this way, each aspect of the 8 gets represented within tarot. Thus, honoring the different aspects of the number 8 energy found within life.
Check out this video on the basics of numerology in tarot: Learning Numerology 1-10 in Tarot
The Qabalah (Kabbalah) in Tarot:
The last major tool found within the tarot is the Jewish Qabalah. Put simply, the Qabalah is a collection of ancient pieces of wisdom or knowledge. The purpose was to unify the world. Tying our creator (infinite) with the various parts of life. Including the light and evil components of life.
Often represented through the Tree of Life, we see evidence of the Qabalah within the tarot. Not only in the similarities of wisdom, but with the images themselves.
For Example:
The 10 of Pentacles:
As you can see within this card, the pentacles are laid out in the form of the Tree of Life.
The Pillars:
We also see evidence of the Qabalah in the Major Arcana. The pillars are seen within The High Priestess, The Hierophant, and Justice. We also see them as the two sphinxes in The Chariot.
Still a student of the Qabalah my knowledge about this tool is still growing. If you wish to know more, check out this video introducing the Qabalah in tarot: Tarot & the Kabbalistic Tree of Life | Tarot Cards
Color in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck:
Another reason why I love the Rider-Waite-Smith, is the thought that went into each card. While other decks invoke wonderful emotions and thoughts, with specific themes and artistic styles, they lack the same exactness found within the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
In first learning with this deck, you can take your deep understanding of the cards and apply this wisdom to other decks. This way, you can achieve a deeper level to your readings.
One of the ways this deck is exact is through the colors chosen within each image.
The Colors:
- Red- passion & desire.
- White- purity.
- Black- ignorance.
- Blue- seeking truth.
- Yellow- the seeking mind.
- Green- heart, envy, & truth.
- Gray- wisdom.
For Example:
Black:
When we pull up the Major Arcana card, The Devil we can see a shrouded image. The color black fills the card and speaks to the level of ignorance and blindness evident. The same can be said of the 9 of Swords. Within this card, we see the entire backdrop painted in black. The ignorance, doubt, and blindness is conveyed, just with the color black.
Blue:
While on the other hand, we see a blue backdrop in the 5 of Wands. We combine this with a potential meaning of mental confusion, we can see the influence of “seeking truth”. (blue) Sometimes, this card can symbolize a person’s mind and all the options or thoughts swirling within. The conflict paired with the blue, tells us that there is a desire to sort out our thoughts and find the truth of the matter.
Gray:
In the 6 of Pentacles we see an image depicting a wealthy man and two beggars. When this card comes up in a reading, a potential meaning is giving to those in need. We can then build upon this reading by looking at the gray backdrop. Since gray symbolizes wisdom, it can indicate that when we donate (time or money) it is important to weigh (the scales) your decision and make a wise (gray) decision.
As you build upon your readings, you can start to pull in the multiple colors found within each card. These colors indicate what sort of emotions or story is taking place.
You can then pair your knowledge of these colors with your intuition. In a reading, you can see which colors pull your eye. Your intuition is indicating what emotions or focus pertains to your reading.
Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck:
Not only is the color found within each card important to the meaning, but so are the images themselves. Each card depicts people, things, settings, and objects. They all mean something.
For this reason, the Rider-Waite-Smith is a comprehension style of tarot. But it offers us a chance to build and delve deeper into our readings. In this way, we can gain additional and even specific details pertaining to our questions.
For Example:
Clothing:
Within the deck, nudity represents honesty and openness. While the clothing can indicate a mask being worn (as seen in The Tower) or specific aspects of a personality.
For example, hats indicate a person who has control over their own thoughts. (In the 5 of Cups we see a man grieving, his grief has consumed him for the moment. We see evidence of this, since he doesn’t wear a hat).
Castle of Dreams:
In the Rider-Waite-Smith they draw incorporate a castle in many of the cards. This castle represents the Querants dreams, goal, or final destination. When we see the castle in a card, we can see where they are in relation to their dreams.
For example, in the 10 of Wands we see, that while we’ve got a lot of work to do, if we continue forward we’re on our way to our castle of dreams. (Even thought we can’t see it).
In the Ace of Pentacles, we see that our castle of dreams is outside the fence we’re in. This adds to the meaning that we must step outside of our comfort zone to attain what we desire.
As opposed to these two cards, in the 10 of Pentacles we don’t see a castle, because we have attained our dreams. The scene depicted here takes place within the castle.
These are just a few examples of what can be found within the images of the Rider-Waite-Smith. You can then pair the meaning of each color with the clothing worn in each image. Thus, gaining insight into the personality and perception of the person in question.
Impact of Time:
Another influence on the tarot cards, is the wisdom that has been found since their creation. Since tarot represents the known knowledge and understanding of life and the human experience, as this knowledge has grown the style and meanings of the cards have shifted to reflect this.
The cards are also influenced by the change in culture and technology. While the Page of Wands can symbolize mail, with the invention of the internet, this card has also come to symbolize email.
Since the tarot is placed into pictograph form, the images invoke wisdom within the reader. As a result, it has grown and shifted as time has passed. For this reason, it is important to keep in mind when researching the meanings of each card.
While the literature on tarot can teach us about the cards, they need to be taken with a grain of salt. If your understanding of life is different, or if the writing is based on a different generation, the meanings might have shifted.
Working with The Cards:
Which is why, you are the best person to know what the cards mean. We all start with the meanings attributed to each card. But as you start doing your own spreads and working with the cards, you will find that they will start to shift in meaning.
Since these cards are a way to converse with our spirit guides and Spirit, it will be done in a way that makes sense to you. A grouping of cards or a repeated pattern, will start to have special significance for you.
For this reason, keep an open mind when reading the cards. The images and predetermined meanings are a great starting point and guiding outline for your readings but trust your gut and what it says.
Final Thoughts:
Each reader starts the same. They start with a deck and with basic meanings. As time passes we each develop an individual style. Based upon our previous knowledge (about astrology, numerology, etc.), how our brain understands things, and the patterns we discover in time.
This is what makes tarot such a wonderful tool. Whether it’s a different deck or different spread, tarot is a tool that can work for anyone. Rather than trying to mesh with the style, you have an opportunity to find what works for you.