Tarot
Glossary

Universal symbols based on Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious. Tarot cards (Emperor [authority], High Priestess [intuition]) directly reflect archetypal energy.

Each tarot card's association with a planet, zodiac sign, or element. For example, Emperor = Aries, The Moon = Pisces.

The Major Arcana card derived from the sum of the numbers in your birthdate. Reflects your life path, core energy, and personality archetype.

The general term for the art of divination using cards. Encompasses all readings with tarot, Lenormand, oracle cards, and regular playing cards.

One of the most classic and comprehensive spread types. This 10-card layout deeply analyzes layers including present situation, obstacles, past, future, subconscious, environment, hopes, and outcome.

Colors in tarot cards carry deep meanings. Red (passion/power), Blue (intuition/peace), Yellow (enlightenment/joy), Black (mystery/unconscious) and more.

The Page, Knight, Queen, and King cards in each suit. They typically represent people or personality traits. The 16 court cards can reflect those around you or aspects of yourself.

The practice of drawing a single card each day to understand the day's energy. One of the most effective ways to learn tarot and develop intuition.

The practice of purifying a tarot deck's energy. Methods include incense, crystals (clear quartz), moonlight bathing, or resetting the deck to its original order.

A special spread performed to get to know a new tarot deck. Questions like 'what is your strength?' and 'how will you help me?' are asked to the deck.

The four classical elements: Fire (Wands), Water (Cups), Air (Swords), Earth (Pentacles). Each element represents a different life domain and energy type.

A 7-card spread including positions for past, present, hidden influences, obstacles, environment, advice, and outcome.

A reading style relying on the reader's intuition rather than traditional card meanings. Visual details, colors, and felt energy of the cards take precedence.

The esoteric connection between the Tree of Life (Sephiroth) and tarot. Each Major Arcana card corresponds to a Hebrew letter and a path on the Tree of Life.

A 36-card divination system named after Marie Anne Lenormand. Unlike tarot, it delivers more concrete, practical messages. Cards are read in pairs or groups.

The 22 cards numbered 0-21 forming the core group of the tarot deck. They represent life's major turning points, spiritual transformations, and archetypal forces. The journey from The Fool (0) to The World (21) is known as 'The Fool's Journey'.

One of the oldest tarot traditions developed in France between the 15th-18th centuries. Uses geometric pip patterns instead of figurative images on Minor Arcana cards.

The 56-card group in the tarot deck, divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles). They reflect daily life events, practical situations, and personal experiences.

Each number carries distinct meaning in tarot. 1 (beginning), 2 (balance), 3 (creativity)... Thematic connections exist between cards sharing the same number.

A general tarot reading without asking a specific question. Cards reveal the most important topics and energies in your life right now.

Divination cards independent from tarot and Lenormand, with original themes. Offers guidance on topics like angels, animal totems, and elements without adhering to a standard structure.

The numbered cards from Ace through 10 in each suit. They carry numerological meanings: the Ace represents beginnings, 10 represents completion.

The person asking a question or seeking guidance in a tarot reading. The spread is shaped around this person's energy and question.

The art of formulating the right question for an effective reading. Open-ended questions starting with 'How' and 'What' provide deeper insight than yes/no questions.

The person who interprets tarot cards. They combine card symbolism, positional meanings, and intuitive messages to deliver a reading.

Specialized spreads analyzing the dynamics between two people. Reveals both parties' perspectives, the relationship's foundation, challenges, and potential.

A card that appears upside-down in a spread. It indicates the card's energy is blocked, internalized, or manifesting in an opposite way. Not all readers use reversed cards.

The most iconic tarot deck published in 1909, designed by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Forms the foundation of modern tarot.

Using tarot cards to explore repressed emotions and patterns in the subconscious. Cards like The Devil, The Tower, and The Moon play crucial roles in this work.

The ritual of shuffling cards before a reading. Transfers the querent's energy to the deck. Techniques include hand shuffling, bridge shuffling, and fanning.

A card chosen to represent the querent or the topic of the reading. Typically selected from court cards or a meaningful Major Arcana card.

Drawing a single card from the deck for quick guidance. Used in daily card pull practices, as a meditation focus, or for yes/no questions.

The designated location where each card is placed in a spread, carrying a specific meaning. The same card can convey different messages in different positions.

The suit representing the Water element. Connected to emotions, relationships, intuition, imagination, and spiritual depth. Provides insight about love and emotional states.

The suit representing the Earth element. Deals with the material world, finances, career, health, and physical security. Provides guidance on practical success and material abundance.

The suit representing the Air element. Associated with mental processes, communication, conflict, decision-making, and intellectual challenges. Symbolizes sharp truths and logical thinking.

The suit representing the Fire element. Associated with creativity, passion, willpower, entrepreneurship, and spiritual energy. Consists of 14 cards from Ace to King.

Ethical principles for tarot reading: confidentiality, consent, not diagnosing health issues, avoiding dependency creation, and approaching with empathy.

A notebook kept to record daily card pulls, spread interpretations, and personal experiences. Over time, helps recognize patterns and strengthen intuition.

A deep meditation practice using the visual of a card. By mentally entering the card and interacting with its symbols, one gains profound understanding.

The spiritual evolution story told by Major Arcana cards from 0 to 21. This archetypal journey from Innocence to Enlightenment is a metaphor for life itself.

Late 19th century British occult society. The esoteric tradition that laid the groundwork for modern tarot interpretation systems, astrological correspondences, and Kabbalah connections.

The deck created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris between 1938-1943. Deeply integrates Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy elements.

The most common and versatile spread. Interpreted through triads such as Past-Present-Future, Body-Mind-Spirit, or Situation-Action-Outcome.

Techniques for deriving timeframes from tarot cards. Systems like Wands=days, Cups=weeks, Swords=months, Pentacles=years, or astrological correspondences are used.

One of the oldest surviving tarot decks from 15th century Italy. Hand-painted for the Duke of Milan's family.

A personal year card calculated from your birthday and the current year. Shows the main theme and energy flow of your current year.

A 12-card spread where each card represents an astrological house. Used for annual readings or an overview of all life areas.