What Tarot is and What Tarot is not

What Tarot Is

Tarot is a deck of symbolic cards

Traditionally, the Tarot deck is made up of 78 cards.

These are divided into the Major Arcana (22 archetypal cards like The Fool, The High Priestess, The Hierophant, etc.) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards arranged in four suits). Each Minor Arcana suit includes 10 cards from an Ace and up to 10 in progression and then 4 Court cards. Court cards are not numbered but are a Page, Knight, a Queen and a King.

The appearance of Tarot decks can vary enormously. Some are created with magickal or spiritual intention; some resemble intricate geometric maps, while others look like beautiful reproductions of Renaissance artwork. Yet beneath these very different artistic expressions lies the same extraordinary system of symbols, archetypes and patterns through which Tarot talks to us. Many of the Tarot Minor Arcana suits play out sequences of a story, triggering the unconscious parts of us to delve deeper through layers.

Tarot is practice with a rich history:

The Tarot’s origins trace back to Renaissance Italy (mid-15th century), where it began as a card game (Tarocchi). Stepping back to the ‘Renaissance’ period in Europe (1400-1700), we see a revival of the interest in ancient philosophy. This revival was especially evident in art and literature, paintings were themed upon this very popular renewal.

During this innovative period, playing cards were introduced to Europe and here is where we begin to connect the past to the present day Tarot.

It was during the1700’s that a man named Etteilla (Jean-Baptiste Alliette) 1738—1791, created the first known divinatory Tarot Deck in 1789.

Its use as a tool for divination and spiritual insight developed much later, in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A tool for empowerment

Over the years, Tarot has developed into an excellent tool for reflection and insight offering individuals the opportunity to explore their subconscious. This can provide clarity and a way forward in instances where the way ahead may otherwise be fraught with confusion.

Tarot also offers the individual guidance on how to navigate challenges that they may be faced with in life. In this aspect, Tarot can be uniquely empowering.

In my own Tarot practise, I find that my readings give me valuable insight into what I can expect to experience in different situations.

Each Tarot card speaks its language through the symbolism of each card's imagery.

Archetypes, numbers, elemental associations and astrological correspondences offer a wealth of insight.

This symbolic language links to psychology, philosophy, myth, spirituality, and Numerology and is interpreted via the skill of the Tarot reader.

Each reader connects to Tarot in their own unique way and may interpret differently to the 'traditional' meanings of a card. This is normal, we all have different perspectives.

A flexible, multi faceted medium of divination:

Tarot can be approached spiritually, psychologically, philosophically, or academically.

People use it in meditation, journaling, coaching, spell craft and art—not just insight into what may be coming up for the individual.

Shadow work with Tarot is especially insightful and can bring about understanding and healing for an individual.

What Tarot is Not

It is not a fixed prophecy:

Tarot doesn’t “predict the future” in an absolute sense. Instead, it offers insights into patterns, possibilities, and energies that may be influencing a situation and how this may 'play out'.

This insight is only as accurate as the Tarot reader's interpretation. Use reason along with what feels right with the insight and you won't go far wrong with Tarot.

And still, everything is as it is, at the time of the reading. Things change, the influences and energies around a situation change and then you may find that on another day, you will lay a very different set of cards.

Not a replacement for professional advice

Tarot should not be used as a substitute for medical, legal, or financial advice. It can support reflection and offer insight but should not override professional expertise.

Tarot is not evil or the Devil's cards

The physical cards themselves hold no supernatural power, they are simply ink and paper. Their insight comes from the reader's interpretation via symbolism, intuition, and the seeker’s engagement.

The intent of the reader has more power than the card's themselves.

Not limited to one belief system

Although many associate Tarot with occult or esoteric traditions, it isn’t bound to a single religion or path. People from many spiritual or secular backgrounds use Tarot.

Not about mind-reading

A Tarot reader doesn’t need psychic powers. Reading is about interpretation, empathy, intuition, and symbolic insight—not about reading someone’s thoughts.

Tarot is not to be feared

The superstitions held about Tarot cards are outdated. Media, TV series and films contribute to misconceptions about Tarot and what Tarot is and most are misplaced representations.