If you’re curious about tarot, or simply wandering through this house looking for meaning, you’re in the right room.

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Unless otherwise noted or directly quoted, everything here comes from my own experience and from knowledge mostly gathered informally over time: observing other readers, exploring different decks and guidebooks, listening to teachings from many spiritual and esoteric sources, and learning through lived experience.

It’s a compound of insights filtered through my own interpretation, my metaphysical beliefs, my nervous system, and my background.

Please take everything with a very large grain of salt. The entire ocean, if needed.

Anatomy

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A brief origin story

There are plenty of theories regarding tarot, but no one knows the exact origins or how tarot came to be tarot.

One of the oldest records is from the 15th century (around the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance). An Italian artist, Bonifacio Bembo, was commissioned to paint a non‑numbered deck for the Visconti family. These tarocchi cards were part of a trick‑taking game played for entertainment by wealthy families. The deck had, similarly to today, four sequences of 14 suit cards and 22 trionfi, scenic allegories depicting moral, social, and religious concepts.

There are many hypotheses suggesting these images contained hidden esoteric meanings. However, there is no evidence that Bembo or the Visconti family had any connection to occult traditions.

Be that as it may, whether Bembo or any predecessor he was inspired by, for centuries tarot remained simply a game. Only in the 18th century do we see the earliest signs of it being used for divination. Antoine Court, known as Court de Gébelin, famously claimed in his work that tarot was actually part of “The Book of Thoth” (ancient Egyptian texts attributed to the god Thoth) and a way to pass on knowledge to their students, and you probably guessed by now, it didn’t have much evidence to support it either.

Around the same time, Jean‑Baptiste Alliette, a French occultist known as Etteilla, published the first deck explicitly designed for fortune‑telling: the Etteilla Tarot. It was the first time tarot cards were widely introduced to the public as an occult tool, and he is the first known professional reader who made a living out of it. His practice introduced the idea of astrological correspondences, elements, reversed meanings, and even the numbers on the cards.

It had a distinct divinatory method compared to modern tarot, and a unique style with different card order, names, and imagery. It appealed to its niche, but may explain why it didn’t gain much popularity, contrary to the Tarot de Marseille.

The Tarot de Marseille is a pattern that originated in Italy but rapidly spread and was later mass‑produced in Marseille in the south of France between the 16th and 18th centuries. Because the deck had a familiar style and was used for everyday play, it circulated widely among ordinary people, making it the standard deck across much of Europe. This meant it was a more accessible and more “traditional” alternative to inspire occultists like Lévi, Wirth, Crowley, Rider and Waite, whose systems were later built on it.

And I should point out, it seems confusing, because nowadays we associate the word “tarot” with a specific occult tool. Back then, the word “tarot” was simply the French adaptation of the Italian tarocchi, the cards that were used for play. It happened that not only was the deck popular in France, but the occultists bringing up tarot as a divinatory practice were mostly French, so the terminology spread.

Speaking of misconceptions, another common misunderstanding is the association between tarot and Romani communities. The “Gypsies” did practice cartomancy, but there is no historical evidence that they used tarot cards. The association probably happened because of an “occult romanticism” that reinforced the mystical‑exotic imagery people projected onto those communities.

And the Kabbalah is another example. Some claim that the cards contain hidden Kabbalistic symbolism (from the Kabbalah, an esoteric school of Jewish mysticism), but there is no historical evidence for that either.

The first formal link between tarot and the Kabbalah actually appears in the 19th century, when Alphonse Louis Constant (Eliphas Lévi) intentionally connected the two, presenting tarot as a symbolic system aligned with Kabbalistic concepts. His interpretation expanded tarot from a divinatory tool into something that could also be used for gaining knowledge and enlightenment. This opened space for tarot’s use in personal growth through understanding life and ourselves, even though, once again, there is nothing about tarot in the extensive Kabbalah literature.

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What is tarot?

A deck of 78 illustrated cards divided into:

Major Arcana (22 cards): the archetypal, symbolic cards with scenic representations that most people associate with tarot.
Minor Arcana (56 cards): similar to modern playing cards, they are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) each containing a sequence of 14 cards numbered from Ace (1) to 10, plus 4 court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, King.

Tarot is commonly used for games, divinatory practices, or introspective work. It’s not inherently religious, even though people often assume it is.

Probably the most well‑known deck is the Rider-Waite deck by William Rider and Arthur Waite, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. (You might hear people say “Waite-Smith,” “Rider-Waite-Smith,” or “RWS,” but “Rider-Waite” is how most people shorten it, which is a shame because Pamela’s illustrations were revolutionary.)

Contrary to what most people think, the RWS is not a purist representation of the “original” (Bembo‑ish?) cards, which were a pip deck, meaning only the Major Arcana had illustrated scenes. Waite and Pamela introduced imagery in all cards. Some authors think that was a sacrilege to tradition and that he had his own biases (which… fair, don't we all?); others agree with his interpretation and believe it was beneficial to readers because it added layers to the traditional meanings.

I agree with Rachel Pollack. I cannot vouch that Waite was brilliant in his interpretations — I lack the deep historical knowledge for that, but I do agree with her when she says there is no right or wrong deck. Each deck has its own particularities and deeper meanings within certain archetypes.

Other “traditional” decks that come to mind are the Tarot de Marseille (as far as I know, it doesn’t have a single creator), the Wirth Tarot (Oswald Wirth), and the Thoth Tarot (Crowley & Harris). Nowadays, there are many beautiful interpretations, some close to the original imagery but in different artistic styles, others completely different with their own themes and art, and I personally love that. Tarot is a representation of experience, so the wider, the better. The reader gets to choose what is closest to them, and with that, I also recommend keeping the guidebooks. You don’t have to memorize them, but the author might’ve considered meanings you’ve never taken into account.

If you’re looking for your first deck: if you prefer a more “by the book” approach and want to learn the conventional meanings, a deck closely inspired by the Rider-Waite can be a safe and mnemonic choice (helps you memorize) as most reference it. But honestly? My advice is to choose whatever draws you, inspires you, or connects with you. With time, you’ll learn the ropes with any deck. And I firmly believe you don’t need to be a tarot connoisseur to read the cards, your intuition is your biggest asset. The cards are just a medium that facilitates communication.

That said, interpretation structures vary widely and there is no single technique. Even traditional spreads differ. There is no authoritative method for how it “should” be done. Tarot is a practice that is often passed down, observed, and… experienced.

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Structure of the deck

It might help you remember: Arcana means secrets or mysteries; Major = “bigger” and Minor = “smaller”. Tarot often represents aspects of our life that we need clarity about. While the arcanas are complementary and can talk about similar themes, their purpose and impact differ.

Major Arcana

Major Arcana (22 cards)

Major Arcana are archetypes that represent life-changing lessons or events, spiritual development, or structural themes. They depict one’s life journey — from threshold (The Fool) to accomplishment (The World).

Rachel Pollack suggests 3 areas of experience inside the Major Arcana:

Conscious: From The Magician (1), who uses all their resources and the inherent inner guidance to progress through societal dynamics, and eventually reach success in The Chariot (7) — the external life in society, education, love, work, success.
Subconscious: From The Hermit (9), who isolates seeking self‑knowledge, through metaphorical death and rebirth, to Temperance (14), discovering that our essence remains true even in an ever‑changing world — the psychological journey and finding our truest self.
Superconscious: From the recurring traps and vices of the material world in The Devil (15), through upheavals that shake our core, to a new dawn leading to spiritual awakening and transcendence, ending in The World (21). In my opinion, this is the most difficult concept of the three because it goes beyond any individual themes and points to universal truths, the "pinnacle of enlightenment".

*The Fool (0) stands apart, because it can be experienced at beginnings or transitional moments on the journey.

Here, my own beliefs clash a bit, because I tend to view this existence as a human experience, therefore pretty grounded in nature. The whole idea of reaching a quasi‑ethereal state here seems to go against what this body, on this Earth, has to offer. Moreover, I do believe it is all divine, even the mundane. “Chop wood, carry water”. That said, I consider these layers an incredible addition that can benefit your readings. Use them as you see fit.

Also, the cards don’t have to be read as a sequence. Their meanings can be read as standalones, and it’s not necessary to have a set structure. Readers often frame it as any cycle — the cycle of life, yes, but also the cycle of a job, a relationship, a project, etc. You have a beginning, a progression, and a completion, welcoming another cycle after.

Minor Arcana

Here lies a point of contention in the community, and you are the one who will decide how the Minor Arcana should be read, and I’d say it can even be situational.

One of the novelties (and probably one of the reasons the RWS deck is so popular) is the introduction of imagery in the Minor Arcana. Before that, there were only geometric drawings illustrating the number of the suit card. So, if it was the 10 of Coins¹, it would simply have 10 circles arranged in it.

In certain occult frameworks, you would have specific meanings given to each card related to that esoteric practice. You would memorize and use the meaning contained in that formal system. In this case, some say that the excess of visual representation can be distracting and even block the subliminal meaning that the geometries carry.

Not only that, but in RWS you can see a distinction between Major and Minor Arcana. In the Major Arcana, the figures are almost stoic, besides The Fool and The World, all figures are stationary because they represent archetypal forces. In the Minor Arcana, though, you see a lot of movement (scenes happening in the moment) because they depict people living their life. Their meaning represents daily life experience, human nature, action, and emotions. There is a lot more leeway in interpretation not only because of the countless combinations but also because the reader’s perception, imagination, and life experience play a part. The card is only the starting point.

No one knows how the scenes actually came about. Some say Waite gave Pamela direction according to his studies but she took her creative liberty — and that's why in his book there are some explanations on the meanings and interpretations that are almost contradictory to the illustration; some say she was inspired by an older obscure deck called “Sola‑Busca”; some say she illustrated a story progression (1-10) with the suit theme and the Court Cards as characters; and I’ve read somewhere that she was an intuitive artist, a channel. So… maybe none? Maybe a bit of all.

I personally disagree with rigid systems. It might be because I live in this era and there is a plethora of deck interpretations available; it could also be because I have yet to stumble upon a system that covers it all for me. Either way, in my practice I aim to comprehend life and make the best of it — who we are, what motivates us, the meaning of our actions. Single interpretations could narrow that significantly. Hence why I am so open to new layers of knowledge that could benefit my readings, from astrology to psychology.

Also, I firmly believe that our intuition is one of our biggest assets in readings, and that cannot be restricted by any illustration. It's actually, quite the opposite, I’m often surprised by how many new meanings I see in cards I’ve seen plenty of times.

And that’s all to say: you do you, boo. You’ll find many schools of thought if you want a more “by the book” practice, but you can also make it your own.

Therefore, in my practice (and everything I’m going to show you from here on) takes this into consideration:

Minor Arcana (56 cards)

Minor Arcana represent experiences in the short term: daily life events, decisions, feelings, and actions. The numbered cards show scenarios, circumstances, and problems but also suggest solutions, while the court cards can represent both situations and individuals — often described by the personality traits of that card or even the energetic states they represent.

¹The precursor name for the Pentacles suit, it was changed in the Raider-Waite and it is pretty standard by now.

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Suits

In tarot, the suits represent the material world, human nature and aspects of creation. The Minor Arcana experience is related to the mundane. Which at hindsight might seem unimpressive compared to the grand spiritual journey in the Major Arcana, but I would argue that a lot, if not most, of our existence in this vessel happens at this level, and that it is not pointless. The ordinary can actually be a catalyst to the many spiritual awakenings if the soul is open to them. Through these experiences, we aim to be the masters of our realities and of ourselves.

As a representation of the world, tarot adopts the concept that everything in nature is a combination of the four basic elements, being divided in each suit: Fire - Wands, Water - Cups, Air - Swords and Earth - Pentacles.

Each suit portrays their own materiality, values, spiritual and psychological meanings associated to that element.

It is important to note, that even though there are core themes being highlighted, there is no real separation, reality is complex and dynamic, everything works in unison to balance, enrich and give meaning to this journey. Meaning there is no good and bad, there is context and nothing is a standalone energy, it is a composition, there are adjacent, underlying, integrating energies working at the same time.

And with that in mind, I invite you to consider the hermetic principle of polarity in which even "opposites" are actually two extremes of the same thing and there are varying degrees in between them, like hot and cold. Not only within an element there are polarities that bring different characteristics and can be harmful and beneficial in their context and degree, but also alike within the elements. So, you can find problems and their solutions balancing them inside and outside of the element-suit it depends on your preferred approach.

⚕ Wands

The fiery essence of the Wands suit brings impulse. It is an energy that takes away from inertia, can create momentum, disrupt stability or even a change of direction.

It can feel like: a sudden inspiration; an inclination to act, excitement, urgency; agitation or impatience.

Its approach is: bold, passionate, optimistic; risk‑taking, direct; impulsive, volatile.

Fire has agency and enjoys movement. It wants to expand and express. It restructures its environment.

It is also intuitive. The gut feeling drives decision‑making and passionate action because it is in alignment with inner knowing and higher trust.

Themes: Action, movement, optimism, adventure; fight, making business, beginnings, external conflict; generally positive experiences that can escalate into conflict or burnout.

Situation: Starting a project, entering a competition, taking risks, a sudden opportunity; a conflict that requires action; acting before thinking or burning out from overcommitment.

Person: Pioneer, Warrior, Entrepreneur, Performer, Visionary, Tyrant, Hothead, Show‑off — At their best, they inspire and ignite others; at their worst, they dominate, overwhelm or exhaust those around them.

Fire responds to how it is handled. It can be transformative, but it can also be destructive.

𐃯 Cups

The watery essence of the Cups suit brings receptivity. It is an energy based on hope, desires and aspirations, having a lot of potential but no form. It can shape and adapt according to the fire impulse it receives.

It can feel: calm, peaceful, soothing; approachable, perceptive; melancholic, overwhelming or like an emotional withdrawal.

Its approach is: compassionate, empathetic, gentle; aware, receptive; avoidant, passive or escapist.

Water tends to passivity, but it is highly mutable, it is fluid. It adapts to its environment.

At the same time it can be deep, introspective and imaginative, it can also be easily influenced, absorb too much and dissolve in what it mirrors.

Themes: Love, bonding, emotional exchanges; healing, imagination, introspection; emotional overwhelm, avoidance, withdrawal.

Situation: Forming emotional connections, offering support, creative daydreaming; needing space; feeling drained or shutting down emotionally.

Person: Healer, Empath, Dreamer, Mystic, Caretaker, Martyr, Escapist — At their best, they soothe and connect; at their worst, they absorb too much or disappear into avoidance.

Water ebbs and flows according to its surroundings. It can be serene, but it can also be turbulent.

⚔︎ Swords

The airy essence of the Swords suit brings intention. It is a mediating energy that gives direction to the impulse and the structure that translates desire into form.

It can feel like: curiosity, clarity, honesty; mental activity; distrust, worry and anxiety.

Its approach is: analytical and strategic; logical, objective, communicative; apathetic, judgmental and argumentative.

Air is fast‑moving (making the Swords the fastest suit) and it is always in motion. Even when there is a standstill, what is brought to attention is the lack of motion or the need for stillness, not a stalemate. It flows through the environment.

At the same time it can be fast, sharp, precise and highly intellectual, it can also be cold, cutting and restless.

Themes: Decision‑making, problem‑solving, negotiation and debate; conversations, planning; conflict, overthinking.

Situation: Analyzing options, clarifying truth, discussing ideas; mental activity and tension; spiraling thoughts, arguments.

Person: Thinker, Strategist, Communicator, Judge, Analyst, Critic, Cynic — At their best, they bring clarity and truth; at their worst, they cut too sharply or create conflict.

Air has a dynamic quality: it can be a breeze or a gale; but it is always present, even when not perceived.

⛥ Pentacles

The earthy essence of the Pentacles suit brings manifestation. It is a stable energy when creation has reached materiality or when a goal is reached. It represents creation in reality.

It can feel: grounding, stable; routine, practicality, predictability; heaviness, stagnation, resistance to change.

Its approach is: disciplined, responsible, patient; methodical, reliable, pragmatic; rigid and cautious.

Earth is stable, not static. It has the aptitude to change, but at a slower pace. It is an energy that innately sustains and maintains. It preserves the environment.

At the same time it can be a safe, stable and productive it can also be dense, slow and resistant.

Themes: Work, money, health; building, maintaining, investing; delays, stagnation, financial stress.

Situation: Committing to long‑term work, tending to responsibilities, managing resources; routine and maintenance; feeling stuck, overburdened or materially pressured.

Person: Builder, Provider, Steward, Craftsperson, Hoarder, Workaholic — At their best, they create stability and abundance; at their worst, they cling, overwork or resist change.

Earth is the closest to our senses and how we perceive the material reality and because of its grounding nature, it can also be healing.

FIRE

the initial spark that encourages action

EARTH

the achievement of a goal or when creation reaches physical form. It is also maintenance of what has being manifested.

WATER

the existing desire and hope that is vague and formless until it's given purpose, objective, intention or function

AIR

the mental process that plans: it gives direction to the impulse and structure to the desire

More coming soon...

With that in mind:

I don’t believe any practice should ever make you feel bad, doubtful, guilty, or ashamed.

It should serve your highest good.

It should support you, add to your life, and help you become a better person living a better life.

Nothing here is written to cause harm.

Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and let the rest find whoever it’s meant for.

Use your discernment — always.

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