| Tarot Card Definitions | | | | Another confusing set of tarot card definitions can |
| Tarot card definitions can seem to be a bit hazy | | | | be seen in the Eight of Cups. This card often |
| to those just starting out learning the tarot. But, | | | | indicates that you have drawn a line under things |
| while it can leave you a little frustrated at not | | | | and have decided to move on. But can you be so |
| being able to find plain and concise instructions, this | | | | sure that you have done this or are you kidding |
| is actually the beauty of this ancient art. If you | | | | yourself? This card can sometimes be there give |
| were to be totally literal in your interpretations of | | | | you a bit of a kick up the backside! |
| the tarot card definitions, your readings would | | | | As mentioned above you will also need to look |
| actually become jumbled and nonsensical. | | | | closely at the surrounding cards for your answers. |
| How can this be so? Because tarot card | | | | The tarot card definitions will be modified by the |
| definitions are not just isolated nuggets of | | | | presence of other cards. This will be even more |
| information but instead are fluid and flexible in | | | | true if you see patterns, such as a high number |
| order to absorb the wisdom of the cards | | | | of a particular suit come up. |
| surrounding them in your reading. To use an | | | | So, now let's look at the general themes of the |
| analogy - words have meanings by themselves | | | | minor Arcana: |
| but these meanings change within sentences or | | | | Wands represent thoughts and notions. Is there |
| by context. You simply need to learn to 'talk' the | | | | something that you need to work out? If you |
| language of the tarot. | | | | see a high number of these cards come up, you |
| Here are two examples. Firstly, let's take a | | | | should take note and maybe take some time out |
| popular spread, the Celtic Cross. In this spread, | | | | to think. |
| the cards will be placed in a particular order and | | | | Cups mean emotions. If you see a high incidence |
| this assigns them a specific function. Card number | | | | of these cards, it's likely that you are going |
| 1 details your present, card number 2 tells you | | | | through a difficult time or that there is a lot of |
| what your immediate challenges are, and so forth. | | | | change around you. |
| Let's look at how we might treat the Seven of | | | | Swords stand for activity. If you see lots of |
| Swords in both of those positions. If I were to | | | | these cards then expect things to start happening |
| see this card come up as the querent's present, I | | | | or ask yourself if you should start to make them |
| would immediately think that s/he is involved in | | | | happen. |
| plan making and wishes for the future, but I | | | | Pentacles mean that things are starting to take |
| would also feel that these might be flaky and lack | | | | shape. But as with the swords, the cards may |
| substance. If I were to see this card in position | | | | actually be telling you that you need some of the |
| number 2, the immediate challenges, then I would | | | | pentacle's energy in your life so it's time to get |
| ask if there might be someone around the | | | | motivated. |
| querent who is encouraging them with big ideas | | | | As for the tarot card definitions of the Major |
| and that they need to reign in their plans a little, | | | | Arcana? These cards carry more authority in |
| perhaps take more responsibility for themselves. | | | | your readings so when you see these, it's time to |
| You can see the similar characteristics of the card | | | | sit up and take notice as they are more likely to |
| at work, but their meanings take on a slightly | | | | mean major changes, either psychical, emotional |
| different flavour. | | | | or in attitude. In fact, these cards are so |
| Example number two - I'm going to look at | | | | influential, some experts recommend that |
| different tarot card definitions for a Major and | | | | beginners use only the Major Arcana for their |
| then Minor Arcana card. First, let's look at a card | | | | readings but I am of the opinion that you might |
| that usually puts a smile on people's faces - The | | | | as well get stuck in! |
| Lovers. Now, I don't want to be the bearer of | | | | In summary - harmonize. Yes it's important to |
| bad news, so let me say that if you've asked a | | | | understand the meanings of each the cards. But |
| question regarding love then this is almost always | | | | try to get to know the cards as rich and complex |
| going to be favourable for you. However, it can | | | | characters, rather than just seeking the precise |
| have other meanings too. Are you too deeply | | | | tarot card definitions. They're not to be used as a |
| involved with someone or a situation? Are you | | | | Q&A session. The answers will be reaching |
| lacking in enthusiasm for something that really | | | | far deeper than that. As with all great disciplines, |
| needs you to put your all in? This card might be | | | | you will have to persevere to achieve the |
| asking you to inject the energy, that love usually | | | | wisdom. |
| inspires, into it. | | | | |