Understanding the Tarot Card Deck - Part 2

Tarot card reading delves into an individual's psyche and thus depends largely upon the energy that person generates, whether consciously or subconsciously. And because human beings are complex creatures with all kinds of major and minor issues - not only negative, but positive as well - the Tarot must duly address them all. So, although the Major Arcana bring to light the larger issues in life, there also exists the Minor Arcana - which serve the purpose of illuminating the "secret and closed" events, feelings, needs, and everyday details of our existence.

Fifty-six cards constitute the Minor Arcana within these suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. And just as with the Major Arcana, the interpretation of these cards lies not only the face-value meanings of the cards, but also in how they are laid (the "spread" - whether they are upside down, the positions they take in your chosen pattern, etc.), the mindset and emotions of the interpreter and of the person being "read," and the very questions themselves. Reading Tarot cards successfully takes time, and with that comes experience - the key to giving a good reading.

But one must start at the beginning, learning the meanings of each of the individual 56 Minor Arcana. As mentioned above, these are divided into the four suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. And each suit encompasses the Ace, then 2-10 numeral cards, and finally the court cards: the Page, Knight, Queen, and King - very similar to an ordinary deck of playing cards in some ways, yet powerfully different in others!

Each suit in the Minor Arcana represents distinctive characteristics, and these combined qualities create an image of our day-to-day lives. The suits and a very abbreviated listing of some of their characteristics include:

Wands - ingenuity, accomplishment, change

Cups - feelings, spirituality

Swords - intelligence, contemplation, logic

Pentacles - pragmatism, safety, physical and material needs

Cards within suits correspond to the theme of the particular suit to which it belongs. An Ace declares the overall quality of whatever suit it is in. For instance, the Ace of Cups represents affections, feelings, intuitiveness, and personal familiarity - all the most positive aspects of the Cups' characteristics. A Ten of Cups may signify the fruition of those qualities with, for example, the peace and joy one finds within the atmosphere of a happy family. One by one, the meanings of each card must be committed to memory. When the Tarot novice becomes comfortably familiar with the 56 Minor Arcana representations, he or she should then be ready for the next steps toward understanding the subsequent - and deeper - aspects of the art of Tarot.

Learning the art of Tarot can be a challenging - and rewarding - endeavor. But the student must realize Tarot is not easy, and Tarot is not quick. As with all things in the secret and hidden arts such as Tarot, one must be willing to persevere, to continue resolutely down the path toward enlightenment - and rejoice as the mysteries of the journey unfold.

(c) All About Tarot

All About Tarot is an information packed website that features loads of useful links and articles! Visit now at: http://www.all-about-tarot.com

Entertainmentwise

Demi Moore seeks spiritual help from guru Deepak Chopra: report New York Daily News By Joyce Chen / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Demi Moore is in desperate need of some serious spiritual guidance, so it's only fitting that the actress is turning to the best in the business: Deepak Chopra. Various reports have place Moore, 49, ... Demi Moore seeking spiritual solaceTimes of India Demi Moore has asked for help from spiritual guru Deepak Chopra.Entertainmentwise Demi Moore Seeks Spiritual Guru Deepak Chopra's Helpallvoices People Magazine -Digital Spy -Green Celebrity Network all 50 news articles »

BOOKSHELF: 'Stepping' teaches how to become 'spiritual beings' Evansville Courier & Press By Sara Anne Corrigan The inspiration for this book has its roots in Native American spiritual practices. But it is not a book about Native American spirituality. Author Sandy Nathan explains in her introduction that she originally set out to write ... and more »

Spirituality for Busy Moms Tip #5: Pray as you are Patheos (blog) In Why I Am Both Spiritual and Religious, I write more about prayer and other daily, weekly, and annual practices that help us to both be still and know God. I also recommend two books that have been instrumental in my prayer life over the years. and more »

Victoria Times Colonist (blog)

Spirituality, and writing for children Victoria Times Colonist (blog) As adults, we can sometimes find it challenging to articulate our spiritual journey, especially when the process feels so personal and beyond words. Yet, if we want to share our spiritual beliefs with children, how do we move past abstract terms and ...

I'ma quarterback but I don't play football Emporia Gazette This article is not for generically spiritual folks who do not claim to be Christian. I will let folks who fall under another form of spirituality claim what they will. This piece is for that massive number of folks who claim to be followers of Jesus ... and more »

A Rabbi's Teachings on Recovery Find a Wide Audience New York Times For six years, Rabbi Taub, 37, has been teaching and writing about the spiritual component of recovery from addiction. He had begun within the Jewish community, specifically the Chabad movement, and yet providence or serendipity or destiny has brought ... and more »

Higher calling: the spirituality of Rick Husband New Zimbabwe.com (blog) He determined that his fulltime job was to be a spiritual leader to his family. He wanted his children to know Jesus as their Lord. He understood that if at the end of life having been an astronaut but having sacrificed his family along the way would ... and more »

'I believe in destiny' Times of India I am more of spiritual person. I was brought up a Catholic, went to sunday school, and church occasionally. I believe in destiny, a positive mindset and visualising what you want. ...for example the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, and the Duomo ...

Spirituality, sexuality talk is set Poughkeepsie Journal “Radical Love: Taking Back Valentine's Day” will be the theme of Vassar's annual Religious and Spiritual Life Day today, to open up conversation about love, sexuality and spirituality. “Sexuality and spirituality often seem like strange bedfellows.

New Statesman

Church's New Rector Sees Social Justice as His Spiritual Mission Patch.com He says he sees himself as the church's “chief spirituality officer,” modeling a life of deep faith combined with service in the world. The arrival of Justin means goodbye to the Reverend Mark Shier, who served St. Michael's as an interim rector for ... Central Florida Gets New Evangelical Bishop*Women Bishops Closer in UK*More....Virtue Online all 12 news articles »