Understanding the Tarot Card Deck - Part 1

One of the first steps toward understanding the Tarot lies in appreciating the meaning of its two Arcana ? the Major and the Minor. But even before that, the novice does well by committing to memory the meaning of "Arcana" ? defined as "mysterious knowledge, language, or information accessible only by the initiate."

By its very definition, the word "Arcana" exudes secrecy and a certain esoteric eeriness ? making it the perfect word for the two branches of the Tarot so important to believers, including new "initiates." To learn about Tarot is one thing; to truly learn the meaning of the Tarot's Arcana is quite another.

Because the Arcana are secret, and because their deeper meanings are closed to many, learning them takes time, determination, and perhaps even a gift. This gift belongs to those with a desire to learn the mysteries and knowledge of the Ancients, the special few, the Chosen. The Arcana, though seemingly somewhat simplistic at first glance, are in actuality the great secret to reading Tarot.

The first of the Arcana, termed the "Major Arcana," symbolically relate to our physical, as well as intellectual, emotional, and spiritual states of being. These 22 powerful cards illuminate our strengths, weaknesses, fears, wishes, and the light and dark portions of our souls. The Major Arcana in a commonly used Tarot deck include the fool, the magician, the high priestess, the empress, the emperor, the hierophant (wise man or teacher), the lovers, the chariot, strength, the hermit, the wheel of fortune, justice, the hanged man, death, temperance, the devil, the tower, the star, the sun, the moon, judgment, and the world.

A number of the Major Arcana cards serve as archetypal representatives of real people in our lives, either as a whole or in symbolic parts. Some archetypes, for instance, would be authority figures, mysterious or mystical people, or parental, sibling, or other familial figures.

The Major Arcana cards each represent, through their images, positive and negative forces. The interpretation of the meanings of the cards, however, relies on many factors. Some of these factors include how the cards are laid, which cards surround others, the information sought, the reader, and the person for whom the reading is being performed. So even though each individual Major Arcana symbol or card holds its own unique meanings, it must be taken as only one part of a whole with the above critical dynamics taken into account.

When dealing with the Major Arcana, one deals with some of the ancient, mystical, and hidden secrets of the universe ? and should do so with the caution attributed to the wisest among us. But be cautious, not afraid! Some may say, "Curiosity killed the cat!" But we also know: "Satisfaction brought it back!" And even though cats do purportedly have nine lives, you'll have to consult the Major Arcana to even hazard a guess as to which life the cat in question is now living ? once you've learned the Major Arcana's secrets, that is!

(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

---

Letting Go of Judgment - Finding Good (God) In Others

"I resolve to speak ill of no man?and proper occasions... Read More

Do Feng Shui Remedies Really Work?

THE PREMISEFeng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has... Read More

Write Your Own Magic

Recently, I received a postcard from Ireland. Without reading the... Read More

Mankinds Ten Worst Enemies: #3 Jealousy

Though closely akin and sometimes used synonymously, John Rawls distinguish... Read More

Using Psalm 23 as Spiritual Affirmation

INTRODUCTIONSpiritual affirmations are positive, statements of intention, that facilitate manifestation.... Read More

The Universal Connection

I believe in a phenomenon I have been known to... Read More

What is Enlightenment - Meaning Definition and Its relation to Self-Realization

What is Enlightenment?What do we really mean when we talk... Read More

The Problem with Anger

As Christians, we know we need God in every aspect... Read More

Kundalini Symbology

While study and pursuit of the Kundalini is considered part... Read More

Addiction and Confession

ADDICTION: - There are numerous obsessions and addictions which prevent... Read More

Chakras 101

The chakras are different coloured energy centres that originate from... Read More

Making the Impossible Possible

"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the... Read More

10 Interesting Facts about Archangel Uriel

1. The name Uriel means "Light of God" or "Flame... Read More

Spirit and the Mind-Body Team

Your mind-body team is made up of your mind and... Read More

Unification of World Religions

If anyone says that his/her religion is the only path... Read More

God Is Waiting To Bless Me

In the year 2000, I went on a mission trip... Read More

Diversity Not Assimilation

Good morning Roy, good morning Joseth. (Channelled)From time to time... Read More

Spiritual Sanity

Prior to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United... Read More

Learning the Secret of Contentment (Part 2)

Paul's encouragement to the Philippians is also our encouragement. Consider... Read More

True Health

Some may ask, is there any truth to have a... Read More

The Tess Syndrome

There's a lot of talk about angels these days. They're... Read More

The Simple Plan of Asking and Receiving

The Question Really picture this in your mind.... Someone tells... Read More

5 Steps to Passing Life Exams

An exam is a test that is given at the... Read More

Anger in Your Energy Field

Many consider anger a normal human emotion and continue to... Read More

My Name is HAD-- Life Lessons Learned!

My name is Had. You may know me, but you... Read More

Honoring the Sacred in Everyday Life

How many of us rush blindly through our days, fall... Read More

How to Hear from God

We want to hear from God so that we may... Read More

Did You Use Your Sword Today?

It's real easy to look at the physical world around... Read More

How To Solve Any Problem

Contrary to popular beliefs, we are not our mind, our... Read More

New Century; Same Old Story

In His graciousness, God has blessed us to enter a... Read More

Do Good Luck Symbols, Charms, & Talismans Really Work?

Symbols and symbolism are popular in almost every civilisation, culture... Read More

Our God of More than Enough

There is no shortage in the abundance of blessings we... Read More

Bone Box of the Rich and Famous

The contrast between the two men could not have been... Read More