As we enter into studying the Tarot in depth, we must look from
every angle and element of the cards to more fully understand
the underlying meaning. Each card depicts various symbols within
each card. These represent the elements, directions, planetary
influences and energies present in our lives through the people
we interact and share our lives with.
They represent every aspect on every level of our beingness. The
phases, patterns, cycles, seasons; everything within our lives
from love to money to our spiritual paths can be denoted in the
various symbols of the Tarot cards. Each card paints a
picturesque view reflecting our emotional, mental, physical and
spiritual happenings. It is our job as the reader to open our
minds and accurately access the information available to us
hidden within the cards.
Look at every aspect and overlook nothing, as each minute detail
can be a significant element in the overall scheme of things.
This is where the use of pen and paper or notepad (or any other
text editor) on your personal computer can come in handy and be
beneficial. Keeping track of these signs and symbols will
greatly help memorize and quickly identify them at a glance;
speeding up the process of interpreting them.
Research the various symbols’ meaning to gain greater
perspective of the overall meaning associated with each card.
The Internet is filled with tons of valuable information
pertaining to symbolism; so check out various outlooks, belief
systems and cultural viewpoints to each one to provide yourself
with a multitude of possible associations.
Always pay attention to your thoughts and intuition as well, as
this will most likely prove to be beneficial in personalizing
the reading for each individual. The more in-tune your are to
their energy, the easier it is to discern the signs and symbols
within each card that applies to that specific individual.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual who chooses to read and
interpret the Tarot as to how much study they are willing to do
and to what depth and degree. But keep in mind, the more
knowledgeable you become with the symbolism it will greatly
enhance your ability to interpret the cards more thoroughly and
accurately.
Each source will provide a different viewpoint to shed light and
help expand your mind by showing you various possibilities that
you may not have considered previously so that you may discern
and decide for yourself the meaning that best matches your own
perception and understanding.
That is why I highly recommend keeping track of all the possible
interpretations of the various symbols associated with the Tarot
and try to gain recognition of the various signs and symbols at
a glance; because the key is learning to quickly look at the
cards & draw a generalized overview of what the cards are saying
especially if you are doing a one-on-one reading for someone
else. If you are being paid to do the reading, keep in mind,
that they are paying for you to tell them valuable information
relative to them; not you spending all day trying to figure out
what the cards mean.
That is why I am pointing out the need to thoroughly study the
Tarot so that when you are interpreting them for someone else
you are confident in your ability to accurately access and read
the Tarot instead of appearing foolish and as if you don’t know
what you’re doing. Even if you’re not the best Tarot reader in
the world, if you act like you don’t know what you’re doing,
inevitably people will pick up on that. So make sure that you
always present yourself professionally, confidently and
knowledgeable of the subject. If you lack faith in yourself in
accurately interpreting the cards, the person you’re doing the
reading for will probably not have much faith in your abilities
either which could be bad for business, reputation and
self-esteem.
To avoid that situation, put forth the effort to truly study the
Tarot and it’s associated symbolism. Learn all that you can on
the subject and symbology. Take the time to memorize and
familiarize yourself with the various meanings. If you’re
planning on doing this professionally, this will prove to be
very beneficial to you. Don’t rush things, do your homework now
to avoid frustration in the future.
The better prepared you are to answer unexpected questions and
clarifying your interpretation for the client will enhance your
clients trust in your abilities. Be thorough and disciplined in
your approach. Treat this as if you were going back to school
and learning a new skill or trade. Set aside time within your
schedule to devote time to studying. A few hours a night or even
every week spending time focusing upon learning the Tarot will
help you. There’s only 78 cards so with a little discipline, it
shouldn’t take very long to make your way through the entire
deck and have a pretty good understanding.
The more knowledgeable you become the better you will become at
divining the Tarot effectively. Seek to utilize and master this
wonderful divination tool but always keep in mind, no matter how
much we may master something we are always students learning and
enhancing our understanding and the same applies to the art of
Tarot.
To Your Divinatory Success!
Leslie Fulger
Tarot Site Editor
BellaOnline.com