A beginner's guide to the Asktheanswer tarot deck.
What is the tarot?
At it simplest the tarot is a set of 78 cards, each featuring a different symbolic picture. A conventional deck is divided into two sections: 22 cards called the major arcana or trumps, and 56 cards called the minor arcana. The minor arcana is itself divided into four suits, consisting of 10 cards numbered one (Ace) to 10 and four cards called the court cards.
Tarot cards are used for a number of things. They are most commonly viewed as a tool for divination, where someone (the seeker) is looking for answers to personal questions usually relating to a challenge or a difficult situation. The reader interprets the meaning of the cards. Normally the seeker shuffles and cuts the cards, and the reader will lay out the chosen cards into a pattern called a spread.
Each position on the spread has a specific focus, such as 'possible outcome', 'recent past' and so on. The reader will combine the meaning of the card and the focus of the card position in order to shed light on your question. This can be done in a face-to-face reading, remotely, through the Internet, email, snailmail or telephone.
But the tarot is more that that. Many people use it as a tool of understanding, self-development, healing, meditation or visualisation. Tarot journaling is now very popular, this when you pick a card (sometimes two or three) and relate it to your day-to-day experience by writing about in a journal (or blog).
Many people collect tarot decks purely for their artistic merits. Some are interested in the history of the tarot. Others simply want to play card games using the tarot (still very popular in France and Italy today).
How does the tarot work?
I've described above the basic method of tarot reading. But many people ask how can a few cards, pulled seemingly at random, tell you anything at all. The power of the tarot lies in its pictures and rich symbolism. We look at the pictures and they speak to us, whether it is through learning meanings, cultural influence (link to article on the history of the tarot), or feelings coming from the unconscious.
This has value and meaning to us - the cards and the reading together tell a story. A successful tarot reading depends on the skill of the reader and the honesty of the seeker. Seeing into the future is only a very small part of any reading, the main part is to enable you to see what needs to be done in order to fulfil your potential or solve your problems. If you've never had a reading, try it, you'll be surprised.
How does the AsktheAnswer tarot deck differ from other decks?
Like many other decks the AsktheAnswer tarot deck is based on the Rider-Waite deck. Because the deck needed to be Internet friendly, we've simplified the images to make them easier to see and understand. The minor cards numbered from one to 10 have been simplified by only showing the emblem of the suit and the number of the card. The court cards are all individual portraits. We liked the resulting deck so much that we decided to create a 'real' physical deck.
What sort of questions can I ask?
Most people consult the tarot when they are facing a challenge or a difficult situation to help understand the situation and what to do about it. This is why framing your question is so important.
First review your situation thoroughly: who is involved, what are your options for the future etc. When formulating your question make sure that you accept responsibility for your situation. Avoid questions with a yes or no answer, or ones that start with 'should', or even very specific time related questions. Look at beginning your question with:
- how might I...?
- what is the meaning of...?
- what do I need to understand about...?
- can you give me a better insight into...?
Think about how much detail you want to focus on and remember that the reading is centred on you and your actions so try to be positive and stay as neutral as possible. Ultimately, it is your reading and your choice of question. You may even to choose not to ask a question and just let the cards speak to you. That is the beauty of tarot, you will hear what you need to hear, although the more you invest the better the reward.
If I get the Death card in a reading does this mean that someone I know will die?
This card does not show someone's death, so don't freak out if you get this card in a reading. It does represent a change, possibly a death of the old self and of old habits so that you can move on with your life. If you are honest with yourself, you know it is necessary. For the AsktheAnswer card we have replaced the traditional image of the skeleton with the image of the Death's Head Hawk Moth: in order to become this incredible and beautiful moth, it first has to undergo an amazing transformation from a caterpillar.
What is two-card tarot?
Two card tarot is a simple reading involving one major card and one minor card which, when combined, give you a reading.
The major card you choose sets the agenda for your reading by defining the issue that you want your reading to address.
The minor card tells you how this issue is affecting you at the present time. Is it something that where, with guidance, you can turn your thoughts into actions or is it all about your emotions? The minor card can also point the way to your potential achievements and show how an emotional investment on your part can influence the outcome. The specific card will show us where you currently are in this process.
Once you have selected your two cards, you will need to interpret them. You will see where you are and what your next steps you could take along the path to your answer. For example, it may be that something you want to do is not the right choice for you at this time, it may be that now is the time to work hard and push yourself to achieve your goal or it might be time to leave your emotions behind and focus on being detached to achieve your goal.
Two-card tarot is a quick, simple reading and you should think of it as a snapshot of your situation, rather than a video. In a two card reading you will not get the same sort of detail that a reading using more cards will give you. However, the advantage a two-card reading is that it is quick, which means you can begin to deal with the issues that are concerning you rather than going for a reading using more of the tarot deck. It is also an excellent way to get use to the cards and their meanings.
The major arcana
The major arcana is often represented as a journey, usually called 'the Fool's journey'. By giving you a brief description of the meaning of the each card you can see how the cards show the ebb and flow of a persons' journey in life, with lots of ups and downs, successes and crises. Looking at the major arcana in isolation, the focus will be on a spiritual journey, but it also deals with the more mundane, usually the things that most immediately concern us: home, family, relationships, jobs and money. When you get a major arcana card in a reading it usually talks about the big picture in your life, and the other cards in the reading will reveal the detail. With an Asktheanswer two-card reading the second card you pick will be one from the minor arcana and this focuses on the day to day and the practical issues of the reading.
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0. The Fool: The Fool represents new beginnings and/or the start of a journey. This is a time for daydreaming in a happy and joyous way. Naivety, inexperience, spontaneity and faith are all keywords for the Fool. This card represents the tarot and the major arcana in particular.
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1. The Magician: he represents the male or yang life force (remember this is present in both men and women). This is a card of willpower, control, knowledge and genius. When you get this card it shows that is a time of power and creativity in your life. You have the ability to move on with a project or your life.
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2. The High Priestess: she represents the female or yin life force (again, present in both men and women). At this time you are very psychically aware, often you are trusting, and you will feel that time is somehow suspended. This card symbolises intuition and silence. Take a time out as this card shows that the future is yet to be revealed to you.
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3. The Empress: This card makes most people smile and relax. A Mother figure, this card shows you a nurturing, passionate and earthy side. The Empress is fertility personified; this can be creative or sexual. It is a time of growth. In some readings the Empress can represent your mother.
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4. The Emperor: Many people only see the negative side of this card: the stern figure representing authority. He is a father figure and he does represent worldly authority. He is also nurturing in a practical way, he is ambitious and has a practical and logical mind. Hardworking, he aims high and expects you to follow. He commands respect and has something valuable to say. These are all positive qualities for you to aspire. This card also reminds you of the need to act responsibly. In some readings the Emperor can represent your father.
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5. The Hierophant: This card embodies the traditions of our culture, particularly the moral and religious teachings of our heritage. The Hierophant suggests conformity: being seen to do the right thing, even a hint of 'keeping up with the Jones''. It has a hypocritical feel to it.
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6. The Lovers: The Asktheanswer card has two hearts, representing a couple but not showing any gender. We have two people in love and in a relationship. We also have a card showing the mountain that they have to climb together, the stream in the card represent the obstacles that they will have to overcome together. This couple is earthed together, they will move forward together but they will do so also as individuals.
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7. The Chariot: this combines the elements and qualities of the previous cards. Your life is taking shape and direction, you have received guidance and you know where you are going. You need to apply the willpower of the Chariot in order to make things get off the ground. In a reading the Chariot can refer to travel.
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8. Strength: A card of courage, inner strength and confidence. You need to trust yourself to act in the best possible way and with integrity. Strength can symbolise strong emotions that could threaten to overpower you, so you will have to learn to deals with these and keep a lid on them.
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9. The Hermit: this card represents the past and a need for solitude. It's a time to stop and do nothing; you need to enjoy your own company for a while. Reflect and look back on your spiritual influences, this card can represent a mentor. The Asktheanswer card shows you a warm and inviting place for you to go, use this opportunity positively as this 'time out' will be of benefit to you.
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10. The Wheel of Fortune: this is the card of fate and karma. This reminds us that we have very little control as to what life might throw at us. So, with no guarantees of what the future will hold, invest in the present and hope you can create your own luck and the wheel will spin in your favour.
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11. Justice: this powerful card reminds us that we need to keep in balance, the scales are even and our eyes must remain open. Justice demands that we look at our lives and ourselves honestly. The sword of Justice is two edged and we must remember that a just outcome is not always the outcome that we hope for.
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12. The Hanged Man: this card is an opportunity for you to look at life through a different perspective; it can mean some sort of self-sacrifice. If a current situation is causing you problems, try to look at it differently. It is certainly a time for you to do nothing or to do something differently for a while; you will know when it is time to start up again.
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13. Death: this card does NOT show someone's death, so try not to freak out if you receive this card in a reading. It does represent a change, possibly a death of the old self and of old habits so that you can move on with your life. If you are honest with yourself, you know it is necessary. For the Asktheanswer card we have replaced the traditional image of the skeleton with the image of the Death's Head Hawk Moth: in order to become this incredible and beautiful moth, it first has to undergo an amazing transformation from a caterpillar. During pupation it buries itself, its body will dissolve and reform before emerging into the adult moth.
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14. Temperance: with this card you stand with one foot firmly on the ground and one foot in the water. This represents your actions in the world and your emotions. It's a question of mixing and blending the two. It's also a holiday card and one that encourages you to experience different cultures.
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15. The Devil: this represents temptation. It is the ultimate 'naughty' card. The Devil warns you against of doing things to excess. This could lead you to a form of emotional bondage. The message with the tarot is always that the solution lies within you: you can release yourself from this oppressive situation at any time.
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16. The Tower: coming immediately after the Devil, the Tower shows us that freeing ourselves from illusions or an oppressive situation always involves some pain and possibly some destruction. This is an unsettling card, there is no gentleness involved: things will never be the same again. But the tarot is optimistic, so after the dust has settled you will start to rebuild and the experience will liberate you.
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17. The Star: this is the calm after the storm; the Star represents your hopes and wishes. Consider what you hope to achieve and use this period of calm to build up your confidence in the future.
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18. The Moon: things look very different under moonlight; they can be a bit scary. This is the card of illusions and delusions; your emotions will come to the surface and you will need an outlet for them. Our dreams and intuition may become stronger; if you embrace and understand them you will become stronger.
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19. The Sun: under the light of the Sun things look clear and sharp. This is a time of success: in a relationship, in your home or at work, in your studies. There is energy and optimism within you and you are confident and ambitious. This card often relates to the family.
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20. Judgement: time to sit up and decide which direction you want to go in. Stop sitting on the fence, you've got to make up your mind. Reflect on what you have achieved, be satisfied that you did the best that you could. A wonderful change has occurred, it is time to do your own thing.
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21. The World: this card signifies success and fulfilment. Look at what you can achieve, the more you invest into your personal development, into how you are, the more you gain.
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The minor arcana
You will find a brief description of every card from the minor arcana.
Cups
Swords
Pentacles
Wands
The tarot: a bit of history and a few myths dispelled
Do we know where the tarot originates? The answer is no. However, there are a few myths that we can dispel:
1.The tarot did not originate from ancient Egypt. Although this myth may still appear in some books on the tarot it was all based on a fabricated document of the late 18th century.
2. Neither did the tarot originate from the Romany better known as the Gypsies. This is a 19th century fiction perpetuated through novels and films.
What we do know: The first recognisable tarot deck dates from Italy in 1441, it belonged to the Court of Filipo Maria Visconti, the Duke of Milan and although it's just a fragment it is very significant. A nearly complete deck from 1450 (74 cards survive from a 78 card deck) it was commissioned as a wedding present for a marriage between the Visconti family and the Sforza family. Reproductions of this beautiful deck, called the Visconti-Sforza deck, are available for purchase to this day.
From then on, the cards became very popular and developed through the centuries, mainly as a game. It is worth bearing in mind that although a lot of people believe that the game of cards developed from the tarot it appears that the tarot and playing cards evolved side-by-side. Also the joker that appears in the modern pack of cards is actually a 19th century invention. The game of tarot is still played today in countries like France and Italy. The deck used for games tends to be the Tarot de Marseille, or similar clones, from a design that can be dated back to the 16th century. This deck can also be used in divination, in fact most later occult decks rely heavily on the pictures and the symbols found in this deck.
In the late 18th century Jean-Baptiste Aliette also known as Etteila can create certain the "Grand Etteila Tarots Egyptiens". Designed for divination each card contained a specific meaning. This deck became very popular and it sparked many imitations.
The Golden Dawn: founded in 1888 this order was responsible for the fusion of various strands of western magic and occult philosophy. Into this melting pot went ideas from the Renaissance, Egypt and of course the Kabbalah. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a secret society and although it only lasted 15 years it was to have a profound influence on the development of western paganism and the development of the tarot. An important side factor: it was one of the first such societies to allow women in its ranks and that was very important for the next step in the evolution of the tarot. Although you can purchase the Golden Dawn tarot today it was not originally available in a published format. The Order expected its members to copy the original and colour it by hand. The Golden Dawn tarot moved the Minor Arcana nearer to full representation by showing a symbolic image on each card. The cards are also closely tied to the Kabbalah, by using an interpretation system based on the "Tree of Life" and the Elements for each suit. The Minor cards bear a subtitle title with one or two words giving a basic theme. There is no doubt that the Golden Dawn tarot influenced subsequent decks.
The Rider-Waite deck: this deck should really be called the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A company called Rider was the publisher, Arthur Edward Waite was the designer and Pamela Coleman Smith was the artist. This deck was revolutionary because for the first time the pips (card numbers 1 to 10 of the Minor Arcana) incorporated a scene that had a specific meaning. This meaning was found in the booklet written by Waite along with an interpretation of each card (Pictorial key to the Tarot). So important was this deck that it is still the most common deck sold and it appears in most books teaching in the tarot. Much imitated, there are several versions of this deck that you can buy today and pretty much all decks published today are in some way derived from the Rider-Waite including the Asktheanswer deck.
The Thoth deck: Aleister Crowley was the designer and Lady Frieda Harris was the artist. They produced a deck with remarkable images of great artistic merit and complex ideas. But the deck was only published after the death of its creators in 1969. Some people resist buying this deck because of its association with Aleister Crowley and because it is deemed difficult. It is without doubt a powerful deck and may not be suitable for beginners. The Thoth deck has inspired many clones and continues to be an influence today.
The BOTA deck: Paul Foster Case was the designer and Jesse Burns Parke was the artist. The Builders of the Adytum was one the first occult Orders to go public. This deck is an offshoot of the Smith design, students obtained their cards uncoloured and had to hand colour them to an exact standard
From then on thousands of new decks were created, largely derivatives of the Rider Waite or the Thoth deck. There are new tarot decks being created all the time and covering an amazing range of themes.
Glossary
Air: one of the four traditional elements: air, earth, water, fire. In the Tarot it is associated with the suit of Swords. Qualities: ?
Analysis: looking at all the meanings & positions of the cards in order to interpret the meaning of a tarot spread.
Arcana: this is the plural of Arcanum, which derives from the Latin arc. It refers to what is hidden & secret, something only accessible to those in the know or members of a secret society. In the Tarot it refers to the two section of the Tarot pack: the Major (Greater) Arcana & the Minor (Lesser) Arcana & the meaning of each card.
Archetype: Symbols of the unconscious. These forms can be common across cultures & are part of our genetic makeup. There are plenty of symbols in the Tarot that refer back to archetypes: the child, the hero, the mother, the father, the trickster (or fool), the wise old man (hermit), the teacher, the emperor (Patriarch).
Astrology: a study of the positions & movements of the stars & planets & its influence on the nature & lives of human beings. Western astrology looks at the movements of the moon, the stars & the planets of the solar system in relation to the 12 constellations known as the zodiac. Many tarot decks uses correspondences to astrology & assign specific cards to certain zodiac signs, planets etc. Many tarotists will also combine the tarot with elements of astrology when giving a reading.
Baton: see Wands
B.O.T.A: The Builders of the Adytum, a school for the study of Tarot and Kabbalah created by Golden Dawn member Paul Foster Case. They issue members with a set of tarot cards in outline only, they then need to be coloured in individually.
Celtic cross - great cross: one of the most popular tarot spreads
Chalice: A large cup or goblet. In the Christian Eucharist the chalice is the goblet containing the consecrated wine. It is also used in Pagan ceremonies, representing the element of water. It is a image that occurs frequently in the tarot, often symbolizing the Holy Grail or the element of Water.
Clone: refers to Tarot decks that are inspired or follow closely the imagery of other decks. Usually the Rider-Waite-Smith deck or the Thoth deck.
Coins: see Pentacles
Consultant: The Tarot reader
Court cards: 4 cards in every suit - traditionally page, knight, queen, king - because of the perceived imbalance between male & female some decks replace these with 2 male & 2 female cards such as son, daughter, man & woman.
Cups: one of the suits in the minor arcana. Represents the element of water, spirituality, the unconscious, emotions etc.
Devil's picture: derogative term for card games & in particular the Tarot
Dignified: see Upright
Disks: see Pentacles
Divination: the practice, through the use of intuition or psychic abilities, of trying to foretell the future or discover hidden knowledge
Diviner: one who practices divination
Fool's journey: the progress that can be described through the major arcana, is often called the fool's journey - the fool is the first card (number 0) - it represent the soul's path through life and beyond. It can be found as a story.
Golden Dawn: Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn, a late 19C - early 20C occult movement.
Hearts: in the modern pack of cards, originally cups
Ill-dignified: see Reversed Card.
Interpretation: the reader interprets the card of a Tarot spread, this gives the reading.
Inverted: see Reversed Card.
Keywords: are one word definitions assigned to cards to help the reader interpret during a reading. Often used to help learn the Tarot
Layouts: see spreads
LWB: 'little white book' the small explanatory booklet that accompanies tarot decks when purchased.
Major Arcana: 22 cards consisting of: Fool, Magician, High Priestess [or La Papessa/Popess], Empress, Emperor, Hierophant [or Pope], Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Star, Moon, Sun, Judgement, World
All 22 cards of the Major Arcana are pictorial, numbered, and captioned.
(alt. names Greater Arcana, Trumps)
Moon: card in the Major Arcana - face number 18
Pentacles: (aka coins, discs)
Pips: see minor arcana
Querent: the person who is asking questions from the tarot. A.k.a seeker
Reader: person who is performing the tarot reading
Reading: the process of laying out the cards and analysing them in order to draw out the meaning and/or predictions for the querent.
Reversed Card: cards that appear upside down during a reading, they will have a different interpretation from the upright card. Not all tarotists interpret these cards differently. Round decks can be interpreted with a number of variations according to the degree of 'tilt' in the card. (alternative names: ill-dignified, inverted)
Rods: see Wands
Sceptres: see Wands
Seeker: someone who is looking for answers to personal questions a.k.a querent
Shuffling: an essential part of the reading. The Tarot deck is shuffled by either the querent or the reader in order to provide a 'random' selection of cards from which to draw a spread. The process is supposed to influence how the cards turn out; the aura of the querent or reader and the question asked should bring out the 'right' cards for the reading.
Staves: see Wands
Suit: common to both the Tarot and playing cards, a suit is a group of cards, with the same pattern (wands, clubs, discs, hearts etc) but with a different number assigned to each (usually 1 to 10) and including the court cards (4 for Tarot, 3 for playing cards)
Sword: one of the suits in the Minor Arcana. Represents the element of air, intellect etc.
Tarot: pack of 78 cards divided into 2 groups: Major Arcana & Minor Arcana. The Tarot is principally used for fortune-telling. In certain countries in Europe (Italy, France) it is also a game.
Tarotist: someone who uses the Tarot.
Tarrochi: Italian name for the game of Tarot
Trumps: see Major Arcana
Upright: (a.k.a dignified)
Wands: (aka rods, staves, baton)
Bibliography:
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot by Rachel Pollack
Publisher: Thorsons Publishers; 2nd Ed edition (April 1, 1998)
ISBN: 0722535724. Buy this book (link to Amazon)
Complete Illustrated Guide to the Tarot by Rachel Pollack
Publisher: Element Books (February 18, 2002) ISBN: 0007131151. Buy this book (link to Amazon)
The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination by Robert M. Place
Publisher: Jeremy P Tarcher; April 2005; ISBN: 1585423491. Buy this book (link to Amazon)
For beginners
Joan Bunning - Learning the Tarot is excellent and will quickly get you started.
Teresa Michelsen - Complete Tarot Reader is great once you have grasped the basic meanings of the cards.
by Nathalie Schorbon
on 07/06/2006
