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Learn The 78 Tarot Cards in Two Hours (pt 1/2)

Ben Lucas・61 minutes read

The Rider-Waite Smith deck is commonly referenced for learning tarot card reading due to its well-known symbolism and the deck includes 78 cards, which can initially seem overwhelming to learn and memorize. Different suits and cards in tarot symbolize various classes and concepts, each carrying unique meanings and interpretations.

Insights

  • The Rider-Waite Smith deck is a popular choice for tarot card reading due to its widely recognized symbolism, aiding learners in understanding the cards' meanings.
  • The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into Minor Arcana (56 cards) and Major Arcana (22 cards), each offering unique layers of interpretation and symbolism.
  • Each suit in tarot - Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles - carries distinct representations, such as power and change (Swords), struggle and passion (Wands), deep love and emotions (Cups), and material wealth and everyday concerns (Pentacles), enriching the reading experience with diverse thematic elements.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Ace of Swords in tarot?

    The Ace of Swords symbolizes awakening to new challenges and opportunities. It represents the inception of ideas, new beginnings, and the root of the Swords suit. This card signifies mental clarity, truth, and the power to overcome obstacles with strength and determination. When this card appears in a reading, it often indicates a breakthrough, a surge of energy, or a fresh perspective on a situation.

  • How does the Two of Wands card relate to tarot symbolism?

    The Two of Wands in tarot signifies a struggle between choices and embarking on a journey for its own sake. It represents decision-making, planning, and taking the first steps towards a goal or vision. This card encourages exploration, ambition, and embracing opportunities that lie ahead. It suggests that it is time to step out of your comfort zone, make decisions, and pursue your aspirations with confidence and determination.

  • What does the Three of Cups symbolize in tarot readings?

    The Three of Cups in tarot represents celebration, joy, and new beginnings in relationships or social connections. It signifies friendship, community, and shared happiness with others. This card often appears when there is a reason to rejoice, come together with loved ones, or celebrate achievements. It encourages you to embrace the positive energy around you, express gratitude, and enjoy the moments of connection and camaraderie in your life.

  • How is the Seven of Swords card interpreted in tarot readings?

    The Seven of Swords in tarot symbolizes deception, betrayal, and the need to protect oneself from dishonesty or theft. It suggests caution, vigilance, and being aware of hidden motives or actions of others. This card often indicates a situation where one needs to be strategic, guard their ideas or plans, and avoid being taken advantage of. It advises you to trust your instincts, stay alert, and take steps to safeguard your interests.

  • What does the Nine of Pentacles represent in tarot readings?

    The Nine of Pentacles in tarot signifies spiritual and emotional abundance, contentment, and fulfillment in various aspects of life. It represents material well-being, self-sufficiency, and enjoying the fruits of your labor. This card often appears when you have achieved a sense of security, prosperity, and harmony within yourself. It encourages you to appreciate the blessings around you, cultivate gratitude, and find joy in the simple pleasures that bring you peace and satisfaction.

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Summary

00:00

Learning Tarot: Symbolism, Meanings, and Interpretation

  • The Rider-Waite Smith deck is commonly referenced for learning tarot card reading due to its well-known symbolism.
  • There are 78 cards in the deck, which can initially seem overwhelming to learn and memorize.
  • Utilizing resources like Eclectic Tarot, the Rider-Waite booklet, and Tarotpedia, meanings for the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana can be created within an hour.
  • The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each relating to the cards of the Minor Arcana, providing additional layers of interpretation.
  • The four suits in tarot - Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles - historically represent different classes and concepts.
  • Swords symbolize power and change, Wands represent struggle and passion, Cups signify deep love and emotions, and Pentacles relate to material wealth and everyday concerns.
  • The Aces in tarot symbolize new beginnings and the inception of ideas, each relating to the magician and representing the root of each suit.
  • The Ace of Swords signifies awakening to new challenges, the Ace of Wands represents new passion, the Ace of Cups symbolizes new love, and the Ace of Pentacles indicates new luck and prosperity.
  • The Twos in tarot relate to the High Priestess, representing duality and decision-making, a point between two choices or paths.
  • The High Priestess holds secret knowledge and inspires creation, symbolizing a middle ground between idea and manifestation, embodying strength, unity, and mystery.

18:49

"Twos and Threes: Symbolism in Tarot Cards"

  • Twos represent instinctual wisdom and undirected energy waiting to be channeled into new directions.
  • The Two of Swords shows a blindfolded woman with crossed swords, symbolizing impartiality and being caught between conflicting ideas or people.
  • The Two of Wands portrays a man holding the world in his hands, symbolizing a struggle between choices and embarking on a journey for its own sake.
  • The Two of Cups features two people sharing a cup, symbolizing unexpected meetings that can change one's course, with intertwined snakes representing commerce and negotiation.
  • The Two of Pentacles shows a man juggling two coins, balancing aspects of life like health, finances, or security to maintain balance and make choices.
  • Threes symbolize the Empress, representing fertility of ideas and actions, the start of bringing ideas to fruition, and the beginning of taking action.
  • The Three of Swords depicts heartache or pain from love or disillusionment, symbolizing the death of closely held beliefs or feelings.
  • The Three of Wands shows a man arriving at the edge of his land, symbolizing embarking on a journey with progress and hints of dreams becoming real.
  • The Three of Cups features three maidens celebrating, symbolizing new beginnings and embarking on endeavors of the heart.
  • The Three of Pentacles shows a craftsman showing his work to patrons, symbolizing further opportunities and rewards for past efforts in earthly concerns.

37:27

"Tarot Cards: Symbolism and Life Lessons"

  • Victory parade is temporary, recognition is fleeting, reminding one not to rest on laurels.
  • The Six of Cups symbolizes nostalgia, simple pleasures, and sharing joy with others.
  • The Six of Pentacles emphasizes generosity, giving, receiving, and assessing one's position.
  • The Sevens represent instability, a rollercoaster of life with ups and downs, needing harnessing.
  • The Seven of Swords depicts theft, treachery, loss, and the need to protect one's ideas and power.
  • The Seven of Wands shows a man under attack, standing his ground against challenges.
  • The Seven of Cups signifies options, indecision, and the need to focus on desires realistically.
  • The Seven of Pentacles portrays a laborer dissatisfied with his efforts, facing doubts and patience.
  • The Eights symbolize strength, progress, momentum, and mastering control over forces.
  • The Nine cards represent completion, reflection, peace, withdrawal, and the summing up of efforts.

56:20

Tarot Cards: Symbolism and Interpretation

  • The Nine of Pentacles or Coins signifies spiritual or emotional goodness, possibly involving support from friends, discovery of heartwarming elements, satisfaction in relationships, joy, creativity, and happiness.
  • This card portrays a woman in a lush garden, symbolizing health, luck, money, and solid work leading to comfort and satisfaction beyond oneself.
  • The Tens, like the Wheel of Fortune, represent a circle of completion, transitioning, and change, symbolizing the wrapping up of tasks, tidying loose ends, and embracing new beginnings.
  • The Ten of Swords depicts a man with swords in his back, symbolizing the end or finalization of ideas, projects, dreams, or goals, possibly indicating pain, loss, or desolation.
  • The Ten of Wands shows a man carrying a heavy burden of wands, signifying the burden of success and responsibility, suggesting the need to lighten the load and rediscover joy in pursuits.
  • The Ten of Cups represents emotional well-being, stability in home life, and fulfillment, predicting good times with loved ones, special occasions, and happiness through emotional integration.
  • The Ten of Pentacles or Coins illustrates comfort, wealth, and harmony, emphasizing sharing and generosity to create goodwill, harmony, and loyalty.
  • The Court Cards include Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings, representing specific individuals or roles in one's life, with Pages symbolizing children, Knights older youths, Queens and Kings adult figures.
  • The Page of Swords symbolizes cautious possession of knowledge or power, guarding it rather than sharing, representing immature handling of information.
  • The Page of Wands signifies enthusiasm, risk-taking, and adventure in new undertakings, suggesting a willingness to explore and embrace excitement and new experiences.

01:15:39

"Tarot Kings: Leaders of Strength and Wisdom"

  • The Queen of Pentacles is depicted as a woman of great intuition, offering emotional support and empathy, but also capable of emotional manipulation and moodiness. She finds strength in quiet reflection and values traditions and community.
  • The King of Swords is portrayed as a fair and impartial judge with strong beliefs and rational viewpoints. He can seem distant and harsh, but his decisions are based on a deep understanding of circumstances and consequences.
  • The King of Wands is described as a charismatic leader who inspires followers with his vision and energy. He focuses on his goals and does not stop for those who fall behind, leading to either admiration or animosity from others.
  • The King of Cups is depicted as a nurturing and supportive figure, promoting self-improvement and common understanding. He is a master of emotions and resolves troubles, winning respect and allegiance from others.
  • The King of Pentacles is characterized as a self-reliant and confident man who inspires hard work in others. He values experience and storytelling, repays assistance given to him, and provides for those close to him while expecting them to do their best without becoming burdensome.
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