MAJOR ARCANA TAROT INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction deja vodou major arcana tarot deck new orleans lousisiana The tarot is a pack of playing cards used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn states, “The most powerful sources of information come from within; the Tarot aids in coming in contact with one’s Higher Self.” The Tarot archetypes represented in the major arcana are pictures that represent life and the stages and experiences we all go through. It’s meant to be the story of one’s journey through life starting as The Fool [young, pure energy in spirit form] moving through events and cycles and finding completion in The World [the end of our life cycle]. This booklet will give a general beginners course in the art of Tarot-card reading. To become an expert reader, practice is essential. There are books and courses available, you can even become certified.
Meaning
(1)
THE MAGICIAN consciousness, action
(2)
THE HIGH PRIESTESS sound judgment
(3)
THE EMPRESS fertility, pleasure, health
(4)
THE EMPEROR order, discipline, stability
(5)
THE HIEROPHANT knowledge, duality
(6)
THE LOVERS connection, humanism
(7)
THE CHARIOT honor, confidence, pride
(8)
STRENGTH composure, gentleness
(9)
THE HERMIT introspection, reclusion
(10) WHEEL OF FORTUNE fate, development (11) JUSTICE insensitivity, rationale, analysis (12) THE HANGED MAN sacrifice, suspension (13) DEATH transformation, conclusion, loss (14) TEMPERANCE moderation, recovery, well (15) THE DEVIL materialism, lust, ignorance (16) THE TOWER chaos, downfall, revelation (17) THE STAR calmness, pure essence, faith (18) THE MOON obscured vision, anxiety (19) THE SUN optimism, innocence, joy (20) JUDGMENT rebirth, salvation, hope (21) THE WORLD fulfillment, contentment (0)
THE FOOL spirit in search of experience
Reading the Deck
Tarot is not intended to answer specific yes or no questions, but instead should be used as a guide to help you make the decision yourself. There are two types of Tarot readings; question readings and open readings. QUESTION READING In question readings, you are addressing a specific question. In order to stay open to other points of view, your question has to be neutral and not convey a preconceived notion that your view is necessarily the right one. Your question should be focused, but not overly detailed. For this reason, the way a question is stated is very important. · Keep your options open · Find the best level of detail · Focus on yourself · Stay neutral · Be positive OPEN READING Open readings address the larger aspects of your life rather than a specific problem area or question. They’re usually done when you’re entering a new phase of life.
Reading the Spread
Before a reading is performed, the cards are shuffled by the person receiving the reading. The person receiving the reading should be concentrating on the question. Once the cards are shuffled and the deck has been cut, the reader lays out the cards in a pattern called the spread. Each position in the spread has a meaning, and there are many different types of spreads.
“The Three Card” Spread 1. Past Background 2. Present Problem 3. Future Advice
1
3
5
“The Five Card” Spread 1. Present/Theme 2. Past Influences 3. Future 4. Reason 5. Potential
2
2
1
4
3
“The Celtic Cross” Spread 1. Present 2. Challenge 3. Distant Past 4. Recent Past 5. Best Outcome 6. Immediate Future 7. Affecting Factors 8. External Influences 9. Hopes and Fears 10. Final Outcome
10 5 9 1
6
3 2
8
4 7
“The Ellipse” Spread 1. Past 2. Present 3. Future 4. Advice 5. External Influences 6. Hopes and Fears 7. Final Outcome
1
7 2
6 3
5 4
“The Deciding” Spread 1
1. Present 2. Affecting Factors 3. External Influences 4. Advice
2
3
4
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