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Understanding the Tarot Card Deck
Part 1
By Lisa Lamont
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
About the Author
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
For more information about tarot, tarot card and tarot readings, see:
IChing - Free Online Readings A Click Away
Tarot Reading - Free or In-Depth Tarot Reading
Tarot Articles - Directory Tarot Readings and Cards
To Get Your Own Personal Astrology Reports, See:
Horocope Compatibility - Discover How Compatible You and Your Partner Are
Astrology Birth Chart Reports - Custom Birth Charts and Readings
Astrology for Children - Great Child/Teen Astrology Reading Guide for Parents
Daily Horoscopes
Tarot Reading - Free or In-Depth Tarot Reading
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