Tarot is a system of 78 cards used as a tool for reflection and guidance. Contrary to how it's sometimes portrayed, most tarot readers describe it less as fortune-telling and more as a structured way of exploring a question from different angles.
The structure of a tarot deck
A standard tarot deck has two parts:
- The Major Arcana - 22 cards representing significant life themes and turning points, such as The Fool, The Tower, and The Sun.
- The Minor Arcana - 56 cards split into four suits (Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles), each linked to a different area of life: emotions, ambition, conflict/thought, and material matters respectively.
What happens during a reading
A reading usually starts with a specific question or general area of focus. The reader shuffles the deck and lays out a set number of cards in a chosen pattern, or 'spread' - a simple 3-card spread (past/present/future) is common for beginners, while more complex questions may use larger spreads.
What to prepare before a reading
- A clear question or area of focus (career, relationships, decision-making, etc.)
- An open mind - tarot works best as a reflective tool rather than a fixed prediction
Want to experience a reading for yourself? Book a tarot consultation with our certified reader through the Appointment page.
