Keywords and Divinatory Meanings for Tarot Readings

Understanding tarot card meanings is crucial for learning tarot. By mastering just a few keywords for each card, you can build confidence and enhance your ability to read for others. Most tarot decks come with a guidebook that provides a brief section on each card’s meaning, tailored to the system or belief associated with that deck.

How Many Keywords Do You Need for Tarot Cards?

For many readers, knowing one or two keywords per card is sufficient. While some tarot practitioners excel at memorising a vast array of keywords, others find that simplicity is key. In this guide, we’ll explore how card meanings are structured, where they originate, and how you can develop your own interpretations. Keep in mind that some decks may use unfamiliar titles or symbols, so flexibility in your approach is essential.

Being Comfortable with Tarot Card Meanings

It’s important not to stress over memorising card meanings, especially during a reading. The meanings you’ve memorised might not always apply to every situation or client. Instead, trust your intuition—often, an idea or image will come to mind that resonates deeply with the person you’re reading for, even if it’s unexpected. Over time, your understanding of each card may evolve, and that’s perfectly natural. Tarot is a living system, and your interpretations should grow along with your experience.

The History of Tarot Card Meanings

The origins of tarot card meanings are often obscured by the secretive nature of their creators, many of whom were leaders of esoteric societies. These authors would sometimes deliberately complicate their teachings to entice students into joining their ranks. This led to “keyword stuffing,” where many terms were included to appear more authoritative. Language, however, evolves over time, and so must our understanding of tarot meanings.

Keywords in the Modern Age

Today, tarot decks come in all shapes and sizes, often reflecting diverse spiritual, religious, or lifestyle perspectives. While the visual aspects of these decks are important, it’s crucial to remember that they are interpretations, not fixed truths. Symbols and visuals can be both revealing and concealing, requiring careful consideration.

Keywords Using the Tree of Life

The Kabbalistic Tree of Life, introduced in the 17th century, links the 22 Hebrew letters with the 10 Sephiroth. While this structure was adopted by many secret societies, its use in tarot can be challenging. Understanding this system can provide valuable context, but it’s not essential for every reader.

Major Arcana Keywords

The 22 Major Arcana cards are closely related to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each with astrological attributions. However, over time, the connections between these elements have become distorted. Despite this, knowing the astrological and elemental associations can help clarify the meanings or at least guide your exploration.

Minor Arcana Keywords

The 40 Minor Arcana cards can be structured in several ways, typically by numbers or elements:

• Numbers: The cards are grouped by the numbers 1 to 10, each carrying its symbolic meaning.
• Elements: The four elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—provide a framework for understanding the qualities of each suit.
• Astrology: The 36 decanates of the zodiac also play a role in defining the Minor Arcana’s meanings, with influences from sources like the Picatrix.

Court Card Keywords

Court cards, representing the nuclear family and the four elements, can be the most challenging to interpret. Each card traditionally has a title—King/Knight for the male, Queen for the female, and Page/Princess for the daughter. However, court cards are versatile and can represent people in the client’s life, aspects of the client themselves, or situations. Keywords can be less effective here, so it’s important to remain open to the context of the reading.

Keywords for the Aces

Aces, such as the Ace of Wands or Ace of Cups, represent the root of each element rather than the element itself. Unlike the other Minor Arcana cards, Aces are often seen as a separate group, embodying the elemental aspects of Spirit rather than the physical world.

How to Find Tarot Card Meanings

Tarot card meanings are more accessible than ever, thanks to the vast resources available. Whether you’re searching for specific keywords or exploring the broader symbolism of a card, there are tools to help you navigate the complexities of tarot.

Navigation Tips

When searching for tarot card meanings, consider using online resources or guidebooks that organise information by deck, suit, or card type. For example, the Rider-Waite, Golden Dawn, and Book of Thoth decks each have their own systems and interpretations. Understanding the attributions—whether elemental, astrological, or numerical—can provide deeper insights into the cards and their meanings.

Tarot is a rich and evolving practice, with meanings that can shift over time and with experience. By starting with a few key concepts and remaining open to new interpretations, you can deepen your understanding of this ancient and powerful tool.