Tarot Cards Misbehaving

During the process of shuffling, it is not unusual for the tarot cards to misbehave, jump out of the deck, turning upright. These cards are trying to get your attention, and need to be evaluated into the reading.

Some readers place the cards upon the table, and then continue to shuffle. I return the cards to the deck, but take note of them. It's amazing how often the cards return as part of the spread. But, even if they don't, they get some attention in the reading. They get double attention if they return.

What do you do with your misbehaving tarot cards?

Quintessential Tarot Card

The Quintessential Card is the overview of a tarot reading. It can bring the cards together in a more meaningful manner or give a last piece of advice to the questioner. Not all readers use this method, but it is an added bonus to any reading.

The Quintessential Card is found by adding the numerical value of all the cards together and reducing the number if more than 22. You then pick the card corresponding with the number from the Major Arcana. The Fool can be viewed as either 0 or 22.

The court cards, with no numerical value suggested, can be viewed upon in numerous ways. The important thing is to follow the same process during each reading. Some readers give the court cards the value of 0. Another way is to value the court cards as they fall in sequence to their suit. (Pages = 11, Knights = 12, Queens = 13, Kings = 14) You will find that wherever you look for advice to determine these values there are many different opinions. Some give these values: 1 to Kings, 2 to Queens, 3 to Knights and 4 to Pages. You decide, but think on this: No numbers appear on the cards; therefore they truly have no numerical value.

For example: In a three card reading, you pull the 10 of pentacles, 6 of wands, and the Chariot (7). Your formula would look like this: 10+6+7=23. Since 23 is greater than 22, reduce it once more: 2+3=5. The corresponding card, the Quintessential Card, would be the Hierophant.

Give this a try with your next tarot reading. You'll be amazed by the accurate overview, no matter the size of the reading.

Tarot Personalities - The Fool

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Each tarot card has its own personality. By relating these personalities to someone you know you gain yet another way to recall the meaning of the card.

The Fool (upright) - outgoing, fearless, adventurous, daring

The Fool (reversed) - cautious, fearful, introvert (while this card can also warn against taking unnecessary risks - gamblers, risk takers, daredevils)

Who do you know who share the personality of The Fool?

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Tarot Questions - The Fool

Rider-Waite

Sometimes you may want to do a reading, but you're not sure what to ask. This may happen a lot during practice. One way to form a question is to ask the tarot. Pick one card and form your question. Don't forget to return the card before doing your reading. This can not only make the cards more familiar, but it also help you learn to form better questions for the tarot.

The Fool (upright) - In what area of my life do I hold back? What can I do to feel more relaxed in my life? How can I be bolder and take charge of my own direction in life?

The Fool (reversed) - Where in my life should I be more cautious? How can I be sure my choice is the correct choice? Which direction should I go concerning my career?

These are only a few examples. What question(s) can you think of for the Fool?

Tarot Phrases - The Fool

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Using catchy phrases for the tarot cards is another method to become more familiar with each. It's like when you try to remember a person's name, or a favorite movie title, or a test question. By remembering something related, you more easily recall the meaning or answer.

The Fool (upright) - Take a leap of faith.

The Fool (reversed) - Be careful where you step.

What are some catchy phrases you can come up with for The Fool?

A Tarot Dictionary Entry - The Fool

Rider-Waite

In an earlier post, using a tarot journal as your own personal dictionary was mentioned. This is more helpful than you can imagine. By doing this, you refer back to your own thoughts rather than someone else's opinion. And eventually, you will only look back occasionally. Also, you can add to your dictionary as you learn more about an individual card.

An entry may look something like this:

Air

Keywords - leap of faith, innocence

The Fool suggests taking a blind leap of faith, having courage and taking risks.

In the reversed position, The Fool can mean a failure to follow your instincts, but it can also warn against taking unnecessary risks.

Yes, you could add many more fields to your entry, like numerical values, symbolism, and such. Feel free to do so, if you feel you need it to better understand the card. The point is to get everything in one spot to make referring back easier and more convenient. Remember to allow room for expansion on your thoughts for each card.

What fields do you have in your tarot dictionary journal? What fields do you think are actually needed?