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Tarot Divination MaA

Tarot, as you may well know, is a form of divination with certain cards - the ones that you see in movies, with people, usually, and a name or word to describe it and the background features (I'm talking about the cards now).  Standard Tarot decks consist of 78 cards, comprising 22 Major Arcana cards, or Tarot "trumps", and 56 Minor arcana cards. The word "Arcana" is latin in derivation, and means "secret".
 
1) The Major Arcana - the ones with the the names like "The Magician" or "Death" which are more well-known are the ones that (ironically) show you the possible upcoming major events.  
 
2) The Minor Arcana, is like a normal deck of cards, except, there is a knight added in between the page and the queen. Instead, there are the Cups, Pentacles, Wands and Swords.
 
In total there are 78 cards, mind you, these cards are meant for divination, but don't take them too seriously. If it tells you your going to meet a person of the opposite sex and that the relationship will bloom - love at first site - don't go crazy putting on your sexiest clothes everyday waiting for that person. I mean, this is meant to give you a heads up to prepare for the bad events. It ruins the surprise that all the good days contain. But still... going off course, let things happen, they are probably inevitable, the Tarot is just used for (like I said) being ready to handle a situation that could be a pain. So, really, the cards show you possibilities - the the for-sure future, that's pretty much impossible - almost. Just making sure you don't get disappointed.

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Methods of a Reading:
 
Before you do ANY reading, you must do the following:
1) Shuffle and think of a positive outcome from the Tarot or what you would like to know or happen.
2) Cut the cards thrice with your left hand, then continue with your choice of reading.
 
A) The Three Card Reading: This is easy and simple to understand. What you must do after you do the beginning shuffling and cutting, you take one card off the pile and place it on the table/anything your using. That card represents the past. You take the next card and place it to the right of that card, that represents the present. You take the next and last card and place it to the right again. That represents the future. 
(1= past, 2= present, 3= future)
How you must place them:   1  2  3 
 
B) The Seven Card Reading: This is basically a more indepth version of the Three Card Reading. From now on i'll just show you the pattern and what order it's meant to go in...
1= The past
2= How you saw yourself at this time
3= What you learned
4= Your present circumstances
5= New influences about to enter your life
6= How they will affect you
7= The outcome
How to place them:                 1    2    3
                                                     4 
                                               5    6    7
 
C) The Question and Answer Spread:
1= The past
2= The present: the question in hand
3= Hidden influences that need to be considered
4= The attitude of others around you
5= The best action to take
6= Obstacles in your path
7= The final outcome
How to place them:                  1          7
                                                 2       6
                                                   3   5
                                                      4
 
D) The Celtic Cross: *Here, the 2 is placed horizontally on the 1.*
1= Your current circumstances
2= What is helping or hindering you
3= The best you can do at present
4= Hidden factors around you
5= The effect of the past
6= Your next move
7= How you see yourself                           3
8= How others see you                             1            10
9= Hopes or fears                                5   2*  6       9
10= The outcome                                      1             8
How to place the cards:                             4             7
 
E) The Week Ahead Spread: *The Significator is placed 1st in the center, setting the "flavor of the week"*
1= Monday
2= Wednesday                                                         7
3= Friday                                                    6                         1
4= Sunday                                                   5 *Significator*  2
5= Tuesday                   .......................................4      3
6= Thursday                .'
7= Saturday              .'
How to place them: .'
 
     The Cards and Their Meanings:
              The Major Arcana
 
The intricate cards of the Major Arcana show major events  or turning points in your life, whereas the Minor Arcana cards reveal everyday events. The 22 cards are numbered from 0 to 21, and each card is named according to it's meaning. The sequence of the cards represents an esotoric journey, which can begin and end with 0, The Fool. The World, card 21, signals the completion of the journey, but in it lies the possibility of rebirth, reminding us the mystic quest is never-ending.
Therefore, the major cards can be interpreted as signposts on an inner path, illuminating the nature of the constant changes we experience as we travel through life.
Some Tarot readers prefer to read using only the 
Major Arcana; you may decide to do this as further practice. You may also find it valuable to note those cards that appear frequently when reading for yourself, as they can come to indicate recurring themes that are unique to you.
 
0-The Fool: The Fool is an archetypal idiot or joker, in which from his presence survives in ordinary playing cards.He is a youth setting out on a path of discovery, yet, in putting his best foot forward, he strides toward a precipice, blissfully unaware of a dog snapping at his heels.
 
Upward meaning: A new opportunity offers pottential, but involves risk. An unexpected turn of events could bring you excitement and rejuvenation, but look before you leap. Do not view others' concern for you as an irritant: if a venture is worthwhile, it will withstand your caution.On a lighter level, when The Fool appears in the upright position, it also indicates amusement and spontaneity, so you may soon enjoy the company of entertaining individuals or events.
 
Reversed meaning: A warning against rash decisions. Resist pressure from others until you have the facts, rather than fall headlong into a situation that threatens to overwhelm you. Think before you act, no matter how beguiling an opportunity appears, it is only appearance, not reality.
 
Key Words: Innocence, beginnings, risk, the unexpected and folly.
 
1/I-The Magician: The Magician symbolizes the alchemy of change. All the four suits of the minor arcana - Cups, Wands, Swords and Coins (A.K.A Pentacles) - appear before him, showing his resourcefulness and his ability to reveal the magical, creative essence of every aspect of life.
 
Upright meaning: You have all the ingredients at your disposal for success. Even if you think your dreams are out of reach, The Magician reveals hidden knowledge about a person or situation, so consider every oppportunity in a positive light; don't reject offers out of hand. The Magician can also herald important journeys and a new burst of creativity. Have confidence in your ability to manage your life at all levels - you are blessed with energy and the support of those around you.
 
Reversed meaning: In the reversed position, the conjurer is exposed as a trickster. Examine carefully the motives of others, because they are not as they seem. Just as The Magician enchants with magic, so he can woo for the purposes of deception. You can safeguard your interests better than anyone, so trust your instincts rather than the words of an unconventional individual trying to curry your favor. Consider this card as a warning against disappointment or betrayal.
 
Key words: Initiative, action, confidence, travel and perception. 
 
2/II-The High Priestess: The High Priestess is the female sage, a goddess of knowledge who brings insight, integrity and wisdom. She is also know as the Papess, the female counterpart of card V (5), The Hierophant, or Pope. Numbered II (2), she symbolizes duality and a link between the conscious and the unconscious mind. Her open book represents her learning, and the pomegranate, friutfulness.
 
Upright meaning: When this card appears in a reading, it can show a personal desire for guidance and knowledge, particularly if you need to make a major decision. Listen to your intuition, yet seek inspiration from a wiser counsel, male or female. The High Priestess seeks solutions to apparent opposites, so ask for help rather than allow an inner conflict to persist. 
 
Reversed meaning: In the reversed position, The High Priestess warns against heeding bad advice. Someone whom you thought reliable is not sincere, so it is likely you are let down by an authority figure or older member of the family. You could also be rushed into making a decision without due consideration. Take your time and choose confidents with care.
 
Key words: Wisdom, intuition, decisions, authority and dreams.
 
3/III- The Empress: The Empress is numbered card III (3) in the major arcana, which represents productivity , fertility, and maternal care. She is the ultimate maternity symbol, epitomized by the apple tree, and a protector of nature and the Earth, which she shields.
 
Upright meaning: The Empress heralds material and domestic comfort, security, and protection, the traditionally positive associations of motherhood. This is a good card for those with financial problems, as it indicates abundance in both a material and emotional level. The Empress can show the benign influenceof a mother-figure, predict pregnancy. She is paired with IV (4), The Emperor, and in this way she also represents the mores of a conventional relationship.
 
Reversed meaning: In the redversed  position, The Empress becomes overbearing. This is the card of emotional extremes. Maternal nurturing has turned to emotional blackmail. Overprotectiveness and insecurity. As the domestic Goddess inverts, home conforts become stifling and the mantle of poverty, rather than bliss, threatens the household. Beware of anyone exhibiting these qualities. They challenge your right to stability and independence.
 
Key words: Fertility, harmony, love, abundance and productivity.
 
4/IV- The Emperor: The Emperor holds the authority of sate, a protector of territory and leader of men shown be his armor and sheild. As The Empress is the achetypal female, so The Emperor is the definitive male: the father figure governed purely by logic and experience rather than emotion.
 
Upright meaning: The influence of an older person who holds fast to tradition. This card indicates protection and support in any venture, as The Emperor is an honest, if domineering, ally. He lives in a dynamic, creative whirlwind powered by the strength of his will, yet his stubborn martial attitude leaves no room for subtlety or the nuturing qualities represented by his consort, The Empress. Do not assume that an individual with a strong personality has good jugdment.
 
Reversed meaning: The Emperor reversed indicates the dilution of power and a loss of perspective on a situation. A forceful rulerhas become a tyrant, indicating subservience and feeling of oppressiveness. However, also bear in mind that The Emperor in this position may highlight aspects of your own behavior at present. Re-examine your motives. Who do you think you are?
 
Key words: Rulership, logic, willpower, cousel and strength.
 
                               Continued in "Tarot Divination 2".


I didn't make up all this information myself (I wish). Since I'm still new to this, I got it from a book called "The Art of Tarot" by Liz Dean. I think that if you can find it, most of you would like it since, for me at least, it's very accurate.
 
In the book, it also mentions, that when you first get your Tarot deck, it is said to sleep with the deck under your pillow for about a week. It's a superstition to do so, so that your cards absorb some of your energy so that they're more accurate.
 
I personally think, that if you make your own cards, those will be the most powerful of all you use because of the energy and care you put into them. Usually (and this applies to any deck that belongs to you), it is good to not let anyone else use your cards because that screws up the energy thing and the readings get less accurate. If a friend wants to do a reading, do it for them instead if they don't have their own.