What Does a Tarot Reading Mean?

Whether you’re searching for answers or just want a little guidance, tarot reading can be a great way to get in touch with your intuition. But the cards aren’t a science, and they can mean different things to everyone who pulls them. It’s all about how you interpret them — and there are plenty of ways to go about it.

During a tarot reading, the reader (or “querent”) shuffles a deck of cards and then fans them out face down on a flat surface in a particular pattern, called a spread. Each card in the reading has a different meaning that can be interpreted based on where it is in the spread. Depending on how a tarot card reading is done, it can help provide guidance for both personal and professional issues.

For example, the suit of swords in a tarot reading can represent intelligence, logic, truth, ambition and conflict — all common themes that run through our lives. The card can also show us how to communicate and resolve these struggles with compassion.

Some readers believe that the tarot cards are like signposts and that they contain an inherent wisdom that can guide people through their lives. Others see the cards as a tool for channeling spirits or energies from the universe. Many also believe that the right cards are drawn for a person and his or her specific situation by tapping into the collective unconscious.

The cards are full of archetypal symbolism that represent universal themes and human experiences, and this allows them to tap into the collective unconscious, a concept coined by psychologist Carl Jung. According to this theory, our subconscious minds contain vast amounts of information and imagery that we have inherited from our ancestral experiences.

While tarot can be used to help answer questions about love and relationships, career, finances, home and more, it’s important to remember that the readings aren’t guaranteed to give you the exact answers you need. If you have any doubts, it’s always a good idea to consult with a mental health professional.

It’s also important to note that tarot isn’t for everyone, especially people with certain mental health disorders. For those with underlying issues, it’s best to avoid the cards and seek other forms of self-healing, like counseling or group therapy. For those who do want to use the cards, Manduley recommends seeking out a trained professional and only doing readings for friends and family until you’re comfortable with the process. And if you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide to tarot for beginners. It’s filled with tips on everything from cleansing your cards to choosing a deck that works for you.