What Are Tarot Cards?

Learn about Tarot cards, one of the oldest systems of divination.

1/4/20243 min read

What Are Tarot Cards?

If you’ve ever had a Tarot reading—or even just seen the cards online or in a shop—you’ve probably felt that little magnetic pull. There’s something about them. Maybe it’s the imagery, maybe the mystery, or maybe it’s that deep-down sense that these cards somehow know things.

So, what exactly are Tarot cards? And how do they work?

Let me break it down in plain language, just like I would if we were sitting down over a cup of tea.

A Peek into the Past

Tarot cards have been around for centuries. They started out in Europe as playing cards (yes, really!), but somewhere along the line, people began to realize they could be used for something deeper—for reflection, guidance, and connection with the spiritual world.

Today, Tarot has grown into one of the most popular and trusted tools for divination. And for good reason—it works.

What’s in a Deck?

A standard Tarot deck has 78 cards, and they’re divided into two main groups:

The Major Arcana (22 cards) – These are the “big picture” cards. They represent major themes, life lessons, and spiritual insights. When one of these shows up, you pay attention. Think cards like The Fool, Death, or The Star—they point to transformation, awakenings, and key turning points.

The Minor Arcana (56 cards) – These deal with the everyday stuff: relationships, work, decisions, emotions, and challenges. They’re split into four suits:

Cups – Emotions, relationships, love, and healing

Pentacles – Money, home, work, and material stability

Swords – Thoughts, communication, truth, and conflict

Wands – Passion, energy, creativity, and direction

Each suit has 10 numbered cards (Ace through 10) and four Court Cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Think of them as personalities or roles that might show up in your life—or even reflect parts of yourself.

How a Reading Works

When I do a Tarot reading, I’m not just pulling cards and reading a definition from a book. I’m tuning in—to your energy, your question, your situation—and letting Spirit guide the message that comes through.

The cards aren’t “magic” in the Hollywood sense. They don’t force the future to happen. Instead, they reveal energy that’s already moving around you. They highlight what you may not be seeing clearly, offer suggestions, or point toward where a situation might be headed.

One of my favorite things about Tarot is that it doesn’t just give you answers—it gives you insight. You might ask about a relationship and find that the cards reveal something deeper: maybe a pattern you’ve repeated, or a truth you’ve been avoiding, or a strength you didn’t realize you had.

Why People Love It

People come to Tarot for all kinds of reasons: clarity, closure, healing, decision-making, or just curiosity. And the beauty of it is, you don’t need to be a spiritual expert to benefit from it. The cards speak in images and symbols, but they speak clearly.

A good reading shouldn’t leave you confused or overwhelmed—it should feel like something clicks. Like a light turns on. And if I’ve done my job right, you’ll walk away with more peace, more clarity, and more confidence in your path.

What Makes Tarot Different?

I also work with other systems like Lenormand, but Tarot has a unique depth to it. Where Lenormand is quick and practical, Tarot is layered and emotional. It can dive into the spiritual and psychological aspects of your journey, as well as the outer situations.

Sometimes, I use both systems in a reading—especially when I want to see both the inner and outer picture. They complement each other beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Tarot isn’t about “predicting your fate.” It’s about partnering with Spirit to get a clearer look at where you are, where you’re heading, and what’s possible. And you always have a say—because your free will is sacred.

Whether you’re facing a crossroads, working through something, or just feel like the Universe has a message for you, Tarot is one of the best ways I know to hear it.

Wondering what Spirit might reveal for you right now?

I’d be honored to tune in and share what I see—whether through Tarot, Lenormand, or whatever Spirit calls for in the moment.

Order a reading or explore more articles to see how the guidance unfolds.