Latest Posts

The Four Aces of RWS

Learn Tarot – Introduction

On the many Facebook groups and forums you’ll regularly see people recommending the study of each individual card, using a mix of artwork interpretation and other references, over many, many months.  With 78 cards this is a considerable challenge;  if others learnt the hard way then you should too!  Right?

Wrong!  Let us show you not only the easy way – but the best way to learn the underlying associations.

Continue reading »

The Purpose of a Tarot Atmosphere

When learning how to read tarot, it is important to have the right mindset. You should be focused and relaxed, and building a good tarot atmosphere during your reading can help you achieve the mindset necessary to get the most out of your reading. This means choosing to include things like candles, incense, and dim lights in your atmosphere if you find it helpful. All of these things can serve as a reminder to your brain and subconscious that you are getting ready to do something important.

Continue reading »
tarot cards

Buying your first deck – Which deck should you chose?

One of the most glorious things about tarot, is the huge number of beautiful decks available and the wonderful artists that create them. If you’re not careful, you could spend an awful lot of money collecting all the ones you love best!

However, when you’ve just decided to learn tarot and your browsing for your first deck, the choice can seem truly overwhelming. It’s not unusual for people get analysis paralysis and put off buying a deck because they just don’t know which to choose. For some people, this means they never buy one at all.
Continue reading »

Learn Tarot – The Hermetic Qabalah (Tree of Life)

This is a difficult topic to cover as the terminology used can be unfamiliar and discouraging to newcomers. However, here I try to present this in an accessible form. If like me you struggle with the terminology, ignore the unfamiliar names and instead view the tree, numbers, associations and card positions. This will enable anyone to start drawing on the Hermetic Qabalah to deepen their understanding of Tarot.

Continue reading »

The Best Tarot Podcasts

Podcasts are incredibly popular nowadays. The ability to be heard has never been so accessible; anyone can become podcast star with little more than a mobile phone and an internet connection.

As a podcaster this accessibility is very welcome. However, as a listener it can be difficult to know where to begin and a challenge to find the gems amongst the sea of mediocrity.

Continue reading »

To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse

A question commonly asked online:-

“My tarot cards are no longer working.  I’ve been told I need to cleanse them – how do I do this?”

Answers typically range from smudging, to bathing in moonlight, covering in salt, covering in crystals, tapping (typically 3 times), ‘resetting’ (placing the cards back in original order) and even burying in the garden for several days.

Continue reading »

Tarot and the Planets

When Arthur Waite and Pamela Coleman-Smith designed the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck, between them they managed to include symbology from pretty much every esoteric system available. Therefore it should come as no surprise that astrology and the planets play a large part in the design of the RWS deck.

If you’ve been reading the other posts on this page, you should know by now that the minor arcana cards represent the astrological elements of air (Swords), Earth (Pentacles), fire (Wands) and water (Cups). The major arcana also has specific cards for each astrological sign and therefore, that signs ruling planet as well.

Continue reading »

Learn Tarot – Example Reading

I considered constructing a spread with chosen cards to demonstrate how a reading may work in practice.  However, I then had a question of my own and the resultant cards seem so perfect I thought it a great opportunity to not only perform a simple reading but relate the cards to the querent/question.

Ready?  First some personal background…

Continue reading »

Learn Tarot – Reversals

Reading reversals (when cards are drawn from the deck inverted) can be traced back as far as the earliest days of Tarot’s use as a divinatory system.  The earliest reference to reversals I can find is from Antoine Court de Gebelin in 1781.  Antoine’s writings formed the basis of Eliphas Levi’s system, later adopted with modification by the Golden Dawn which ultimately led to Waite’s re-interpretation with Pamela Coleman-Smith (the RWS deck).

Continue reading »

Learn Tarot – The Numbers (Revisited)

In a previous article we listed the basic number associations of the minor arcana.

To keep things simple we used the traditional RWS associations as reference.  It’s important to note that this is not the only system in use and it can be useful to cross reference the RWS and Tarot De Marseilles in order to gain further insight.   Additionally, the associated card from the major arcana is also worthy of study in reference to the minors.

Continue reading »

What the F*** is a Thoth Deck?

I have to admit to being a bit conflicted about writing this post. On the one hand, the idea was immensely exciting and I was really looking forward to writing this piece. On the other hand, I knew that I would only be able to scratch the surface of what is a very deep and convoluted rabbit hole. The more I read, the less I know, the less I know, the more there is to research and the bigger and windier the road becomes. Therefore, this is designed as an introduction to what I have learned so far. There are undoubtedly many people who know much more about this that I do and I’m sure as time goes on, there will be other posts from this blogging collective around the subject and the key concepts behind the creation of the tarot.
Continue reading »

My Experience of Learning Tarot

It’s funny how different people come to tarot. For some people it’s been something their family has always done, others are simply drawn to it, but for people like me who grew up in very ‘no nonsense’ households where anything esoteric was poo-pooed, it is something odd and mysterious that requires a ‘happening’ to be brought into your life.

Tarot was something I was aware of but never paid much attention to. After all, it was just a load of nonsense and woo wasn’t it? Just a bunch of generalisations that could be applied to any situation, a bit like cold reading. Until I learned that my good friend, Steve, reads the cards.

Continue reading »

From James Ricklef’s Blog

James Ricklef's Tarot Blog Explore and learn about the Tarot ... and yourself!

  • What does the Eight of Swords mean?
    by jamesricklef on August 23, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    . Here is a pithy meaning for the Eight of Swords:Mind your own business . Note: Each of these pithy Tarot meanings is just one facet of its card. Find more of them on my Card Meanings page.  Also, get my Pithy Tarot Book and LIKE my Pithy Tarot Facebook page! The image on this post is a card from my

  • Recorded Online Tarot Workshops
    by jamesricklef on February 8, 2023 at 11:46 pm

    Did you miss my online workshops? No problem! You can get recorded versions of them!

  • Tarot Self-Empowerment Techniques: Your Own Fool’s Journey
    by jamesricklef on August 29, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    Here is a Tarot technique that I call “Your Own Fool’s Journey.” With it, you can use the Major Arcana cards to explore and analyze the story of your life — past, present, and future.

  • Tarot Self-Empowerment Techniques: A Tarot Vacation
    by jamesricklef on August 16, 2022 at 11:33 pm

    Here is a visualization technique with which you can go on an imaginary vacation using your Tarot cards. Use this when you need a vacation but you don't have the time or finances to go on a real one.

From Mary K Greer’s Blog

Mary K. Greer's Tarot Blog "Tarot helps you meet whatever comes in the best possible way."

  • Pamela Colman Smith photo by Alice Boughton
    by Mary K. Greer on October 9, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    I just discovered this previously unknown photo of PCS by her friend, the well-known photographer, Alice Boughton. The source is The Literary Digest, July 4, 1908. Enjoy.

  • The Moon Card: Between a Dog and a Wolf
    by Mary K. Greer on September 17, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    Do you know what the expression “entre chien et loup” or “between a dog and a wolf” means?  It is a French description for twilight – either dusk or dawn – when the half light turns everything monochromatic and you can’t tell the difference between the wild and the tame. I’ve always loved this as

  • The Truth Untold, Lenormand Cards, Ashbless, and the Smeraldo Flower
    by Mary K. Greer on June 17, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Recently, music producer for BigHit, PDogg, was asked what his favorite BTS song is and he answered “The Truth Untold,” sung by the four vocalists (live performance below). It seems there is a long, fascinating history behind it. I’ll try to make this short. (Check out these sites for details: The BTS Effect and the

  • Emperor/Death/Fool Birth Cards and Daechwita
    by Mary K. Greer on January 6, 2021 at 12:20 am

    Among the Tarot cards determined by adding the numbers in your birth date, I find most intriguing the Constellation of the Emperor, which consists of the Major Arcana cards whose numbers add up to four: the Emperor (4), Death (13 = 1+3=4), and the Fool (the un-numbered 22nd card of the Majors; 2+2=4). Many people

From Round the Cauldron’s Blog

‘Round the Cauldron Modern witchcraft and polytheism explained!

  • Book Review: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Hope
    by Megan Black on October 23, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    In this book, the author explores monasticism as it pertains to modern pagan spirituality. As someone that likes structure in my own pagan practice, the idea of monasticism has always been intriguing to me. For those that don’t know, monasticism is also known as monkhood. This way of life is a devotion to the Gods, usually giving up some form of worldly possession or way of life in order to live in service to the Gods the individual is devoted to.

  • A Witch For President?! || Interview with Brittany Jones [CC]
    by Megan Black on October 15, 2023 at 1:33 pm

    Oh no! It looks like you landed on a post just for members! If you are a member, try signing in to your account. If you are not a member yet, why not join me? You can find more information about my membership program by clicking here!

  • Hibernating Human || Guided Meditation for the Dark Half of the Year
    by Megan Black on October 6, 2023 at 12:55 pm

    Oh no! It looks like you landed on a post just for members! If you are a member, try signing in to your account. If you are not a member yet, why not join me? You can find more information about my membership program by clicking here!

  • Critical Thinking in Witchcraft – #Thinktober Collaboration [CC]
    by Megan Black on September 30, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    Oh no! It looks like you landed on a post just for members! If you are a member, try signing in to your account. If you are not a member yet, why not join me? You can find more information about my membership program by clicking here!

  • Praying Pagans || my tips and advice for pagan prayers [CC]
    by Megan Black on September 24, 2023 at 1:39 am

    Oh no! It looks like you landed on a post just for members! If you are a member, try signing in to your account. If you are not a member yet, why not join me? You can find more information about my membership program by clicking here!

From the Unified Esoteric Tarot

Esoteric and Divinatory Tarot by Attila Kárpáthy

  • Yearly reading with chart
    by Admin on December 4, 2023 at 6:33 am

    This is that time of the year. It is time to get your Yearly Tarot spread with 16 cards plus a yearly diagram for only 99.99 USD. They are delivered as PDFs with pictures and detailed explanations. I offer a…Read more Yearly reading with chart ›

  • December’s report
    by Admin on December 3, 2023 at 8:38 am

    2023 was a challenging calendar year. And although the challenging period isn’t over yet, the end of the year might be somewhat lighter. At least we should take one step back and look at things calmer. December starts at the…Read more December’s report ›

  • Let there be light (Yehi ohr)
    by Admin on November 22, 2023 at 9:27 am

    St. Augustine of Hippo noted that “numbers are the Universal language offered by the deity to humans as confirmation of the truth.”Mathematics is considered the language of G_d(s) and, therefore, the language of creation. According to the Jewish mystical tradition…Read more Let there be light (Yehi ohr) ›

  • 1793 – MMXXIII painting
    by Admin on November 2, 2023 at 4:29 am

    It’s been over a decade since I handled a brush or mixed the colours for the last time. This is my first new painting and more to come. It is called 1793 – MMXXIII. Acrylic on canvas, 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7…Read more 1793 – MMXXIII painting ›

From Theresa’s Tarot Lady Blog

The Tarot Lady The tarot cards tell a story...but you write the ending.

  • The Hit List – 24 Things To Do in 2024
    by Theresa Reed on December 2, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    In just a few weeks, the ball will drop, the kick-off to a new year. It’s customary to reflect on the year that was while we anticipate the one that could be. You might even set resolutions. I say screw that. Instead, start plotting out the cool stuff, the spiritual adventures, and all the meaningful The post The Hit List – 24 Things To Do in 2024 appeared first on The Tarot Lady.

  • The Tarot Card of the Year for 2024
    by Theresa Reed on November 29, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    In just a few weeks, the year will come to an end. 2023 has felt like a long, rocky ride, but it’s almost over. Now it’s time to look ahead and see what 2024 has to offer. According to the Tarot, 2024 is governed by the Strength card. That means challenges are afoot – but The post The Tarot Card of the Year for 2024 appeared first on The Tarot Lady.

  • The Hit List – The 2023 Tarot, Astrology, and Mystical Holiday Shopping Guide
    by Theresa Reed on November 25, 2023 at 1:27 pm

    Can you believe the holidays are underway already? Nope. Neither can I. As I always say: where did this year go? Welp, no time to obsess over that. It’s time to get shopping for Christmas and all that jazz. So what do you get for your mystical, tarot-loving, crystal-packing, astrology-obsessed besties? My annual gift guide The post The Hit List – The 2023 Tarot, Astrology, and Mystical Holiday Shopping Guide appeared first on The Tarot Lady.

  • Full Moon in Gemini 2023 – and Tarot Readings for Each Zodiac Sign
    by Theresa Reed on November 24, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    The Full Moon in Gemini 2023 is present on November 27th at 4:16 AM ET. Full Moons occur when the Earth moves between the Moon and the Sun. When this happens, the Moon is completely lit like a giant spotlight in the sky. In astrology, Full Moons are associated with release and closure. It is The post Full Moon in Gemini 2023 – and Tarot Readings for Each Zodiac Sign appeared first on The Tarot Lady.

From Beth’s Little Red Tarot Blog

Little Red Tarot Alternative approaches to tarot, ritual, magic & more

  • #Decklust | Witchy wonderfulness for deep winter
    by Beth on December 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    Free Palestine, Free Palestine, Free Palestine. The post #Decklust | Witchy wonderfulness for deep winter appeared first on Little Red Tarot by Beth

  • Goodbye, beloved Hele!
    by Hele on December 1, 2023 at 11:21 am

    "Each week I would connect with so many of you through email or your orders – such small ways, but still, you have influenced, inspired, humbled and honed me. No word of a lie." The post Goodbye, beloved Hele! appeared first on Little Red Tarot by Hele

  • #Decklust | Tarot for misty mornings, lunar planners, textural collage
    by Beth on September 5, 2023 at 4:01 pm

    September rolls in on misty mornings that give way to warm, bright days and evenings with a faint nip in the air. The Ancestral Healing Tarot is on its way, along with this year's Dreaming the World to Come. The post #Decklust | Tarot for misty mornings, lunar planners, textural collage appeared first on Little Red Tarot by Beth

  • #Decklust | Late summer tarot, skeletons & pandas
    by Beth on August 2, 2023 at 7:40 am

    Last of the Dirt Gems, a new edition of the Way of the Panda Tarot, and the Marigold Tarot, a deck filled with skeletons and gold and Punjabi imagery. The post #Decklust | Late summer tarot, skeletons & pandas appeared first on Little Red Tarot by Beth