Tag: tarot

Evidence, Belief and the Cards on the Table

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It appears I have once again been invited to darken the digital doorway of Learning Tarot.

This may come as a surprise to those who assumed I had expired quietly beneath an avalanche of old decks, incense burners and badly photocopied occult manuscripts. I am pleased to report that I am not dead yet. Admittedly, I look rather more like Gandalf with each passing year, but so far I have resisted both the grave and the temptation to shout, “You shall not pass!” at delivery drivers.

Since I am still among the living, it seems an appropriate moment to discuss a question which haunts nearly every serious student of tarot:

What counts as evidence that tarot works?

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15 Common Tarot Mistakes and How to Correct Them

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Every tarot reader makes mistakes.

That is not a particularly mystical statement. Tarot is a skill, and mistakes are an ordinary part of acquiring any skill worth having. The problem begins when a reader cannot identify what has gone wrong.

A confused reading is sometimes blamed on a badly shuffled deck, blocked intuition, negative energy or cards that have mysteriously decided not to cooperate. Occasionally, the reading itself may simply be unclear. More often, however, the difficulty lies in the method.

The question may be poorly phrased. Too many cards may have been drawn. The reader may be forcing a preferred answer, ignoring the spread positions or treating each card as an isolated definition.

None of these problems requires moonlight, incense or the burial of a deck beneath an obliging tree.

They require better technique.

Here are 15 of the most common tarot mistakes—and practical ways to correct them.

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Tarot for Beginners: A Practical Guide to Learning and Reading the Cards

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Learn tarot with this practical beginner’s guide to deck structure, card meanings, good questions, simple spreads, journalling and confident interpretation.

Tarot can look rather intimidating from the outside.

There are 78 cards, each apparently carrying several meanings. Some readers use reversals, elemental dignities, astrology, numerology and the Hermetic Qabalah. Others advise sleeping with a new deck beneath your pillow, bathing it in moonlight or introducing yourself to it over a cup of herbal tea.

No wonder beginners sometimes conclude that they need either a photographic memory or an elderly relative with mysterious family secrets.

Fortunately, neither is required.

Tarot is a structured symbolic system. Once you understand how that system is organised, the deck becomes much easier to read. You are no longer trying to memorise 78 unrelated answers. You are learning a visual language built from recurring patterns: suits, elements, numbers, characters, archetypes and images.

This beginner’s guide explains how to approach that language practically, without stripping tarot of its depth or surrounding it with unnecessary mystification.

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The Best Tarot Podcasts – 2025 Edition

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Listening to the Cards: Voices of Insight in a Noisy World

In an era where spiritual noise often drowns out true wisdom, finding authentic voices in the world of tarot can feel like searching for a candle in the fog. Yet amid the chatter, some lights burn steady. These are the podcasts that don’t just entertain; they educate, challenge, and inspire. They treat tarot not as a parlour game or a fleeting trend, but as a sacred tool for introspection, transformation, and connection.

Welcome to the Best Tarot Podcasts – 2025 Edition.
This year’s curated list highlights five outstanding podcasts that stand out for their depth, consistency, and clarity of vision. Whether you’re a seasoned reader, a spiritual seeker, or a newcomer drawn by the whisper of the cards, these voices will guide you with intelligence, compassion, and a deep respect for the tradition and potential of the tarot.

Let the journey begin.

1. Tarot for the Wild Soul with Lindsay Mack

Lindsay Mack offers a trauma-informed, non-predictive approach to tarot, focusing on self-inquiry and spiritual growth. With over seven million downloads, her podcast is a cornerstone for those seeking a compassionate and introspective tarot practice. https://www.tarotforthewildsoul.com/about-the-podcast

2. The Biddy Tarot Podcast

Brigit Esselmont demystifies tarot with practical advice, making it accessible for all levels. Her episodes cover card meanings, reading techniques, and intuitive development, serving as a valuable resource for readers aiming to deepen their understanding.
https://biddytarot.com/podcast/

3. Wildly Tarot Podcast

Hosts Ettie Theia and Holly Enchanted engage in lively discussions about tarot, mysticism, and personal experiences. Their chemistry and candid conversations make complex topics approachable and entertaining.
https://www.wildlytarot.com/

4. Death Becomes Tarot

Marguerite Recupero explores the intersections of tarot, witchcraft, and the occult. Her interviews with community figures provide diverse perspectives, enriching listeners’ understanding of tarot’s role in various spiritual practices.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-becomes-tarot/id1553681750

5. Daily Tarot & Oracle Cards

Anj Saby delivers concise daily readings that address love, work, and general life guidance. Her unedited approach emphasizes authenticity, resonating with listeners seeking straightforward and heartfelt insights.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/daily-tarot-oracle-cards/id1519864792

As we continue to navigate an ever-shifting world, the enduring wisdom of the tarot remains a powerful companion. These podcasts remind us that tarot is not just about prediction – it’s about presence, pattern, and personal transformation. Whether you listen while walking through the woods, commuting to work, or casting a circle, may these voices deepen your connection to the cards and to yourself. The conversation is ongoing, and your place in it is sacred. Blessed be.

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Divination Dialogue: Oracle and Tarot Cards – Complementary Paths to Insight?

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Learningtarot.net, as the name implies is predominantly focused on the subject of Tarot, however this is not the only method of divination. Another form of cartomancy is ‘Oracle Cards’ which have become popular within the wider community. Perhaps these have less occult associations than tarot, or perhaps they are simply easier to read as no underlying systems need to be studied. Either way, they provide an easily accessible path to cartomancy, either as a tool in their own right, or perhaps a gateway into the deeper world of tarot and associated mysteries.

In this article, I invite our new authors Celeste Arcana and Alex Grayson to provide their own insight into these two systems of cartomancy. I’m particularly interested to hear our author’s thoughts regarding the history, perceived differences, depth of interpretation possible, learning curves and ideas on how to integrate the two systems if they see fit; are they complimentary systems or does tarot negate the need for oracles? I invite the authors to be open and honest in their personal opinions.

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Blog Posts, Discussion

The Spirited Tarot: A Light-hearted Look at Alcohol and Tarot

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Dear Seekers of the Mysterious and the Merry,

Today, we embark on a journey not into the realm of spirits that you might expect in our usual tarot discourse but rather, into the world of spirits that come bottled and brewed. Yes, my friends, we’re talking about alcohol and its curious relationship with the practice of tarot reading.

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Tarot and Our Furry Friends: Exploring the Mystical Connection Between Pets and The Cards

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Have you ever caught your furry companion gazing into the distance, and wondered what profound thoughts are whirling through their mind? While our pets’ thoughts might be simpler than ours, they are no less significant. They, too, experience a rich tapestry of wants, needs, and feelings, communicating in their unique, often non-verbal ways. Interestingly, the universal language of Tarot offers a bridge to understanding these silent conversations, providing insights into the inner lives of our beloved pets.

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Exploring Sexuality and Gender Dynamics in Tarot and British Traditional Witchcraft: A Modern Perspective

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Exploring Sexuality and Gender Dynamics in Tarot and British Traditional Witchcraft: A Modern Perspective

In both Tarot and British Traditional Witchcraft (BTW), traditional male and female roles have been long established, based on perceived energies of the sexes, intertwined with god/goddess and sun/moon energies. However, as society’s understanding of gender and sexuality evolves, questions arise about how these paths can adapt or maintain tradition in the face of changing views on gender identity.

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The Role of Tarot in Traditional British Witchcraft

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The roots of modern Wicca and its connection to historical witchcraft demonstrate a deep engagement with various forms of magic, symbolism, and Pagan religious practices. The emergence of modern Wicca is credited to figures like Gerald Gardner, who, inspired by existing traditions and possibly connected to older covens, developed Wicca into the structured form we recognise today. This included influences from ceremonial magic, the Kabbalah, and indeed, the symbolic systems like those found in the Tarot​​.

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The Best Tarot Podcasts – 2024 Edition

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As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the wisdom of the tarot offers guidance, reflection, and a deeper understanding of our personal journeys. In this digital age, podcasts have emerged as a valuable resource for learning, entertainment, and connection, making the ancient practice of tarot more accessible than ever before.

In the “Best Tarot Podcasts – 2025 edition Edition,” we dive into the vibrant world of tarot podcasts that have captivated listeners worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or new to the cards, this curated list promises to enhance your understanding, intuition, and love for tarot. From insightful discussions to mystical storytelling, each podcast offers a unique perspective on tarot reading, spiritual growth, and metaphysical exploration.

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tarot cards

Buying your first deck – Which deck should you choose?

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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.

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Tarot and the Planets

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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.

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The Four Aces of RWS

Learn Tarot – Introduction

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A friendly, practical way to learn tarot without trying to memorise 78 unrelated meanings.

Tarot can look intimidating from the outside. There are 78 cards, several different traditions, unfamiliar symbols and plenty of advice telling you that you need a special gift before you can begin.

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Learn Tarot – The Elements

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Tarot, like all Western Magical Traditions has 4 core elements;  Earth, Air, Fire and Water.  Below we’ll not only outline the element and suit associations but also provide clues on how to commit them to memory.

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Learn Tarot – The Numbers

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Now you know what the elements represent, let’s take a look at the number associations (1-10) then combine this with what we’ve already learnt to perform our first readings/interpretations.  See, we said this would be easy!

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