Tarot_Reading_Module_1_Lesson_1_Summary_Notes

Professional Diploma in Learning the
Tarot
Inroducing the
Tarot
Module 1 Lesson 1
Summary Notes

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Contents
3 Introduction
3 Lesson outcomes
3 Exploring the powerful benefit of reading tarot
4 The symbolism of the tarot cards
7 Selecting your tarot cards
9 Conclusion
10 References

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Lesson outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Practical lesson outcome:
Explore the powerful benefits of reading tarot cards
Appreciate the symbolism of the tarot cards
Select a tarot card deck
Start decoding the tarot symbols
Select the right tarot deck for you
Introduction
Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a powerful tool for greater awareness and transformation. They are a
metaphysical medium that enables us to connect with our inner wisdom to reveal what is really happening below the
surface of events around us.
More and more people are seeking ways to blend their inner and outer realities so they can live their lives with greater
awareness. Anyone can learn to work with tarot and can benefit greatly from its insights.
For this course you will need:
●
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A 78-card tarot deck that appeals to you visually and is symbol-rich. Make sure your deck is illustrated and not on
a plain background.
A blank notebook or journal. You can, of course, use your computer tablet or electronic device. Whatever makes it
easiest and most pleasurable for you to practice your card readings.
Exploring the powerful benefit of reading tarot
Benefits of learning tarot
Tarot is a system of archetypes, a picture-book of the human condition, reflecting our states of mind and stages of life.
Over the past 600 years, people have consulted the tarot for religious instruction, spiritual insight, self-discovery, and
divination. The ancient symbols we see on the cards are designed to stimulate our intuition, connecting us with our higher
selves and true spiritual nature. Regular tarot practice has many personal benefits.
Here are my top 3:
Benefit #1. tarot provides guidance
Tarot provides guidance. If you are confused about a situation, you can rely on your tarot cards to provide suggestions and
advice. If you have a question, tarot will guide you to an answer. Every card represents different aspects of life, and each
lends its own unique take on any question or situation you would like guidance on.

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Benefit #2. tarot provides clarity
Tarot provides clarity and a new perspective on life. Through your tarot readings you will develop better awareness,
understanding and knowledge of your immediate circumstances. A personal tarot practice provides a new perspective.
You will develop the ability to examine your struggles and goals from different outlooks and from different angles to
enhance more imaginative and thoughtful ways to problem-solve.
Benefit #3. tarot provides a gateway to your intuition
Learning tarot is a gateway to reconnect to your intuition, by paying careful attention to your thoughts and feelings in
relation to the image on the tarot card, you will shift your mindset and connect to your real, authentic all-knowing self.
The symbolism of the tarot cards
Carl Jung: archetypes and synchronicity
What is an archetype
Archetypes are symbols to which we all can relate. They represent significant aspects of life, people around us as well as
events. According to Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, we are all pre-programmed to look for archetypes in our everyday lives,
because they serve as a framework for our understanding of the world.
Archetypes and the tarot
Carl Jung was the first person to popularise the theory of archetypes. He believed that archetypal concepts emerged from
the collective unconscious and concluded that we are all born with an innate ability to understand them. Perhaps, that is
why we can easily relate to some concepts without being told or explained what they are. For example, no one explained
the concepts of Mother or Father – we instinctively know what they are.
Each of the 78 tarot cards are a type of archetype. It is most evident with the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, representing
central principles, for example, the Fool, the Magician, the Devil, the Hermit, and so on. These powerful archetypes enable
us to examine the forces that live deep within us and invoke a mood, a need, or a greater understanding of our personality
or soul life.
What is synchronicity
Synchronicity is a fascinating phenomenon. According to Jung, synchronicity is "meaningful coincidence."
Synchronicity and the tarot
Jung suggested that synchronicity could be responsible for the way that divination tools, like tarot, might work. To Jung
there was a connection between physical objects, like tarot Cards and the images one sees in one’s mind. In synchronicity,
there is no distinction between inner and outer. The choice of a card is exactly what your higher self already knows. This is
what tarot occultists call the conversation with your higher self. The cards always work. It is not magic—tarot cards are a
sacred mirror.
Tarot is a language of symbols
Reading the tarot cards is an interpretive process. To understand the tarot cards, you must look at the images shown on
the cards, derive meaning and weave together a story from what is seen. Some decks are very literal, with pictures
showing real-life situations, making them relatively easy to interpret. Others are more figurative and abstract that make
deriving meaning far less straightforward. One thing many decks have in common, however, is the use of certain symbols
which appear repeatedly in our cards and carry their own specific meanings. Learning to read these symbols and
developing your ideas about what they mean can really enhance your tarot readings.

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Exploring tarot symbolism
Tarot is a language of visual imagery. It is important to translate the pictorial symbolism by developing the ability to
recognise icons in any deck.
Below are a few common symbols to look out for in your own tarot cards.
Context is everything. When you see these symbols, look at the setting as well as the thing itself. If it is an object, who is
holding it? If it is an animal, what is it doing? If it is part of the landscape, where is it in relation to the subject of the card?
How do other elements of the card interact with this symbol? This is all about reading between the lines here — looking
beyond the obvious and finding subtler stories hidden in the pictures on our cards.
Let us explore some of the symbolism depicted in your cards:
Gateways, doorways, and arches
Gateways, doorways, and arches suggest a ‘passing through’, perhaps from one part of your life to the next. There is a
sense of something on the other side, and a choice about whether to go there. In many cards, you can see what lies
beyond the gateway, for example, a mountain, or a flower garden, adding further depth to this symbolism.
The moon
• Transition
• Choice
• Abandoning the old; embracing the new
Aside from card no.18, the Moon card, the moon regularly appears in other tarot cards. It is a symbol of mystery, intuition,
the unconscious, the ability to go ‘beyond the veil’, to see what is hidden, and to tap into psychic powers. It may also
represent illusion and deception, and often suggests that something is not as it appears, perhaps a truth you cannot admit
to yourself.
• Illusion
• Hidden emotions
• Inward reflection
Seas, oceans, lakes
Bodies of water represent our inner state and can illustrate how we are doing emotionally, as well as being symbols of our
subconscious. In the Eight of Cups, we see a person crossing water, suggesting an emotional journey and could indicate
disappointment, escapism and turning your back on or leaving bad situation. It is also significant that we can see the full
moon in the sky with a crescent moon reflected in the water, revealing the emotional desire for more from life and the
emptiness of the current state.
• Emotions
• Movement
• Intuition
Lizards, geckos, and snakes
The reptilian creatures, which shed or change their skin, represent adaptability, change and growth. They are also
symbolic of fiery potency and creativity. Compare the Rider-Waite Smith’s Knight of Wands and King of Wands; both
figures wear cloaks decorated with lizards, representing their creative powers. However, only the King’s lizards move in
‘full circles’, representing this card’s level of maturity. The King will successfully finish any project that they start, whereas
the Knight, with their ‘incomplete circle’ lizards, may not.
• Conscious effort
• Adaptability
• Rebirth

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Birds
Birds are often seen soaring high above the main subject of the card, a bird can represent ‘higher thought’, wisdom,
reaching new levels of understanding, gaining a clear perspective, or taking a wider viewpoint on a situation. Look at the
bird above the Queen of Swords in the Rider-Waite Smith deck. They can also indicate freedom and the ability to go where
one chooses.
Keys
• Higher ideals
• Freedom
• Ascension
Keys are seen in the Hierophant card; a key can represent special or hidden knowledge that is learned or passed down.
There can sometimes be the feeling that the key is ‘earned’ in some way, that you receive it after being initiated or allowed
into a kind of institution or establishment.
• Knowledge
• Opportunity
• Discovery
Towns, cites, villages
These represent communities and society. It’s interesting to note where these symbols appear in relation to the main
subject — for example in the Rider-Waite Smith Ten of Pentacles, the image is set in a bustling marketplace within the city
walls , whereas in the Four of Pentacles, a lone figure sits with their back to the city, suggesting isolation.
• Society
• Community
• Co-operation
Stars and the sky
Just as travellers in ancient times navigated by the constellations, in tarot stars represent finding your way, seeking, or
offering guidance, and navigation.
• Direction
• Guidance
• Shedding light
And do not forget the sky! Stormy or calm, grey or bright blue, like the sea, the sky reflects the card’s mood and
temperament.
Landscape
It is easy to focus on the foreground of a tarot card and miss what is happening on the horizon. We have already
mentioned seas, but we also see forests, deserts, mountains and more in our cards. How do these landscapes feel to you?
A forest may represent growth, or it may suggest becoming lost. A mountain feels like a challenge when you are standing
at the bottom, but when you reach the top, it is a place from which you can gain a wonderful, wide perspective. Deserts are
hot and dry places where little grows, perhaps not a place to hang out for too long unless you are well-equipped for the
harsh environment. A blossoming garden, on the other hand, represents nurturing, love, and kindness
• Forests - growth
• Deserts - harsh
• Mountain – challenge
• Blossoming garden - nurturing

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Blindfold
Blindfolds deal with our inability to see things clearly. They represent unwillingness to face the truth, inability to accept
the facts, or a sign that something is being hidden from us. In a reading, blindfolds are a sign that we need to be honest
with ourselves, do more research, and/or get a different perspective.
Bull
• Denial
• Avoidance
• Blinded
The Bull is a symbol of power, royalty, stability, force, and potence. When we see the bull in a card reading, we know we
are dealing with some powerful forces. The bull also carries the symbolic meanings of resistance to change, being
stubborn and inflexible.
Chains
• Determined
• Stability
• Power
Chains deals with restriction, bondage, conflict, and slavery. Chains are featured in the devil card, chains are a signal that
we may be in a situation where we have become a slave to our thoughts, vices, or to others. It indicates there is restriction
or addiction revolving around the situation noted in the reading.
Children
• Restriction
• Slavery
• Bondage
Children represent promise, hope, fresh starts, new beginnings, new ideas, and a fresh way at looking at the world.
Children are full of promise for the future. When they show up on the cards in a reading it could mean the beginning of a
new venture or the promise of a new beginning.
• Beginnings
• Promise
• Vitality
Selecting your tarot cards
Oracle vs tarot cards
Similarities
Both Oracle and tarot decks are used for insight, perspective, clarity, personal growth, inspiration, and divination.
Differences
Historically the tarot has ancient roots while Oracle Decks are a newer form of divination.
Tarot is a fixed system. That means that it has a strong tradition and is meant to have a specific reliable structure. tarot
decks are comprised of 78-cards that will always be split into 22 major arcana cards, and 56 minor cards.
The meanings of each tarot card should be similar in every tarot deck with slight variations based on the psychology and
spin that the author and artist provide.

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However, Oracle is a fluid system. That means that each Oracle decks differ from each other and do not share a common
theme. It is up to the author to create the vocabulary and system the oracle card deck operates on. Oracle decks can
feature almost any kind of content and any number of cards. Each Oracle deck is generally distinct from the others by their
art, author, and themes.
Different types of tarot decks
Tarot of Marseille deck
tarot decks older than the tarot de Marseilles exist (such as the Visconti-Sforza deck dating back to the fifteenth century),
however this was the first deck created for the purpose of divination—occultists adapted tarot cards for this purpose in the
eighteenth century. The tarot de Marseille would later become the basis from which both Pamela Coleman Smith and Lady
Frieda Harris would illustrate the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks.
Thoth tarot deck
The mysterious Thoth tarot Deck, also known as the Aleister Crowley Thoth tarot, was first shown in the year 1944. The
deck is fascinating, partly due to its enigmatic creator, Aleister Crowley, a prolific and controversial occultist. The deck was
illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, a student of Crowley, who volunteered to illustrate a new version of tarot based on his
Book of Law. Unlike the Rider Waite Smith deck, which chose to exclude esoteric imagery in favour of more relatable,
narrative-driven visuals, these cards were full of references to astrology, the Kabbalah and alchemy.
Rider-Waite Smith deck
The Rider-Waite Smith deck was first published in November 1909 in London and is the most familiar deck in the Englishspeaking
world. The deck was designed by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Coleman Smith. Unlike earlier
decks, like the Marseille, every single card is illustrated not just the 22 major arcana. Both Waite and Coleman Smith were
members of the Golden Dawn, a metaphysical society whose philosophy included tarot within a larger framework of
esoteric concepts. However, the deck was intentionally drawn to avoid strong astrological and kabbalistic associations
since it was meant to be introduced to the mass market.
Why I use the Rider-Waite Smith tarot deck
A myriad of tarot decks has been created through the years. I use the enhanced Rider-Waite Smith deck throughout this
course. It is the most popular tarot deck to use because they are so rich with its symbolism, the scenes are so clearly
depicted on each card. By using the Rider Waite system, I can read most of the tarot decks that are available today with the
greatest of ease.
Selecting a tarot deck that is right for you
It is simple - if you feel drawn to a certain deck, that is the right one for you.
Key considerations:
Personal & Intuitive connection
Our intuition will lead us to themes and imagery that we resonate with, feel emotionally connected to and can benefit
from. It is a matter of what you enjoy looking at, holding, and developing a working relationship with.
Explore the imagery of each card
Really explore the tarot cards within a specific deck. Go through them one-by-one or, if you are viewing them online, find
as many images as possible via Google or even Instagram.
What is your first reaction to the images? Do you like the colours and patterns? Are you drawn to the images and the
artwork? Can you look at the cards and start to get a sense for the meaning of each one? Are there other variations of the
deck that are more appealing? For example, I much prefer the Radiant Rider Waite deck over the usual Rider Waite deck for
its bright colours.

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Consider your experience level
If you are new to tarot, you may prefer to start learning with the most popular tarot deck, the Rider Waite Smith deck. It is
easy to understand, the imagery is straight-forward and practical and there is a huge amount of information available for
this deck.
Alternatively, if you are more experienced or looking for a new challenge, then you may choose a deck like the Thoth tarot
deck for its complexity and depth. Or a more abstract, mythical tarot deck like the Shadowscapes tarot.
Shape, size, and practicality
Different tarot cards come in different sizes, choose the size that is right for you. Giant tarot cards may be great for group
tarot readings. Regular tarot cards may be better for face-to-face client readings or personal readings. Mini tarot cards are
perfect for fitting into your handbag for a tarot reading on the go.
• Giant tarot cards - group readings
• Regular tarot cards - client readings/ personal readings
• Mini tarot cards - readings on the go
The size of the cards is particularly important for when you handle and shuffle the cards. If the cards are too big or too
small, they may be too clumsy for you or your clients to handle. So, before selecting a deck, handle the cards and practice
shuffling them.
Conclusion
Tarot card reading is an ancient mystical practice that has been helping people connect with their subconscious selves for
hundreds of years. Learning to decode and understand the rich symbolic language of the tarot is vital to assure a wellrounded
reading of the cards.

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References
(2020) Basics and Benefits of tarot Card Reading, [Online]. Available from:
https://globalspaonline.com/health/alternative-therapies/basics-and-benefits-of-tarot-card-reading/ (Accessed:
2020)
(2020) How to Use tarot as a Tool for Self-Reflection and Meditative Therapy, [Online]. Available from:
https://backpackerverse.com/how-to-use-tarot-tool-self-reflection-meditative-therapy/ (Accessed: 2020)
AA Editorial Team (2020) The top 5 benefits of tarot readings, [Online]. Available from:
https://astrologyanswers.com/article/top-5-benefits-of-tarot-and-tarot-readings/ (Accessed: 2020)
Angela Kaufman (2020) Awaken Your Intuition and Psychic Powers with tarot, Available
at: https://www.alittlesparkofjoy.com/intuition-tarot/ (Accessed: 2020)
Calley Nelson (2018) How tarot Readers “Tap In”, Available at: https://www.calleynelson.com/singlepost/2018/12/12/How-Psychics-Tap-In
(Accessed: 2020)
Dean, L., 2015. The Ultimate Guide to tarot. Fair Winds Press.
Sarah Brownlee (2019) How to tap into your intuition with tarot, [Online]. Available from:
https://astrologyanswers.com/article/how-to-tap-into-your-intuition-with-tarot/ (Accessed: 2020)
Sarah Chappell (2019) tarot cards: How to use them as a self-care tool, Available
at: https://www.coloradoan.com/story/life/grateful/2019/10/18/tarot-cards-do-they-work-how-use-themhealth/4014439002/
(Accessed: 2020)
Stephanie Campbell (2020) How to Use tarot and Affirmation Cards to Tap into Your Intuition, Available
at: https://thebetternormal.com/how-to-use-tarot-cards-to-tap-into-your-intuition/ (Accessed: 2020)