How to Read Tarot With Playing Cards
Can You Use Playing Cards to Read Tarot?
You don't need a special deck of tarot cards to perform divination—a deck of ordinary playing cards will suffice. I'm a professional tarot reader, but when I don't have a tarot deck with me, I might use a deck of playing cards to provide a useful reading.
A regular tarot deck has an extra set of cards called the Major Arcana that give extra depth and power to the meaning of the spread (layout of the cards). These qualities will obviously be missing when reading with playing cards, but you can still gain some insight.
Which playing card suit corresponds to which tarot card suit?
It's a little bit harder to read playing cards since apart from the court (royal figures) cards, there are no images to guide you. This makes the numbers and the suits more important. Hearts represent cups, spades are swords, diamonds translate to pentacles, coins, or discs, and clubs represent wands, rods, batons, or staves. We will get to the number properties in the next section.
Meanwhile, you might be looking for a quick list of playing card tarot meanings.
Playing Card Tarot
Playing Cards
| Tarot
| Correspondence
|
|---|---|---|
Hearts
| Cups
| Emotions, feelings, relationships
|
Spades
| Swords
| Thinking, communication
|
Diamonds
| Pentacles, Coins, or Discs
| Practicalities, material world
|
Clubs
| Wands, Rods, Batons, or Staves
| Creativity, action
|
How to Read Playing Cards
- Hearts (like cups) represent the realms of emotions and feelings. Heart cards cover not just love but the whole range of human emotion, from despair and powerlessness to contentment and joy. Hearts are very often also represent relationships because relationships engender the full range of emotions.
- Spades (like swords) are connected to all aspects of thinking and communication. Spades represent 'head-stuff', if you like. So lying would come under the rule of spades, as would writing, studying, and decision-making. Spades and swords are also associated with taking (constructive or destructive) action, like making changes, using force, asserting power, displaying ambition, having courage, or facing conflict.
- Diamonds (like pentacles, coins, or discs) can offer insight into the practicalities of life. Diamonds reflect all practical, material aspects, including home, work, business, projects, property, and money—all the things we can touch, and yes again, relationships, but from a practical viewpoint. Diamonds may also indicate health issues.
- Clubs (like wands, rods, batons, or staves) are action cards. Clubs may be a call to action in the realms of creativity, business, intellect, or relationships. They represent action, adventure, risk-taking, or competition. They can also refer to physical or spiritual energy, inspiration, intuition, ambition, and growth.
CARTOMANCY (noun):
fortune-telling by interpreting an array of playing cards
What Numbers Mean in Tarot Cards
Knowing the properties of numbers will give you a solid framework on which to base all card readings, whether they be playing cards or tarot. Remember that each attribute has a positive and negative aspect. For example, fours mean stability but they can also mean feeling stuck.
Tarot Playing Cards by Number
- Ace: Beginnings (aces are always positive and always represent the new)
- Two: Balance (or delays, waiting)
- Three: Connection (or division, mixed-up communication, plans gone awry)
- Four: Stability (feeling stuck)
- Five: Disturbance (or challenges that can lead to expansion)
- Six: Harmony (or the lack of or yearning for it, but sixes are rarely negative)
- Seven: Mystery (or being overly concerned with superficialities)
- Eight: Movement (or lack of movement, stagnation)
- Nine: Growth (or satiety)
- Ten: Completion (or new beginnings, or new endings, too)
Combining the Suits With the Numbers
We now have two points of reference for each playing card: its suit and its number. The following table will help you interpret each card. However, the depth of a reading depends upon your skills of seeing stories in the cards, linking them together, and judging how one might influence another. Those skills will only come with practice.
Also keep in mind that these interpretations are necessarily brief, and you can extend them to encompass related concepts. For example, the three of hearts might indicate a party, the four of clubs might mean a wedding or a change of residence (each event is the culmination of a period of hard work). Be creative in your interpretations.
How to Use Playing Cards as Tarot Cards for Divination and Fortune Telling
Hearts
| Spades
| Diamonds
| Clubs
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ace
| New friendship, romance
| New insights, realizations
| New project, job, home, win
| New idea, business, action
|
Two
| Deepening attraction
| Failure to communicate
| Juggling resources, waiting on results
| Planning and preparation
|
Three
| Joy in company, friendship, celebration
| Miscommunication, misunderstanding
| Teamwork, improving skills
| Leadership, exploration
|
Four
| Turning inwards, apathy
| Recuperation, recovery, contemplation
| Miserliness, possessiveness
| A goal achieved, rest from action
|
Five
| Loss, despair
| Discord, dishonor, hollow victory
| Loss of possessions or job or money
| Competition, disagreement, irritation
|
Six
| Childhood, nostalgia, good memories, an old friendship resumes
| Moving on, travel, mentally getting to a better place
| Giving or receiving money, a pay-rise, obtaining resources
| Victory, achievement, passing exams
|
Seven
| Daydreaming, wishful thinking, choices
| Lying, deceitfulness, theft, irresponsibility
| Reassessment, turning point, mild dissatisfaction
| Defense, conviction, strong belief
|
Eight
| Emotional detachment, leaving love behind, making a hard choice
| Illusion of being trapped, powerlessness
| Paying attention to detail, focus, practice
| Organization, moving quickly, pregnancy
|
Nine
| Satisfaction, sensual pleasure, spiritual growth
| Nightmares, problems, worry, guilt
| Independence, self-reliance, increasing wealth
| Continuing a battle, endurance, physical strength
|
Ten
| Contentment, fulfilment, joy, family
| Giving up, victimization, martyrdom
| Great wealth, family property, inheritance
| Carrying burdens, responsibility, debt
|
Before You Do a Reading
Before you do a reading, it's important to remember that someone might be upset by a disturbing one, so always keep your interpretations upbeat and emphasize that it's just for fun.
The Court Cards
The court or face cards (Jacks/Knaves, Queens, and Kings) can be read in two ways—they can either represent general personality traits or they can point towards real people. You have to work out which applies in the context of each particular reading.
What the Face Cards Represent
Hearts
| Spades
| Diamonds
| Clubs
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jack/Knave
| Falls in love easily, romantic, chatterbox
| Rebel, fights for a cause, intellectual, political
| Reliable, hard-working, quiet, hidden depths
| Unreliable, hotheaded, risk taker, athletic
|
Queen
| Emotional, dependent, empathic
| Sharp, intelligent, ruthless, insightful, organized
| Practical, warm, dependable, motherhood
| Energetic, career-minded, untidy, disorganized
|
King
| Wise, tolerant, diplomatic, feeling, patient
| Introspective, ethical, communicator, stern
| Self-made, business owner encouraging, enjoys the fruits of his labors, jolly
| Creative, forceful, entrepreneurial charismatic, hot-tempered
|
The Joker
The Joker is the equivalent of the Fool in the tarot and, as such, it means unlimited potential, a simultaneous ending and beginning, taking a big risk but having trust that all will be well. In many decks, the Fool is depicted as a young, carefree-looking man standing on the edge of a precipice. It is a powerful card. It would be a good idea to mark this card to indicate a 'right way up' or a 'wrong way up', so that it can show the reverse meanings of folly and foolishness.
Full List of Playing Card Tarot Interpretations
To help you learn and understand the cards, I've created a page: List of Meanings for Playing Card Tarot. By necessity they are short, but with practice, you can expand on them and learn how to interpret them to fit the question and situation.
How to Learn to Read Tarot Cards
- Begin with one-, two-, and three-card readings.
- Practice by reading cards for situations you read about in the press or on TV.
- Pick a random card each day and see how you can connect it to your daily trials and tribulations, triumphs and joys.
- Read for friends by all means but emphasize that it is for fun and practice.
- Don't try serious readings until you feel competent.
- Learn how to lay out a spread—the position of a card in the spread will modify its meaning.
- Above all, enjoy the learning experience and do go and buy yourself a real tarot deck!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are in a tarot deck?
There are 78 cards in a standard tarot deck, which includes both the Major and Minor Arcana.
- There are 56 suit cards in the Minor Arcana: Ace (one) through 10 and four face cards.
- There are also 22 "trump" cards in the Major Arcana.
There are 52 cards in a standard playing card deck, plus a Joker, so if you don't have a tarot deck, you'll be playing without the knights and most of the Major Arcana.
What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana, also known as the trump cards, are 22 picture cards that have archetypal and allegorical meanings and divine Egyptian, kabbalistic, and/or Jungian interpretations. Some suggest that these cards correspond to the stages of life (that begins with 0, the Fool, standing on the precipice). They usually employ a Roman numeral (from 0 to 21) to visually separate them from the Minor Arcana. For example, 1 is the Magician... and 21 is the World.
If I'm doing a tarot reading with playing cards, which cards represent Death, the Hanged Man, the Tower, etc?
Since a regular playing card deck doesn't include the Major Arcana (except the Fool, 0, represented by the Joker), you won't be using those cards.
What about reversed cards?
Reversed, or upside-down cards, don't occur when reading playing card tarot. As the cards look the same, whichever way they face, it's not applicable. However, if you think about it, the whole negative to positive spectrum of meanings is already in the card. It's your job to interpret which meaning is the most accurate.
Please note: the Question & Answer section below is for queries about how to learn to read the cards. It's not for requesting free readings, or for me to interpret your cards for you. That's your job :)
Note!
If you want an in-depth reading, it is best to consult a professional tarot reader with a good reputation.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
I don't understand the Six of Diamonds. What are a few ways I can interpret this card when reading for tarot?
The Six of Diamonds is connected to the Six of Pentacles in the tarot. It generally means reaching a better place after discomfort or material challenge. It also means giving and receiving help and support.
Here is a complete list of the card meanings: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/List-of-P...
Helpful 43How do I cleanse tarot cards to rid them of negative energy?
Sometimes all you need to do is a really good, prolonged shuffle.
Alternatives are: swap to a different deck and let the first one rest. Placing a crystal on top would also help. Spread them out on a windowsill in the moonlight and leave them over night. Pass the whole deck through the smoke of a candle.
Also remember that if you feel yucky after a reading, try washing your hands in cold water and shake them outside. Have a drink of water too.
Helpful 42I've starting tarot reading at a young age. People say I've been able to read their past, present, and future (they come back and tell me it came true). I was wondering if I should continue this?
Well, I would discourage you. For the simple reason that you just haven't lived enough life to be able to advise other people. It's really easy to cause horrible damage with one ill-thought-out remark. You really don't know how it can affect sensitive or anxious folk. For your own well-being, I would wait until you are older.
Helpful 38How do I set up playing cards to read tarot?
I have an article here to help you with that: https://hubpages.com/fortune-divination/How-to-Dea...
Helpful 31How do you place the cards while giving a reading? Do you keep them all right side up or do you turn them ?
Your method of shuffling and dealing them into a spread is up to you. As playing cards are the same whichever direction you are looking at them, there's no point in trying to read reversals. I shuffle, cut the cards, place the pack face down and turn them over in front of me.
More information here: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Playing-C...
© 2012 Bev G
It's on the cards: I predict you will leave a comment!
AUTHORWhat is more important is what it means to you, Nikki. It depends what you were thinking about, what question you were going to ask, what your circumstances are, etc. What was your instinctive reaction to seeing them?
Jacks are equivalent to Knights and Pages in tarot. So are a mix of action and exploration. If you are thinking of doing some new thing or venture, then seeing all those should give you a positive message.
All four suits of jack flipped out one after the other when shuffling . Can you tell me what this means
- AUTHOR
If you scroll through the comments, you'll see a link to some suggested spreads.
Is there a special lay out order
- AUTHOR
Hi Peggy, I don't have one, I'm afraid.
How do I find your E-book for this
- AUTHOR
Someone will be detaching themselves emotionally. There may be pain, but a difficult road must be taken.
I have received the 8 of heart two days in a row now. What can you help me to understand with that card
- AUTHOR
Hi Faiza,
That's because it depends on what the reader wants. Many will devise their own spreads. Lots will just use three cards: past, present, future. Some are happy to ask yes/no questions where one card is sufficient. Yet others want to go for the full 10-card Celtic Cross.
There wasn't enough room in this article to cover all that. However, in this article I give examples of one to five-card readings: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Playing-C...
You don’t mention how many cards you should pull for a reading
- AUTHOR
You are very welcome, Ama.
There are other systems that change the correspondences between tarot suits and playing card suits. See how it goes for you... if you feel strongly that they should be different than these, then change them. It's not set in stone, and it's all about what works for you.
Hello! Thank you for putting together this wonderful resource! The table really helps me.
I’ve been working with a mini Rider-Waite deck for years... just as a personal development tool for when I wanna ask myself tough questions (or avoid them!) or feel myself approaching a crossroads/crisis point, etc... as a prompt for journaling. I moved to a new country one month ago, and realized I had forgotten to bring my deck — which I immediately began to miss and crave very much, as new situations, opportunities, perils, and crossroads began to develop. I didn’t realize how much I would miss being able to turn to the tarot deck as a starting point for self-reflection and context.
I have been finding a playing card in my path about every 3 days. I love finding them!!! They have turned up at the most perfect moments to punctuate my unfolding story (awareness) into little chapters.
Now I’m trying to internalize how the suits correspond to tarot suits, so I don’t have to check my phone every time I find one just to make sure. I get thrown off by the colors — red fiery diamonds always make me think of wands, and black earthy “clovers” make me think of pentacles. Hearts=cups is the only one I don’t second-guess myself on! I only started to remember spades=swords when I stopped thinking of garden tools (earth... pentacles) and started focusing on the pointy tip (pointy! swords!) ... now I’m copying your table in my journal for reference. Thank you for providing this resource.
I found my first Jack the other day — Jack of Diamonds — and I’ve been turning over in my mind the question of Page vs Knight, or a melding of the two. Your descriptions help a lot!
- AUTHOR
Sorry, Dawn, I don't know of any. I simply applied my knowledge of tarot in order to develop this system.
what book would you recommend that has the meanings of playing card tarot?
- AUTHOR
Hi Meredith, Thanks for your kind words.
The best way to expand the meanings of each card is to explore the corresponding tarot card, i.e. the Seven of Swords. So that would give you a huge amount of extra layers of meaning. Space is at a premium in a table, so I had to go with one or two keywords.
When it comes to the Seven of Spades, as well as the meaning given, you can think along the lines of 'restoration'. In the terms of restoration of justice, or regaining something previously lost. The traditional meaning is theft, or retrieving something that was taken from you.
All the cards are so complex that it would take a book to explain them all. And on top of that you have to allow your own intuition to kick in.
I'd suggest that getting yourself a good tarot book might help you with your readings.
Good luck.
First, this is wonderful. Its so convenient and there are so many ways I can decorate my cards, such an easy and fun way to learn.
That being said, ive done several practice readings for myself and I was just wondering, If Ive drawn a card, lets say a seven of spades, The listed correspondence seems a bit negative (Mystery or overly concerned with Superficialities). I was under the understanding that for every negative correspondence there is a positive. So is there a positive one for each of the cards that you've given only a negative correspondence to?
- AUTHOR
Sorry Melat, I don't interpret other people's cards in that way.
Just keep learning :)
Hi Bev, Greetings!
Yesterday I was looking ur page and get eager to learn n read tarot so I start practicing with my brother card which I get it at home. And when I sleep I see a dream that two women is trying to rob my wallet and wakeup and when I walk through the waiting room I heard my mom voice talking about who are the ladies coming to us and I asked her who came to our home and she told me two ladies was knocking our door early morning and they run out when she open and see them I was very surprise that I saw similar thing in my dream and tell that to my mom. So I get very eager to know who they r and came to my room to draw a tarot card then shuffle it to 7 times and I drew 7 cards which is......Ace of sword,nine of pentacles,five of wands,eight of pentacles,nine of sword,three of cups and two of pentacles. I wonder how to read it clearly please help me my dear. I hope to hear from u?
- AUTHOR
It often takes people by surprise, bloovoodoo. X
Hi Bev, thanks for posting the interpretations. ...helped me figure out why I kept dealing the same cards (over & over again) even after a lot of shuffling & cutting the deck. I’m not a psychic nor a card reader (the nickname is from a song). Interesting that I tried reading a few people and it works.
This is interesting. I never knew we could use playing cards as a substitute to tarot.
- AUTHOR
It's true, anyone can read the cards. The meanings, especially of tarot cards, have been published for centuries. But, yes, you are missing something. A gifted and accurate reader needs intuition and well-practiced skills to deliver a valuable and useful reading.
Have you never had one?
To be honest, I've never seen money exchanged for readings at a family party. Who would?
If the cards give all meanings n purposes whats so magical about it..? I mean im a witch n pyscich so basically you have no gifts or need no gifts to read a defenition ,,its all so general,,example oh in past you had family parties ?? Who hasnt ?? You see money going back n forth,,really ? What a waste of time and boring at that,,am i missing something
- AUTHOR
Lovely, Keso. What do you think it means?
I got Joker Facing wrong side down, 9 of clubs and 2 of hearts.
Thank you Bev. I just bought the book in ebook form. I really appreciate your advice. Have a nice day.
- AUTHOR
Hello Paul,
That's a fascinating story. Especially the "Learn to read." whispers by your inner being/intuition. I would suggest that those words apply to other things as well as the cards. For example, paying attention to synchronicities, signs, numbers and symbols that occur and reoccur. Often you won't understand their significance and that's okay. Just let them be and all will be revealed in due course. Don't strain, just keep an open mind.
Learning to read the tarot can seem both prescribed and confusing when you are starting out. The trick is to take one system (like the Rider-Waite) and use that as the framework on which you hang your own intuition and experiences.
You must never be afraid to let your own life experiences inform your readings. When random thoughts and memories pop into your head when you are reading the cards, they do so for a reason.
The 8 of Hearts interpretation is a standard one for the Eight of Cups, not mine particularly. Eights are always about movement or the lack of it. So When applying the qualities of the number to the suit of Cups, you get this 'emotional letting go'. In the Rider-Waite deck, the figure has turned his back on emotional fulfillment (in the present) to undertake a journey that may be difficult but ultimately will have its own reward - as shown in the Nine.
My advice is to stop trying to absorb too much from a wide range of resources and just stick to one for the time being. Something like 'Tarot, Plain and Simple' by Anthony Louis. He uses the Robin Wood deck which is based on the Rider-Waite, but with useful extra symbolism (best Devil card ever). It's the deck I keep in my head when using any other deck.
Leave the playing cards behind and focus on tarot. Then instead of memorizing the cards, the imagery will always remind you what the card means, and your intuition will fill in the gaps.
Good luck, Paul.
Hello Bev.
I'm Paul. Ive been on a quest to become a Cartomancer. But so far its been hard.
Ive become so confused because ive read book after book and looked at website after website and have found that there is no "one true way" to learn how to read cards. I started this journey in February of this year.
This voice in my head that ive heard since i was teen (im 35 now) told me to "learn how to read". I didnt understand what the voice meant. Until a few weeks later i stumbled across a youtube video on fortune telling with regular playing cards. It was a gypsy method of only the 9's up through to the Aces. So i dabbled with it and was completely astounded to find that i had made very accurate predictions for my best friend. He persuaded me to learn the Tarot. Thats when i realized what the Voice meant. "Learn to read" the cards.
The gypsy method was accurate yet incredibly vague. So i started reading books. Researching websites and watching endless youtube videos on Cartomancy. But after months of this ive completely stopped all learning. Nothing made sense. Every method was the same yet with subtle differences. Sometimes major differences. None of them "felt" right to me. I even memorized the major arcana cards. Well 4 or 5 key words for each card. I stopped learning because i realized that i was learning solely based on chance. None of it "felt" right. Everyone claims their meanings for cards are the most correct.
So a week ago i stopped all research and learning. I gave up. That was until a few days ago. I had a very sad dream one night. A recurring dream ive had of my first love. She and i were together for only 2 years. But those 2 years shaped me into a completely different man. Betrayal, lies and heartache will do that to a person ...
So back to the dream: in these recurring dreams i never truly see her but i "feel" her presence or hear her voice. Im always chasing her. Desperately looking for her. Looking for an answer to why she didn't love me. Looking for closure. But i always wake up in tears. But the dream i had a few nights ago was different. Because as i was doing my usual routine of looking for her i saw a playing card. The 8 of Hearts. It was something new.
So when i woke up i started looking up meanings for it. But once again all i found were contradictory definitions. Some even spoke of Happiness or a growing bond. None of the various meanings of the 8 of Hearts came close to describing the feeling of my recurring dream.
None except yours.
"8 of Hearts: Emotional detachment, leaving love behind, making a hard choice"
When i saw your definition i got goosebumps. Your definition perfectly describes my dream and what actually happen between me and her.
She was emotionally detached.
I was the one that left her. Left my love behind.
I made a hard choice. Probably the hardest in my whole life. But it was the right choice.
So my question to you is this: why would i see the 8 of Hearts in my recurring dream but the only card interpretation that correctly explains its meaning is your interpretation? Is this coincidence? Is it fate? I see it as my subconscious new i was about to give up on my new journey of becoming a cartomancer and gave me a way to choose a method that i would resonate with so deeply. It used a very powerful and painful memory of my first love to point me in the right direction.
Is this possible? Im really curious to see what you make of this. I feel like this isn't just a whim anymore. It feels like fate in the making.
this is very useful.
- AUTHOR
Sure, John, just look up the Ace of Cups on a search engine. The tarot Ace of Cups is equivalent to the Ace of Hearts. Sounds like love is/will be playing a big part in your life.
hey Bev.
I have been pulling out a random card every day, to help familiarise myself with the deck and make it easier for me to remember all the cards. i came into reading these cards thinking there was no possible way this stuff could be legit so I used this, one card a day thing to see if it represented what happened that day. my results surprised me every day my cards reflected the what had happened to me that day.
for the last week, I have pulled the same card, the ace of hearts. which is kinda creepy considering how much I shuffled the deck daily. is there a more in-depth description of the card that will help me get a grip on why i have been pulling it out every day?
thanks Bev
Years ago a dear lady, mother of a friend would read the cards for me and soon learned from her. Due to where I live and people in my life I only will do readings for those who know about me.
- AUTHOR
You are very welcome, Carol :)
I have really enjoyed reading your pages I found it very easy to comprehend for me that's a 1st ha ha,keep up the good work many thanks .
I really liked the information here. It has opened my eyes to some insight . Thank you!
- AUTHOR
Good luck, Janisa! Thanks for reading.
Thanks for the detailed post! I've been wanting to get into "fortunetelling" for a while now
- AUTHOR
I'm sorry, but I can't do your reading for you. All the information to interpret it yourself is given in the article. Of course, if you want to purchase a full in-depth tarot reading, head over to my site :D
im new starting over with the playing card been a longtime ... it regarding my friendship with a close male friend 6-diamonds,6of hearts, 5 of clubs 4 of diamonds ace of diamonds 8 of clubs ace of spades king of dimonds 9of clubs Q of spades 9 of diamonds A of hearts 2 of diamonds
- AUTHOR
Well the Queen of Diamonds is equal to the Queen of Pentacles in tarot. As a character she is a practical, down-to-earth person. She gets on well with other people. She's maternal, a nest-builder but can also be a career woman--she would be a midwife or work in a practical, supporting role.
In answer to your question, it's not the most helpful card to appear because it's not really a yes, or no (unless you assigned red cards to yes, and black cards to no).
You could try repeating the reading after removing the court cards from the deck.
I keep getting the queen of diamonds when I do readings about this girl I really like. Two examples of when I got that card was in a three card spread of past present and future. It said that was her future. Another I just Did wan a one card spread and I asked if she liked me. These aren’t the only times though, I think I’ve gotten it close to 75% of the Times I do readings about her. Do you think this means anything, or am I just making it up in my head. I do shuffle the deck well before each useage, and I don’t think it is just a coincidence.
On a side note thank you very much for this article, I love it so much.
- AUTHOR
No, that's a complete myth. You can buy your own cards with no worries at all. If you wait for a deck to find you, it might be a long time coming.
They aren't some special, magical things made by fairies, just images on card printed in a factory. The magic happens when your intuition connects with those images.
Thank you for the helpful information!! I do have a question... I’ve always wanted tarot cards or Oracle
But someone once told me it’s bad luck to buy your own tarot cards (not sure about the oracle cards) and that if it’s meant for you they will find you them selves? Is this true?
Thank you once’s again!!
- AUTHOR
Thank you for reading. I have loads of tarot, spiritual and all kinds of articles here:
https://hubpages.com/@theraggededge
and at https://psychicelements.com/blog/
and my own site: http://tarot-study.info
Thanks for posting this! I'm rather young and want to study Tarot. I was thinking about getting my own deck but never had the time to do so. But when I found this article, I was very happy! Is there any tips for any newcomers who are just getting into spiritual and fortune-y things?
- AUTHOR
Hi Ella, no. Playing cards don't have reversals like tarot, because they are a mirror image whichever way you look at them. It's not face-up or face-down, by the way. They all have to be face-up.
The Joker can be marked, and that's only if it is your personal preference to do so. If it comes out in a reading upside down, then its meaning is weakened or distorted into 'folly'.
If this is confusing, then just leave the Joker as it is. Learn the cards first and then you can change things up to suit your style of reading.
Remember that the meanings I give in the article are just the tip of the iceberg, you can expand on them as you like, and according to the question and circumstances.
Good luck, Ella.
hi Bev, I am learning to read cards from your website, and it is really helpful from the few attempts I have made, even though I have not liked the answers I believe that I have read them right. just one thing though, you mentioned it depends which way the cards (joker) comes out (face up/down). does this mean I need to shuffle the cards to make all the cards face different ways???
- AUTHOR
Hi Rascal, if you are a complete beginner, stick with one card readings. When you are ready to try more, I have this article: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Playing-C...
What kind of spread should I put the cards in to read them? I've seen multiple different ones and I want to know which spread would be most suitable for a beginning reader.
- AUTHOR
Enjoy your study, Myridiasage. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Soooo happy I found this! I'm very keen towards tarot yet for now my practice has to be easily hidden so this is perfect for where I am at transitionally!
I am a born Psychic and Certified Hypnotist. I have read cards publicly for 46 years. I received the meaning of the cards from spirit. many correspond to those you have here. Others are a bit different. If a relationship between cards is unclear at first spirt will clarify for me. My favorite spread is 21 cards, in rows of 7. the first row is past, the second is present. and the third is future. It is a very thorough reading.
I never realized you could use a regular card deck for this! Thanks for sharing!
hahaha, Too many of these readings have been uncanny. I read that you based these meanings on traditional meanings. It seems that there is a special relationship between these cards and I. I appreciate your work and hope you live with tranquility.
Ok thank you I will
- AUTHOR
Hi skygal,
I would suggest that you forget that reading and simply draw one card to answer your question. I avoid interpreting other people's readings because they are essentially a snapshot of the energy around you at that point in time. So formulate your question carefully, set your intention, shuffle (cut, or not) and draw one card :)
Hi Bev,
I just found your article while searching on how to read playing cards. Very interesting; I did a 5 card reading asking about my previous career as a Flight Attendant. I resigned in 2014 and have regretted it. I asked the cards if I will become a Flight Attendant again. I was not sure about the cards positions I was following, the cards are: 5 of Diamonds, Ace of Clubs, 8 of Diamonds, 7 of Diamonds, King of Spades. I hope you can help me understand, thanks.
BTW, do I have to cut the cards? Cause I did not.
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Mariah, my system is based on traditional tarot: the suits, the elements and the numbers. You can 'verify' by reading up on the structure of tarot and how it works. Cheers.
The information I have in my book that you are saying it's nothing like what youre saying...
I am just beginning this process and in current state of labeling and making my cards my own and with that I got a book in the mail and as I said the information that you're providing does not match up with what I am reading at the moment so can you explain that is there different meanings to everybody because they are not alike whatsoever
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You are very welcome, QoA :)
Thank you so much! I have been reading before but every time I read I get upset because I want to read positively so I quit reading but will give it another try
I'm looking forward to learning to read with playing cards.
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Have you tried to work out what they mean, Kayla? This might help: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/List-of-P...
It's better if you learn how to read the cards yourself.
6 hearts
4 diamonds
3 diamonds
Can you tell me what they mean
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Firstly, Wendy, I would make sure the cards are shuffled properly. When you get three consecutive cards like that, it's possible that they have stuck together.
If the deck is well-shuffled, then your cards are indicating a positive development in the material sense. They could be saying that your bf has taken a risk, but is comfortable wherever he is. He has to juggle his resources, but working with others is helping him.
However, my feeling is that the cards are telling you to focus on other things, such as a career, or some sort of project. The reversed joker, indicates that he is a silly boy and that you simply have to get on with your life. x
Hi ive asked a question about my relationship which at minute is on a break my bf asked another woman if she can put him up but she never answered but lives close i asked the cards if hes with her and i got
Joker card upside down ace diamonds.. 2 diamonds... 3 diamonds can you tell me what they saying to me please thank you
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Hi TJ, I have no way of interpreting your cards. I don't don't your question or your circumstances. I have no 'special powers' that allow me to know these things. Sorry, I can't read 'blind'. Why don't you tell me what you think?
Hello there.
My cards that are in front of me is:
3 of Hearts
Queen of Hearts
3 of Clubs
6 of Spades
Ace of hearts.
I have a gist of what it means. I would like to reassure and make of what's spread around me.
Appreciate it much!
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Hi, Annalee, if there are Court/picture cards as well, you don't need them. If not, then assign them to knave, queen, king :)
I have a deck with 11s, 12s, and 13s in them. Do these have a use in tarot, or are they unnecessary?
This is extremely useful. Thank you for this. I always get asked to do readings when I don't have my tarot deck, and now I know that I can read my regular deck, which I always carry around!
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Hi RJG, there aren't any reversals for playing cards as they look the same either way. You'd have to mark the cards. In tarot, a reversed card can indicate several things, depending on the reader, the other cards, the question and so on. Generally speaking, a reversal means a weakening of energy, so for instance, the Nine of Wands, which indicates a will to keep going in the face of resistance, would show that resolve is slipping. Please ask if you have any other questions :)
Thanks soo much for your article! I love it. Just one thing I was hoping you could help with. I noticed the only card you gave a reversed meaning for was the joker. Are there specific reversed meamings for the rest or is it more of a take and use the reverse for whats there. Like happiness turns to unhappiness and so on....any further input is greatly appreciated. :)
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It's true, I can't read for myself at all. Always good to keep a record of the reading and revisit it later. And, of course, you can keep delving deeper, through the layers and symbolism.
Thanks for the answer. I do know the Tarot card equivalent for all, and my basic interpretation was similar to yours. I saw 3 of clubs as one more try thought. Of course ten of diamonds says "all will be well at the end"
Unfortunately, it is very hard to read for ourselves as in general, we all have a bias as to what we desire and often tend to see what we want instead of what the cards are really telling us. I guess this is the hardes part of reading for oneself.
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Hello DRA,
I'm going to give you the equivalent tarot card, so you can do some more research on the meanings.
Five of Hearts = Five of Cups: upset, bereft, feeling loss.
Seven of Diamonds = Seven of Pentacles: mildly dissatisfied, feeling there should be more to life.
Seven of Hearts = Seven of Cups: difficulty making choices and decisions, unrealistic expectations.
Three of Clubs = Three of Wands: creating opportunities for yourself. Putting in the work.
Ten of Diamonds = Ten of Pentacles: Financial security, family business, inheritance.
Hope that helps.
So I did the reading and could use interpretation help. Basically related to my work, left old good paying job for new job that did not work out.
5 of harts - me
7 of diamonds - why am in this situation
7 of harts - why did i meet that person and left my old employer to joint his company
3 of clubs - do i have a chance to work again for my former employer
10 of diamonds - what will the outcom to my curren situation be
Your help was much appresiated.I know I'll do well.If.I need help,I'll ask
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Hi Gypsy, it means that the energy of the 10 is reinforced and multiplied. So, extra attention should be paid to them. If they are tens, then it suggests a major ending/transformation.
What are the meanings of multiples? Such as 4 10's? In an 8 card spread...
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You just found one, Jordan :) I have given you the basics. Start there and then you can progress.
Where can i find sites that i can learn to read the playing cards the future in reality and not just for fun?
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Absolutely right, Maurice. If you know the basics of numerology and can meld the meaning of the numbers with the elements of the suits, you can read the cards.
Wow, I think I could do this. I have a connection to numerology and this seems to follow similar patterns that I can understand. I may look into this further.
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Try Ctrl P, Tawnya. I use Evernote, which saves a simplified version of a web page that I can then print. It's free. I have two other playing card articles - one with layouts and the other focussed toward romance.
https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Playing-C...
https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Reading-P...
Have fun with your cards!
I have always felt intimidated with using regular cards. After reading this it made me feel comfortable and I had no problem with reading them. Is there an easy way to print this?
I am having so much fun
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Hi Patty, here you go: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Playing-C...
If you are confused by your deck, it might be a good idea to set them aside and get hold of a more mainstream deck. There are a huge amount of resources for learning to read using the Rider-Waite.
Here's a basic article: https://exemplore.com/fortune-divination/Tarot-Car...
You can find more on my site: tarot-study.info.
Can you give examples of spreads to use with regular playing cards?
Do you have a post that you talk about learning to read actual tarot cards? I have the Gipsy Witch Fortune ones, but I find them confusing.
Thank you
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Hi Alex, I can't give one without the context of the question, brief situation and the 5th card.
Hi just need a second opinion on what this spread means it's a 5 card spread,, 8heart, Qclubs,, 6hearts, Qspades
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If you've never done a reading before, then one is fine. Otherwise you will just be confused.
Hi, how many cards should you deal out to do a reading. I'm guessing seven or eight.
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Hi Dashiell, thank you! Yes, some true psychics use the cards, whether playing cards or tarot, as jumping off points. They don't really need them at all. I'd recommend The Universal Waite Tarot or the Radiant Rider-Waite to start with :)
Hi Bev...love this, its how my uncle used to read with a playing card deck it seems...it helped tho that he was psychic or the real thing , as they say...the cards where mainly a cover for him so people could handle it and have someway to rationalise his gift...it just struck me wondering what tarot to buy that it might have the way he did it on here so i googled and up you came...ty
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Not that I know of, Day. I don't tend to use reversals that often even in a 'proper' tarot deck, as I think that the cards can convey the necessary message without them. Let me know if you find, or devise a method, and I'll add it to the article (with credit, of course).
Hi, Bev.
Is there any way to emulate the reversal cards with a regular deck?
Glad I found this.
I used to have a pack of tarot cards with Native American characters on them but I lost it. I use a deck of playing cards now, mainly for everyday decision-making, a bit like some people use a die.
After reading this I realised many of my card interpretations were incorrect (I kept mixing up the suits), so this is a very useful guide.
Thanks for the education. Keep up the good work!
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Hi Teresa, thank you. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.
I love this site . I plan on visiting it everyday loving and learning
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