If you have visited a fortune teller recently or you plan to visit one in the near future then it is a good idea to read up on what the cards that are used actually mean. At first glance they can appear confusing and unclear. In these circumstances you are simply left at the behest of the card reader and you have to trust their judgment. Fortunately reading the cards requires just a little knowledge. This article will look at some of the cards that you are likely to find in a tarot card reading and so hopefully next time you visit a fortune teller you are able to understand a little bit more about the cards.
A tarot card reading typically revolves around a spread of cards. There are many different types of spreads used by the card reader, but this is beyond the scope of this article. The most common spread used today is the Horse Shoe spread, named as such because the seven cards are laid out on the table in the shape of a horse shoe. This arrangement is said to increase the reader's concentration.
The basic spread for a tarot card reading will consist of the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Arcana is a word derived from the Latin phrase arcanum which basically means a profound secret.
In a typical deck you will find 78 tarot cards, of which 22 are a part of the Major Arcana. These are the most important cards for the reading. It is said that these cards encompass the essence of human life and as such the cards reflect this. This can be seen in cards that represent Justice and Strength and is also more implicit in the character cards such as the Magician who conveys will power and intellect.
These cards are crucial during the reading as they are indicative of the major events within a person's life and the emotions and motives that are attached to them.
In contrast the second set of cards known as the Minor Arcana are used to interpret the practical issues within a person's life. The cards are used to answer the questions related to the mundane issues that comprise the day to day problems. The Minor Arcana comprises of 56 cards divided into 4 suites. These suites are called Wands, Cups, Pentacles and Swords.
Wands represent passionate emotions and physical movement and the imagery on these cards is focused on the flow of energy. The Cup cards are symbolic of the spiritualism within the person. This is focused on the inner self and the emotions and feelings that are retained internally. The Pentacles seek to explain the rational and practical elements of the person's life. Typically this will center on the mundane issues that are important here. Finally, the Sword cards help to interpret the person's psychology. Crucially these cards offer insight into the intellect and reason behind the decisions.
These cards are organized in the same way as a standard pack of playing cards with the Ace to Ten cards and the four Court cards. Each of these cards help the card reader to interpret how each emotion impacts on the questions asked. The Ace card is primary and is used to define the general theme. The middle cards are used to explore the issues, whilst the ten cards are used to conclude the question.
Finally, the court cards such as the King and Queen are used to provide an explanation of the various outcomes. These are used to demonstrate what the most appropriate course of action might be.
The Hanged Man features one of the most fascinating and poetic images of the whole tarot card deck: a man hanging upside down from a tao cross (sometimes a tree or bar) by one foot, his hands bound or tucked behind his back. He is suspended in mid air, his free leg forming the number 4 with his other leg.
Unexpectedly, he is not struggling to escape and instead has a look of complete satisfaction on his face. What is the story behind this strangely calm hanged man?
1) The Number Four
Four is the number that rules a person ego, implying that the hanged man is suddenly surrendering his own consciousness and will for a much higher one.
2) The Story
The story is inspired by the Norse god Odin, who hung from the world tree for nine days straight after a spear wounded him. As a result, he was forced into a temporary state of enlightenment. Odin had give up control to gain insight.
Often, change is falling from the hanged man, resembling his loss of worldly possessions and thus worldly desires. Remember how his hands are not free? This shows that he is unable to take action or grab at things he may want. Also, he is not holding onto anything!
As the man hangs between the ground and the cross, he has a moment of absolute clarity, consisting of new insights that render him carefree. His materialistic self is transformed into a spirit that is unconcerned with practical, day-to-day worries.
But the hanged man would not always be in this suspended position; he will eventually return to the earth and become a part of society again. However, even after his epiphany has worn off a bit, he will hopefully be changed forever.
3) Are you hanging upside down?
How might the Hanged Man be a metaphor for your life? Are you going through a big change that is requiring you to sacrifice relationships, money, possessions, financial or emotional security, or even your ideas about how the universe works?
If so, then you have a stunning opportunity to take a glimpse into what a life without earthly wants and needs, unattached and free from all prejudice and judgment, is like. While this state of consciousness is only momentary, it can influence the rest of your life and give you a new, powerful freedom and bravery to pursue hopes and dreams you never even considered before.
The hanged man has to sacrifice previous notions about the way things work, all his belongings, and even health and physical comfort in order to become enlightened. The Hanged Man tarot card is not about life or death or making choices or even predictions about the future. It is simply about viewing all existence with the kind of innocence and openness that only babies have. Hence, the Hanged Man is a symbol for rebirth and transformation.
Those who relate to the hanged man the most have typically suffered a big loss. Divorce, death, a job change, growing old, getting sick - all of these can trigger someone to rethink everything. If we can be like the Hanged Man, at peace with what we have and not sorrowful or angry about what we don't have, then no matter what life throws at us, we will always evolve and become better, happier people in the end.
4) Your Next Step
While we are hanging upside down, we are paused in life, but the stage is now set for us to adapt to new changes and progress. Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads, not ready to pick a path.
First, take a step back and observe what is going on in your life without the intention of making any conclusions or decisions regarding your future. The Hanged Man encourages non-action. Sometimes, it is NOT necessary to do something, and in fact it is foolish and often destructive to act just for the sake of acting.
Patience is the most important virtue for you to practice right now! There are periods in your life where all you can and should do is wait. This may mean a lot to you if you are waiting on your significant other or love interest to make a move or if you are waiting to find out if you got that new job. Just as the hanged man, life might be out of your control right now. The key is to accept this fact and not fight it; fighting will be futile after all.
5) The Reversed Hanged Man
There are two sides to every coin! The conventional Hanged Man encourages tarot card readers to relax, while the reversed Hanged Man encourages action. The man who says he will start up his business tomorrow, not today; the woman who says she will pursue an education tomorrow, not today; the nicotine addict who says he will quit smoking tomorrow, not today... these are all people who might be in need of a good change and should stop waisting their time reflecting on the mysteries of life!
Both Daniel Millions & Tenzin Palmo are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Tenzin Palmo has sinced written about articles on various topics from Feng Shui, Tarot Card and Lucid Dream. Tenzin is an accomplished author and publisher dedicated to bring to you little known resources which will teach you all the SECRETS of the Ages. He has published the fantastic and life changing. Tenzin Palmo's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.