A Textual Guide to Tarot

This is meant to be merely an introduction to the major and minor arcanas of the tarot, with a beginner's guide to interpreting each. I have also included a small section on tarot numerology here. Enjoy! =)

Numerology

When studying the Tarot, it is helpful to consider the numerological correspondences for each of the number, or Pip Cards. The following is a list of key words and phrases that correspond to the numbers 1 - 10:

Aces (Ones)

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Magician
The start of something. Seeds. New beginnings. The creative principle. New projects or ventures. Fresh ideas. New challenges. Initiation. Excitement. Inspiration. Vitality. Potential. Leadership. Initiative. Potential. Independence. Early stages of action. Raw energy. Creative power. Upsurge of energy.

Twos

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The High Priestess
Duality. Balance. The relationship between two objects, ideas, or persons. Formation. A fork in the road. Competing or combined forces. The need to reconcile opposites. Conflict. See-saw. Partnership. Nurturing. Reflection. Creativity not yet fulfilled. The need to make a choice. Which way do I turn?

Threes

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Empress
Creation. Growth. Development. Increase. Flowering. Expansion. Fertilization. Regeneration. Exploration. Moving out into the world. Initial completion. Enthusiasm. Preparation. Perspective. A first stage of growth is achieved.

Fours

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Emperor
Structure. Stability. Foundation. Order. Predictability. Solidity. Tenacity. Entrenchment. Work. Reality. Organization. Manifestation. Practical attainment. Tangible results. Stagnation. Logic. Reason. Power and control. The material world. The physical universe.

Fives

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Hierophant
Upsetting the balance. Disrupted stability. Struggle. Uncertainty. Upset. Change. Disruption. A new cycle. Shifts. Adjustments. Adversity. Conflict. Strife. Disappointment. Loss. Missing out on something. Competition. Challenge. Difficulties. Problems.

Sixes
Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Lovers
Harmony within flux. Justice. Equilibrium. Fairness. Balance restored. Peace. Appreciation. Reward. Values. Benefits from past behavior.

Sevens

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Chariot
Choice. Wisdom. Fate. Divine order. Dispassionate awareness. The need to make decisions. Harmony dispelled. Spiritual development. Morality. Divine justice. Mysticism. Magick. Change. A turning point. Rebellion. Eccentricity. Intuition. The completion of a phase or cycle.

Eights

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: Strength
Power. Success. Regeneration. A fresh sense of direction. Completion of one stage of a project before moving on. Setting new priorities. Progression to a new phase of a cycle. New ways forward. Balance. Stability. Control. Reorganization. Enterprise. Executive ability. Harmonizing opposing forces. Death of the old to make way for the new.

Nines

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Hermit
Nearing the end. The final stage. Attainment. Summing up before the completion of a cycle. Preparation for transition. Dreams. Bringing matters to a close. Creative energy. Compassion. Wisdom. Understanding. Service. Mysticism. Courage. Mastery.

Tens

Corresponding Major Arcana Card: The Wheel of Fortune
The finish. The end of a cycle. Completed circumstances. Summation. Completion. Perfection. Permanence. Regeneration. Transformation. Rebirth. A group of people. A family. A community. Time for a new beginning. The end of one cycle and the start of another.

[ The Major Arcana ] [ Cups ] [ Pentacles ] [ Swords ] [ Wands ]

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