What is Tarot?

17-1-2025

De Intuïtieve Wijsheid van Tarot: Een Gids naar Inzicht en Zelfontdekking

In the often fast flow of life, the ancient tradition of tarot offers a moment to pause and turn inward. As early as the Renaissance, the first tarot cards appeared, possibly as a game, but those who looked beyond the game soon discovered their power as a mirror of the soul. Tarot invites us to look beyond the visible, to feel the subtle movements of our inner life, and to explore the hidden layers of ourselves and the world around us. It is an invitation to self-awareness and a quiet meeting with our intuition.

The Major and Minor Arcana: A Rich Palette of Life Experiences

A tarot deck consists of 78 cards, full of archetypes and recognizable life experiences, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The 22 cards of the Major Arcana form the core and touch on universal themes such as love, loss, change, growth, and awakening. Themes that return in every human life and can touch us deeply. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are linked to the four elements: cups (emotion and relationships), wands (action and creativity), swords (thought and truth), and pentacles (material matters and grounding). Together, they tell the story of our daily lives, filled with small moments and great lessons.

The Language of Symbols: Discovering Hidden Meanings

The true power of tarot lies in the rich symbolism that each card carries. Colors, numbers, landscapes, and figures together form a visual language that speaks directly to us, often beyond words. For example, the color yellow often stands for optimism and new ideas, while blue suggests calm and spiritual depth. Numbers hold their own energy: three symbolizes growth and cooperation, while nine represents completion and wisdom. Landscapes like mountains symbolize challenges, rivers represent flowing emotions. Figures such as the Empress embody abundance and creativity, while the Fool stands for new adventures and the trust to explore unknown paths. Understanding this language is not just a matter of study but especially of intuitive listening and attunement. In this quiet interaction between you and the cards, it becomes clear what is happening within you and which insights can help you move forward.

Tarot Spreads: A Snapshot of Your Energy

When cards come together in a spread, a story unfolds. The pattern in which they are laid reflects the energies present at that moment. A single card can offer valuable daily reflection, while larger spreads, like the Celtic Cross, provide deeper insight into complex situations. Tarot is not about making fixed predictions but about exploring possibilities. The cards offer insight into the opportunities ahead and the consequences your choices may have. They help you choose more consciously and understand which direction aligns best with your desires and values.

Self-Awareness and Personal Growth with Tarot

Working with tarot invites sincere self-reflection, encouraging you to look at your own thoughts, emotions, and patterns without judgment. By actively contemplating the images and messages of the cards, you can discover where you repeatedly encounter obstacles, which fears or desires drive your decisions, and which habits you unconsciously hold onto. Tarot makes visible where you are still limiting yourself and where there is space for growth, allowing you to steer your life more consciously.

Developing Your Intuition with Tarot

Tarot can be a powerful tool to strengthen your intuition during moments of silence. Drawing a card and meditating on its image can help you release busy thoughts and create space for inner guidance. If, for example, you draw the High Priestess, this may invite you to trust your inner knowing. If the Star appears, it may encourage you to maintain hope and faith even when the path is not yet clear. Beyond the traditional meanings, it is important to notice what a card personally evokes for you. An image can bring up memories, feelings, or insights directly connected to your life. By taking your intuition seriously, a personal dialogue with the cards emerges, where not only knowledge but especially your inner feeling guides the answers you seek. This way, tarot becomes a living, ever-deepening source of wisdom.

Choosing Your First Tarot Deck

Starting with tarot begins with choosing your first deck, a special and personal step. The Rider-Waite tarot deck is often recommended because of its clear imagery and the wealth of books and online resources that explain the meaning of the cards. However, your choice doesn’t have to stop there. Some people feel more drawn to a deck with soft colors, dreamy images, or a modern style. Others prefer a deck that stays close to traditional symbolism. Take your time to explore different decks, feel which images resonate with you, and trust your first impression. At Tarot.nl, we have created a special category for beginners, where you can easily find a deck that suits your first steps. These decks have been selected for their clear imagery, supportive guidebooks, and accessible energy, helping you start your tarot journey with confidence.

Which Tarot Spread Fits Your Question?

There are many types of tarot spreads, tailored to the question you have and the depth you seek. A simple three-card spread provides insight into past, present, and future: the first card shows where you come from, the second highlights your current situation, and the third points to potential developments. If you want to dive deeper, you can opt for the Celtic Cross, a classic spread that explores your question in detail, including outside influences and inner motivations. There are also specific spreads, such as love spreads or career spreads, focusing on particular life areas. The position of each card within a spread adds additional meaning, helping you to better understand situations and make clearer choices.

What Tarot Really Reveals: Insights and Choices

Many people believe that tarot predicts the future. In reality, tarot helps you see which possibilities and developments are already emerging. The cards do not fix your path but reveal the directions you can take based on your choices. For example, if you are considering a career switch, tarot can show you which forces support you and where potential obstacles lie. A card like the Lovers may indicate the importance of following your heart, while Strength invites you to act with courage and trust. In this way, tarot shows what paths are opening up, which energies are influencing you, and how you can consciously shape your future.

Learning to Work with Tarot: Books, Courses, and Communities

If you want to learn more about tarot, there are many resources available. Tarot books offer detailed explanations of card meanings, teach spread techniques, and provide tips for strengthening your intuition. Online courses guide you step-by-step through the basics and advanced techniques, often supported by videos and exercises. There are also tarot workshops where you can practice under the guidance of experienced tarot readers and ask questions. In addition, online tarot communities and forums allow you to share insights, practice spreads, and seek advice. Especially when starting out, it can be reassuring to exchange experiences with others who are on the same journey. At Tarot.nl, you will find not only tarot cards but also a selection of books and materials to support your growth.

Reading Tarot Responsibly: Why Respect and Care Matter

When you use tarot, whether for yourself or for others, you carry the responsibility for how you share the insights. Tarot cards often touch on personal, sensitive topics. Therefore, it is important always to work with respect, honesty, and compassion. Allow space for the person’s own interpretation, avoid imposing meanings, and be cautious about predicting fixed outcomes. A good tarot reading supports, empowers, and invites personal choice, without creating fear or dependency. By working carefully and with pure intention, tarot remains a source of growth, insight, and trust.