Tarot cards have been around for centuries, quietly helping people uncover insights about their lives, their choices, and their paths forward. Despite what Hollywood might show us, Tarot isn’t just about predicting the future or revealing spooky secrets. It’s a rich, symbolic language that can help us understand the present moment—and more importantly—ourselves.
In this post, I want to walk you through what Tarot cards really are, how they can help you, and why they’re still such a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual awareness today.
What Exactly Are Tarot Cards?
A Tarot deck is made up of 78 cards, and no matter what the artwork looks like—from classic illustrations to modern, edgy designs—the core structure of the deck remains the same. That’s part of the magic. You can pick up a brand-new deck or a centuries-old version, and the meanings will still resonate.
These cards are divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana includes 22 cards with big themes—like The Fool, The Lovers, The Tower, or Death. These cards speak to life-changing moments, deep inner transformations, and major spiritual lessons.
The Minor Arcana, made up of 56 cards, is more like a mirror to our everyday lives. It’s split into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit connects with a different area of life:
- Wands: Creativity, inspiration, purpose, and spiritual growth
- Cups: Emotions, relationships, love, and intuition
- Swords: Conflict, truth, decisions, and mental clarity
- Pentacles: Money, work, home life, and the physical world
Each suit has numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Some decks include a “Squire” or an alternative court structure—especially custom or indie decks—but they all serve a similar purpose: they represent people, personalities, or energies at play.
The History: Not Just Fortune-Telling
A lot of folks think Tarot was invented just to predict the future—but that’s a modern misconception. Tarot’s roots go back to at least the 15th century in Europe, with some historians linking it to earlier esoteric systems or even ancient mystery traditions. Some believe the Celts used symbolic tools like Tarot to gain insights into life and nature.
It’s more accurate to say that Tarot is a tool for self-reflection. The cards can help us see patterns we’re stuck in, emotions we haven’t processed, or options we haven’t considered. That’s why I call Tarot a “spiritual mirror.”
So… How Can Tarot Help You?
The beauty of Tarot is that it doesn’t give you hard answers. It gives you perspective.
Let’s say you’re feeling lost, unsure, or stuck. A Tarot reading won’t tell you exactly what to do—but it will show you what’s influencing your situation, what energies are at play, and where things might be headed if nothing changes. That alone can be a huge help.
Here are just a few things Tarot can support you with:
- Gaining insight into a confusing situation
- Identifying emotional or energetic blocks
- Clarifying choices and decisions
- Understanding your relationships better
- Tapping into your intuition and inner wisdom
- Guiding your spiritual growth or healing journey
You don’t have to be “psychic” to benefit from Tarot. You just have to be open.
Can Anyone Read Tarot Cards?
Absolutely. You don’t need a certificate, a crystal ball, or a secret initiation. Anyone can learn to read Tarot—yes, even you.
There are countless books, courses, and online communities that can teach you the basics. You don’t need to memorize every meaning either. Many readers (myself included, when I started) keep notes, journals, or guidebooks nearby. There’s no shame in learning.
Here’s a simple way to get started:
- Pick a Tarot deck that speaks to you visually or spiritually.
- Get familiar with the cards—read about them, study their symbols.
- Practice simple spreads, like the 1-card daily draw or the 3-card past/present/future layout.
- Ask open-ended questions. “What should I know about this situation?” is better than “Will I get the job?”
Tarot is personal. Over time, you’ll develop your own relationship with the cards, your own interpretations, and your own reading style. That’s when the magic really starts.
Still Relevant After Centuries
Why have Tarot cards survived for hundreds of years? Because they work. Not in a mystical “change your fate” kind of way—but in the way they help you connect with yourself on a deeper level.
We live in a noisy world. There’s always something grabbing our attention, distracting us from what really matters. Tarot helps us slow down and listen—to our intuition, to our inner voice, and to what the Universe might be trying to show us.
Whether you believe in the spiritual side of Tarot or just see it as a tool for mindfulness, reflection, and growth—it has something to offer everyone.
Final Thoughts
Tarot isn’t about fortune-telling. It’s about truth-telling. It’s about showing you what’s already inside you, waiting to be acknowledged, healed, or embraced.
If you’re curious, start exploring. Pull a card. Ask a question. See what comes up.
You might be surprised at how much insight is waiting for you—in just 78 little cards.
Sources for Reference:
- 78 Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack
- The Tarot Bible by Sarah Bartlett
- Holistic Tarot by Benebell Wen
- Personal experience as a Biddy Tarot Certified Reader