It's tarot study group time. I'm going to go through the cards one by one each week and post their meanings (borrowing descriptions from learntarot.com). This will be based on a classic tarot deck, and I am going to specifically use the Rider Waite, however there are many decks that use the same pattern. If you do not use a classic deck, there will still be broad information in here you can use as well. I'll start each week with a post about tarot tips, and the second post will be a description about the card. I will post a third time with what the card means to me when I see it, and then we can discuss. I encourage you to post how you feel when you see the card and what you notice in the picture.
Cleansing and storing your cards-
Since this is our first week and there will be people who are learning for the first time, this week will be about cleansing and storing cards (already posted on Jenny's thread).
Once you have obtained a deck, whether you have purchased it or it was gifted to you, you should cleanse and store them properly. I like to use sage to cleanse my cards, but I feel that any incense will do. Use the burning sage or incense and run your cards through the smoke one by one while you cleanse them. This will remove any energy that had been a part of your cards so that you can fill them with your own energy.
Cards should be stored in a wooden box or in a silk wrap and kept near you while you sleep- under your pillow is sufficient. This is not always necessary, but when you first receive the cards it helps to fill them with your energy.
There are 78 tarot cards in total. 22 of these cards are major arcana cards. Major arcana cards signify a major life event and something that I believe is a destiny. 56 of the cards are Minor arcana cards (very similar to a deck of playing cards, and some people used to use playing cards to read the tarot). Minor arcana cards signify smaller life happenings and day to day life. We will start with learning the Major arcana.
BEGINNING
SPONTANEITY
FAITH
APPARENT FOLLY
beginning
entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown
being spontaneous
living in the moment
letting go of expectations
doing the unexpected
acting on impulse
feeling uninhibited
surprising someone
feeling carefree
having faith
trusting the flow
staying open
letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved
living in joy
recapturing innocence
believing
embracing folly
accepting your choices
taking the "foolish" path
pursuing a pipe dream
being true to yourself
taking a "crazy" chance
trusting your heart's desire
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.
The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
We are all going to interpret the cards a little bit differently, and that's ok. There are some basic interpretations when you read the tarot (these are the things you can look up), however this knowledge is not exactly necessary in my opinion. I think a feeling you get from a card or a vision is going to mean so much more than what you can look up in a reference book. Sometimes the interpretation from the reference book doesn't resonate with you, and in that case I would always go with how you feel about it. I highly suggest only reading for yourself if you're a beginner until you feel more comfortable reading for others. It took me 8 years to get to a point where I felt ok reading for other people.
When I see the fool, I see a young (or young hearted) person that is excited to begin life's journey. Maybe a little ignorant at times, but with a very pure heart. In the image, you see a young person standing on the edge of a cliff...I feel like that person is unafraid standing so close to a cliff. Not uptight. The sun is shining bright yellow...it is very joyful. The querant seems very carefree.
This is what I get from just *looking* at the card. If the card was in relation to other cards, I may see something else (we'll get into reading multiple cards together later though).
What do you see in the fool?
