Table of Contents
A – Z Glossary of Tarot Card Terms
Welcome to our concise A-Z glossary of Tarot Card terms, a guide to unravel the intriguing world of Tarot symbolism and divination. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarot enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this glossary will provide quick and insightful explanations of key Tarot concepts, from the Major and Minor Arcana to numerology, astrology, and more. Join us on a journey through the language of Tarot, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and mysteries it holds.
A
Aces
The Aces represent the beginnings of each suit in the Tarot deck. They hold special significance, signifying new opportunities and fresh starts in various aspects of life.
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a prominent occultist, mystic, and author who made significant contributions to the world of Tarot. He is known for creating the “Thoth Tarot,” a Tarot deck that features rich symbolism and esoteric imagery. Crowley’s involvement in Tarot led to the development of his own interpretations and meanings for the cards, which continue to influence Tarot readers and practitioners today. His Tarot deck, the Thoth Tarot, remains a popular choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of Tarot symbolism and esoteric wisdom.
Arcana
The term “Arcana” encompasses the Major and Minor Arcana, reflecting the two main divisions of a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana delves into profound life themes and spiritual matters, while the Minor Arcana addresses day-to-day events and experiences.
Astrology
Astrology plays a significant role in Tarot card readings. It involves the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human behavior and destiny.
B
Baton
Another name for the suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana, often associated with creativity and inspiration.
Blades
An alternate name for the suit of Swords in the Minor Arcana, representing intellect, thoughts, and challenges.
C
Card Deck
A Tarot card deck consists of 78 cards, each with its own symbolism and meaning. Tarot decks come in various designs and styles, catering to different preferences and traditions.
Cartomancy
Cartomancy is the practice of foretelling the future or gaining insights by reading cards. Tarot cards are commonly used for cartomancy.
Celtic Cross
A widely used Tarot card spread that consists of ten cards, providing insights into the current situation and future events.
Chalice
Another term for the suit of Cups in the Minor Arcana, which relates to emotions and relationships.
Clubs
An alternative name for the suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana, often associated with ambition and energy.
Coins
Another name for the suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana, representing practical matters, including finances and material possessions.
Court Cards
The Court Cards include the Page, Knight, Queen, and King for each suit. They often represent specific people or personality traits in Tarot readings.
Cups
One of the four suits in the Minor Arcana, Cups are associated with emotions, feelings, and matters of the heart.
D
Divination
The art of seeking to foresee future events or gain hidden knowledge through the interpretation of symbols, signs, and omens. In Tarot, divination involves reading the cards to provide insights.
Diviner
A term used interchangeably with “Tarot card reader,” referring to someone who practices divination with Tarot cards.
Disks
Another name for the suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana, linked to practical and material aspects of life.
E
Elements
In Tarot, the four elements (fire, air, earth, and water) are associated with the four suits in the Minor Arcana, providing symbolic depth to the cards.
F
Fool
A Major Arcana card symbolizing spontaneity, unpredictability, and new beginnings. It’s often numbered as 0 or XXII.
G
Goblets
An alternative name for the suit of Cups in the Minor Arcana, emphasizing the emotional aspect.
Gypsies
Nomadic people with historical ties to Tarot; many Tarot techniques and traditions have roots in Gypsy culture.
H
Hearts
Another term for the suit of Cups in the Minor Arcana, highlighting emotional matters.
I
Initiant
A person who is in the process of learning and gaining new knowledge about Tarot.
Interpreter
The Tarot card reader who clarifies and conveys the messages within a Tarot reading to the querent.
J
Jumper
A card that spontaneously falls out of the Tarot deck during shuffling or drawing, often given special consideration in a reading.
Journey
A metaphor often used in Tarot to describe the process of exploring one’s thoughts and feelings to find answers, often associated with the Major Arcana’s symbolic journey through life.
L
Layout
Another term for a Tarot card spread, describing the arrangement of cards for a reading.
M
Major Arcana
The first 22 cards of the Tarot deck, focusing on significant life events, spirituality, and personal development.
Minor Arcana
The remaining 56 cards of the Tarot deck, providing detailed insights into day-to-day events and experiences.
N
Numerology
Numerology is the study of the mystical significance of numbers and their influence on human life. Some Tarot readers combine numerology with Tarot interpretations to add depth to readings.
O
Oracle
Another name for a Tarot card reader, referring to the individual who offers guidance and insights through Tarot readings.
P
Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana is connected to practical matters, including finances, health, and the physical world.
Pip
Pip cards are the numbered cards (2-10) in each suit of the Minor Arcana, addressing everyday events and dilemmas.
Q
Querent
The person seeking information or guidance from a Tarot reading.
R
Reversals
Cards that appear upside down during a Tarot reading, sometimes interpreted with meanings opposite to their upright counterparts.
Rods
Another term for the suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana, often associated with action, passion, and creativity.
Rings
An alternate name for the suit of Pentacles in the Minor Arcana, signifying material and practical concerns.
Rider Waite Tarot
One of the most recognizable Tarot decks in the Western world, designed by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is widely used for its detailed symbolism and imagery.
S
Scepters
Another name for the suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana, often representing authority and ambition.
Significator
The Tarot card chosen to represent the querent in a reading, offering insights into their role or situation.
Smudging
A purification ritual involving the use of smoke, often sage, to cleanse a Tarot deck of negative energies.
Spades
Another term for the suit of Swords in the Minor Arcana, emphasizing intellect, logic, and mental challenges.
Spread
A specific arrangement of Tarot cards for a reading, which can vary in size and pattern to provide insights into various aspects of a question or situation.
Staves
Another name for the suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana, linked to action, passion, and creativity.
Suits
The four suits in Tarot (Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles) correspond to different areas of life and emotional states.
Swords
The suit of Swords in the Minor Arcana represents intellectual matters, logical thinking, and challenges related to thought and communication.
Symbology
The study of symbols and their meanings; Tarot relies heavily on symbols, and readers interpret these symbols to convey messages.
T
Taroc
Another term for Tarot, referring to the deck of cards used for divination and personal insight.
Tarot
A deck of 78 cards used for various purposes, including fortune-telling, spiritual growth, and self-help.
Tarot Spread
A Tarot spread is a specific arrangement of Tarot cards used in a reading. Each spread has a unique layout and purpose, providing insights into various aspects of a question or situation.
Thoth Tarot
The Thoth Tarot, also known as the Crowley-Harris Tarot, is a Tarot deck designed by the British occultist Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris. Created between 1938 and 1943, this Tarot deck is renowned for its intricate symbolism and deep esoteric connections.
The Thoth Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. It incorporates Crowley’s unique interpretations, astrology, and Kabbalistic influences, making it one of the most complex and spiritually rich Tarot decks available. Each card in the Thoth Tarot carries profound symbolism, inviting Tarot readers to explore deeper levels of consciousness and spirituality. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a more profound and esoteric Tarot experience.
Trumps
Another name for the Major Arcana cards, which hold significant importance in a Tarot reading.
V
Vessels
An alternative term for the suit of Cups in the Minor Arcana, focusing on emotional matters.
W
Wands
The suit of Wands in the Minor Arcana represents fire and action, emphasizing passion, creativity, and ambition.
Y
Yod
In Bohemian Tarot, the Yod card represents the creator and often holds a special place in Tarot readings for its symbolic significance.
Z
Zodiac
Zodiac refers to the twelve astrological signs, each associated with specific personality traits and characteristics. Astrologers often incorporate Tarot into astrological readings to gain deeper insights.
