Core Meaning
Reading playing cards as tarot involves understanding their numerical and suit-based symbolism. The four suits in playing cards (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades) correspond to the four suits in tarot (Cups, Pentacles, Wands, Swords, respectively). The numbers 1 through 10 represent stages or aspects of life associated with their respective suits, while the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) often represent people or specific energies. Aces typically signify new beginnings or potent manifestations within their suit's domain.
Love & Relationships
In matters of the heart, Hearts represent emotions, love, and connection. Diamonds can touch on material aspects of relationships or shared resources. Clubs might relate to communication and social interactions within relationships, while Spades often signify challenges, endings, or transformative events that can ultimately strengthen bonds or reveal truths. Interpreting the combination of cards reveals the dynamics at play.
Career & Finance
For career and finance, Diamonds are strongly linked to money, resources, business, and tangible success. Clubs can indicate teamwork, communication in the workplace, projects, and learning. Spades might point to obstacles, difficult decisions, or necessary endings in a professional context that lead to growth. Hearts can represent job satisfaction, fulfilling work, or the emotional rewards gained from one's career.
Actionable Advice
To begin reading playing cards as tarot, familiarize yourself with the basic correspondences between the suits and numbers and their traditional tarot equivalents. Start with simple spreads like a single-card draw to understand daily energies or a three-card spread for past-present-future insights. Practice interpreting the cards intuitively, paying attention to their position in the spread and the surrounding cards. Consider journaling your readings to track your progress and refine your interpretations.