How to read playing cards as tarot
Quick Insight
While traditional tarot decks have unique symbolism, you can absolutely use a standard deck of playing cards for divination! Think of it as a simpler, more direct form of cartomancy, where the suits and numbers offer insights into life's events and energies.
Core Meaning
Reading playing cards as tarot, also known as cartomancy, involves assigning meanings to each card based on its suit, number, and imagery. It's a method of divination that uses a standard 52-card deck, often incorporating the Jokers. Each card represents different energies, influences, or potential outcomes, similar to tarot but with its own established system.
Love & Relationships
In matters of the heart, the suits often represent different relationship dynamics. Hearts typically relate to emotions, love, and partnerships. Diamonds can signify material aspects of a relationship, gifts, or sometimes conflict. Clubs might represent social connections and communication, while Spades can indicate challenges or necessary changes in relationships. The court cards (King, Queen, Jack) can represent people involved.
Career & Finance
For career and financial readings, the suits take on specific interpretations. Diamonds often point to wealth, possessions, and financial gain. Clubs can relate to work, communication, and business dealings. Spades might signify obstacles, hard work, or endings in a professional context, while Hearts could represent satisfaction or joy derived from one's career or financial situation.
Actionable Advice
To begin reading playing cards as tarot, familiarize yourself with the basic meanings of each card. Start with simple spreads, like a one-card draw for a daily insight or a three-card spread for past-present-future. Pay attention to recurring suits or numbers. Trust your intuition as you interpret the cards, noting how their meanings resonate with your personal situation and feelings.
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