Tarot. You either own a deck or have received a reading before. You know there’s something to them and that the pulled cards are eerily accurate. If you’re experienced with using the cards, you may understand the symbolism and deep meanings within the cards, but how they actually “work” still confuses you. You just cannot wrap your brain around how it’s possible- it’s perplexing and difficult to explain.
To help provide some clarity, I am going to lay out 4 different explanations of how they work using different language from various frameworks and perspectives.
For example, if you’re spiritually minded I will explain how tarot cards work using the terms “spirit guides or divine forces.” If you’re into the simulation theory (of the idea that this reality emerged from a code programmed by a hyper intelligence beyond the confines of our 3-dimensional Universe,) we’ll be using words like “algorithm” to explain tarot. If you’re more into psychology, terms like “psyche” or “unconscious mind” will be used. If you’re into quantum mechanics, it will be words like “quantum entangelment.”
Brief Overview of the History of Tarot Cards
The history of tarot cards can be traced back to the late 15th century in Europe, where they were originally used as playing cards (a game similar to Bridge.) Over time, they evolved into a tool for divination and spiritual exploration. The specific origins and original intentions behind tarot cards remain a subject of debate and speculation and their true purpose and mechanics is still unclear.
The symbolism and imagery on the cards depict esoteric and mystical elements. It takes a good amount of time and dedication to get used to the cards and develop a relationship with them and your own personal symbolism and meaning for each card!
Additionally, the subjective nature of interpretation and the wide variety of tarot decks available further contribute to confusion (as different readers may have different approaches and methods on drawing the cards.)
Despite this, tarot cards have always intrigued those seeking insight, guidance, and self-reflection. If you ever had a reading or are familiar with the cards, you are shown that there is a mysterious force at play which gives validity and accuracy to the cards that are pulled.
When I first started learning Tarot, I would sometimes decide I didn’t “like” the cards I received and would put them back, reshuffle only to pull the same exact cards back out a second time. As if the Universe was saying “No, these were the cards for you.”
Another time I was running around my house frantically trying to get ready for something work related. I was going from room to room, gathering my laptop, printer, postage lables, etc. Amidst the chaos and my fumbling, a deck of tarot cards fell out of my laptop case and all over the floor. They were all face down, except for one which was upright. I knelt down, picked it up and sure enough it was the Queen of Pentacles (which symbolizes prosperity, financial security.) It represents the ultimate working parent archetype- caring for your family and domestic responsibilities while also making a living for yourself and creating financial abundance. I am a mom to 3 children and own my own business, so this card resonated extremely well in that specific situation.
The tarot deck is divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing a significant life theme or archetype. These cards symbolize major life events, spiritual growth, and transformative experiences. They often depict powerful figures, such as the Fool, or the Empress and carry deep symbolic meanings.
On the other hand, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit represents a different aspect of life: Wands signify passion and creativity, Cups represent emotions and relationships, Swords denote intellect and challenges, while Pentacles symbolize material aspects and abundance. The Minor Arcana cards provide more specific details and insights into everyday situations and experiences.
If you’ve every wondered ‘but HOW on earth do they work?’ I am going to explain it in 4 different frameworks/ perspectives. Hopefully one of these explanations will resonate with you.
Here it goes…
Quantum Mechanics Perspective
From a quantum perspective, tarot cards can be seen as a tool that taps into possibilities and potentialities. Each card represents a quantum state, embodying a range of energies, archetypes, and symbolic meanings. When a tarot reading is conducted, the act of drawing cards collapses the quantum wave function, bringing forth a specific set of cards that align with the querent’s energy and intentions. The reading then becomes a quantum entanglement between the cards and the querent’s consciousness, allowing for intuitive insights and guidance to emerge. The interpretation of the cards becomes a subjective exploration of the interconnectedness of the quantum world and the person’s inner world.
Simulation Theory Perspective
From a simulation theory perspective, tarot cards can be seen as a mechanism within the simulated reality to provide guidance or insight to individuals. The cards themselves are programmed elements designed to represent various archetypes, symbols, and narratives. When a tarot reading takes place, the simulation algorithm selects and presents a specific combination of cards based on the querent’s input, creating the illusion of randomness and personal relevance. The interpretation of the cards is a subjective experience shaped by the querent’s beliefs, expectations, and subconscious influences within the simulation. The insights gained from the reading are part of the simulated reality’s mechanism to facilitate personal growth, self-reflection, and decision-making processes.
Psychology Perspective
From a psychology perspective, tarot cards can be understood as a tool that taps into the unconscious mind. Put simply, the symbolism on the cards allows for the conscious mind to be bypassed and to mine the subconscious mind.
The images and symbols on the cards act as archetypal representations that resonate with universal human experiences and emotions. During a reading, the selection of cards and their interpretation trigger cognitive processes such as pattern recognition, projection, and symbolic thinking. The cards serve as a catalyst for self-reflection, allowing the individual to explore their thoughts, feelings, and desires in a non-linear and creative way. The insights gained from the reading can provide a deeper understanding of one’s psyche, facilitate personal growth, and offer a fresh perspective on life’s challenges and possibilities.
Spiritual Perspective
From a spiritual perspective, tarot cards are seen as a divination tool that connects people with higher realms of consciousness or spiritual guidance. The cards are believed to hold inherent energetic vibrations and archetypal wisdom. During a tarot reading, the reader or querent taps into their intuition and opens themselves to receive messages from the spiritual realm.
The cards are believed to be guided by universal or divine forces, synchronistically revealing insights, guidance, and messages tailored to the that person’s spiritual journey. The interpretation of the cards involves accessing one’s intuition, symbolism, and spiritual beliefs to gain deeper understanding, healing, and alignment with one’s higher purpose.
From this perspective, Tarot readings can serve as a means of spiritual exploration and seeking guidance from the unseen realms or spirit guides.
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