Tarot cards. And how to choose them.
A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards. These are 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor. The major has symbolic meanings relating to the world, the mind and transformation. The minors are divided into four groups, traditionally swords, pentacles, wands and cups although with the vast array available today there is some variation to this. For example something like OSHO Zen tarot (illustrated by Deva Padma) has water, rainbows, clouds and fire as the four suits. It’s often recommended to start with a traditional set to familiarize yourself with how the cards are used etc and then move on to a set like OSHO as they are sometimes considered harder to read. However this may be due to the fact that many are used to the traditional and find it difficult to make the transition. My personal feeling is that, if it feels right, it probably is and most would agree that having cards that resonate with you personally is the major factor in deciding on a deck. Another point to make here is there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to reading tarot, some like to learn about each card and their meanings whilst others feel like they can better tune into the symbolism without the influence of those gone by or the maker of the cards.
As in life I’ve found that following my own intuition and personal meaning to be far more significant and accurate but if that’s not how it is for you then there really is no right or wrong.
For example i can get a good feel for a set of cards by simply looking at the artwork, but hey i’m an artist so i tend to be pretty visually orientated. Others love words, or symbols or colours and some can just pick up on an energy and go with it. So i would say the only things you need when choosing and beginning tarot is make it personal and make it fun.
