Divination 101 - Runes

I will make this very sweet and simple for all of you, since I don't have very much time right now (end of the school year finals!). Runes are basically symbols on stones, and they are also a way of telling the future. I have never used these before, but hopefully I will be able to, but I will give you the symbols, their meanings and there is a video to back it up, but it isn't showing up, so I will give you guys the website and hopefully you all enjoy! (And the reversed meanings for below is just the opposite of what they mean).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGAhUPecwBY

Divination 101 - Scrying

Scrying is the art of gazing into an object in order to see with the mind what the eyes cannot. You may have had experience with this before. Anyone who has ever been camping knows the strange deisre to sit staring into the fire at night. There is just something there that seems to awaken something within our mind. Scrying can be performed with crystals, gazing into mirrors or with bowls of water.

When using a crystal ball, it must be absolutely perfect. It cannot have bubbles, scratches, cracks, or any other flaws that will distract you from your work. Always lay your ball out on a soft black cloth (the best being black velvet since velvet catches no light). As you work, move any light source so that it cannot be reflected in the ball. This will affect your ability to concentrate and see what you need to. Flickering candle flames can be very distracting when you need to pay attention to your divination. Gaze into the crystal and keep your mind as blank as you can.

You will not be able to work if you are affected by stress or tension so try to rid yourself of the day's activities before you begin. Gaze naturally into the crystal and allow your mind to rest. Do not imagine anything inside of the crystal. It may take a very long time when you are first beginning but after a while you will see the ball seem to fill with a fine white mist. Gradually, it will grow thicker and thicker until the crystal seems full of smoke. This will fade shortly, leaving you with a picture.

This picture may be from the past, present, or future, but it is most likely to be symbolic, not literate. You will probably need to look up the meaning if it is a symbol or an animal. Try to determine the meaning of what you see, but do not allow yourself to see what you want to see. This practice can also be accomplished by staring into a black bowl full of water or gazing into a scrying mirror. Scrying mirrors are like regular mirrors except that they are black and obviously not for seeing your reflection.

Divination 101 - Pendulums

Congradulations! We have completed the first part of the first lesson! Yay, yeah, woot! Awesome, so now we can continue on to part 2 of this lesson of divination tools: the pendulum. Pendulums are wonderful tools for reading the psyche (basicually meaning used to tap into psychic centers and see what we know). Though it appears to be the pendulum swinging on its own, it is really our subconscious moving the pendulum. Something to help practice is this simple exercise:

Begin by finding a pendulum. (Most pendulums are made from metal chains, pendants and gemstones for weights, or something that means something to us). An example would be that my pendulum is my Ankh necklace. A fancy pendulum isn't necessary, any object dangling from a string will work. (If you decide that you like using the pendulum and would like an expensive one, a weight made from a quartz crystal or tiger eyes is probably best).

Next, make a direction card. Cut a square out of a piece of paper or card. Then, in the center, draw a circle. There will be one line going from left to right and another going up and down. Label the horizontal line "No" and the verticle "Yes" while the circle represens "Maybe".

Now, hold the pedulum over the circle by the string from your power hand (your left hand is your magic hand!). Hold it so it dangles about an inch off of the paper. Then swing the pendulum side to side saying "This means yes" and stop the pendulum. Then back and forth saying "This means no" and stop the pendulum. Then swing it in a circle saying "This means maybe". Now for the real exercise.

Hold the pendulum over the paper while you rest your elbow on the table. Say: "Show me yes". Do not try to swing the pendulum. Watch as it begins, very slowly, to swing back and forth. Stop the pendulum. Say: "Show me now". Watch as it swings from side to side. Stop the pendulum. Say: "Show me maybe". Stop the pendulum after it has gone it a circle. After you have successfully tried this exercise, you can begin asking questions. Begin with questions you know the answer to, like the name of your dog, or if your favorite color is blah blah blah. Then try some questions you don't know the answer to, like if you'll get an A on your Final, or if Mr/Miss Hotty Hot Hotty likes you. You get the point? But make sure that you record the question(s) and the pendulum's response. Was the answer what you thought it would be? Record your answer.

Here is something for you to watch out for: if you think of an answer or wich for an answer before the pendulum gives it to you, then the pendulum may reflect that answer. Before you ask, completely clear your mind. Don't allow any of your desired thoughts to get through or they may affect your question. also, be sure to watch the pendulum for longer than a few seconds. The way it begins swinging will likely change so wait for it to hit a path and stay there.

ADVANCED LEARNING: PENDULUMS AND MAPS
An advanced way of using pendulums is over a map. This practice can be used to find a person, water, minerals, etc. All you need for this is a map of the area and a pendulum. Hold the pendulum over the map. Let the pendulum swing as you think of what you are looking for. If it is a person, hold a piece of their hair, fingernail, or an item of their clothing in the same hand that holds the pendulum (which should be your powerful hand). Move the pendulum over the map.

Some people have different ways of reading the pendulum. You should learn the way that works best for you. In one case, the pendulum will swing in a "Yes" motion  when it travels over the are of what you are searching for. In another instance, some say that the pendulum will swing in tighter and tighter circles the closer you get. Whichever method you use, you will have to move the pendulum very slowly over the map. This also works for finding water and minerals on a piece of property. You can just walk around with the pendulum to find what you need beneath the ground.

Well, good luck and I hope that this does not fail you. If it isn't what you are looking for, don't worry! There are two more parts to this lesson if you choose to follow the path of divination. If all else fails, don't beat yourself up or the craft, because you were just meant for a different path. Blessed be.

Divination 101 - The Tarot Deck - Tarot Spreads

Now that we have a good (if a firm then great!) understanding of the Tarot Deck and the meaning of it's cards, let us move on to Tarot Spreads. There are MANY different Spreads you can do, so you have the choice of the world! When I recieved my deck, there were a few ideas of the Spreads I could do, and most likely when you get your deck you may recieve one. The most popular spread is the three card spread --> Past, Present, Future.

Basically, for this spread, you shuffle your deck, cut it into three smaller decks and you flip the first card on the top. This spread is popular because of the simplicity of it, and it helps to create a focus for you. When you do shuffle your deck, either do it three or nine times, because those are powerful numbers. Like I said, there are a lot of other spreads that anyone can do, such as Major Arcana Spreads. These spreads are for each Major Arcana card in the deck, because they are themes. Also, before I forget, it is crucial for all of you to learn this specific spread: The Celtic Cross. This spread is the most commonly known because it helps to give more of an insight for one's question.

This is the Celtic Cross Spread. If you are just now beginning, it is a must that you know this, because this will help you the most. Here is a video that helps to explain better and take her advice accountable, because it really worked for me. Also, I will post the website that has some pretty good Tarot Spreads for you to try. If it works, let us all know!!!

Blessed Be!

http://thaliatook.com/AMGG/tarot.html





Divination 101 - The Tarot Deck Continued

This post is to explain what the cards' meanings are in a simple form.. The deck that I had chosen for myself almost a year ago now is the Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. She is an amazing watercolor artist and I enjoy her art, it has inspired me artistically and spiritually. When you choose your deck, it doesn't have to be only ONE, you can have multiple decks, but I recommend trying to create a connection between you and your deck(s). An impression if you will. Each card is a door that can open up many other worlds, your very own portal. Like two strangers catching each other's eyes across a room in a glance of just the briefest of moments that holds many possibilities, that should be you and your deck(s).

Now, close your eyes and pick one card and just look at the picture, study it, drink in the picture and it's meaning. Look at it for so long that you can see it with your eyes closed. Step into the image. Imagine how it feels, how it smells, how it sounds. This is both the hardest and the easiest part of reading the cards: to simply look at a picture and say what it means is something we have lost when we grew away from our childhood, but adults struggle with it, thinking they'll "get it wrong". Do not worry about this, because this connection is based off of the emotional and spiritual. Nothing can go wrong there!

Now, the second hard part to the deck: memorizing what each card means. I imagine it takes many years or the most simplest of time, either way it is NOT a necessity  but it is nice to just know what the cards mean off the top of your head. Here are the meanings:

The Major Arcana
The Fool	Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashnessReverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice
The Magician	Upright: Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of handReverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination
The High Priestess	Upright: Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacherReverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness
The Empress	Upright: Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolutionReverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity
The Emperor	Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable personReverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength
The Hierophant	Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of societyReverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor or Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspiration Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy
The Lovers	Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affairReverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy
The Chariot	Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeanceReverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment
Strength	Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virilityReverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power
The Hermit	Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a lonerReverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity
The Wheel of Fortune	Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progressReverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events
Justice	Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate personReverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse
The Hanged Man	Upright: Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirthReverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice
Death	Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death, bad luckReverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death
Temperance	Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidenceReverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience
The Devil	Upright: Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered personReverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment
The Tower	Upright: A sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or securityReverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment
The Star	Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balanceReverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance
The Moon	Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealingReverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone
The Sun	Upright: Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriageReverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends
Judgmentor Rejuvenation	Upright: Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mindReverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health or Upright: Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewarded Reverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry
The World	Upright: Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal lifeReverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment

The Minor Arcana
Wands	Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory.
Ace of wands	Upright: A creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an inheritance, a new career, a birth in the familyReversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise, a journey may be put off, a lack of determination
Two of Wands	Upright: A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative ability, courage, good things to comeReversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible domination by others
Three of Wands	Upright: A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful personReversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance
Four of Wands	Upright: The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace, celebration after labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to comeReversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of nature, peace, harmony
Five of Wands	Upright: Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courageReversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generosity
Six of Wands	Upright: Good news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership during journeyReversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner, pride in riches/success
Seven of Wands	Upright: The ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff competition in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory, energy, courageReversed: The threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage, caution against indecision, patience
Eight of Wands	Upright: A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its mark, love of open air, gardens, meadowsReversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of courage or boldness is applied to suddenly
Nine of Wands	Upright: Preparedness, eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve, tendency to obstinacyReversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill health, bending over adversity
Ten of Wands	Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failureReversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a clever person
Page of Wands	Upright: Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a messengerReversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to come
Knight of Wands	Upright: An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the coming or going of a matter is of much concernReversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is delayed
Queen of Wands	Upright: A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone who is well liked or honorableReversed: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity
King of Wands	Upright: A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leaderReversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels
Cups	Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, and beauty.
Ace of Cups	Upright: The beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good healthReverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart, love under a selfish grasp, egotism
Two of Cups	Upright: A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony, cooperationReverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love turning bad, a misunderstanding
Three of Cups	Upright: A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitalityReverse: Pain, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgence
Four of Cups	Upright: Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from othersReverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action
Five of Cups	Upright: Sorrow, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain regretReversed: Return of hope, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved one, courage is summoned from within
Six of Cups	Upright: A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer, new opportunitiesReverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment
Seven of Cups	Upright: A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in life, illusory successReverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be chosen
Eight of Cups	Upright: An abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in love, misery and repining without cause, desire to leave on'e success for something higherReverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interest
Nine of Cups	Upright: An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come trueReverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come true
Ten of Cups	Upright: A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happinessReverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste
Page of Cups	Upright: Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, newsReverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination
Knight of Cups	Upright: Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matterReverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person
Queen of Cups	Upright: Imagination out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle, a good natured personReverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may turn bitter
King of Cups	Upright: A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or sciencesReverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent, scandal
Swords	Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune
Ace of Swords	Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant leader may be bornReverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles, tyranny
Two of Swords	Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of directionReverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous
Three of Swords	Upright: Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible civil warReverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss
Four of Swords	Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the "active life"Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes
Five of Swords	Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victoryReverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings
Six of Swords	Upright: A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevailReverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties
Seven of Swords	Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failureReverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned
Eight of Swords	Upright: Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisonerReverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom
Nine of Swords	Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slanderReverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved one
Ten of Swords	Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tearsReverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better health
Page of Swords	Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting messageReverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected events
Knight of Swords	Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person, an unexpected coming or going of a matterReverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person
Queen of Swords	Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrowReverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person, narrowmindedness, a gossip
King of Swords	Upright: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often overcautious, a wise counselorReverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may seem unfair
Pentacles	Usually predict money, industry, and material gain
Ace of Pentacles	Upright: A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of happiness or pleasureReverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything
Two of Pentacles	Upright: The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during change, new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful messageReverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging message
Three of Pentacles	Upright: Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effortReverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitions
Four of Pentacles	Upright: Love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous natureReverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in business affairs, a spendthrift.
Five of Pentacles	Upright: Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual impoverishmentReverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest
Six of Pentacles	Upright: Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs, charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-foldReverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserliness
Seven of Pentacles	Upright: Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluationsReverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable
Eight of Pentacles	Upright: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small money gainReverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work, ambition is void
Nine of Pentacles	Upright: Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumbReverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution
Ten of Pentacles	Upright: Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquiredReverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness
Page of Pentacles	Upright: Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new ideas/opinionsReverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad news
Knight of Pentacles	Upright: Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a matterReverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in affairs
Queen of Pentacles	Upright: Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholyReverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative person
King of Pentacles	Upright: A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man, solid, steadinessReverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, 'head is on the ground", bribes

Information for this post came from: http://www.themysticeye.com/info/tarotcardm.htm

Divination 101 - The Tarot Deck

Divination is the practice of reading the future or the unknown. 

There are many ways to practice Divination, but one of my absolute favorites is the Tarot Deck. The Tarot Deck is basically a deck of 78 cards. There are two lists that help to make up this deck: The Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. These two are different because the Minor Arcana is most like a pack of regular cards while the Major are universal themes for the deck. Here is a list:

Major Arcana
0. The Fool
I. The Magician
II. The High Priestess
III. The Empress
IV. The Emperor
V. The Hierophant
VI. The Lovers
VII. The Chariot
VIII. Justice
IX. The Hermit
X. Fortune
XI. Strength
XII. The Hanged Man
XIII. Death
XIV. Temperance
XV. The Devil
XVI. The Tower
XVII. The Star
XVIII. The Moon
XIX. The Sun
XX. Judgement
XXI. The World

Minor Arcana

While the major arcana expresses universal themes, the minor arcana brings those themes down into the practical arena to show how they operate in daily events. The minor arcana cards represent the concerns, activities and emotions that make up the dramas of our everyday lives.
There are 56 cards in the minor arcana divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. ~ Each of these suits stands for a particular approach to life.~

• Wands
  The Wands are the suit of creativity, action and movement. They are associated with such qualities as enthusiasm, adventure, risk-taking and confidence. This suit corresponds to the yang, or masculine principle, in Chinese philosophy and is associated with the element Fire. A flickering flame is the perfect symbol of the Wands force. This energy flows outward and generates passionate involvement.
• Cups
  The Cups are the suit of emotions and spiritual experience. They describe inner states, feelings and relationship patterns. The energy of this suit flows inward. Cups correspond to the yin, or feminine principle, in Chinese philosophy and are associated with the element Water. The ability of water to flow and fill up spaces, to sustain and to reflect changing moods makes it the ideal symbol of the Cups suit.
• Swords
  The Swords are the suit of intellect, thought and reason. They are concerned with justice, truth and ethical principles. Swords are associated with the element Air. A cloudless sky, open and light-filled, is a symbol of the mental clarity that is the Swords ideal. This suit is also associated with states that lead to disharmony and unhappiness. Our intellect is a valuable asset, but as an agent of ego, it can lead us astray if it is not infused with the wisdom of our Inner Guide.
• Pentacles
  The Pentacles are the suit of practicality, security and material concerns. They are associated with the element Earth and the concrete requirements of working with matter. In Pentacles, we celebrate the beauty of nature, our interactions with plants and animals and our physical experiences in the body. Pentacles also represent prosperity and wealth of all kinds. Sometimes this suit is called the Coins, an obvious symbol of the exchange of goods and services in the physical world.

Each minor arcana suit has a distinct quality all its own. Our everyday experiences are a blend of these four approaches. Your tarot readings will show you how the different suit energies are impacting your life at any given moment. The suits are structured much as our everyday playing cards with ten numbered cards (Ace - Ten) and four court cards (King, Queen, Knight and Page). Each card has a role to play in showing how its energy expresses in the world.

• Aces
  An Ace announces the themes of its suit. The Ace of Cups stands for love, emotions, intuition, and intimacy - ideas that are explored in the other cards of the Cups suit. An Ace always represents positive forces. It is the standard-bearer for the best its suit has to offer.
• Middle Cards
  Each of the middle, numbered cards presents a different aspect of a suit. The Wands explore such themes as personal power (card 2), leadership (card 3), excitement (card 4) and competition (card 5). A card may approach an idea from several angles. The Five of Pentacles shows the many faces of want - hard times (material want), ill health (physical want), and rejection (emotional want).
• Tens
  A Ten takes the themes introduced by an Ace to their logical conclusion. If you take the love, intimacy and emotions of the Ace of Cups to their ultimate, you have the joy, peace and family love of the Ten of Cups.
• Court Cards
  The court cards are people with personalities that reflect the qualities of their suit and rank. The court cards show us certain ways of being in the world so that we can use (or avoid!) those styles when appropriate.
  • A King is mature and masculine. He is a doer whose focus is outward on the events of life. He demonstrates authority, control and mastery in some area associated with his suit. A King's style is strong, assertive and direct. He is concerned with results and practical, how-to matters.
  • A Queen is mature and feminine. She embodies the qualities of her suit, rather than acting them out. Her focus is inward, and her style, relaxed and natural. A Queen is less concerned with results than with the enjoyment of just being in the world. She is associated with feelings, relationships and self-expression.
  • A Knight is an immature teenager. He cannot express himself with balance. He swings wildly from one extreme to another as he tries to relate successfully to his world. A Knight is prone to excess, but he is also eager and sincere, and these qualities redeem him in our eyes. We admire his spirit and energy.
  • A Page is a playful child. He acts out the qualities of his suit with pleasure and abandon. His approach may not be deep, but it is easy, loose and spontaneous. He is a symbol of adventure and possibility.

You now have a basic idea of the role of each card in the tarot deck. You have a feel for how they all fit together and what each one contributes to the whole. Soon you will learn more about these cards and how to interpret them in your readings.

Choosing a First Tarot Deck

Here are some points to consider if you are choosing your first deck:

1. Choose a deck that makes you feel comfortable and secure, but also inspired. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your cards, you don't want to pick a deck that strikes you as odd, unpleasant or boring. Later, you may seek out unusual decks for the challenges and insights they offer, but it's better to start with one that attracts you. If a certain deck calls out to you, go with that one!
2. There is no official tarot deck. Decks come in many different forms, but the "standard" deck has 78 cards with 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into 4 suits. Most decks are built on this model. You should probably stick with a standard deck to start so that you are familiar with the most common format.
3. Many decks are oriented around a theme. This is especially true of modern decks. Typically, the images, the names of the suits and the court card figures reflect this theme. If you choose a deck with a theme, be sure it is one that suits you and that has lasting appeal.
4. The Rider-Waite is probably the most common deck in the United States, and many tarot decks are based on it as well. Cards in these decks often have the same subject matter as the Rider-Waite, but are drawn with a different style and artwork. The Universal Waite is essentially a copy of the Rider-Waite, but with softer colors and less contrast. The Albano-Waite has bright, unusual coloration. Here's a side-by-side comparison of some cards from the two decks.
5. In some tarot decks, the pip cards, or numbered suit cards, all have unique picture scenes. In other decks, these cards simply show the suit symbol repeated the appropriate number of times (similar to regular playing cards). Some people like these symbolic decks, but for learning and memorization, it is often easier to have the pictures.
6. Some newer tarot decks have been created in the spirit of light-hearted fun. Two examples are the Halloween Tarot and the Silicon Valley Tarot. These decks are amusing, but not the best choices for deeper, more thoughtful tarot work.

In formation came from this website: http://www.learntarot.com/decks1.htm