How to Properly Organize Tarot Cards: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Tarot Card Ordering
Tarot cards, as a unique and symbolic tool for reading and divination, come in specific orders and groupings that give them structure and meaning. Unlike a traditional card deck, the order of tarot cards can vary depending on the context of their use. Understanding how to organize these cards can significantly enhance their effectiveness during a reading. This guide will explore the necessary steps to organize tarot cards, the two main contexts of their usage, and how to prepare them for different phases of a reading.
Organizing the Major Arcana
Within the tarot, the Major Arcana consists of 22 core cards that provide deep insights into the human experience and the archetypal journey of life. These cards are usually numbered from 0 to 21, with each one representing a significant phase or lesson in the spiritual and emotional development of the human soul. The standard order is as follows:
0. The Fool
1. The Magician
2. The High Priestess
3. The Empress
4. The Emperor
5. The Hierophant
6. The Lovers
7. The Chariot
8. Strength
9. The Hermit
10. Wheel of Fortune
11. Justice
12. The Hanged Man
13. Death
14. Temperance
15. The Devil
16. The Tower
17. The Star
18. The Moon
19. The Sun
20. Judgment
21. The World
Organizing the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each suit contains cards numbered from the Ace (1) to 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Following the standard sequence, the order of each suit is as follows:
Wands: Ace, 2-10, Page, Knight, Queen, King Cups: Ace, 2-10, Page, Knight, Queen, King Swords: Ace, 2-10, Page, Knight, Queen, King Pentacles: Ace, 2-10, Page, Knight, Queen, KingOnce separated into the Major and Minor Arcana, the next step involves organizing each group according to their respective order. This ensures that each card is in the correct sequence for ease of use during readings.
Guidelines for Organizing Tarot Cards
After separating the Major and Minor Arcana, the process of organizing tarot cards can be broken down into the following steps:
Separate the Major and Minor Arcana. Order the Major Arcana from 0 to 21. Order the Minor Arcana by suit, then by number and court rank. Store them in this order for easier access during readings.Once organized, the cards can be prepared for different phases of a reading. This ensures that they are in the correct order for specific sequences, enhancing the precision and clarity of the readings.
The Contexts of Tarot Card Ordering
There are two primary contexts to consider when organizing tarot cards: before a reading and during a reading.
Before a Reading
Before a reading, the order of the cards is less critical. The essential step is to shuffle the deck to randomize and energize it for the specific reading. Some readers might use a specific method for shuffling, but the key is to achieve a good mix of the cards. This randomization ensures that each card has an equal chance of appearing in a particular position, without any bias or pre-determined order impacting the outcome.
During a Reading
During a reading, the order of the cards becomes crucial. After shuffling and cutting the deck, the cards are drawn in a specific sequence known as a spread. A spread is a layout that helps guide the interpretation of the cards, providing structure and meaning to the reading. The sequence of cards drawn is tightly linked to the order in which they were organized in the deck. This sequence helps convey the flow of energy and the progression of events.
Cleansing and Refreshing Tarot Cards
To preserve the energy and integrity of the tarot cards, they must be cleansed and refreshed periodically. This involves reorganizing them in the standard order. Cleansing can be done through various methods, but reordering them is a fundamental step. This ensures that the cards are ready for new readings and maintain their efficacy throughout repeated use.
Conclusion
Properly organizing tarot cards is essential for both the precision and effectiveness of readings. By understanding the correct order and sequences, readers can enhance the clarity and depth of their interpretations. From the careful separation of the Major and Minor Arcana to the precise ordering of each suit, each step contributes to a well-prepared deck. Whether used before or during a reading, the proper organization of tarot cards ensures that each card's energy and symbolism are accurately reflected, lending greater meaning to the divinatory process.