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Is Learning the Tarot by Heart the Best Way for Beginners?
Let me say straight off the bat that everyone has different ways of learning and that whatever works for you is probably the best way.
Is memorizing the meanings of tarot cards the best approach to learning? The answer, much like many things in life, is not straightforward. It can be both yes and no!
Okay, I know. Not helpful at first glance so let me explain.
Why the Answer Is Yes. Sort of!
Familiarity with tarot meanings is one of the best ways to get the most out of the cards. Many recent decks which are mostly of Chinese origin and based on the Rider-Waite tarot actually feature basic meanings printed on the cards themselves.
That is a good way to learn some of the basics. Providing the brief meanings (and they are brief) are correct then this is a good way to become very familiar with the cards. And it does mean you are not constantly referring to printed guides.
And this method will work well for some people and it is an okay starting point.
So, Why No?
I see a difference between becoming familiar with meanings and learning those meanings off by heart. The danger with learning even brief meanings in this way is that it doesn’t force you to think about what the tarot is actually picturing.
Learning brief meanings as a beginner by heart is okay and I certainly won’t argue that you absolutely shouldn’t. But do consider this method only as a stepping stone to a better understanding of tarot interpretation.
We have broken up our meanings on Psychic Revelation into different categories so that it is easier to relate to what a particular card in a particular reading might mean.
Our meanings are meant as a guideline to get you started. To get you thinking. They are not there to be taken as being set in stone. If, for example, a particular card means something different to you then we won’t take offence if it’s different to our interpretation. As long as you’re consistent with that meaning the tarot will work well for you.
Learning the Tarot by Heart in Conclusion
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with learning definitions by heart, but I do think it’s a hard way to learn the tarot. Becoming familiar with the very brief meanings that sometimes come with a deck, or are printed on the cards, or even better our own general meanings at Psychic Revelation is my recommended way. If learning those by heart seems to work best for you then okay. Go right ahead!
But do look at the pictures. Learn why the brief or general meaning for each is what it is. Understanding that is key to getting the very most out of your readings.
Once you have that understanding you can learn how to explore the depth of interpretation that the tarot offers.
“Learning the Tarot by Heart: Yes, or No?” Article by Talisman
