Le Coffee Witch's Tips on Tarot

Bonus Guide : Cartomancy

Tarot decks include 78 cards. Each card has two meanings. A forward meaning and a Reverse meaning. In total that is 156 possible results, all with multiple ways to interpret each. With that stated it's no wonder you can not use a simple deck of playing cards to read tarot. For starters there are only 54 cards (if jokers are included) and those cards appear the same no matter what position they are in. This cuts out well over half the deck of tarot cards.

But fret not. There is a type of divination that you can perform using playing cards. This divination is called cartomancy. It is a perfect and discreet way to fortune tell for closeted witches. You can pick up a pack of playing cards in any dollar store which also makes it an ideal form of divination for witches who are on a tight budget. 

Cartomancy readings can be done using tarot spreads, making them easy to manage. Most of what applies for tarot also applies for cartomancy, as such you can use the bonding, cleansing, and charging methods accordingly. 

Thank you @herbalmagickal (on tumblr) for providing the information for the guide below. 

Ace

Heart: Forming New Relationships, Strengthening Bonds, Kindling Old Connections

Spade: Pursue an Idea, Don't Hold Back, Challenge Yourself

Diamond: Change in Scenery, Start A New Project, Success is Coming

Club: Take Action Now, Business Ventures will be Rewarding

Two

Heart: Strong Attraction, Emotions are High, Feelings are Scattered

Spade: Communication is Needed, Someone is not Listening, Focus

Diamond: Taking on too Much, Results are Coming, Ask for Help

Club: Plan Ahead, Roadblocks to Come, Don't Doubt

Three

Heart: Enjoy Company, Celebrate the Little Things, Talk to a Loved One

Spade: Miscommunication is Happening, Someone is not Understanding, Avoid Arguments

Diamond: Work with Someone, Hone a Skill, Keep on a Task

Club: Explore Somewhere New, Lead Don't Follow, Be Strong Willed

Four

Heart: Your Feeling Apathetic, Time Alone is Needed, Take a Break

Spade: Focus on Recovery, Don't Push Yourself, Give Yourself Time to Heal

Diamond: Someone is Penny Pinching, Overly Possessive, Back Down

Club: Reaching a Goal, Completing a Task

Five

Heart: Something is Missing, Sadness is Weighing

Spade: Discord is Rising, Prizeless Victories, Honor Lost

Diamond: Misplaced Finances, Loss of a Job, Missing Property

Club: Unhelpful Competitiveness, Argument,

Six

Heart: Memories from the Past, An Old Friend, Remembering your Childhood

Spade: Take a Trip, Work on Leaving the Past Behind, Mental Clarity

Diamond: Transfer in Money, Increase in Payment, Obtained Funding

Club: Meaningful Win, Passing a Test,

Seven

Heart: Dreamer, Head in the Clouds, Hard Choices

Spade: Lies are Piling Up, Stolen Possessions,

Diamond: There is More Here Going On, Displeasure, Tides have Changed

Club: Defend Yourself, Hold on to Your Convictions

Eight

Heart: Loss of Love, Emotionally Detached

Spade: Feeling Powerless, Trapped in a Situation, Feeling Stuck

Diamond: Practice is Needed, Something Needs Attention, Don't Lose Focus

Club: A New Addition to the Family, Be Quick, Keep Everything Where it Needs to Be

Nine

Heart: Personal and Spiritual Growth, Pleasure, Satisfaction

Spade: Anxiety, Stress of Guilt, Continuing Nightmares

Diamond: Be Independent, Money is to Come

Club: Fight for What You Believe, You have the Strength, You are not Alone

Ten

Heart: Happiness, Spend Time with Family, Content

Spade: Forfeiting, Something is Holding You Back

Diamond: Family Heirloom, Inheritance,

Club: Burdens, Be Responsible,

Jack

Heart: Love at First Sight, Hopeless Romantic

Spade: Be Rebellious, Stand up for Something, Politics

Diamond: Be Hard-Working, Rely on Those Closest

Club: Take a Risk, Don't be Hot-headed, Source Might Not Be Reliable

Queen

Heart: It's Okay to be Emotional, You are Empathic, Others Find You Dependable

Spade: Be Sharp, Your Insight is Valuable,

Diamond: Be Practical, Warmth, Parental Guidance

Club: High Energy, Focus on a Career, Try not to Become Unorganized

King

Heart: You are Tolerant, Diplomatic, Be Patient

Spade: Be Stern in Situations, Clear Communication of Thoughts

Diamond: Self-Owned Business, Your Work with be Rewarded

Club: Others Find You Charming, Be Creative, Don't Be Forceful

Joker

The Joker can be read much like the Fool card from a tarot deck. If you have two Jokers in your deck you can mark one off to be your reverse meaning.