#divination cards

[juniper-divination-and-witchery]

[mysticvolva]

[tadpoles-and-daydreams]

A few days ago I told my brother something along the lines of "Yeah idk I'd like to learn to use playing cards for divination too, just for fun! And because that way I'm learning to branch out in divination, which is a part of my craft I'm comfortable in, without yet going from cards- so still in my comfort zone!"

Today someone from my art group gave me a bag full of random stuff (including some nice crafts, I definitely see my guides/deities encouraging more art in my life) and in it was, you guessed it, a deck of playing cards.

It's got "childish" art on it but honestly it's CUTE, and when I commented that the art was unexpected my mom got a very distinct "okay there wasn't much to work with" from someone, which made us both laugh.

So now I guess I have a deck of playing cards to learn how to use!

[serpentandthreads]

How to Read Playing Cards: Suits, Jokers & Numerology

For the standard French-suited playing cards there are typically 54 total cards in one deck. These cards are split between four suits (spades, diamonds, clubs and hearts) and then the two jokers (the red joker and the black joker). In this post I will be going over the general meanings of the four suits, discussing why I prefer to use the joker cards and how numerology can play a part in your interpretations.

The Suits

There are four suits in playing cards: spades, diamonds, clubs and hearts. Spades and clubs are considered black suits. Diamonds and hearts are considered red suits. This may be different depending on the deck you get, but this is how standard decks work. Each suit is represented by a symbol and has some general topics associated with them.

♤ Spades: Challenges, Struggles, Obstacles, Conflicts, Setbacks

♢ Diamonds: Finances, Material Value, Success, Rewards, Growth

♧ Clubs: Accomplishments, Luck, Social Status, Communication, Transactions

♡ Hearts: Emotions, Love, Relationships, Partnerships, Family

One method of reading playing cards that can help you with your interpretations is by paying attention to the suits and what order they're pulled. Paying attention to this can help you get a better idea on what the reading is talking about. So, let's say you're doing a three card reading. Here are a few ways to interpret the general topic of the reading based on the suits.

[ ♤ ♤ ♤ ] - Three spades being pulled means there is trouble ahead, and it may not be getting better any time soon.

[ ♤ ♡ ♤ ] - A heart surrounded by two spades can indicate trouble in relationships or with the self, depending on the reading.

[ ♢ ♤ ♢ ] - A spade surrounded by two diamonds can indicate that a financial problem will eventually improve.

[ ♢ ♧ ♢ ] - A club surrounded by two diamonds can indicate that new business opportunities will be presented.

[ ♧ ♢ ♤ ] - A club followed by a diamond and then a spade can indicate that the person is heading towards a financial problem.

Onto the topic of reversals... Some people read them, some don't. That's your choice to make. Personally, I read reversals with all cards except the kings, queens and jacks.

My reason for this is because the kings, queens and jacks all represent people. My way of interpreting these cards describes their physical appearances more than who they are, although each are also associated with a general description of that person's essence for that reading. A person is not simply one thing or the other. Humans are complex beings, and we can show multiple faces depending on who we're with. You'll understand this better once we get to discussing each card's individual meanings.

The Jokers

Some people choose not to use the jokers in their readings. Some do, but describe the jokers as being the equivalent the the fool in tarot. I've even seen some try to fill in the entire major arcana of tarot into the jokers. My opinions here are that not using the jokers leaves out important cards that can help further clarify a reading, and that trying to use the jokers as a "fill in" for tarot's major arcana cards is inefficient.

You can choose to not use joker cards in your reading. That is your decision to make. I use them, though, and therefore I will be talking about their meanings here. I use Jake Richard's (an Appalachian practitioner and author of multiple books about Appalachian folk magic) interpretations of the jokers, which is described as the following.

🃏 Red Joker: The red joker is a witch or other conjurer, a person working against you in some way whether supernatural or not. Enemies can be tricky. But the cards know almost all, and it is hard to hide from them. If this card shows upright there is a threat from such a one, whether supernatural or not. Other cards can determine that, such as the nine of spades showing witchcraft. If reversed, there is either no threat or the threat doesn't walk this earth.

🃏 Black Joker: This card shows the presence of evil spirits, demons, haints, whatever you want to call them. Their intentions ain't good. If it shows with the red joker behind it, the spirit has been employed by another to do their bidding. If the red joker shows before it, someone is knowingly or unknowingly doing the spirit's work. Ghosts and spirits can work your mind to do, say or think things you've never thought of. Nothing good comes of this card unless it is reversed. Then there is no direct threat. The devil's not about.

Numerology

Numerology is used in a variety of different divination systems, including playing cards. It can help you begin to develop a general idea of the individual card's meaning. Here is a list of numerology meanings in playing card divination so that you can refer to it later, if you must.

Ace: Beginning, Independence, Individuality

Two: Pairings, Balance, Exchanges

Three: Growth, Improvement, Connection

Four: Stability, Security, Practicality

Five: Flexibility, Adaptability, Change

Six: Responsibility, Support, Leadership

Seven: Luck, Intuition, Analyzing

Eight: Ambition, Power, Endurance

Nine: Resolution, Release, Awakening

Ten: Cycles, Transitions, Shifts

[wonderingfree-blogging]

I am going to start doing a daily tarot card pull! Comment and let me know which deck I should pull from tomorrow?

I will include two cards in the morning and ask you to pick one that resonates with you the most. In the evening I will post the meanings of the cards and my intuitive message for the cards. I will personally message people who pick a card and tell them how the card identifies with them personally.

Please don’t be shy! I would love all the participation I can get! I am trying to get my tarot reading abilities out there as well as my blog. 💕🙏🏼

[visionsofvenus333]

One of the main themes of The World is the unity inherent in all things. We can see through our journey through the Major Arcana that all occurs in cycles - energy is constantly being created and changing form as it goes through different phases, ultimately to die and be reborn. This shared pattern and the ways in which our existences inevitably impact the world around us unifies all things in nature. All is constantly flowing, spiraling, shifting, and changing, and we are all apart of that reality. The world is not just about establishing a connection with the universe. Rather, it is about realizing the interconnectedness that already exists within all things, and subsequently living in harmony, honoring this knowing. It represents the realization that you are the trees, the sky, the sea, and the soil, and that all of these things are a part of you, as well. 

Divinity resides both within and outside of you. This is a joyful realization, and we see The World dancer here, celebrating this truth in a state of eternal ecstasy and oneness. When you see this card, it indicates that you are at the end of a major phase in your life, feeling satisfied and fulfilled. On a deeper level, this card means that you are living in alignment with the needs of your soul, and the needs of the world around you. You have succeeded at something on a karmic level, and now it is coming to a close. When we are able to live in tune with the universe and it’s rhythms, as well as the ways that these rhythms are reflected within ourselves and our own lives, we create a state that is akin to achieving a perfect harmony. We create resonance that reverberates both within and without, vibrating through all that it touches. It is by realizing and staying rooted to our connected with the earth, our souls, and the beauty in all things that we may reach transcendence and join The World in it’s sacred dance. 

[heaveninawildflower]

French divination cards (1875-1890). Published by B.P. Grimaud (Paris).

Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie.

[thechaoticgingers]

Ink and graphite deck in the works 🖤

Twin to the watercolor deck.

Can be found here.

[saganssorcery]

Hello, how are you? I'm C. May i ask for a free reading please? I wanted to ask if I'm about to meet my future husband? I mean like within weeks or days maybe? Please feel free to let me know in case the question is not allowed as it's sort of a time based question and I know that can be tricky. But thing is my life has been stagnant for many years and I've been single all along. I don't know I feel the energy is shifting, or atleast *something* is changing. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks a lot for this opportunity!💙

Hello! You have drawn the Daughter or Page of Cups and the 10 of Swords. Unfortunately it doesn't look like an opportunity for love will arrive in the near future but that doesn't mean it won't arrive at all. Before you can find your future husband the cards are asking you to take a look at love from an innocent and fresh perspective. You need to let go of any pain from the past before new life can come through. Once the old fears and anxieties are cleared and a fresh perspective achieved, new love will have room to enter. This said, there is a warning here; there is a chance of betraying your innocence by pursuing something that could end up being harmful, to either you, or any person you may meet in the near future. I repeat again that this doesn't mean you won't find someone you can marry but do be careful and protect your mental health. You deserve beauty and shouldn't settle for anything less.

Please Tip if you can ✨🙏✨ For an expanded reading please DM me for a full list of my services 💙☄️

[tyiart]

major arcana 💀

uniquely illustrated

professionally printed

limited amount!

[jackalopewitch]

Dragons guide me 🧡

[juniper-divination-and-witchery]

A tarot spread for Ostara/the spring equinox as all of us in the Northern hemisphere come out of the darkness and start to grow again.

[feral-space-faerie]

It feels suspicious when people haven't even recieved their first divination tool and their already thinking of how to price and sell readings to people.

Grifter energy.

[onyxtides]

Review of the White Numen: A Sacred Animal Tarot. Published by Modern Tarot Library. The Illustrator: Alba Ballesta González

Artwork 4/5

The artwork of this deck is utterly stunning, especially for people with similar art styles, who love this color pallet and this type of work that stands out. However, the deck is a little cartoonish, of course, which is to be expected and can make it feel a little out of touch with some of the deeps that the card is trying to portray. My other complaint is that the 8 of swords only has 7 swords noticeable, the author could be referencing yourself as a sword.

I would advise a warning of 15+ with this deck as there is some topless nudity

Diversity 4/5

I own the Modern Witch deck and this deck is FAR superior in my opinion. This deck portrays the gender spectrum but also has some women-loving women and men-loving men cards. This deck is amazing for its diversity, it has young and elderly illustrations alike but I wished it had more body diversity. This deck also has some skin tone diversity, but I wish it had gone a little further.

Readability 4/5

This deck is very similar to the regular RWS, it’s very easy to read if you connect to it but some of the cards are a little different than the RWS in appearance. This deck also comes with 2 additional cards the White & Black Numen, I’ll get into this problem in the booklet section.

Card stock 3/5

The card stock is a little thinner than the Modern Witch Tarot meaning that this deck is a little more flexible but not as flexible as the regular RWS deck. It is kind of hard to shuffle if you have smaller hands or do bridge shuffles for your deck. I would personally compare the card stock to thinner cardboard.

Booklet 2/5

As I brought up earlier the White & Black Numen cards are the two additional cards in this deck. The author fails to give a detailed meaning to them, there is only a couple of sentences per card and we don’t get a decent explanation of the reversal. The booklet is nice because it’s a hardcover but it has the bare minimal information. I would not recommend this deck for beginners due to this and would suggest buying a tarot book on top of this for more meaning for the regular 78 cards.

Packaging 5/5

I adore the packaging on this deck, it has a magnet bottom closure to hold the deck in place to keep it from falling out. It is a thicker cardboard material, so it can be carried without damaging the cards (the box may get dinged up but the cards themselves will be fine). I found this to be my favorite portable deck for readings on the go.

Final Words

This deck even with its flaws is an amazing deck I don’t know what I would do without, I may love Indie decks but this deck stole my heart. The energy of this deck is relaxed but yet firm and forthcoming about the information it wants to share. If you ask for a roast it will roast, if you ask for a kind message it will give you what you need. I love using this deck to help clients figure out who they need to know. I’m also now using this deck in my reading services, you also connect with this deck and want me to use it for your reading let me know! I hope you’ve enjoyed this review.

[serpentandthreads]

How to Read Playing Cards: ♤ Spades ♤

Spades are the suit of challenges, struggles, obstacles, conflicts and setbacks. This suit generally warns of oncoming struggles or describes current drama. The following are my own interpretations of the individual cards.

♤ Ace ♤

Some would say that the ace of spades is the card of death. When upright, ace of spades speaks of abrupt ends and sudden changes. It's the things we can't avoid or run from forever. Whether it was a long time coming or something that is happening due to recent actions, it is weaved into our fate.

When reversed, ace of spades speaks of discomfort and anxiety. Sometimes it represents paranoia in the individual. The surrounding cards will often tell exactly what has the individual feeling so nervous.

♤ Two ♤

I like to associate the two of spades with broken bottles. When upright, two of spades speaks of angry words, aggressive conflict and separation. Paying attention to the surrounding suits can help you get an idea on what caused the conflict or separation. If the two of spades lies between kings, queens or jacks, it indicates separation between people.

When reversed, the ace of spades speaks of reconciliation and making amends. Even if things don't go back to the way they used to be, the individuals manages to repair some of the damage.

♤ Three ♤

This card often warns of bad luck coming in a streak of threes. When upright, three of spades speaks of imbalance, disruption and disagreements. If there are multiple kings, queens or jacks, it represents the conflict between them.

When reversed, three of spades speaks of return of balance, harmony and overcoming obstacles. Depending on the surrounding cards this could be refuted.

♤ Four ♤

This card represents troubling things that require your direct attention. When upright, four of spades speaks of anything from violence to accidents to illness. Your protections, whether magical and mundane, are compromised. The surrounding cards can help clarify exactly what troubles you need to be aware of.

When reversed, four of spades speaks of protection and security from these things. You have little to worry about; you're safe, for now.

♤ Five ♤

Five of spades often speaks of one's wellbeing. When upright, five of spades can warn about risk of injury or illness. It can also point out the grudges the individual has, wanting them to "bury the hatchet."

When reversed, five of spades speaks of concerns for mental health. Depending on the surrounding cards, it can point out things such as anxiety, depression, grief and so on.

♤ Six ♤

If the ace of spades if the card of death, the six of spades is the coffin card. When upright, six of spades predicts an ending of some kind (perhaps not as abrupt as the ace of spades), as well as a need to be courageous and take action. This card can also warn of temptation, sometimes from a "devil" in your life. Be careful who you keep company with.

When reversed, six of spades speaks of resurrection. Something is making its way back to the individual, whether it be materialistic or a person. The surrounding cards will offer more clarity.

♤ Seven ♤

This card is simply defined by loss. When upright, seven of spades warns of losing something of value. Sometimes it literally means the person is lost in their path. The surrounding cards can give you more insight on what is at risk.

When reversed, seven of spades speaks of having something returned. Sometimes it is something emotional, sometimes it is something physical. Anything from one's motivation to stolen property may be returned.

♤ Eight ♤

You know the saying "You made your bed, now you'll lay in it?" That's what this card sums up to. When upright, eight of spades speaks of consequences and circumstances. Sometimes it speaks of the individual being at a crossroads; needing to make an important decision. It can be positive or negative, depending on the surrounding cards.

When reversed, eight of spades speaks of a light at the end of the tunnel. Another saying that can define this is "This ain't the bed you're meant to die in."

♤ Nine ♤

This is a card of hauntings, whether is be by literal spirits or one's own actions. When upright, nine of spades warns of the enemies you've made or spirits that are attached to you. It can also indicate the individual is feeling restless.

When reversed, nine of spades speaks of a sense of relief for both the living and the dead. The individual can rest well.

♤ Ten ♤

I like to think of this card as the grave; the end of things. When upright, it means just that: the worst of a situation is over. Depending on the surrounding cards, though, this card can also speak of a sense of loss or grief. The surrounding cards will help clarify exactly what is going on.

When reversed, ten of spades warns that there is still trouble ahead. The conflict is still ongoing, and sometimes it means that your enemies are plotting against you.

The jacks, queens and kings represent people in my interpretations. These cards in the spades suit tend to be individuals with darker features; their natural hair color, eyes, skin and/or style may present darker. This will likely not apply to every person being represented by these cards, so consider the following interpretations as well.

♤ Jack ♤

The jack of spades is a troublesome, rebellious person who isn't trustworthy. They tend to betray people and are prone to having aggressive attitudes. Even if they treat those closest to them well, they are still prone to conflict with everybody else.

♤ Queen ♤

The queen of spades is a feminine-presenting individual who is cruel, manipulative and bitter. They are malicious in their words and actions. There may be occasions where their words hold some level of truth, but more often they are out of spite. This card often represents a cruel mother/parent, a jealous wife/partner or a bitter widow.

♤ King ♤

The king of spades is a masculine-presenting person who is best described to be a criminal, or at least a person who doesn't follow the law. They are rigid and tend to come off authoritative in the worst ways. This person is hard to be around and often can't be trusted with anything; secrets, valuable items... nothing.

[catrocketship]

Shing Yin Khor's divination cards for inktober 2018