Tarot card reading is about determining and analyzing the series of cards that appear while reading the Tarot spread. Many Tarot Card Combinations exhibit magic when interpreted, presenting in-depth insights, detailed stories, and subtle guidance. In this blog, you will learn about ten killer techniques to analyze Tarot Card combination meanings efficiently. These techniques shall be helpful to anyone who is learning Tarot, or already pursuing the same, enhancing their abilities to read and understand the cards.
10 Amazing Techniques to Interpret Tarot Card Combinations
1. Know the Basic Meanings of Individual Cards
The first and foremost step before understanding the different Tarot Card combinations is to have a strong hold on the basics of individual Tarot cards. We know each card holds a significance, story, and symbolism, and familiarizing ourselves with the meaning of each of these can help build a foundation to interpret powerful Tarot Card combinations.
Let us determine this through some examples,
> Two of Cups + Two of Wands: Focus on partnerships, and might mean a couple (Two of Cups) planning a future together (Two of Wands).
> The Hermit + Ace of Swords: Solitude and reflection (The Hermit) getting forth clarity and new ideas (Ace of Swords).
> The Star + Three of Pentacles: Hope and healing (The Star) directing towards teamwork and collaboration (Three of Pentacles).
> Ten of Pentacles + Four of Wands: Family legacy (Ten of Pentacles) and a festivity or milestone (Four of Wands).
> The Moon + Seven of Cups: Illusions and chaos (The Moon) blended with choices and daydreams (Seven of Cups).
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2. Look for Common Themes
Watch out for the common messages or themes while interpreting the meaning of Tarot Card combinations. Say, if more cards associated with relationships, emotions, or careers appear, a Tarot Card reader probably can determine which direction the reading is heading.
Let us know how common themes work by looking at some examples,
> King of Cups + Queen of Cups: Emotive maturity and a powerful, nurturing relationship.
> Eight of Pentacles + Three of Pentacles: Hard work (Eight of Pentacles) and cooperation (Three of Pentacles) in a career.
> Nine of Swords + Ten of Swords: Anxiety (Nine of Swords) directing towards an unhappy ending (Ten of Swords).
> Four of Cups + Five of Cups: Discontentment (Four of Cups) pursued by loss or regret (Five of Cups).
> The Chariot + Six of Wands: Determination (The Chariot) presenting public recognition and success (Six of Wands).
3. Assess the Positions in Spreads
In the Tarot Card combinations, the placement of each card in the spread also impacts its meaning. Say, if you are performing a past-present-future spread, the interpretation of the same card can be different based on where it appears. You can predict the cards accurately by understanding the context provided by the position of the cards.
Let us consider a few Tarot Card combinations in the past-present-future spread:
> Past: Seven of Pentacles, Present: The Emperor, Future: Ace of Pentacles
Your past patience and investment (Seven of Pentacles) now require structure and management (The Emperor) to fetch fresh financial opportunities (Ace of Pentacles).
> Past: The Lovers, Present: The Hanged Man, Future: The Sun
This means a past relationship (The Lovers) currently feels stuck or paused (The Hanged Man), but will ultimately lead to contentment and clarity (The Sun).
> Past: Five of Swords, Present: Justice, Future: The World
The meaning of this Tarot Card combination is past clashes and defeat (Five of Swords), which shall lead you to focus currently on justice and balance (Justice), concluding in fulfillment and achievement (The World).
> Past: The Tower, Present: The Star, Future: The Fool:
A past turmoil (The Tower) is now healing (The Star), paving the way for a new beginning (The Fool).
> Past: Eight of Cups, Present: Nine of Cups, Future: Ten of Cups
Something left behind (Eight of Cups) has led to personal satisfaction (Nine of Cups) and will result in emotional satisfaction (Ten of Cups).
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4. Pay Attention to Card Pairings
Some powerful Tarot Card combinations can completely impact the meaning of individual cards. Hence, pay close attention to the way the cards interact with one another and modify the meanings.
This can be understood by some examples:
> The Tower + The Star: Sudden disruption (The Tower) pursued by hope and renewal (The Star).
> Death + The Fool: Transformation and conclusions and (Death) directing a new beginning (The Fool).
> The High Priestess + The Magician: Instinct and inner knowledge (The High Priestess) paired with action and manifestation (The Magician).
> The Moon + The Sun: Misconceptions and chaos (The Moon) followed by truth and clarity (The Sun).
> The Devil + The Lovers: Allure or unhealthy affection (The Devil) in a relationship (The Lovers).
5. Employ Numerology
As numerology is a powerful tool in Tarot reading, determine the numbers mentioned on the cards and watch for their relation. Say, the reflection of the number 5 in two cards might point at change or clashes, or the appearance of 3 means joy, celebration, or cooperation. So, if the Tarot Card combination of Seven of Cups and Seven of Swords appears in the spread, individuals might get many choices (Seven of Cups) and misconceptions (Seven of Swords). Thus, understanding numerology can add another layer of meaning to Tarot Card combinations. The table below mentions the meaning of the repetition of numbers in Tarot Card reading.
Number |
Interpretation When Appears More than Once in Tarot Reading |
1 |
New beginnings or initiatives, strengthened individuality |
2 |
Partnership or balance, amplified sensitivity or cooperation |
3 |
Creativity or expansion, intensified joy or sociability |
4 |
Stability or structure, reinforced foundations or discipline |
5 |
Change or conflict, heightened flexibility or distress |
6 |
Harmony or relationships, enhanced love or responsibilities |
7 |
Self-reflection or spirituality, deepened insight or contemplation |
8 |
Power or abundance, magnified ambition or material success |
9 |
Completion or humanitarianism, boosted compassion or endings |
10 |
Cycles or culmination, reinforced transitions or finality |
Page |
New opportunities or messages, repeated curiosity or learning |
Knight |
Action or movement, intensified drive or pursuit |
Queen |
Nurturing or influence, deepened care or authority |
King |
Leadership or control, strong command or responsibility |
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6. Examine Elemental Dignities
Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are the four elements each Tarot is associated with. Hence, while you interpret different Tarot Card combinations, it is essential to consider the interaction between these elements. Say, Fire and water combined might denote emotional turmoil or conflict, whereas Water and Earth point to nourishment and development.
Let us learn these by a few examples:
> King of Pentacles + Queen of Cups: Practicality and stability (Earth) with emotional deepness (Water).
> Knight of Swords + Knight of Wands: Fast-moving brilliance (Air) with fast-moving action (Fire).
> Ace of Wands + Ace of Cups: Revived passion (Fire) and fresh emotions (Water).
> Page of Pentacles + Page of Cups: Fresh practical opportunities (Earth) with new emotive beginnings (Water).
> Three of Swords + Three of Wands: Heartache (Air) and planning for the future (Fire).
7. Examine Repeating Symbols
Tarot Cards hold many items of symbolism. So, while determining the Tarot Card combinations, readers should check for repeating signs, like objects, colors, or animals. These duplicating symbols can present hints about the underlying message in the reading.
Let us understand it by some examples:
> The Moon + The Star: As these cards feature celestial bodies, they indicate clarity and direction in the darkness.
> The Empress + Nine of Pentacles: Both these Tarot cards mean plenty and nature.
> Strength + The Lion from The World: As the lion appears in both these cards, it symbolizes strength and courage.
> The Magician + Eight of Pentacles: These Tarot cards feature tools on the table, indicating skill and expertise.
> The High Priestess + The Moon: Both cards have the moon, pointing to intuition and inner knowledge.
8. Assess Reversed Cards
When reversed, the Tarot Card combination meaning can change significantly. Reversed cards can convey the opposite of the upright card or even depict resistance or blockage. Hence, while analyzing the combinations, consider the reversed cards and ways they interact with the upright ones.
Let us understand this by some examples:
> The Lovers (Upright) + The Devil (reversed): A positive relationship (The Lovers) breaking free from the bondage (The Devil reversed).
> The Sun (upright) + The Moon (reversed): Clarity and truth (The Sun) crushing delusion and confusion (The Moon reversed).
> The Tower (reversed) + The Fool (upright): Avoidance of disaster (The Tower reversed) causing a new beginning (The Fool).
> The Hanged Man (reversed) + The World (upright): Resistance to evolve (The Hanged Man reversed) directing realization and satisfaction (The World).
> The Star (upright) + The Hermit (reversed): Hope and renewal (The Star) overcoming solitariness (The Hermit reversed).
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9. Interactions between Major & Minor Arcana
We are aware of how the Major Arcana cards depict spiritual lessons and significant events in life, while the Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day activities. Analyzing the Tarot Card combinations should consider interaction and the balance between Major and Minor Arcana cards. If Major Arcana cards are dominant, it might indicate a critical phase in life, while Minor Arcana cards emphasize practical matters.
The following examples can help understand this:
> The Empress + Ten of Pentacles: Plentitude and nurturing (The Empress) directing to family legacy (Ten of Pentacles).
> The Emperor + Five of Wands: Authority and structure (The Emperor) amidst friction (Five of Wands).
> The Hierophant + Eight of Pentacles: Conventional values (The Hierophant) in job and skill development (Eight of Pentacles).
> The Chariot + Six of Pentacles: Perseverance and control (The Chariot) in delivering and receiving (Six of Pentacles).
> The High Priestess + Page of Swords: Instinct and inner knowledge (The High Priestess) with curiosity and wisdom (Page of Swords).
10. Use Your Instincts
Lastly, trusting your instincts can help you accurately determine the different Tarot Card combinations. Be attentive to what your gut feeling, spontaneous thoughts, or insights reveal during the reading. Your instincts can guide you to in-depth meanings and relations between the cards.
Practical Tips Interpret Tarot Card Combinations
Here are some practical tips and tricks to help learn different Tarot Card combinations:
- Use a journal to record the patterns and deepen your understanding of the list of Tarot Card combinations over time.
- Practicing more and more only makes you more comfortable in Tarot reading.
- Studying different Tarot decks can broaden your perspective and promote interpretive skills, as each deck has unique symbolism and artwork.
- Discuss your Tarot readings with fellow readers to acquire fresh insights and outlooks.
- Be open to diverse perspectives and interpretations, as Tarot reading is a personal and developing practice.
Know About: Most Positive Tarot Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What are Tarot Card combinations?
Ans. Tarot card combinations are groups of cards in the spread read together to achieve more profound insights and more detailed messages that surpass the individual meanings of each card.
Q,2 How do the positions of cards in the Tarot spread impact their meanings?
Ans. The Tarot Card positions provide context in the spread. Say, a card in the past position echoes past influences while the future predicts potential outcomes.
Q.3 Can reverse cards in Tarot change meaning?
Ans. Yes, reversed cards can reveal resistance, blockages, or the contrary of their upright meanings, changing the overall interpretation of the Tarot Card combinations.
Q.4 Should I use different decks to study Tarot Card combinations?
Ans. Yes, reading various decks can promote understanding and present new perspectives, as different decks often have distinctive artwork and symbolism.
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