The Big Book of Tarot Meanings, authored by professional witch and tarot reader Sam Magdaleno and published by Fair Winds Press in April 2022, serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to understand and apply tarot card interpretations to various aspects of daily life. This 256-page guide is designed to move beyond generic card descriptions, offering specific, actionable insights for both upright and reversed cards. The book is structured to address a common challenge faced by tarot readers: how to derive precise meaning from a card when the context of a question varies, such as shifting from a query about relationships to one about career or health.
The core methodology of the book involves breaking down the meaning of each of the 78 tarot cards—spanning both the Major and Minor Arcana—into eight distinct categories of life. These categories are Beginnings, Career, Money, Love, Friends & Family, Health, Higher Guidance, and Outcome. For each of these categories, a unique interpretation is provided for every card in both its upright and reversed positions. This systematic approach is intended to provide users with clear tools and steps to take, ensuring that the guidance received from a reading is practical and directly applicable. The author emphasizes that the interpretations are based on the imagery and symbolism of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck but are applicable to any tarot deck.
Understanding the Structure of Tarot
The Tarot is presented as a deck of 78 cards, each possessing its own imagery, symbolism, and narrative. The cards are divided into two primary sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are described as representing life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They depict a path toward spiritual self-awareness and the various stages encountered during a search for greater meaning and understanding, holding deeply meaningful lessons on a soul level.
In contrast, the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana reflect the trials and tribulations experienced on a daily basis. These cards highlight the more practical aspects of life and can refer to current issues that have a temporary or minor influence. The Minor Arcana is further organized into two components:
- Tarot Court Cards: There are 16 Court Cards, each representing 16 different personality characteristics that an individual may choose to express at any given time.
- Numbered Cards: There are 40 numbered cards organized into four Suits—Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit contains 10 cards that represent various situations encountered day-to-day.
This structure allows for a layered interpretation, where a reading can address both profound spiritual themes and immediate, practical concerns.
Practical Application for Everyday Life
A significant feature of The Big Book of Tarot Meanings is its focus on providing an "action item" for every meaning, for both upright and reversed cards. This element is designed to address the question of how to apply tarot knowledge to everyday life. By offering clear tools and steps, the book aims to help users move forward in the most aligned way possible.
For example, when interpreting a card such as The Lovers, which is typically associated with relationships, the book's category-based system allows for a nuanced reading. If a query is about career, the book provides a specific meaning for The Lovers within that context. Similarly, if the query relates to health, a distinct interpretation is offered. This method solves the dilemma of being left to interpret a card's meaning when the question falls outside of its most common associations.
The book also includes a welcoming introduction to the basics of tarot and provides instructions on how to use the book effectively. It is noted as being visually appealing with simple information and great illustrations, making it accessible for new tarot readers. The layout covers basics about the cards and extends to guidance on numerology, finances, careers, romance, and family, with specific direction based on the card's position.
Perspectives on Tarot's Role
The practice of tarot reading is described by some practitioners as the "storybook of our life, the mirror to our soul, and the key to our inner wisdom." This perspective suggests that every spiritual lesson encountered in life can be found within the 78 cards. Consulting the Tarot is seen as a way to be shown the exact lessons one needs to learn and master to live an inspired life. The Big Book of Tarot Meanings supports this by providing a structured framework to understand these lessons across all areas of inquiry.
Conclusion
The Big Book of Tarot Meanings offers a structured and comprehensive approach to tarot interpretation, specifically designed to enhance understanding and provide practical, everyday guidance. By categorizing meanings into eight life areas and providing distinct interpretations for upright and reversed cards, it addresses the need for specific, actionable advice. Its focus on the Rider-Waite symbolism while remaining applicable to any deck, combined with user-friendly features like action items and clear explanations, positions it as a valuable resource for both beginners and those seeking to deepen their tarot practice.