Tarot Card Meanings

The stage you are in life can affect tarot card meanings when you interprete a tarot reading. Information on major life changes varies with age. There is a difference between tackling something new at 17 and doing it at 53. Especially if the Fool shows up in your reading.

At 17, I headed off to the University of Michigan 500 miles away to start a new life. Had I got a tarot reading back then, the Fool would have shown up as 0 in the Major Arcana, the first of the Major Arcana. Stepping off a cliff into a new world, I was the innocent adventurer, not knowing what I was getting into. However, I was eager to step out.

At 53, I stepped off the cliff into a new life again. I moved to a new state where I knew nobody and had no job. However, I was a much wiser Fool this time, number 22 in the Major Arcana. I had played many of the parts with the Major Arcana energies. Dealt with Emperors and Empresses in the workplace. Had the Tower turn my life upside down more than once. I had faced Judgment internally and externally before the move.

Pulling the Fool at 53, suggested I interpret it as the Wise Fool, who has been through the cycle of life. This time the Fool is more about taking the risk to be my authentic self in the world. The internal journey, rather than an external journey.

Interpretation Based on Viewpoint

Tarot card meanings can be affected by your viewpoint. In a reading, are you looking at confronting the situation or being the main player in the situation. Your age and experience may determine which. For example, the Emperor shows up in your reading.

How do you feel about the Emperor? He represents authority and responsibility.

If you are young, you may see the Emperor as someone to confront as you try to establish your own authority in the world. If you are older, you may see it as a role you are asking to take on. To become and own your authority.

Use your intuition as you ask the questions, "do I confront or take on this role or situation?" "What is my part to play?" Then interpret tarot card meanings according to what you feel is the appropriate viewpoint.

One of the books I found to help folks to quickly develop their intuitive understanding of the meaning of the tarot cards is The Complete Beginners Guide To Tarot. Daniel does a good job of helping you identify tarot card meanings and develop your intuition to do readings quickly. You can check it out here if you are interested.