How Do You Read Tarot Symbolism?
TL;DR
You read Tarot symbolism by paying attention to the images, colours, objects, numbers, and actions shown on each card. These symbols help communicate deeper meanings and add context to a reading.
IN SHORT
Tarot is often called a visual language.
The cards communicate through:
• Symbols
• Colours
• Characters
• Numbers
• Landscapes
• Actions
Learning to notice these details helps you move beyond simple keywords and develop a deeper understanding of the cards.
REAL TALK
Many beginners worry they need to memorise every symbol in the deck.
You do not.
The goal is not becoming an art historian.
The goal is learning how to observe.
Most symbolism reveals itself naturally when you spend time looking at the cards and asking simple questions about what you see.
Start With What Stands Out
When you first look at a card, ask yourself:
• What catches my attention first?
• Which symbol seems most important?
• What emotion does the image create?
• What appears to be happening?
Your first observations often provide valuable clues.
Colours Often Carry Meaning
Many Tarot decks use colour intentionally.
For example:
• Blue may suggest intuition or calm
• Red may suggest passion or action
• Yellow may suggest optimism or awareness
• Black may suggest mystery or uncertainty
• Green may suggest growth or abundance
While meanings vary between decks, colours often reinforce the overall message.
Notice The Characters
Pay attention to:
• Facial expressions
• Body language
• Direction of movement
• Relationships between figures
A confident posture may suggest strength.
A bowed head may suggest reflection.
The people within the card often tell part of the story.
Objects Matter Too
Many Tarot cards contain symbolic objects.
Examples include:
• Cups
• Swords
• Keys
• Crowns
• Stars
• Animals
These symbols often represent ideas, emotions, challenges, or opportunities.
Over time you'll begin recognising recurring themes.
Numbers Create Patterns
Numbers also contribute meaning.
For example:
• Aces often represent beginnings
• Twos often suggest choices or balance
• Fives often indicate challenge
• Tens often represent completion
These patterns appear throughout the Minor Arcana.
Look At The Whole Story
Avoid focusing on a single symbol.
Instead ask:
"What story does the entire card seem to be telling?"
Tarot works best when symbols are viewed together rather than separately.
WHY THIS WORKS
Humans naturally understand stories and images.
Tarot symbolism creates visual shortcuts that help communicate complex ideas quickly and effectively.
COMMON MISTAKE
Mistake:
Trying to memorise every symbol individually.
Fix:
Focus on the overall message and allow symbolism to support your interpretation.
COFFEE CUP TIP ☕
Choose one Tarot card and spend five minutes simply observing it.
You may notice details you've never seen before.
FAQ QUICK FIX
To read Tarot symbolism:
Notice what stands out
Observe colours
Study the characters
Look at symbolic objects
Focus on the overall story
QUICK RECAP
Tarot symbolism helps communicate meaning through images, colours, numbers, and objects.
The more you observe, the easier interpretation becomes.
RELATED QUESTIONS
→ Should You Memorise Tarot Card Meanings?
→ Why Do Tarot Cards Have Different Meanings?
→ How Should Beginners Learn the Cards?
NEXT STEP
Once you understand symbolism, a common question appears:
Why do Tarot cards sometimes seem to have different meanings in different situations?
