Tarot FAQ and Glossary
New to tarot? Start with our Tarot for Beginners guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is tarot real?
Tarot is a real and long-standing practice of using a deck of 78 illustrated cards as prompts for reflection. Its power comes from the symbolism, your own intuition and the questions it helps you ask. It is not a scientifically proven way to predict events, so we offer readings for reflection and entertainment.
Can tarot predict the future?
We do not present tarot as a way to predict fixed outcomes. A reading can show the energy and patterns around a situation and the direction things may take, but you always keep the power to choose.
How do online tarot readings work?
You choose a reading, add your question at checkout and complete your order. Marie then pulls and interprets the cards for your situation and sends your written reading to your email.
How long does a reading take to arrive?
Most readings are delivered by email within 24 to 72 hours of your order. During high-volume periods, please allow up to 5 business days.
Do I need to believe in tarot to get a reading?
No. Many people approach tarot with curiosity and use it simply as a prompt for thinking. An open mind is enough.
What should I ask?
Open questions work best, such as "What do I need to understand about this situation?" or "What is blocking me right now?" Be specific about your situation in the question box at checkout so your reading can be targeted to you.
Can I ask about health, legal or money matters?
You can ask about how you feel and what you want to focus on. Tarot is not a substitute for medical, legal, financial or mental health advice, and a reading should never replace a qualified professional.
What does a reversed card mean?
A reversed card appears upside down. Readers interpret it in different ways, such as a blocked or inward version of the card's energy. Read more in our guide to reversals.
Where can I read about the cards?
Browse the Tarot Card Library for all 78 cards, or see a sample reading and how it works.
Which spread should I use?
Not sure how many cards to pull? Our spread guide matches your question to the right layout.
Tarot glossary
- Major Arcana
- The 22 cards, from The Fool to The World, that represent big life themes and turning points.
- Minor Arcana
- The 56 cards in four suits that reflect everyday events and feelings.
- Suits
- Wands (passion and action), Cups (emotions and relationships), Swords (thoughts and truth) and Pentacles (money and the material world).
- Court cards
- The Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings in each suit, often read as people or ways of showing up.
- Spread
- A layout that gives each drawn card a position and meaning, such as a 3-card spread or the Celtic Cross.
- Reversal
- A card that appears upside down in a spread.
- Querent
- The person asking the question.
Want more terms? See the full Tarot Glossary, or try the free Card of the Day.