Tarot & Language

Language acts as a tool for perception and communication, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It shapes our reality by defining and categorizing our experiences and desires. Just like a Tarot reading, language reveals hidden aspects of ourselves and helps us understand the underlying patterns that control our lives. It gives structure to our innermost thoughts and enables us to navigate the world around us. Through language, we create meaning and assign significance to the events that unfold in our lives, generating a powerful influence on our perception of reality, and the decisions we make.

Tarot can be seen as a language that communicates messages through symbols. A language in which each card represents a unique concept, a specific correspondence to signs or archetypes, and when combined with other cards, they create a whole interesting narrative. The art on the cards allow intuition to be the translator helping the reader connect with their subconscious and connect with their inner wisdom by analyzing a complex message thoroughly. However, Tarot can also be used simply as a tool for self-development and personal growth, providing guidance and insights into one's thoughts, feelings, secrets and actions. The system of Tarot is a language of the soul, speaking directly to the heart and spirit.

The origins of this system is shrouded in mystery, with some tracing it back to ancient Egypt, the Muslim World or China. The earliest surviving Tarot decks date to the 15th century in Italy, where they were primarily used for games or portraits for nobility. However, it wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that Tarot began to be associated with divination and spiritual pursuits due to emerging secret societies and occultists. Throughout history, this particular system has evolved into a tool for divination and self-discovery by people from many different walks of life. Its archetypal images and symbolism make it a universal language and subject of study accessible to readers across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

The readings or spreads, can provide insight into one's psyche, relationships, and life path. Perhaps one of the most faithful tools as companions for psychologists who investigate the Jungian archetypes, sensitives or people with an avid curiosity for the unknown. Moreover, it is important to note that Tarot should not be relied on as a sole source of advice or decision-making; rather, it should be used as a tool for reflection and supplementing one's own intuition and personal growth. Having an approach to Tarot in a more intellectual rather than paranormal way is recommended to stimulate those areas of your life and personality that you need to check before leading a full, abundant life on the earthly and etheric plane.

There are several ways in which Tarot and language are connected in terms of structure, grammar, and linguistic nuances. 

Firstly, the Tarot deck can be seen as a type of language, with each card representing a specific concept or idea. These concepts can be arranged and combined in different ways to create unique readings, just as words can be arranged to create different sentences and meanings. Secondly, the structure of a Tarot reading can mirror the structure of a language. Just as a language has rules about how words should be ordered to form sentences, there are also rules and patterns that govern the arrangement of Tarot cards in a reading.

The use of language is essential in interpreting Tarot readings. Tarot readers must be able to analyze and understand the subtleties of language to accurately interpret the meanings of each card and the overall message of a reading.

Finally, the thematic nuances of a Tarot reading can also be likened to the nuances of language. Just as different languages have unique nuances and quirks, each Tarot deck has its own unique symbolism, imagery, and meanings. Readers must be able to navigate and interpret these nuances to provide accurate readings.

Translation also plays an essential role during the practice as many decks come from different countries and cultures. The translation of the cards from their original language into another can impact how the symbols are interpreted; and, a good Tarot reader considers this when working with clients who speak different languages or have a distinct cultural background.

Tarot can be taught as a form of interpreting, where the reader acts as an interpreter, translating the language of the cards into meaningful insights. Just as a translator must bridge the gap between different languages and cultures, a Tarot reader must bridge the gap between the symbolic language of the cards and the personal context of the querent, who is the person seeking the reading. It involves understanding the nuances of the Tarot symbols and translating them into relevant and insightful interpretations for the individual seeking guidance.

As a result, it is not surprising that some of the great literary influences have directly or indirectly based their work on this practice. For instance, there are many writers who use Tarot as a tool for inspiration and guidance not only portrayed in their work but in their personal lives. Some use it as a way to generate ideas or characters, while others use it as a method of divination to explore their themes or plotlines, while others just find some ease in shuffling a deck. For example, Neil Gaiman has mentioned using Tarot in his creative process, as has Margaret Atwood. Many self-published authors also use this method to help them overcome writer's block or gain clarity in their storytelling.

Shirley Jackson was known to have a fascination with the esoteric, including Tarot and other spiritual practices. Her interest in the occult can be seen in her writing, particularly in her horror stories such as The Lottery and The Haunting of Hill House. For those interested in exploring these themes further, Jackson's book The Witchcraft of Salem Village is a great read. Additionally, readers can check out the works of fellow horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and Algernon Blackwood, who also incorporate esoteric themes into their stories.

Overall, the Tarot system can be a useful and powerful tool for writers looking to unlock their creativity and deepen their understanding of their work.

As I mentioned earlier, Tarot and linguistics share a common thread in symbolism and interpretation. Just as words and phrases have multiple meanings and connotations in different contexts, the cards can also have various interpretations depending on their placement and the surrounding cards. Additionally, Tarot symbolism often includes images and archetypes that are deeply rooted in language and culture. Understanding the nuances of language and symbolism can enhance one's ability to read and interpret tarot cards with greater depth and accuracy.

Some of the most notable linguistic aspects of the Tarot system are:

Symbolism: Just like any language, the Tarot system uses symbols to convey meaning. Each card has its own unique symbol or image which represents a specific concept or idea.

Grammar: The arrangement of the cards in a Tarot reading is similar to the structure of a sentence in language. The position of each card in relation to the others can change the meaning of the overall message.

Interpretation: In both language and Tarot, interpretation is key. Just as different people can interpret the same sentence in different ways, different readers can interpret the same card differently depending on their experience, emotional intelligence and perspective.

Vocabulary: Both language and Tarot have their own unique vocabulary or set of words and phrases that are specific to their system. For example, the Tarot system has terms like "major arcana" and "minor arcana" which are not used in everyday language.

Variation: Just as there are different dialects and variations of language, there are also different Tarot decks and interpretations of the cards. This allows for individual expression and creativity within the system (a list of my favourite Tarot decks soon.)

The Tarot can be viewed as a tool for accessing the deeper reaches of the human psyche, with each card representing an aspect of the human experience. When used with intention and understanding, the Tarot can be used to tap into the collective unconscious and access insights beyond one's own individual perspective. It can also be used as a framework for meditation, self-reflection.

The intellectual side of this practice involves studying the symbolism and meaning behind each card, as well as learning how to interpret readings for oneself and others through lectures, workshops, books, and long periods of research. It is suggested not to stress yourself in learning all the possible meanings of each card in the first attempt, since just like every word in the English language, each card has hundreds of interpretations and roles depending on the context and the order in which it is being developed. Let's say that each card has synonymous and antonymous cards within the same deck. Regularly the minor arcana function as prepositions or essential complements like direct or indirect object to the subject (the major arcana that may or may not be interpreted as the subject of the situation) in the construction of the whole speech. So don't think about learning 78 cards and their reverse meaning (156+ possible interpretations) all at once as you will turn the practice into something very methodical and even academic, and you will end up mostly giving up on Tarot.

It takes time, even years to find and connect in the healthiest way with a Tarot/Oracle deck. Just as the gym gives faster and more optimal results to some and not to others. It is a different and inevitable rhythm and growing experience for everyone. The mysterious thing about this practice is that it never repeats itself. Cards choose how and who.

Words: @ALFREDOTAVA / ZIPHRONE