Unfortunately, feeling completely confident in interpreting Tarot likely requires a bit more than what this free course provides. But you know what? This is an excellent start for those with a deck who never really get going. It's a simple course with card texts, some videos, and basic facts about the Tarot subject.

If you like my way of conveying Tarot, I'm here with several courses if you want to advance your knowledge. I use images of the "Rider Waite" and my new deck, "Runhäxans Tarot," but you can use any deck alongside my texts.

There are many myths surrounding the Tarot deck. No one knows for sure how old it is or where it comes from. Numerous theories suggest its origins in China, India, or Egypt. It is documented from 14th century France. I have never thought it mattered much where the Tarot deck comes from; the main thing is that it works, and it does.

Tarot cards have been used to predict and foresee the future since ancient times. They can also be used to look back in time and examine the present, focusing on personal development and meditation. I hope you'll see your possibilities with Tarot to view your life and choose to steer it for your personal development without getting caught up in minor details.

Tarot consists of 78 cards (and some use only the part called the Major Arcana, which comprises 22 cards). Everything you do with a Tarot deck is between you and your deck. Don't listen too much to others; there are too many limitations and much nonsense like you shouldn’t buy your deck or must have someone in your family who is psychic. Believe in yourself and your interest; anyone can learn to interpret Tarot. It might also be beneficial to learn the reversed meanings of the cards from the start and then choose what suits your own purposes best. This way, you acquire more knowledge about the card than if you only choose to have them upright, and it can make things easier if you sense a more challenging aspect.

When you perform a reading, you lay out the cards, reading each individually and as a whole. It's akin to deciphering a puzzle. The layout of the cards is called spreading a star. You should choose your Tarot deck according to your liking and taste, the one you prefer, to get the most out of the images, which you should like for the whole process to become more enjoyable and interesting. After every completed reading for someone, you should remember to sort your deck in numerical and suit order, as well as in the Major Arcana from the Fool to the World.

The Tarot cards reference Astrology; each card in the Major Arcana has a zodiac sign or a planet at its disposal. Likewise, with the Kabbalah, which is ancient knowledge, each card has a "word" from it that indicates a symbolic interpretation. The Major Arcana represents the soul, its trials and growth, and major life events and turning points. The Major Arcana contains all elements in a balanced manner. Their names and numbers can also be described as a development through life. You can utilize many sources of knowledge, such as Kabbalah, Astrology, Numerology, and practically any culture or way of life.

Astrology is a significant part of Tarot; for example, we can describe the court cards by zodiac signs:

• Wands = Fire = Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
• Cups = Water = Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio
• Coins = Earth = Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
• Swords = Air = Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Similarly, Numerology is an important and large part if you choose it, giving you a broader perspective of the cards and their sequence in combination with life development. Just remember that your perception and interpretation matter for each card, not what's written in any book. It's what you feel is correct, but you must know the fundamental interpretation. Try to sit in peace when reading cards, but also make sure you can lay and interpret the cards amidst full bustle; whether you’re alone doesn’t matter to the cards.

Keep paper and pen handy for notes so that you better remember what comes up. Start by drawing just one card if you like.

• One card to see what's happening right now.
• One card for a specific question. For example, regarding your work situation or love life. Finances or health.

Initially, it can be challenging to decipher everything a card indicates, especially if you don't have the connection between each card and the "imagination" or knowledge to interpret each card for every situation. Remember that some aspects might seem harsh when you draw such a card as the Swords, which can sometimes be "cruel." Consider what you asked; the aspect is more minor if it’s for a short period. If you draw a "troublesome" card, draw another to see what you might do about it.

I believe there's a reason you come into contact with the cards—a kind of communication where you can begin steering your life and take control of your actions, although you can't control your surroundings. Also, don’t draw cards for someone who isn’t present and requesting it. Indeed, you wouldn't want someone else to draw for you to see what you are up to. For those with a tendency toward jealousy who want to monitor your partner, consider if you interpret the cards incorrectly, for the cards always land right. Instead, draw a card or spread a star on why you are losing control over yourself and lower yourself to draw for someone not present. Seek answers to your jealousy instead, and let the cards help you on your path to a happier life.

Tarot cards exist in many versions; I've heard somewhere that there are over 1,000 different decks. Most decks bear a resemblance or share similarities. You can see that the foundation remains regardless of which artist painted it—that's what differentiates them—the artist. My texts and books are written for any deck, meaning the deck you choose to work with. However, I use my deck "Runhäxans Tarot" (The Rune Witch Tarot) and Rider Waite, which is, in my opinion, the best foundational deck besides my own. It's important when choosing your deck to select one you like, one that appeals to you. The decks have different color schemes, some are black-and-white, some are based on a specific theme such as herbs or I Ching, cats, dragons, goddesses, and so on, and there are decks that don’t follow the original idea but replace card names.

The cards Justice and Strength swap places from deck to deck; they are either 8 or 11 exchanging places. This might be worth a look, especially if you feel Strength should be card number 8, only to find it is number 11 in the chosen deck. For some, working with such a deck can be difficult; if it's your first deck and you don’t know much about Tarot, it doesn’t matter much, but most decks have Strength as number 8 and Justice as number 11.

A difference worth checking before you decide is that some decks don’t have scenes on cards 1-10 in the Minor Arcana, only symbols. The advantage is that you learn to imagine more and to seek meditative images within yourself, though the disadvantages may be greater. Imagination isn’t our society's strongest side today, so it could be an advantage to start with a deck that has scenes and, from that, move forward instead of losing interest because you don’t receive guidance from the card.