Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Meanings: A Simple Guide for Beginners

This here, it’s about them Smith-Waite tarot cards. Lots of folks askin’ about ’em, what they mean, you know. Well, I’ll tell ya what I know, ain’t no expert, but I seen a thing or two.

First off, them cards, they got pictures. Lots of ’em. Folks say they mean things, tell ya somethin’ about your life, your future, all that stuff. Me? I just think they’re pretty pictures. Some folks call it the Rider-Waite-Smith deck too. Rider was involved too, I guess.

Now, if you’re just startin’ out, don’t go gettin’ all flustered. Just pick one card. One is enough to start. Look at it real good. Think about what’s goin’ on in your life right now. Maybe that card’s got somethin’ to say about it. It’s like a little message, kinda. That’s the easiest way to figure out these tarot deck meanings.

• Just one card at first.
• Look at the picture real good.
• Think about your life.

They say there’s a whole bunch of these cards. Some are big deals, they call ’em Major Arcana. Sounds fancy, don’t it? Then there’s the little ones, the Minor Arcana. Like the small potatoes, I reckon. Waite, he was the one come up with these. Smart man, I suppose.

That Waite fella, seems he told folks what them big cards mean, but the little ones? Not so much. Just a little list of what they might be about. So, you gotta use your own noggin for them. The Smith-Waite deck is an old one, been around a long time. Lots of folks like it. They say it’s a good one for beginners and old timers too.

Some folks, they get all worked up about these cards. They think it’s some kind of magic, or somethin’. They say the Bible don’t like it, talkin’ to spirits and all that. Me, I don’t know about all that. They say the Bible don’t mention tarot cards ’cause they weren’t around back then. But it does talk about not messin’ with fortune tellin’ and such. You just gotta decide for yourself what you believe, I reckon.

Now, you take that one card you picked. Let’s say it’s a picture of a fella hangin’ upside down. Well, that might mean you’re stuck, see? Can’t move forward, can’t move back. Just hangin’ there. Or maybe it means you need to look at things different. Upside down, you know? That’s how you figure out these tarot card meanings.

Or maybe you got a card with a lady holdin’ some cups. Could be about feelings, love, that kinda thing. Or maybe you got a card with swords. That might mean trouble, fightin’, arguments. It all depends on the picture, see? Many books use this deck, the Rider-Waite deck, to explain things. Guess it’s popular.

• Cups can mean love and feelings.
• Swords can mean trouble and fights.
• Stars can mean hope and dreams.

And don’t go thinkin’ you gotta know it all at once. Takes time. Just like learnin’ to knit or bake a pie. You start small, you practice, you get better. Pretty soon, you’ll be readin’ them cards like an old pro. You might even figure out the meaning of the Smith-Waite tarot deck better than me!

There are many types of tarot decks out there. The Smith-Waite deck is just one of them. But it is a good one, people say. And this one has no borders on the cards, makes them look different, more modern like. People like that look.

Now, some folks like to lay out a whole bunch of cards, all at once. They call it a “spread.” Like spreadin’ butter on toast, I guess. They got different layouts, different meanings for each spot. That’s a bit much for me, but maybe you’ll get into that. That’s how you do them in-depth readings, they say.

They got names for them spreads too. Like “Celtic Cross” and “Three Card Spread.” Sounds important, don’t it? But don’t you worry about that now. Just stick to your one card for now. That is the best way to learn the tarot meanings.

And remember, them cards ain’t gonna tell you exactly what’s gonna happen. They ain’t magic. They’re just tools. Like a hammer or a saw. You gotta use ’em right to get somethin’ out of ’em. And you gotta use your own good sense too. Tarot card meanings are not set in stone.

So, you go on and try it out. See what you think. Maybe them Smith-Waite tarot cards got somethin’ to tell ya. Maybe they don’t. But it don’t hurt to look, does it? Just don’t go gettin’ all spooked or nothin’. They’re just cards, after all. Pictures on paper. Nothing to be scared of.

And who knows, maybe you’ll find them cards interestin’. Maybe you’ll learn somethin’ about yourself. Or maybe you’ll just think they’re pretty pictures. Either way, it’s all good. Just remember what I said, and you’ll be fine. Don’t be afraid to learn the Smith-Waite tarot deck meanings. You might just like it.