Tarot Readings with Playing Cards

Italian Tarocchini and French Tarot were among some card games which included the use of tarot cards, in various parts of Europe, around the mid 15th century. With time, their use found their application among mystics (someone who believes in the existence of realities beyond human comprehension) and occultists (a believer of the study of the supernatural; someone versed in the occult arts). Eventually, they came into the use of fortune-telling as tarot reading cards. Although, there are different sets and types of tarot cards, there are some readers who use simple playing cards for the purpose. Heart, Clubs, Spades and Diamonds are the four signs which the playing cards comprise. Each of these symbols, correspond to a particular tarot card symbol and knowing what each symbol means, is what form the base of tarot card reading with playing cards.

Using Playing Cards for Tarot Readings

Hearts
Hearts in the playing cards symbolize the Cups of tarot cards. All playing cards which bear the symbol of heart, center around love, emotional realms, maturity, compassion and happiness.

Clubs
The Wands in tarot cards are represented by the Clubs in the playing cards. Cards with the symbol of clubs signify information, creative realms, initiative and practical endeavors.

Diamonds
Diamonds have their tarot suit as Pentacles. Pentacle cards stand for result, fruition, realization and prosperity.

Spades
Having the Swords as their tarot suit, Spades are for wisdom of old age, obstacles in life, warnings, misery, death and personal loss.

This was about the four signs of the playing cards and their corresponding tarot suits. Now, let's understand what the symbol Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King signify while bearing the signs of Heart, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades.

Hearts

Symbols	Meaning
Ace	Beginning of new desires and emotions. Also means change of residence or indication of a visitor
2	Suggests a relationship between two people. Union, sharing, relating, harmony, partnership, combining and connection
3	Feasting, joy, and merriment
4	Indicates something being offered; options being presented
5	Some sort of emotional loss. Also indicates the indecisiveness of a seeker
6	Trust and forgiveness in partnerships, relationships, or family ties. Giving and receiving
7	Shows choices and plans that have little or no basis in reality; castles in the air
8	Means moving on and doing something else. Unique opportunity to rise above your habitual response
9	"Wish fulfillment card." Material success and well-being, and a bright future and sensual pleasures
10	Lasting happiness, love, and true friendship
Jack	Represents a seeker's friend
Queen	Imaginative, good-natured and possibly psychic personality
King	An influential and mature man who is kind and considerate and willing to take responsibility

Clubs

Symbols	Meaning
Ace	Indication of something new, as well as new ways of looking at things
2	Focus on career, image, and social standing
3	Partnerships, unexpected gains, and putting theories into practice
4	Romance may lead to marriage
5	Accept challenge to prove one's caliber
6	Victory and good new is indicated
7	Need of energy, courage and a sense of purpose to gain victory
8	Long distance communication
9	Be focused and do not lose hope even if beaten
10	Keep striving, goal is near
Jack	Represents a passionate and generous individual
Queen	Honorable and well-liked personality who is also fond of her home
King	A noble and generous, yet hasty and passionate mature man

Diamonds

Symbols	Meaning
Ace	Indication of new beginning of prosperity
2	Ability to handle more than one situation at a time
3	Recognition for your work is indicated
4	Financial security and success should be the focus
5	Uncomfortable issues may crop up
6	Focus on your goals rather than contemplating on the problems
7	Progress may be affected by a pause or halt
8	Indicates a start of an employment
9	Business, corporate enterprises, promotion, mediation or advancement should be taken care of
10	Family stability, happy home and increase in prosperity
Jack	Represents a person who is patient and has good work ethic
Queen	Magnanimous, determined, opinionated, influential personality
King	A solid, steady man with great financial gifts

Spades

Symbols	Meaning
Ace	Indication of beginning of action, struggle, and/or conquest
2	Make right decisions and move ahead with faith
3	Separation, sorrow, quarrel and the like are indicated
4	Give a rest to yourself before getting involved in any kind of activity
5	Unforeseen problems may occur
6	You are going away from your difficulties
7	Stands for efforts and attempts amid unstable condition
8	Withdrawal, limbo, handicaps, and imprisonment
9	Suffering, delay, doubt and deprivation
10	Profound loss, defeat, unsuccessful plans
Jack	A strong and brave man who is also skillful and clever.
Queen	Person who has undergone great sorrow, still has the heart of bearing it.
King	A determined person who has the power of life and death

As far as tarot reading instructions are concerned, there's no specific rule or so-to-say a law, which governs using playing cards for tarot. However, you can get some real tips from a professional tarot card expert. It's really fun if you can master this art of fortune telling, especially when you are the tarot card reader in your neighborhood. Best of luck!