Tarot with Regular Playing Cards

Deal the Cards

How do I turn a regular deck of playing cards into Tarot?

Using playing cards as Tarot cards is simple. A standard deck of playing cards essentially consists of the Minor Arcana of Tarot, allowing you to tap into similar energies and interpretations without the need for a specialized Tarot deck. Let’s break it down!

Draw on your understanding of numerology to interpret each number card.

The Joker

• This is the one Major Arcana I like to include in the deck, it represents The Fool.

Putting It Together

To read, shuffle your deck and focus on a question or area of your life. Draw a few cards, and then interpret them based on their suit and number. You can even create simple spreads, like a three-card spread for past, present, and future, or a relationship spread to evaluate connections.

Tips for Reading

• Trust your intuition! The meanings can be a springboard, but your gut feelings will guide you.

• Look for patterns in the cards you draw. Do you see a lot of hearts? Perhaps it's time to focus on your emotional well-being.

• Practice regularly. As you gain experience, you’ll develop your unique style and understanding.

With just a regular deck of playing cards, you can easily dive into the powerful world of Tarot readings.

Enjoy the journey of discovery!

Meanings for Using Regular Playing Cards as Tarot

Joker (The Fool)

The Joker is the wild card of the deck, embodying spontaneity, unpredictability, and a dash of mischief. Much like the Fool in traditional Tarot, the Joker invites you to embrace the unknown with a playful heart and an open mind. It signals moments where rules can be bent, creativity unleashed, and new adventures await. The Joker encourages you to trust your instincts and make the game of life a bit more fun.

♥ The Suit of Hearts / Cups

The suit of Hearts aligns with the Cups suit in Tarot, both symbolizing emotions, relationships, and the flow of intuition. When you see Hearts in a reading, think of matters of the heart, emotional connections, and inner experiences. Here’s a playful rundown for each card:

Ace of Hearts (Ace of Cups)

Fresh emotional beginnings! Love, joy, and emotional purity overflow like a fountain. This card invites you to open your heart to new feelings, creativity, or spiritual awakenings.

Two of Hearts (Two of Cups)

Partnerships in harmony. This is the classic card of romantic connection, deep friendship, or a balanced emotional exchange. Trust and mutual respect are key.

Three of Hearts (Three of Cups)

Celebrate! This card is all about friendship, community, and joyous social gatherings. A great omen for happy times spent with loved ones, creativity, and emotional support.

Four of Hearts (Four of Cups)

Contemplation and emotional reassessment. You might be feeling dissatisfied or bored despite the emotional abundance around you. Time to introspect and open up your heart anew.

Five of Hearts (Five of Cups)

Loss and regret enter the scene, but with a gentle nudge to look beyond the spilled cups. While disappointment lingers, hope still remains. Perspective shifts bring emotional healing.

Six of Hearts (Six of Cups)

Sweet nostalgia and childhood memories. This card encourages reconnecting with your inner child, past joys, or old friends. Emotions are tender and reminiscent.

Seven of Hearts (Seven of Cups)

Choices and emotional fantasies! Beware of illusions and too many options that cloud your intuition. This card urges clarity in emotional decision-making.

Eight of Hearts (Eight of Cups)

Walking away for emotional growth. Sometimes, leaving behind what no longer serves your heart’s true calling is necessary. A brave pursuit of deeper meaning.

Nine of Hearts (Nine of Cups)

The wish card! Emotional satisfaction and contentment are on the radar. This card promises fulfillment and a “heart’s desire” coming to life.

Ten of Hearts (Ten of Cups)

Ultimate emotional happiness and family bliss. This card paints the picture of harmonious relationships, joyful home life, and spiritual fulfilment.

Jack of Hearts (Page of Cups)

A messenger of emotions, creativity, and tender surprises. This youthful figure approaches with an open heart, inviting you to embrace your intuition and imagination.

Queen of Hearts (Queen of Cups)

Empathy embodied. The Queen is deeply intuitive, nurturing, and emotionally balanced. She encourages compassion and emotional wisdom.

King of Hearts (King of Cups)

Master of emotional diplomacy. The King manages feelings with calm and fairness, showing emotional maturity, generosity, and wise counsel.

Use these interpretations as your emotional compass when Hearts show up in readings—they’re your guide to navigating the liquid landscape of feelings with a smile and an open mind!

♣ The Suit of Clubs/Wands

The suit of Clubs in playing cards corresponds closely to the Wands suit in Tarot. Both embody themes of creativity, passion, energy, and growth, often relating to work, ambition, and personal drive. Here’s a playful dive into how each Club card translates into Tarot-inspired meaning:

Ace of Clubs/Wands

A spark of inspiration is lighting your fire! This card signals new beginnings, creative opportunities, and a surge of motivation. It’s time to chase fresh ideas with enthusiasm and confidence.

Two of Clubs/Wands

Standing at a crossroads, Two of Clubs invites you to plan your next move. It’s about vision and decision-making—consider your options and harness your ambition to map out future success.

Three of Clubs/Wands

Patience and progress mark this card. Your efforts are starting to take shape, and the horizon is wide open with possibilities. Stay persistent and keep expanding your scope.

Four of Clubs/Wands

Celebrate your accomplishments! The Four signals stability, joy, and community. Whether it’s finishing a project or enjoying time with loved ones, embrace the harmony you’ve created.

Five of Clubs/Wands

Bring on the friendly competition! This card represents challenges, debates, or even creative conflicts. It’s a reminder that a little healthy rivalry can spark growth and innovation.

Six of Clubs/Wands

Victory is yours! This card cheers success and public recognition. Your hard work pays off, and it’s time to bask in the applause and keep that confidence soaring.

Seven of Clubs/Wands

Stand your ground! Challenges arise, but you’re equipped to defend your position. It’s about courage, perseverance, and staying true to your goals when the going gets tough.

Eight of Clubs/Wands

Zoom, zoom! Expect swift progress and movement. News, changes, or new adventures fly your way — be ready to act on opportunities with speed and optimism.

Nine of Clubs/Wands

You’re battle-worn but not beaten. This card speaks to resilience and persistence, urging you to protect your hard-earned success while remaining vigilant for what’s next.

Ten of Clubs/Wands

Sometimes ambition weighs heavy. The Ten suggests you might be overburdened or juggling too much. Know when to delegate and lighten your load to avoid burnout.

Jack (or Page) of Clubs/Wands

The eager apprentice arrives! This youthful energy brims with curiosity, adventure, and the willingness to learn. Embrace new experiences with an open heart and courageous spirit.

Queen of Clubs/Wands

Meet the passionate leader! The Queen embodies confidence, warmth, and creative power. She inspires others while fiercely protecting her ambitions and values.

King of Clubs/Wands

The charismatic visionary, the King leads with authority and vision. He’s a natural-born entrepreneur and motivator, guiding others with optimism and bold determination.

In essence, the Clubs/Wands suit is your energetic cheerleader, pushing you to ignite your passions, tackle challenges, and grow your creative ambitions. When these cards surface, expect a burst of fiery inspiration and forward momentum!

♠ The Suit of Spades (Swords)

In the world of cartomancy, the spades suit corresponds closely with the Swords suit in Tarot. Both represent the realm of intellect, conflict, communication, and decisions. Here’s a playful peek at what each playing card in the suit of spades might reveal when channelled through the Tarot’s sword-wielding lens:

Ace of Spades (Ace of Swords)

A sharp new idea pierces through the fog! The Ace signals clarity, breakthroughs, and the birth of a powerful truth. Be ready to cut through confusion and embrace mental clarity.

2 of Spades (2 of Swords)

A tough choice is on the horizon — or a stalemate where decisions seem impossible. Expect a call for balance, patience, and trusting your inner compass before taking a side.

3 of Spades (3 of Swords)

Ouch. Heartache or emotional pain is likely here, often linked to hurtful words or misunderstandings. This card invites you to honour your feelings and allow healing to begin.

4 of Spades (4 of Swords)

Time for a breather! This card whispers of rest, recovery, and mental reprieve. Retreat from the chaos and let your thoughts catch their breath before making the next move.

5 of Spades (5 of Swords)

Conflict, tension, or a tricky power play might be brewing. Watch for sharp words and be mindful of how victories feel — sometimes winning the battle loses you the war.

6 of Spades (6 of Swords)

A journey toward calmer waters, both literally and mentally. This card hints at transition, moving away from trouble, and seeking fresh perspectives that soothe the mind.

7 of Spades (7 of Swords)

Sneaky business alert! This card can mean deception, strategy, or tactics that require clever thinking. Stay alert and trust your intuition if something feels off.

8 of Spades (8 of Swords)

Feeling trapped or stuck in a mental prison? The 8 warns against anxiety and self-imposed limitations. The key is to realise your power to break free.

9 of Spades (9 of Swords)

Midnight worries and restless nights abound. The 9 reflects anxiety, fear, and overthinking. Time to gently challenge those scary thoughts before they steal your sleep.

10 of Spades (10 of Swords)

Endings that sting like a dagger. This card signals hitting rock bottom or a painful conclusion, but remember — the dark night always precedes dawn and fresh beginnings.

Jack of Spades (Page of Swords)

Curious, quick-witted, and full of questions. This messenger brings news, ideas, or mental challenges. Keep your mind sharp and your words clear.

Queen of Spades

A strong, independent thinker who values truth and justice. The Queen is insightful and direct but knows when to wield kindness with her sharp intellect.

King of Spades

Master of strategy and authority, the King commands respect with his clear thinking and fair judgement. He cuts through nonsense with calm confidence.

Spades/Swords cards cut through to the core of thoughts and communication — so keep your mental armour polished and your wit sharper than a two-edged sword!

♦ The Suit of Diamonds/Pentacles

The suit of Diamonds in playing cards closely aligns with the Suit of Pentacles in tarot. Both represent the material world — money, work, possessions, and practical matters. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting Diamonds cards as Pentacles in a tarot reading:

Ace of Diamonds / Ace of Pentacles

A fresh opportunity related to finance, career, or material abundance is budding. This card signals the potential for growth, prosperity, and new beginnings rooted in the tangible world. Think seed money, job offers, or promising ventures.

Two of Diamonds / Two of Pentacles

Balance and adaptability are key themes here. You may be juggling multiple financial or practical responsibilities, needing to keep your footing while managing resources wisely. Flexibility keeps things flowing smoothly.

Three of Diamonds / Three of Pentacles

Collaboration and skilled teamwork bring success. This card highlights the importance of craftsmanship, planning, and group effort in creating tangible results. Recognition through hard work is on the horizon.

Four of Diamonds / Four of Pentacles

A desire for security and control over finances or possessions can lead to holding on too tightly. This card warns against greed or stubbornness. It’s time to assess if your material attachments serve or limit you.

Five of Diamonds / Five of Pentacles

Financial strain or feeling left out in the cold describes this card. Hard times may challenge your sense of stability, but remember, support and help exist if you seek it. This is a call to look for new ways to regain footing.

Six of Diamonds / Six of Pentacles

Generosity and balance in giving and receiving define this card. Whether you’re offering assistance or receiving it, there’s a flow of wealth, kindness, or resources bringing harmony and fairness.

Seven of Diamonds / Seven of Pentacles

Patience and careful assessment of your investments or efforts characterize this card. It’s a time to pause and evaluate what’s bearing fruit and what may require a change in strategy.

Eight of Diamonds / Eight of Pentacles

Hard work and dedication pay off with this card. Focus on mastering your craft or skill, building steady progress through diligence and attention to detail.

Nine of Diamonds / Nine of Pentacles

Abundance, self-sufficiency, and enjoying the fruits of your labour shine here. This card celebrates independence, comfort, and material success earned through responsible effort.

Ten of Diamonds / Ten of Pentacles

Legacy, family wealth, and long-term security come into focus. This card represents a culmination of financial stability and prosperity that can benefit not just you, but future generations.

Whether you’re reading playing cards or tarot, the Diamonds/Pentacles suit invites you to pay attention to the practical, financial, and earthly aspects of life—with a playful nod to the tangible treasures on your path!