Tarot cards have many misconceptions of what they are. People who do not understand what they are may think they are devil cards, satanic, or that they may even be dangerous.

“I think if you know what they are then you know that they are good,” senior Quinton Drake said. “And [the Tarot cards are] just a misconception because they have so long been thought of as evil and satanic.”

Tarot cards are 78 cards; they may look just like a deck of cards with different pictures on them. But when they are connected together with the reader and the querent, the person asking the question, they can produce endless answers that foretell the way the future is heading. One thing users must know is they are not set in stone, which is why they are in the form of cards that can be shuffled, reversed and placed in endless patterns. The cards can give advice, see what will happen in the future if things continue to go the way they are going, or anything else a querent wants to ask as long as he or she is willing to hear the answer.

“My favorite part is the hope that they give a person,” Drake said. “The unknown is bad already and they just give someone an idea of what is possible.”

The cards are unlike normal playing cards. Instead of the regular four suits, Tarot cards have four suits that make up the minor arcana and one suit for the major arcana. Most readers use only the major arcana, but it depends on their connection with the cards.

“I like it because I can see what [someone’s] situation is in full, as well as test myself on which ones I have memorized,” senior Sienna Velasco said. “My favorite part is explaining the cards and seeing how they react to the cards whether it be good or bad.”

Some may think it’s all made up and all psychological, that there is no way random cards strung together can produce some kind of meaning. Similar to those who think it is all fake, there are many people who want readings or do readings. The magic of the cards starts with the reader’s connection with his or her cards. Without this connection it can be difficult to get an accurate reading. After a connection with the reader has commenced, a connection with the querent is formed when they pick up the cards, and shuffle them while thinking about the question they want the cards to answer. After that it’s back to the connection between the cards and the reader.

“I do feel a connection,” Drake said. “It is very strong and all warm and kinda electrifying. The one deck that is only in tuned to me is probably the most powerful connection. That one comes from the heart and brings pure hope.”

Each card has its own meaning, like a definition of a word. The fool means thoughtlessness, lack of discipline, or insecurity. From this definition the reader can connect to what the querent asked. The death card means death, destruction, loss, or a surprise event. If this card comes up in a reading about someone’s love life it doesn’t mean they are going to die, rather the relationship is not going to last.

Anyone can start reading cards, though it does take awhile before getting the hang of it. Tarot cards can be purchased at any bookstore.

“Start easy and then progress to more difficult readings,” Drake said. “That way you get a feel of what your cards truly say.”