How Tarot Deck Imagery Can Alter the Meaning of The Cards

Does the different imagery of the tarot deck make a difference in your interpretation?

Now and then, I come across a tarot card, and even though I know what it usually means, the artist's imagery seems to tell a different story. Take the three of swords, for example. It's always about pain, no matter what deck I'm using, but the intensity of the pain, how I deal with it, and why it hurts all change based on the imagery in front of me.

The classic Rider-Waite deck, and most tarot decks inspired by it, show the three of swords as an image of a heart pierced by three swords. I like to remember that swords represent consciousness and intellect. These cards often talk about thinking things over, taking action, dealing with conflict, and power. So, even though you might be going through some serious heartache, what can you learn from it? How can you use your head to get through it? Is there a way to avoid this kind of pain in the future?

For me, the standard Rider-Waite deck and the Mystic Dreamer's Tarot suggest the mental stress this setback or heartache might be causing. The image of the pierced heart hovering over the sleeping woman reminds me of how this situation impacts me, even in rest. Are my dreams being influenced, is the mental stress overwhelming? Thus, the real issue isn't the heartache itself, but its effect on me.

The central two cards (Shadowscapes and Wonderland) convey a bit more emotion. The swan, the blood, the cracks in the walls; the disintegrating cake, the bleak and dreary background behind it, all illustrate that this heartache extends beyond the mental realm. There is a physical pain linked to this situation. Loss and destruction are evident in these two images.

The Zodiac Tarot presents a slightly different perspective for me. I perceive the pain and loss as she holds her burning, pierced heart in her hands. However, the fire behind her and the expression in her eyes indicate that this isn't a moment for self-pity. She was betrayed here, stabbed in the back, and this heartache signifies a betrayal that needs attention. While I hesitate to use the word "revenge," this card certainly carries a vengeful undertone.

Finally, the Lightseer's tarot. I link this heartache to communication, or the absence of it. The heart is bound and torn apart, but she is obviously yelling. While some may interpret this as a reaction to pain, I often view it as a result of something that was said but shouldn't have been, something that was said and is being overlooked, or something that needs to be voiced but hasn't been, leading to the heartache.

Getting the hang of basic numerology can come in handy as well when considering the imagery used in the tarot deck. Take the number three, for instance—it's all about communication, creativity, and staying positive. That vibe matches up with how I feel when I pull the three of swords from the Lightseer's Tarot deck. Plus, creativity kicks in when I'm figuring out how to deal with that feeling of betrayal from the Zodiac tarot deck. And knowing that three is a number that can represent optimism reassures me that this tough time will eventually pass, no matter which deck I'm working with.

I also use the surrounding cards to help with the context of the read.

In the Wonderland in Tarot deck, the combination of the three of swords with the Queen of swords may serve as a reminder of your strength and control, encouraging you to utilize these qualities to navigate and overcome the situation. When accompanied by the four of swords, the cards might suggest that rest is necessary, as only time can help you move past this. Paired with the Hanged Man, it could indicate the need to view things from a new perspective to progress. However, these card pairings might appear differently with another tarot deck, and the imagery could hold slightly different meanings for you.

Here are some other examples of how different images for the same card can give a different feel to the reading:

Getting the hang of what the cards generally mean is a great start when learning to read Tarot, but if you just memorize them and stick to that, it might block your intuition. Let the images speak to you and don’t hesitate to give a card a different meaning if that’s what feels right. When I’m looking for a straight-up answer, I grab my Rider-Waite deck. It's like that friend who tells it like it is—no sugarcoating. But if I’m in the mood for something a bit more flexible, I choose another deck.

Trust your gut and keep in mind that your tarot practice, like anything personal, should come from the heart. It doesn't have to look like anyone else's, and that's perfectly okay.