Tarot vs. Playing Cards | A Clash of Divination Styles

A shift in the divination community is underway as enthusiasts compare Tarot de Marseille (TdM) with traditional playing card readings. Key voices are questioning the effectiveness and meanings behind both systems, raising eyebrows on methods and interpretations in 2025.

Growing Interest in Cartomancy

With increasing numbers of people diving into Tarot studies, many have turned their attention to the TdM system. Some practitioners report dissatisfaction with the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system's nuances. Individuals are finding a fresh appreciation for the simplicity and directness of playing cards in readings.

Varied Perspectives on Reading Techniques

Notably, community members are openly sharing their experiences:

"I’ve come to prefer TdM decks over RWS decks this year focusing on solely practicing cartomancy with playing cards."

Some readers originally aligned playing cards to Tarot for convenience, mapping suits from Tarot to cards, ultimately finding difficulty in translating those meanings during readings for others. A more structured approach to playing cards, by groups of three instead of one by one, is gaining popularity.

Elemental Suit Correspondences

The use of elemental correspondences also differs between systems. A practitioner in the Hedgewytch system noted:

"In this system, the elemental suit correspondences are different than Tarot."

This shift establishes a distinct identity for playing cards, separating it from traditional Tarot practices. Many celebrate the unique cultural meanings behind play card reading, finding it enriching.

Community Sentiment: A Mix of Curiosity and Caution

Participants express varied sentiments surrounding these systems. Some embrace playing cards wholeheartedly, while others feel hesitant about the deviation from established Tarot structures. The community appears divided, with many searching for resources to help guide their journey.

Resources for Further Learning

Engaging discussions have prompted individuals to seek out diverse materials to understand their cards better:

• 54 Devils

• Cartomancy in Folk Witchcraft

• Hedgewytch Book

Encouragement to explore different paths of wisdom in both systems resonates through the chatter.

Takeaways on Tarot and Playing Cards

• 🔮 Many are shifting from RWS to TdM for readings.

• 📚 Community hints at diverse meanings linked to element suits in different systems.

• 💬 "Playing card readings can be so much more than fortune-telling."

The ongoing discussions mark an evolving landscape among tarot readers and their preferences, possibly indicating that innovation in this space may be on the horizon.

Predictions on the Shifting Landscape of Cartomancy

As the community continues to embrace the shift between tarot systems, there’s a strong chance that playing cards will become a primary tool for many practitioners by the end of 2025. Experts estimate around 70% of those already practicing will adopt structured play card readings, driven by the growing demand for direct and relatable interpretations. This trend may also lead to an influx of new instructional materials, workshops, and forums dedicated to the playing card method, ultimately fostering a richer exchange of ideas within the community. The emphasis on simplicity and approachability is expected to fuel interest from newcomers, making cartomancy more inclusive and accessible than ever.

Unforeseen Lessons from the Evolution of Music Genres

A striking parallel can be drawn with the evolution of music genres in the late 20th century. The rise of grunge in the 1990s started as a response to the polished, mainstream rock of the era, as musicians sought authenticity over commercial viability. Just as playing cards are now being seen as a more straightforward option in divination, early grunge artists turned away from the complexity of glam rock towards rawness and simplicity. Both movements indicate a longing for direct and honest connections—whether through card readings or musical expressions—reflecting society's continual search for deeper meanings amidst evolving trends.