The Tarot Cards are identified by their "Name", which is a label printed on the Major card, or a combination of the Rank/Suit on a Court/Pip card. Morphologically the Tarot is better suited at answering internal "why" phrased (psychological or mood based), rather than external "what" phrased (physical or prognostic), questions. Unlike esotericists, Forecasters consider the 78 card RWS Tarot deck to be homogenous, with all cards, although different in allegorical meanings, having equal merit in a Reading.
There is no such thing as a standard Tarot deck, although the Rider-Waite-Smith [RWS] system deck comes close, and is referenced by most Tarot teachers and books. Two other popular variants are the Marseille system (based upon the original Tarot playingcard game deck, which lacks pictographs on the Pip cards) and the Thoth system (a more esoterically symboled deck, which assigns a few cards different meanings than the RWS). The imagery on Tarot cards is important, because image interaction between cards in a Spread graphically portrays an integrated story. Unfortunately the actual RWS deck, while extremely popular, doesn't always meet every readers story telling tastes (see videos:
An important reading caveat is that the apparent gender of an image should never be construed as citing a specific gender (or age). So that the subconscious can know how to properly select a card to transmit its message, the reader must decide upon the card meanings description source (such as their memory, a textbook to be referenced, or writing on the card) before a reading, and stick to it throughout. However although the standard keyword association usually indicates a cards meaning, in any specific reading a card may instead appear because its imagery is referencing a place, an event or encounter, the personality of an acquaintance, or possibly even a pun or an inside joke.
Most Tarot readers only read the cards upright (spinning them if they come out reversed), but reading Reversals is acceptable. Traditionally readers encouraged the querent to touch the deck (even if just to cut the deck or finger a desired Fan card), but if there is concern over a rare decks preservation, this can be disallowed. Some reader will compromise by using an inexpensive "sacrifice" deck with their rough deck handlers, which can be easily replaced should the cards become damaged.
The RWS Suit indicates how a card is expressing its meaning. Swords are associated with the element of "Air". Thoughts (including calculations) and Words (including gossip) are major keywords. However, because perceptions can be hurtful, these cards are also associated with anxieties. Wands are associated with the element of "Fire". Zeal relating to Actions (including defensive maneuvers) and Travel are major keywords. Leadership, athletics, patriotism, and recognition are all emphasized. Pentacles are associated with the element of "Earth". Wealth, Healthiness, and Industry are major keywords. It is however also about how others perceive your handling of these matters (as in greediness or generosity). Cups are associated with the element of "Water". Feelings (including both elation and depression) are the major keyword, but it also includes emotional relationships, such as those with best friends or family.
In comparison, forecasters see the Majors as standing on their own without either Suit or Rank, and mostly indicating specific existential influences. While different, a Major card should not be considered as more/less important than other card in the deck. Forecasters also ignore the consecutive number orderings written upon the Majors (along with the Rank groupings of cards 1-7 as "maiden", cards 8-14 as "mother", and cards 15-21 as "crone"), as well as most of the esoteric symbology (such as Kabbalah or Alchemy) or associations with other divination systems (such as Astrology or Runes).
Court cards are unique in that they will express either their primary or secondary meaning depending on their context in a Spread, and in that they also directly interact with other cards in a Spread. Forecasters recognize Suit linkages, but not one of Rank, thus disregarding any notion of experience/age progression from Page to Knight to Queen to King. Gender is also not considered by forecasters to be indicated by the name/illustration on a Court card (historically this was an inappropriate caryover by former playing card readers), and instead the card will indicate a gender-neutral "role".
The Pips do however exhibit recognized Rank progressions which may help the forecaster in clarifying the stage of an activity. Pip cards in Ranks 1, 2, 3, and 4 (transient) and Ranks 6, 7, 8, and 9 (habitual) are about following the course of a project from Inception, -to Planning, -to Executing, -to Reaping. Pip cards in Ranks 5 and 10 (setbacks) reflect impositions on progression (you get 'Beaten' in the game, or 'Sidelined' from the game, respectively).
These four videos cover the RWS deck construct in more detail:
The King can be thought of as a just and wise ruler. It is usually reasonable and fair, but can sometimes dig-in and become inflexible and unyielding.
The Queen can be thought of as a nurturing and loving caretaker. It is usually compassionate and kind, but can sometimes rise-up and become fierce and protective.
The Knight can be thought of as a brave achiever. It is usually confident and strong, but can sometimes overreckon and become foolhardy and reckless.
The Page can be thought of as a zealous neophyte. It is usually enthusiastic and curious, but can sometimes assume and become impulsive and rash.
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