Yeousainy Louvi 1y¥dA GUIDE TO CAT TAROTllstestions copyright ©2019 by Megan Lynn Kelt Text copyright© 2019 by Chronicle Books LLC. Allrights reserved No partof this book may be reproduced in ony for without written permission from the publisher. ISON: 97eei-4521-7365-4 Manufacturedin China LO ree FSC_FSC~ 6017606 Design by Jenne Huerta Text by Julia Silke ‘The card interpretations inthis book reflect traditional tarot-card meanings. which have evolved over centuries, The mesnings given here may or may not. resonate with yous as they are symbolic. there can be many layers of Interpretation 1098765432 Chronicle Books LLC {900 Second Street San Francisco, California 94307 ‘wovnchroniclebookscomCONTENTS Introduction. meee ‘Vie Blades sree, Proparing fortho Reading. scant? Suit of Pentacles... About the Authors.INTRODUCTION For generations, humans hove looked to eas fer guidance en the best way to live one's fe. From finding the warmest spots to leepin (whthor window, ap, o face) te knowing exactly when tokick the food bowl over inthe morning, cats seer tohave ll the answers. Its no surprise that Egyptians once worshipped cote a8 evidenced by the half human, halflisn sphinx, serenely ‘onthe world as is sandbor, Use this deck o top into that anciontinstinetual wisdom, find the feline way forward. and decide what to do when problems arize along the way. People have been reading tarot cards for hundreds of years, although a st they were used rather differently The cards ‘originatedia fifteenth- century Europa, and were called rion (triumphs) or tarocehi (etymolony unclear, though it may be. related to the Italian words for “aonsanse” and weirdly, “blood orange’) They wererit used for readings, butinstead fore gore simular to bridge. These cards were hanc:painted, and it would be s while before they settled inte the Majerand Miner Arcana) that’s been standerd since the Rider Waite deck popularized the format in 1910. The nineteenth-century Etiela deck even ted Egyptanimagery, ancwas the frst designed ‘spesfclly for divination, Occultism was becoming increesinghy popular at the tine. and people began employing the cards for practices like eartomaney and feruno-teling, Today they're often used asa sort of selfanalys ‘get a deeper sense of what you'e tly thinking Because arent we alzort ef like the sphinx herd te road, stubborn ae stone, and disinclined to getup from our warm, comfy spot? ‘And why sheuld you? Everythirg you needs ight here, You hold al the cards. you're really luchy.ther’ lap.ltsa wonderful day Lets begin wor to cat inyourTHE DECK ‘The tarot deck is divided int two main groups: Major Arcana. and Miner Areana ‘The Mejor Arcana consists of 22 cards, representing the big picture: De cats have allrine oftheir lives? Are they destined to ‘ule theirhousehold:? Aro thor litter of kittens in their future? “The Miner Arcana consists of 5 cards, representing everyday challenges: When will food arive, how long before food arrives, and how loudly must ene youlbefere food arive:? The Minor Arcane consists of fou suits, exch representing 2 different natural element and ts correspendinginfluence-an day-to-day life. In this deck, those suits ere marked with the Fellowing symbols: GD Tho Suit of Wands represents fire, andis concerned with passion, inspiration, energy. and spirituality. a this deck, these are represented by balls toys, and othar playthings. © TheSuit of Cups represents woler and reflects maiters todo with relationships feelings. and creativity. In this deck these ‘are represented by wator bowls diches, and ather ourcee oF eter D, The Suit of Sword representsair and isconcorned with power.intellect action, and change. In this dec, theze are represented by claws teeth, and other sharp edges. (© The Suit of Pentacles represents earth and is concerned With nencial matters, material possessions, ond.career Issues. In this deck, these are represented by food: reat, snd other covetable items lf you'te inexperienced, spend some time forilaizing yourself with the dack. Hold each card and cansiderit Stop. Give 3 cal 8 nice headrab, Then resume,PREPARING FOR THE READING Find a nice, quiet, sunny spot in which todo your reading. Formulate a question or focus and held it rly in your mind before you begin. Il you're reading for eomecne else, they're called the querant and they should be the one with aquestion/ focusin mind) Shuffle the deck and then cut with your left hand. Cate wil be largely uralese during bath the shuffing and the dealing process, but they wil stilinsist that they have bigher degree oF knowledge than the cards themselves Feel {reetoinvite them to your reading, butbe prepared to receive their wisdom by meanscf the cards they choose to sit on. or aloctvely lnock tothe Neer SPREADS AND LAYOUTS “There areas many ways to lay out tarot cardsasthere are ways toskina. .. well never mind that. Some ofthe spreeds are imp, come oxtremely complex. Some ato aimed at providing, enoveral perspective or insight into problems or circumstances inthe quorants past, present, oF future, and some can answer pectic questions or probleme Below are seven ofthe most common layouts and guidance ‘onbow to read ther. You may choose to practicethe spreads in ‘order or wander between them until you fr the perfect place tosettle. Formos! epresds, cards are laid out face-down and then turned over tobe read, ond the order of bothis important. Refor tothe ilstrations below tounderstand the layout and reading ‘order of the more complested spreads Remember takes time to learn how tointerpretthe cords ‘and familiarize yourself with the meanings.of each Dor'tbe surprised f what you ee dosent make sont right away It maytakea while forthe meaning to become clear, but trust your Intnte, The beet path may not always bo straightforward SINGLE CARD Beginners te tarot often ute this emple one-card reading ly ‘enas they famiterize themselves with their deck. Italso makes anigeal daily reading for alllevaleoftarct card readers. Aftor huffing and cuting the dock with your question or focusin mind, draw the top card or pullarancom card from the deck and layit face-up in rent af youfer contemplation. THREE-CARD SPREAD Thovo are s number of dflerent three-card layouts but the simplest version represents the pest peesent ond future. It _great place to start, expecially for beginners. After shuffing anc cating the deck with your quettion or focus in mind lay three cards face-downin a row deel left to right. Turned over and read from le toright they epresante @@6 —> an ped 2. The present 3 ThefetureFIVE-CARD SPREAD (“THE PAW") rve-cardlayouteare an expansion ofthe three-card layout ‘After shuffling end cating the deck with your question or fecus in mind, ly ve card face-down in tow, deat lef torght Then turn over each card inthe tame ord, latte right Thoy reveal ————- 1. The past andhowit has led to the current situation 2. The prosent situation ‘5. Hidden influences onthe current situation, which may be unknaw to the querant 4. Advice andinsigh inte the course of ection the querant should take 5. Theoutcome orconsequence af aspecife query ifthe situation remains unchanged, or how the querant wil fe! about the situationCELTIC CROSS (“THE LOAF") The Colt Crossis a considerably more complex spread. tis ‘ofton used to answor a specific quastion or give an overview of the querant’ifeat present. After shuflng and cutting the deck with your question or Focus inmind, lay eut the ards. as shown in theilustration from one toten. The prosent situation The challenge or obstacles facing the querent The past and how it influences the present The future ‘The querant'sintentons, goals, or best possible outcome in the circumstances & Hidden internalinfluenceshoidingthe querant back, oF the feelingshidden inthe querants subconscious 7. Advice ad insight into the course of action the querant should take 8 Outside the querants path 19. Hopes ond feors, what the qu regard tothe question 20, The outcome or contequonce ofa specific query ifthe eee Wwences, the people or other concerns affecting wishes foror dread in situation remains unchangedHORSESHOE (“THE CAT STRETCH”) “The Horseshoe Spreads a derivative of the Coltic Cross and in primorly used to address a specie question ortopie. One ofthis layout’ strengthsis that provides the querant not only with aaolution tea problem or question but leo provides an idea of how to proceed toachieve the outcome. The cards are ‘outright toleft inthe shape ofs horseshoe. After shuffing ‘and cuting the deck with your question or fecus in ind, lay out the cards as shown inthe ilustration, from one to seven. There. are. lot of different ways to read the Horseshoe Spread. Thsis ‘one of the most commer A. The pactand how it hae led tothe question or problem at hand 2. Thepresent-an overview ofthe situation at hand or the problem inquoition 5 Hidden infuences~people or circumstances the querant ‘ay not be aware areinftuencing the situation at hand 4. Obstaclos-what forces, evants or crcumatances standin the way of aposiive outcome? 5. Outude influences-cther people factors, and environment affecting the qverent or nluencing the issue ot hand 6 Thesolution-advice andinsight into the course of ection the quorant should take to achieve the desired rosults 7. Outeome-the result or consequence specie query, ‘or how the querant wil feel about the situation onc reeolvedMANDALA (“THE BELLY RUB") ‘Tho Mandala is arine-card sprosd involving the querant’s spirtual path and providing an opporterity for selfreflection Ican provide an overview ofthe querant’s place inand, «lationship with the universe, or snawor questions such ae “What will make me happy?" or “What should | work on changing about mys” After shufing nd eutting the deckwith your ‘qusstion or feeus in mind, ly out the cards a8 showin the stration from one t nine, 1. The querant themeelves: thei life, outlook, and attitude 2. Ambitions and base desis Hopes end dreams the querant’s higher goals 44 Achievements the querants accomplishments and the current focus of thei day-to-day stance 5. Dependencies and cbsessions, areas of great passion or preoccupation Strengths and postive sepects of the querant'snature Faults and weaknesses thatthe querant might focus on improving Self percoption how the querant sees themself 9. Higher purpose or deepest desires With the mandsle spread, cord 1 should be readin esveciation with cards 2.4. and in order to gota sense of thequerant’s present situation, To gots ene ofthe queranté potential, road card. in conjunction with cords 3,8,2nd 9, Reedingcard elorg with cards 5 and 7 wllidentify areas that need work.THE TREE OF LIFE In this spread. the corde ae id autin the chape ofthe tree, witha circle of cords surrounding the trunk. (Cats should not attempt toclimb this tree a iti two-dimensional and alto nota real tree. Any attomple todo zo willrezultin humiliation Unless the cats goals to disrupt the reading, in which case-bravo) Thislayoutis often concerned with the querants spiritual journey. or purpesintho universe. Ait shufing end cutting the deck with your question or facus in mind, lay cut the cards 1 shownin theillutration, from ane to ten 4 Present-the querant’s present situation oF the querant in their ‘5. Difficulties or imitations. what is holding the querant back orinluancing the situation 1. Help and suppocton the querant’s journey 5. Obstacles and hurdles inthe querant’s path 6 Achievements, what the quevant has already aezompliched 7. Altraction end relationships, what draws the querant’s attention and the state of current oc Future kay relationships Work, health, snd communication Hidden aspects and influences, ether internal or external, of which the querant may be entirely unaware 210. The quevent's physica alos well as the world around them‘THE READING ‘While the descriptions above show what a given card means within a specific spread. each card alto catiesitsown rmesning givenkelow. Withany spread, the sims to interpret the meaning ofthe incvidual cards in relation tothe topic of {question brought by the quovant at well ther relationship to ‘other cardsin the spread. “Think ofthe cards as carving messages and wisdom to youfrom the cats thermsaives, cago eresture that they aro The reading a journey, the telling of «story. The incvidval elements are crucial, but sos the big picture.Hore are afew things to bear in mind asyou start reading: + Asyouturn each card over, take a momentto lett sit with you Theres no need to rush towardinterpretation See how tmakesyoutedl, + Pay attention to your instincts and the frst thing to strike you ‘upon easing tho card Then be willing to look ite frthor beyond the surface, + Tryteestess the card from both an objective point of view Gite goneral meaning) and from subjective one (how it relator specifically to the querent’s question/topie). + Dor't be too lteral~many cards are symbolic. Death does net mean actusl dosth. The Foo! does not rllect the quersn's intellect + Pay attention to small details as well asthe more obvious slorverts ofeach card to find grsstor meaning oe since. + Bear ining that the meaning ofthe cards may not make sense in the immediate moment: It may take time for things to fall tobecome clear even longafter the Regardless of how many lives we have, me can all usealitle |uidance to help us find our path. Fortunately we ave the tol ‘of tara, and the opposable thumbs toute it Heres to full bowls, shining suns lucky stars, and good readings.‘THE FOOL . sometimes. cat forced to wear accessories, we al feel Upright: Ths card, frstin the deck reminds us thet tilblazers ‘peedn't worry about the opinions of athers.Catsike curiosity your guide. The eunny yellow background represents optimism ‘about the venture aheed, and the white rose signi Whether that will turn out tobe misplaced remains tobe seen. estrust. Reversed:n this positon, the Foo! reminds us not to overthnk rmatiers ingoneral, things arewhat they look ike, and we shouldr't pretend they're not. A beautiful day i a beautiful doy ‘and a0 occasion to wear a Nleece at. Take responsiblity for your choices.3 £2 w E1, THE MAGICIAN ‘The Magician straddles two worlds, one paw reaching skyward, two more onthe ground, signifying the work of creativity. Upright This is the magic of everyday invention. The circular ‘snake.eminds us thatthis is aninfnite processin which matter is never truly crested nor destroyed, just transformed. The playthings reprevent the four elements and the four tarot suits, allthe material needed to make mage, or art. Add wisslom and purity represented by the red roves and white ilies and the spellis cast. Reversed: The Mogcion card con spell trouble, suggesting that ‘your old trick aren't working ands tme totry some new ones. Because you aro nots deg youean loam them. Trade the hecus- ‘pocus for hard work end transformetionisnet only possible but inevitable Presto chango.y THE MAGICIAN,2, THE HIGH PRIESTESS Like an unexpected doorbell chime on a boving day. visit from thiscardie beth weleome and mysterious Upright: The High Priestess card depicts a world fertile with pponsblty and power, as suggested by the symbol ef moon and water. The candles represent darkness andlight, secrets andelarity the curtain conceals what, exactly is gorminating Whateveriti, its catnip to you Surprises re much more fun when you know they're food. Reversed: The cordis reminder that plane don't bear fruit Lnless yousdo the work to carry them cut. Wishing is good: action ie betterTHE HIGH PRIESTESS.‘THE EMPRESS This alpha female rules over an empire of peace and plenty. Upright: Allis abuncanca, The stars inthe Empress crown cepresent her connection tothe veatons and the shy The red cushion signifies love and luxury, echoad by her heart-shaped shield Who caroe fs sctully a equosky toy? What matters it thats at her fet. Reversedl The card suggest troublein paradive. Maybe youre having bad luckin love: maybe your squeaky toy bit bac. Focus ‘on yourself whila you regroup.THE EMPRESS,4, THE EMPEROR ‘Worn withthe right attitude, even & cone of shame ca Upright The Emperor holds all the cards with absolute authority. Afterall. a cone only pravente cas from biting themselves everyene elie ifr game. But power must be used responsibly and the cerd reminds us to exercise serious sof contrel Master yourself and destiny wil fellow Reversedt Upside down, the cardisa reminder not tobe too Fitid. Goed eulor. ike eats ae fexbleTHE EMPEROR.5. THE HIEROPHANT ‘This card repcesents conformity. both good and bed. Upright: The hierophant, orhigh pros is aceocistod with ‘Odin, the one-eyed god of wisdom and prophecy and his raven companions. The wise elder always fellows the rules sometimes, hho.even makes them. But what about the rulos that aro moantto| bbebroken, the counters meant tobe jumped onthe upholstery meant tobe clawed? Sometimes, i's okay te turn ablind oye. Reversed: The card represents those who choose their own path Houta cate avert pack animals neither are you4) | THE HIEROPHANT.6. THE LOVERS, ‘The Lovers batkin the sunthine of perfect harmony on. day undarkenedbey clouds. Uprights Love tke sunshine, can seerch f you standstill too Yong Burning love is exactly that, and embers require tending, Remember that ths cardis often astociated with choices: yes, no, tay go. Are your ears burning, or are your Feet getting cold? ‘Reversed: The burninghot card turns cool but affections ‘teool eff ently Winter ea time when plants retreat to theirroots This dovst mean the bloom is of the rose, oF thatitwonttblotsom later. In the meantime, aitle cold can be refreshing, especilly when you've gol soneane or something, (preferably fury) towarm you.7. THE CHARIOT may be called the company chai but we alllnow who actualy sits there. LUprighb This card amindsyouthat you're the-one who holds the reins. The winged uoholitery represents your Freedom to Ayo the top reminds youn to soi your whee Youre in control Yousttand stand when youwih. Reversed: The cards reminder tomove bravaly forward. It maybe time to find your wings instead of eating them.THE CHARIOT.6. STRENGTH Everyone gets tired, but Strength shvaye comes roaring bach. Upright: No collar ean contsin you The dangling infinity symlsal represents your inexhaustible store of stamina, no match forthe pestsat your fet. You aroun for anything. whether ts a Four- il hunt heard after hour napor king your Reversed: The card isa reminder to draw on the strength you may forget youhave Even houso eats ean roarSTRENGTH.9. THE HERMIT Indoor kites need be any less worldly than wild ones. Upright Mach wisdom can be gained simply by watching from the window, or even hidingina shopping bag whilethe rest of the world gave shout ite business. The eye of Horur suggest: protection and healing Heres safe space to turn your gaze inward, Soulsearching may lead youto new realizations or past selves. Reversed: The Hermit card romind us nat tobe searedy-cat. The werld needs your wisdom. Come out of yourcave end: shareit.ser THE HERMIT. —10. WHEEL OF FORTUNE Leave the rat race to the rats Youre rolling withthe punches. Upright This cord reminds us thet eis cvcuar and cyclical, Sometimes youre atthe op ofthe wheel and sometimes youre ‘at thebottom, but you'll aways go up again. The owl of wator repretentsplenty: the eagle, strength Mice represent trust and ‘opportunity. So many upsides: Let the spining whee! spin. Reversect Upside down, the card signifies the sense thet things are spirningout of contral.It may be best tositaspin or two ou.S~ | WHEEL of FORTUNE.21, JUSTICE Just because the hand feeds you daceritmeanitdovent deserve an occasional nip. Upright: This cord reminds us tha actions heve consequences, and cause i followed by effect. No surprise that this cards otsociated with cautious, mestured Libra. Feimese wll provsil 30 play by the cules, Revaried:The Justice cards 3 reminder that karma applios te you. too. You wil iin the bed you make plan your catnap accordinglyi JUSTICE.12, THE HANGED MAN ‘Althoughit looks lice doom and danger. this cardisrit the caastor i appears tobe. Uprights Your problems ae of your own making. and may nat ‘even be problem at all You climbed up the tee, youll be able toclib down. nthe meantime, patience arda nen perspective il serve you well ‘Reversed: Upside down, the cardi erinder that patience ‘stops being a virtue after while. Eventually the shoo wil drop yu probably shoul too.‘THE HANGED MAN.23. DEATH Like the vacuum, this card makes alot foreboding rcisebut