Most people think of tarot cards when they hear about card readings, but did you know that you can read fortunes using a regular deck of playing cards? That’s right—the same cards used for poker, solitaire, and Go Fish hold a world of wisdom if you know how to interpret them. This practice, known as cartomancy, has been around for centuries and is just as powerful as traditional tarot readings.
Playing cards might not have the imagery of a tarot deck, but they carry deep symbolism in their suits, numbers, and court cards. Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs each align with the four elements, just like the Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands in tarot. Once you understand their meanings, a regular deck of 52 cards can reveal insights about love, career, and life’s biggest questions.
This form of divination is practical, straightforward, and accessible to everyone. You don’t need a fancy or expensive deck—just a standard pack of cards and a little bit of knowledge. Whether you’re curious about your future, seeking guidance, or just looking for a new way to connect with your intuition, playing card readings can be a great tool to have in your spiritual toolkit.
So, let’s dive into the magic of reading tarot with playing cards—where it comes from, how it works, and how you can start using it today!
The Magical History of Tarot Reading with Playing Cards
Before tarot cards became the go-to for divination, people used playing cards to seek guidance from the universe. In fact, some historians believe playing cards came first, and tarot evolved from them! These cards, originally from China, spread across Europe in the 14th century and were used both for games and mystical purposes. Over time, the meanings behind the suits and numbers became more defined, turning them into tools for fortune-telling.
By the 18th century, tarot and playing cards had developed into distinct systems, but their roots remained intertwined. While tarot decks expanded to include 78 cards with a Major and Minor Arcana, playing cards kept their 52-card structure, maintaining a more streamlined approach to divination. Still, both systems work under the same basic principles—each card carries symbolic meaning, and the way they appear in a reading tells a story.
Cartomancers—people who read playing cards—have long used them to uncover hidden truths and predict the future. Even though they may not have the elaborate artwork of tarot decks, playing cards hold just as much wisdom. Their simplicity makes them easy to work with while still providing deep and meaningful insights.
Today, many modern readers still prefer playing cards for divination because they’re discreet, practical, and just as accurate as tarot decks. Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or a complete beginner, learning to interpret playing cards can open up a whole new world of divination.
Tarot Reading with Playing Cards
Understanding the Basics
Reading playing cards is a lot like reading tarot, just without the imagery. Each suit and number carries a meaning, and when combined in a spread, they tell a story about the person’s life. The suits align with the four elements—Hearts with Water, Spades with Air, Clubs with Fire, and Diamonds with Earth—each representing different aspects of life, from emotions to intellect, action, and material wealth.
Since playing cards don’t have a separate Major Arcana, readings focus on everyday matters—relationships, work, and personal growth. The meanings of the numbers (Ace through Ten) stay consistent across all suits, with higher numbers bringing more complex interpretations. The court cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) represent people, personalities, or influences in a situation. And if you choose to use the Joker, it brings the energy of The Fool—new beginnings, spontaneity, and unexpected twists.
The Four Suits = The Minor Arcana
Hearts = Cups (Water Element)
Hearts represent emotions, relationships, and intuition. This suit is all about love, deep feelings, and connections with others. Just like the Cups in tarot, Hearts deal with matters of the heart, whether it’s romance, friendships, or emotional well-being. When Hearts appear in a reading, they often reflect your emotional state, personal relationships, or inner desires.
Aces of Hearts can indicate new love or a fresh emotional beginning, while higher numbers might point to emotional challenges or fulfillment. Tens can signify the completion of an emotional cycle, like finding true love or healing from past wounds. Overall, Hearts ask you to tune into your emotions and listen to your heart.
Spades = Swords (Air Element)
Spades symbolize intellect, challenges, and communication. This is the suit of logic, problem-solving, and mental clarity—but also of struggles, conflicts, and difficult decisions. Like Swords in tarot, Spades can represent both the power of thought and the difficulties that come with overthinking or facing obstacles.
Aces of Spades often signal breakthroughs or important messages, while higher numbers can indicate struggles or deep insights. Spades remind us that while our minds are powerful tools, they can also be sources of stress if we get too caught up in our thoughts. When Spades show up, it’s time to think critically, communicate clearly, and face challenges head-on.
Clubs = Wands/Staves (Fire Element)
Clubs represent energy, creativity, and action. They are tied to passion, ambition, and personal drive, much like the Wands in tarot. This suit speaks to movement, adventure, and taking risks—whether in work, relationships, or personal projects. When Clubs appear in a reading, they often encourage taking bold steps or pushing forward with determination.
An Ace of Clubs can symbolize a spark of inspiration or a new opportunity, while higher numbers might reflect personal growth, career changes, or even conflicts that require energy and resilience. Clubs push you to take action and follow your dreams with confidence.
Diamonds = Coins/Pentacles (Earth Element)
Diamonds deal with material matters—money, career, stability, and physical well-being. Like the Pentacles in tarot, this suit is all about financial security, success, and long-term investments. It’s a suit of practicality and grounded energy, showing what’s happening in the real, tangible world.
Aces of Diamonds often signal financial opportunities or new career paths, while higher numbers can indicate stability, growth, or financial challenges. When Diamonds appear in a reading, they ask you to focus on practical matters, build solid foundations, and ensure long-term security.
Kings, Queens, Jacks, and The Joker
The court cards in playing cards function just like tarot’s minor arcana courts.
- Kings represent maturity, wisdom, and leadership. They are often older, more experienced individuals or a symbol of mastery in a certain area of life.
- Queens embody nurturing, intuition, and influence. They can represent strong female figures, inner wisdom, or emotional intelligence.
- Jacks (Pages in tarot) symbolize youth, learning, and potential. They often represent younger individuals or someone in the early stages of a journey.
And then there’s the Joker—the wild card of the deck. Like The Fool in tarot, the Joker represents unpredictability, new beginnings, and leaps of faith. Some readers choose to remove it, but if you keep it in your readings, it can add an extra layer of depth and spontaneity. The Joker reminds us to embrace the unknown, take risks, and trust the journey ahead.
The Numbered Cards: Ace – Ten and Their Meanings
Each numbered card in a deck of playing cards holds symbolic meaning, just like in tarot. The numbers represent different stages of a journey, from new beginnings to completion. By understanding these numbers, you can build deeper readings and see how each card plays into the bigger picture.
Aces (1s) – New Beginnings, Potential, Opportunities
Aces are the spark of something new. They represent fresh starts, inspiration, and untapped potential. When an Ace appears, it signals the start of a journey, whether it’s a new relationship, career move, or personal breakthrough. This card is full of raw energy, urging you to take action and embrace new possibilities.
However, Aces can also be unpredictable. They carry great power but need direction. If you’re feeling stuck, an Ace is a reminder that opportunities are there—you just have to grab them.
Twos – Balance, Choices, Partnerships
Twos symbolize duality—decisions, relationships, and finding balance. This card often represents partnerships, whether romantic, business, or friendships. It can also point to a crossroads, urging you to choose a path or find harmony between two opposing forces.
In some cases, Twos can indicate indecision. If you’re facing a tough choice, this card encourages you to weigh your options carefully. It’s a reminder that balance is key, and sometimes cooperation is the best way forward.
Threes – Growth, Creativity, Expansion
Threes are all about progress. They show that something is beginning to take shape—maybe a relationship is deepening, a project is coming together, or your ideas are starting to bloom. This is a card of creativity, teamwork, and collaboration.
However, growth requires effort. Threes can also signal the need to push through challenges and trust the process. If you’ve been putting energy into something, this card reassures you that your efforts will pay off.
Fours – Stability, Foundations, Security
Fours bring structure. They represent solid foundations, stability, and a sense of security. Whether it’s in your home life, career, or emotions, this card suggests that things are settling into place. It’s a time for grounding yourself and building something lasting.
But be careful—too much stability can lead to stagnation. If you’re feeling stuck, a Four may be a nudge to shake things up a little. While structure is important, growth requires movement.
Fives – Change, Conflict, Challenges
Fives bring shifts and disruptions. They can signal challenges, whether external (conflicts with others) or internal (self-doubt, uncertainty). This card is a reminder that change is necessary for growth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
The key with Fives is learning to adapt. Life isn’t always smooth, but these moments of tension can push you toward something better. Don’t resist change—work with it.
Sixes – Harmony, Progress, Support
After the chaos of the Fives, Sixes bring resolution. This is a card of harmony, healing, and forward movement. It often represents support from others, whether through friends, family, or mentors. If you’ve been struggling, this card reassures you that smoother days are ahead.
Sixes can also symbolize personal growth. Maybe you’re learning from past experiences, gaining wisdom, or stepping into a new chapter with more clarity. It’s a sign that you’re on the right path.
Sevens – Reflection, Spiritual Growth, Deep Thinking
Sevens are a call to look inward. They represent introspection, spiritual development, and seeking deeper truths. This is a card of questioning—whether it’s questioning your path, your beliefs, or the motives of others.
Sevens encourage patience. Sometimes progress isn’t immediate, but taking the time to reflect can lead to greater understanding. If this card appears, trust that the answers will come in time.
Eights – Action, Power, Mastery
Eights are about momentum. They symbolize power, movement, and stepping into control. Whether it’s in work, relationships, or personal growth, this card suggests that you’re gaining mastery over a situation.
However, Eights also remind you to stay focused. With great power comes responsibility, and it’s important to use your energy wisely. If you’ve been hesitating, this card urges you to take action and trust your abilities.
Nines – Nearing Completion, Reflection, Transition
Nines signal the end of a cycle. They represent wisdom, fulfillment, and preparing for the next phase. This is a time for reflection—what have you learned? What are you ready to leave behind?
Nines can also indicate a final challenge before reaching your goal. Stay persistent; you’re almost there. This card is a reminder that endings are just new beginnings in disguise.
Tens – Completion, Endings, New Cycles
Tens are the final chapter before a new one begins. They symbolize completion, achievement, and the closing of a cycle. Whether it’s the end of a phase in your life, a goal reached, or a lesson learned, Tens mark an important milestone.
However, they also hint at what’s next. Every ending leads to a new beginning, and this card encourages you to embrace what comes next with an open heart.
Playing Card Color Symbolism: Black and Red
The two colors in a deck of playing cards—black and red—hold deep symbolic meaning. They represent balance, duality, and the natural cycles of life. Just like yin and yang, these colors work together, offering a contrast between opposing yet complementary forces.
Red is linked to passion, energy, and vitality. It represents the warmth of the sun, the life force flowing through us, and the fire that drives us forward. In readings, red cards often indicate action, love, motivation, and positivity. They bring messages of movement, excitement, and opportunities. If you’re doing a yes-or-no reading, red is typically associated with “yes,” encouraging you to move forward with confidence.
Black, on the other hand, is connected to mystery, introspection, and the unseen. It represents the night, the subconscious, and the quieter, more reflective aspects of life. Black cards in a reading often symbolize challenges, hidden truths, or a need to slow down and think things through. In a yes-or-no reading, black is usually “no,” signaling caution or a need for further insight.
Together, black and red create balance. One is not better than the other; they simply reflect different aspects of the human experience. Some people reverse the traditional yes/no meanings, feeling that black represents grounding and certainty while red signifies risk and adventure. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what feels right in your readings. Trust your intuition, and let the cards guide you.
Simple 1-Card Spread
This is one of the simplest ways to use playing cards for a quick reading, especially when seeking a yes-or-no answer:
- Shuffle the deck while focusing on your question.
- Ask a clear yes-or-no question.
- Draw the top card and flip it over.
- If the card is red (Hearts or Diamonds), the answer is yes. If the card is black (Clubs or Spades), the answer is no.
This method is great for quick guidance, but for deeper insight, consider adding more context with additional spreads.
3-Card Spread
This spread is a versatile way to gain more clarity on a situation. Depending on your question, it can be read in two common ways:
- Past / Present / Future – Gives insight into how the past influences the present and where things may be headed.
- Problem / Factors / Solution – Helps identify an issue, what’s affecting it, and the best course of action.
To use this spread:
- Shuffle your deck while concentrating on your question.
- Draw three cards and place them in a row from left to right.
- Interpret them based on your chosen spread layout.
This method provides a well-rounded perspective, making it useful for decision-making and personal reflection.
Trusting Your Intuition in Playing Card Readings
The best way to read tarot with playing cards isn’t by memorizing meanings—it’s by trusting your intuition. When you pull a card, take a moment to really sit with it. What feelings does it bring up? Does it remind you of a memory, a person, or a situation? Sometimes, the traditional meaning of a card won’t be as important as what it personally evokes for you. Your intuition is a powerful tool, and the more you trust it, the clearer your readings will become.
Pay attention to the subtle messages your mind and body give you. Maybe a certain card makes your stomach feel uneasy, or another one fills you with warmth. The images in your mind—whether they’re flashes of scenes, colors, or emotions—are part of your personal connection to the cards. Even though playing cards don’t have the same detailed artwork as tarot cards, they still hold energy and meaning. Let your instincts guide you rather than overthinking every draw.
Your relationship with your deck will grow over time. The more you use it, the stronger your intuition will become. Try journaling your readings and noting how the cards make you feel in the moment. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, personal symbols, and even your own unique meanings for each card. Tarot isn’t just about the cards—it’s about you, your energy, and the messages waiting to be uncovered.
Unlocking the Secrets of Playing Card Tarot
Tarot reading with playing cards is a powerful way to tap into intuition, uncover hidden truths, and gain clarity on life’s questions. Whether you’re using a simple yes-or-no method or diving into detailed spreads, these cards hold a wealth of symbolism waiting to be explored. With time and practice, you’ll begin to notice patterns, deepen your interpretations, and develop a reading style that feels right for you.
Remember, divination is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge. The more you connect with your deck, the more insight you’ll gain from it. So shuffle your cards, trust the process, and let the wisdom of the universe flow through each reading.
