So I’ve been really into the Joie De Vivre Tarot lately – those colorful cards just make me happy every time I pull ’em out. But man, trying to remember all the meanings? Total brain freeze. That’s why I ended up making this quick cheat sheet thing.
How This Whole Thing Started
Picture this: I’m doing my morning coffee shuffle, cards spread all over the kitchen table. Pulled the Star card and went blank. Like, is this about hope? Or dreams? Or taking a damn nap? Had to dig through the guidebook AGAIN. Thought to myself: “Enough already – need cheat codes for this thing.”
What I Actually Did
First off, grabbed all 78 cards and made separate piles for Major and Minor Arcana. Started with the big ones – Major Arcana. For each card I’d:
- Pull it out and stare at the artwork
- Jot down the first 3 feelings it gave me
- Compare my notes with the guidebook meanings
- Boil it down to one stupid-simple keyword
Like for Judgment? Wrote “WAKE UP CALL” in big letters. Chariot became “MASH GAS PEDAL.”
The Minor Arcana took way longer – cups, wands, swords, pentacles all blur together after a while. Made columns on a notebook page for each suit. For number cards, I focused on numerology vibes. Ace of Cups got “HEART OVERFLOWING,” Five of Swords became “DON’T BE A DICK.” Real poetic stuff.
The Lightbulb Moment
After three afternoons of this, my table looked like a paper bomb went off. But when I finally organized all those scribbles into categories? Magic. Made this super simple chart:
- Left column: Card names
- Middle column: My one-word meanings
- Right column: Short phrases like “good vibes” or “warning lights”
Printed it on bright yellow paper so I’d never lose it. Now during readings, I just sneak peek at my cheat sheet when folks blink. Works like a charm!
What This Mess Taught Me
Turns out simplifying actually makes you remember better. My cheat sheet’s covered in coffee stains already, but I know these cards way deeper now. Made some copies for friends too – everybody wants shortcuts. Next time you’re struggling with tarot meanings? Just make your own damn cheat sheet. Takes time, but saves so many headaches later.
