Sep 293 min read

Reading Court Cards: People and Personality in Tarot

Hey there, tarot enthusiasts!

Court cards can be one of the trickiest aspects of tarot reading. Whether you're new to tarot or have been practicing for years, you’ve probably wondered at some point: Should I read this court card as a person or as a personality trait?

This question comes up often, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Let’s explore how to differentiate between the two, so you can confidently interpret court cards in your readings.

The Basics: People vs. Personality Traits

Court cards often represent people in our lives or the qualities and traits they embody. But how do you know which interpretation to choose? A good rule of thumb is to consider the context of your reading. If the question or situation involves relationships or interactions with others, the court card is more likely pointing to a person.

On the other hand, if the reading focuses on personal development or internal experiences, the court card might be highlighting traits that are relevant to your growth. Pages could indicate curiosity or the beginning of a new phase, while Kings might point to mastery or control over a certain area of your life. This approach allows you to see how the qualities of the court cards play out within yourself or your situation.

When to Read Court Cards as People

Sometimes, the court card is clearly pointing to an individual. You might notice this if the card resonates strongly with someone in your life, especially if their personality or behavior closely aligns with the traits of that card. For example, if the Queen of Cups shows up in a reading about family, and you immediately think of your nurturing and supportive parent, it could mean that the card is pointing to them.

Another sign is when the card appears in a spread question that relates to external influences or people. In these cases, it's helpful to consider the person's role in your life and how their actions or influence might be affecting your situation.

Trust your intuition here; if the card feels like it's pointing to a specific person, it probably is.

When to Focus on Personality Traits

If you’re pulling a court card in a more introspective or self-focused reading, it’s usually pointing towards traits you are being invited to embrace or understand within yourself. For example, if the Queen of Swords appears in a reading about making a difficult decision, it might suggest you approach the situation with clarity and logic, reflecting the Queen’s sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude.

Similarly, if you’re feeling stuck and the Queen of Swords shows up, it might be nudging you to adopt her clarity and sharp communication to cut through the fog and move forward. Focusing on the qualities of the court card can help you harness the energy you need to navigate your current path.

When it comes to interpreting court cards, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to consider the context of your reading and trust your intuition.

Remember to ask yourself:

Are you asking about a relationship, or are you focused on your own growth?

Does the card remind you of someone specific, or do the traits resonate more with what you need to embrace?

By reflecting on these questions, you can more easily decide whether to read a court card as a person or as a personality trait.

Grab your FREE quick guide here to help you figure out when a court card is showing up as a person or a personality trait, with real-life examples for each.

If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of court cards, dive into the Court Card Training: The Majestic Priestess Path and transform your readings with profound insights.

This immersive training not only takes you deep into the essence of all 16 court cards but also empowers you to master their subtle nuances, elevating your tarot practice to new heights. Best of all - it’s only $9!

Sunny xo

Check out The Personalities of the Court Cards