Tarot is a method of divination using cards imprinted with archetypal, symbolic and spiritual images. There are two universal tarot decks, each one distinguished by the name of its designer and the style. When reading the deck of any set of tarot cards, remember to select whichever one resonates with your beliefs, has imagery or symbolism that appeals to you, and feels comfortable.
Maxwell Miller's Universal Tarot
Maxwell Miller's Universal Tarot deck uses symbolism from various cultures and belief systems. Instead of using the traditional court cards of king, queen, knave or knight, and page, Miller's deck contains no pages. According to LearnTarot.com, the pages were removed so each of the court cards (12 instead of 16) aligns with the 12 zodiac signs. Another example of the multiculturalism within the deck is the substitution of some traditional major arcana with new interpretations. The 11th card, commonly represented as the scales of justice, is reworked as the balance of karma, the Hindu and Buddhist belief in the balance between positive and negative acts. Maxwell's deck uses images familiar to Eastern belief systems such as the yin-yang, the character often associated with the belief system/philosophy of Taoism.
Roberto de Angelis' Universal Tarot
Roberto de Angelis' Universal Tarot deck is based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but features multilingual descriptions of the cards in the upper corners, along with Italian-influenced, life-like illustrations of the figures and symbols that populate the arcana. According to Aeclectic.net, de Angelis has illustrated a number of other tarot decks (Tarot of the Spirit World, Universal Tarot Grand Trumps) in addition to numerous comic books. The images of de Angelis' universal deck appear more elegant than the traditional Rider-Waite decks originally illustrated by Patricia Coleman.
In addition to the visual changes, de Angelis' deck presents concise interpretations of the symbols and scenes. Aeclectic.com reports that each of the four suits are associated with a sphere. The sword is paired with the sphere of intellect, the chalice (traditionally known as cups) is associated with the sphere of spirit, pentacles with the sphere of matter and wands with the sphere of the body.
Reading the Decks
Reading both Miller's Universal Tarot and de Angelis's Universal Tarot is a matter of understanding the source material the cards were based around. You can familiarize yourself with the basic concept of the suits, symbols and their meanings by reading through Joan Bunning's Tarot Course. Each of the universal decks also include guide books that will give you a deeper understanding of the images and their meanings. Ultimately, when using tarot cards for divination you should trust your intuition. According to Joan Bunning's "Introduction to the Tarot," tarot cards act as guides to help you deal with specific problems. It is not that you don't know deal with a particular problem or situation, but perhaps need a new perspective on the issue. For this reason, reading the universal decks primarily depends on allowing yourself to trust your beliefs and 'gut feelings' about your situation.
Spreads
To begin using either universal tarot, familiarize yourself with card 'spreads' or the symbolic arrangement of the cards based on the information or insight you wish to learn. According to Joan Bunning's LearntheTarot.com course, tarot card spreads can be as simple as using one card for a general reading or using all the cards in a deck for a comprehensive look at an individual's life. One popular tarot spread is the Celtic Cross, where five cards are arranged into a cross pattern with a smaller cross of one card formed with another lying across it perpendicularly. To the right of the cross are four cards arranged lengthwise. Each placement relates to a different aspect of one's life such as your past, a fading influence, an unresolved complication and a characteristic or issue that is holding you back. These interpretations are not set in stone, and many tarot readers interpret them how they see fit. Once you've become familiar with the look and feel of your universal deck, trust yourself and your instincts in how you'll interpret their arrangements.
