Understanding the Meaning of ‘Querent’ and Tarot Readings

Tarot card readings have become a new trend on TikTok recently, introducing the spiritual practice to a whole new audience, along with hashtags like #tarot, #tarotreading and #querent. But what does querent mean, and how does tarot work exactly? 

While tarot cards and spiritual readings are extremely popular, limited due to covid, at Crystalis, we do offer a wide range of tools for those seeking inner guidance. So it’s worth exploring what tarot is and how it might fit into your metaphysical journey.

Tarot card readings can be a type of metaphysical mindfulness therapy for both the reader (or querent) and the client. As a subset skill of psychic readers, tarot card readers combine the psychology of human behavior and spirituality with a deck of tarot cards that are mystical – and often, magical. No matter what side of the fence you are on, believer or doubter – tarot readings are used by many people to explore their concerns about what’s going on in the world around them.

If you have an interest in the metaphysical world, becoming a querent – one who seeks, as we explain below – can provide you with answers while exploring the physical and spiritual worlds. As a querent, you seek answers from tools that include tarot card reading, I-ching, crystal therapy (lithomancy), reading tea leaves (tasseography), interpreting astronomy (astrologist) and dream interpretation. 

Here we will discuss what it means to be a querent and offer helpful tips on succeeding in the world of tarot card reading.

What is a Querent?

The word querent is derived from the Latin word quærēns. The original context of the word was used to describe the act of ‘seeking’ or ‘one who seeks’. 

The awareness of the existence of “seers” is as ancient as the Bible itself. Gad, for example, was depicted as a seer whose name means name “good fortune” in the Hebrew bible. Greek mythology is filled with seers and soothsayers, such as the blind profit blind prophet Tiresias and Mopsus, the son of Ampyx. Querents have been depicted in Celtic religions, Norse mythology and in other oral traditions passed down for generations around the world.

Today, the word is used as a noun for a person that questions. Most often, querent is used to describe the person who is seeking answers from a reader. For example, if you want a tarot reader or spiritual advisor to provide insight about your life, then you would be referred to as the querent. 

However, in some cases, the term querent is also used to refer to the reader, who is the one directly asking the questions on behalf of another subject. In this usage, a querent can be likened to a non-spiritual oracle. In classical antiquity, an oracle was typically a priest or priestess that acted as a medium to offer people prophecy or advice from the gods.

Today, tarot readers use their training and mystical insight to glean information supernaturally. To be even more technical, these readers traditionally operate in horary astrology. This is a branch of astrology founded by western and Indian cultures. It is written that these individuals could accurately answer a single question by casting an astrological chart. Much like today’s tarot card readers, they also used relevant information or ‘asking questions’ to deliver a more accurate reading.

To become a querent, one benefits from learning about the metaphysical world which explains our earthly reality beyond logic. This includes our physical world and our human senses. Metaphysics makes the connection between reality and the human mind as it relates to our eternal existence within the context of nature, space, time, and cause and effect.

History of Tarot Cards

It was in the 15th century when tarot card reading gained widespread popularity in Europe as a card game. Mostly wealthy, Italian families used hand-painted cards (called tarocchi cards) to gamble. It wasn’t until the late 1700s when tarot cards started being used for divination purposes. It was a Frenchman, Jean-Baptise Alliette, who published a book that gave spiritual meaning to each of the cards. He released his own deck of tarot cards, which included elements of astronomy and the four elements: Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

In the 1900s, tarot cards received a major overhaul. Publisher William Rider and tarot reader A. E. Waite created a tarot card deck and user guide that include intricately printed cards with scenes that hold a specific meaning. Rider-Waite is our most recommended must have deck to start!

Today’s tarot card decks are like mini-masterpieces of art. A standard, modern Tarot card deck will have 78 cards, each with its own divination meaning. The 22 cards in the Major Arcana represent forces to be reckoned with such as The Magician, The High Priestess, The Fool and Justice. A querent not only deals the tarot cards, but they must also divine the meaning of the cards depending on the order in which they are dealt.

The remaining 56 tarot cards are also interpreted by the querent and represent the Minor Arcana. These cards are symbolic of the relatively mundane features of life. For instance, the 14 cards that make up The Tarot Wand suit represent materialism. The Tarot Cups suit of cards represents emotions. The Tarot Pentacles represent thought, while the Tarot Swords suit denotes different actions or intentions.

Tips to Learn Tarot Card Reading

Tarot card reading is both an art and a science. But the great thing is that anyone can learn to read tarot cards. Consider the practice as a way to tap into the wisdom of the mind to manifest your goals. Exactly how is this done?

Well, you start by asking a question. Next, you pull a card. The card’s imagery is the gateway to your higher self that will provide your answer. Tarot is less about making predictions, and more about accessing your intuition – which is the ability to immediately understand something without a corresponding reason. 

Here are some basic tips for getting started with tarot card reading:

• There are different tarot decks to choose from, so consider starting with a basic deck that includes a guide for beginners. Some beginner’s decks combine mysticism with practical self-help tools as well.
  
• There are many online tarot card courses that are designed to take beginners to expert level in a short time. Or, consider one of the many tarot workbooks found online.
  
• Do a deep dive into companion subjects that pull your attention, like numerology, I ching, healing crystals and stones, metaphysics or human psychology and behavior.
  
• Practice every day by asking yourself a question, pulling a tarot card, then reflecting on the card’s meaning for you personally and those you are connected with.

Even the act of laying out your tarot card shuffle and spread should be meditative and guided by your higher consciousness. Keep a close watch on your energy levels during the game. To achieve the best result, the querent should remain relaxed, focused and in a meditative state. Turn off all distractions around you. 

Other Querent Tools – Healing Crystals and Tumbled Stones

As a tarot reader or spiritual coach, you can add multiple dimensions to your sessions. In addition to reading tarot cards, consider using healing crystals and tumbled stones to guide your journey. Why? For one reason, divine communications can sometimes bring about strong emotions and uneasy feelings. Whether you’re doing readings for yourself or others, the use of healing crystals and stones can help to remove negative energy and offset any undesired outcomes.

The use of crystals and stones is an art form that brings internal healing to a person’s mind, body or spirit. The right balance of stones is capable of replacing toxic energy with life-affirming, positive energy. Crystals are an alternative therapy that channels different energy levels, reducing some – while elevating others.

Healing crystals can be used on their own or in conjunction with practices like tarot reading. For example, once a reader identifies what’s going on in the client’s life, they can help choose an appropriate crystal or tumble stone to break the cycle. For instance, Moonstone can be used to calm an upset stomach. Amethyst delivers better sleep and a calmer spirit. Rose quartz is great for promoting compassion.

Browse our collection of healing stones, energy crystals and jewelry to find the inner guidance you’re looking for. You can also discover the spiritual properties of each crystal from A-Z by using our comprehensive library.