THE TAROT STUDIES GLOSSARY · A–Z
The Letter Q
Explore Tarot terms beginning with Q, including Qabalah, Queens, querents, question framing, quick-reference keywords, and the quintessence card.
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Qabalah
A spelling commonly used for Western occult or Hermetic adaptations of Kabbalistic ideas. Hermetic Qabalah connects Tarot with the Tree of Life, Hebrew letters, astrology, and ceremonial magic. It is historically related to—but distinct from—Jewish Kabbalah.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: Kabbalah, Tree of Life, Hermeticism
Quantum Tarot Reading
A modern spiritual or metaphorical phrase used by some practitioners to describe multiple possibilities, interconnected choices, or reality as responsive to observation. It should not be presented as a scientifically established application of quantum physics.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: possibility, spiritual interpretation, modern terminology
Queen
One of the four Court Card ranks. Queens often represent mature, inwardly integrated, relational, or sustaining expressions of a suit’s element. They may describe a person of any gender, a role, a behavior, or a way of holding influence.
Subject: Card Structure
Related terms: Court Cards, rank, elemental expression
Querent
The person who brings the question or receives the Tarot reading. The querent may be someone other than the reader, or the reader may serve as their own querent during a personal reading.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: client, reader, question
Question
The subject or inquiry that gives a Tarot reading direction. A useful question is clear enough to establish context while remaining open enough for insight, choice, and complexity.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: intention, focus, reading topic
Question Framing
The process of shaping a Tarot question so it is focused, ethical, and useful. Framing often shifts attention from controlling another person or demanding certainty toward understanding the situation, available choices, and practical next steps.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: open-ended question, agency, ethics
Question Position
A spread position that represents the issue being examined or clarifies what the reading is truly about. It can help reveal the concern beneath a broad, emotionally charged, or confusing initial question.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: card position, focus card, central issue
Quick-Reference Keywords
Short meaning prompts used to recall common themes associated with a card, number, suit, or symbol. They are useful during study and early practice, but they should support observation and context rather than replace interpretation.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: keyword, study aid, traditional meaning
Quincunx Spread
A five-card layout arranged like the five dots on a die, with four cards surrounding a central card. Position meanings vary, but the design naturally emphasizes the relationship between a core issue and four supporting influences or perspectives.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: five-card spread, central card, layout
Quintessence Card
A summary card calculated from the numerical values of cards already present in a spread, usually through addition and reduction. Readers use it to identify an underlying theme or synthesis. Calculation rules vary among Tarot traditions.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: summary card, numerological reduction, synthesis