THE TAROT STUDIES GLOSSARY · A–Z
The Letter G
Explore Tarot terms beginning with G, including gaze, grounding, guidebooks, the Golden Dawn system, and several historical or esoteric approaches to card study.
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Gaze
The direction a figure appears to look within a Tarot image. Gaze can show attention, avoidance, memory, anticipation, or connection between cards. It is most useful when read with posture, position, and the surrounding scene rather than as an isolated rule.
Subject: Symbols and Imagery
Related terms: directional reading, figure, visual narrative
Gematria
A method of interpreting words through numerical values assigned to letters, most commonly associated with Hebrew language and Kabbalistic study. Some esoteric Tarot systems use gematria to explore relationships among card titles, paths, and symbolic correspondences.
Subject: Correspondences
Related terms: Kabbalah, numerology, Hebrew letters
Golden Dawn, Hermetic Order of the
An influential late nineteenth-century occult organization whose teachings combined Tarot with astrology, Kabbalah, alchemy, and ceremonial magic. Its correspondence system strongly shaped the Rider-Waite-Smith and Thoth traditions.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: Hermeticism, occult revival, correspondences
Golden Dawn Tarot System
A structured approach to Tarot developed within the Golden Dawn, Hermetic Order of the. It assigns detailed elemental, astrological, Kabbalistic, and color correspondences to the cards and informs several major modern deck traditions.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot System, Thoth Tarot, ceremonial magic
Golden Dawn Titles
Descriptive titles assigned to Tarot cards within the Golden Dawn system, such as symbolic phrases for the numbered Minor Arcana. These titles summarize a card’s elemental and astrological character and can help explain later keywords used in modern decks.
Subject: Correspondences
Related terms: Minor Arcana, decans, card titles
Grand Tableau
A large layout using an entire deck, best known as the signature thirty-six-card spread of Lenormand. Some Tarot readers adapt the name for full-deck or extensive layouts, but it is not a standard Rider-Waite-Smith spread.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: Lenormand Deck, full-deck spread, tableau
Greater Arcana
An older or alternative English name for the Major Arcana, the twenty-two trump cards that run from The Fool through The World. The term emphasizes their distinction from the suited Minor Arcana.
Subject: Card Structure
Related terms: Major Arcana, trump, Greater Secrets
Grimoire
A personal or traditional book of magical knowledge, instructions, correspondences, or ritual material. A Tarot grimoire may combine card studies, spreads, symbols, reflections, and practices, functioning as a more specialized record than a standard reading journal.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: Tarot Journaling, correspondences, study record
Grounding
A practice used to settle attention in the body and present moment before or after a reading. Slow breathing, noticing physical sensations, drinking water, or touching the table can help a reader approach emotionally charged questions with greater steadiness.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: centering, boundaries, reading preparation
Group Reading
A Tarot reading involving more than one participant, such as a class exercise, study circle, party, or collaborative interpretation. Clear consent, privacy expectations, turn-taking, and question boundaries are especially important in a group setting.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: collaborative reading, consent, study circle
Guidebook
The companion text supplied with a Tarot deck. It may explain the creator’s symbolism, card meanings, spreads, artistic choices, and deck-specific language. A guidebook is a valuable source, but readers can also return to the image and develop understanding through observation and practice.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: little white book, deck-specific language, card study