THE TAROT STUDIES GLOSSARY · A–Z
The Letter O
Explore Tarot terms beginning with O, including observation, occult history, one-card readings, open-ended questions, oracle decks, orientation, and outcome cards.
On This Page
Object Symbolism
The interpretation of items shown in a Tarot image, such as keys, cups, tools, books, weapons, flowers, or furniture. An object’s placement, use, condition, and relationship to the figure can matter as much as its traditional symbolic association.
Subject: Symbols and Imagery
Related terms: symbol, attribute, visual detail
Observation
The practice of describing what is visibly present in a Tarot card before deciding what it means. Noticing posture, expression, setting, color, direction, distance, and relationships creates evidence for interpretation and reduces dependence on memorized keywords.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: imagery, interpretation, visual reading
Occult
A broad term for teachings or practices concerned with hidden, esoteric, or specialized knowledge. In Tarot history, it often refers to systems that connect the cards with astrology, alchemy, Kabbalah, ceremonial magic, or spiritual philosophy.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: esoteric, correspondences, Hermeticism
Occult Revival
A period of renewed European and American interest in esoteric traditions, especially during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Occult writers and organizations reshaped Tarot by developing correspondence systems and presenting the cards as tools for divination and spiritual study.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: Golden Dawn, esoteric Tarot, Tarot history
One-Card Reading
A focused reading using a single Tarot card. Also called a single-card draw, it may explore the central energy, advice, reflection, or next step connected with a clear question. Working with one card encourages depth and can be more useful than drawing repeatedly for extra confirmation.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: daily draw, focused question, card study
Open-Ended Question
A question that invites exploration rather than a simple yes-or-no answer. Phrases such as “What should I understand?” or “How can I approach this?” create room for context, choices, and practical guidance.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: question design, agency, reflective reading
Opening Card
The first card in a spread or sequence, often establishing the reading’s initial condition, tone, or point of entry. Its role depends on the layout; it should not automatically be treated as more important unless the spread assigns it that function.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: first position, sequence, central theme
Oracle Deck
A divination or reflection deck whose number of cards, themes, structure, and meanings are determined by its creator. Unlike Tarot, an oracle deck does not need to follow the seventy-eight-card Major and Minor Arcana system.
Subject: History and Systems
Related terms: divination deck, deck structure, guidebook
Orientation
The direction in which a Tarot card appears, most commonly upright or reversed. Orientation may affect interpretation when a reader uses reversals, but it can also refer to the direction figures or objects face within the image.
Subject: Card Structure
Related terms: upright, reversed, directional reading
Outcome Card
A card placed in a spread position that explores the likely direction or result of the current pattern. It is best interpreted as a possibility shaped by present conditions and choices rather than a guaranteed final event.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: future position, likely direction, agency
Overhand Shuffle
A shuffling method in which small packets of cards are moved from one hand into the other. It is gentle on many Tarot decks and allows cards to be mixed without bending them as strongly as a riffle shuffle may.
Subject: Tarot Foundations
Related terms: shuffle, deck care, card draw
Overview Reading
A broad Tarot reading intended to survey several areas or the general pattern around a situation before narrowing to a specific question. An overview can identify priorities, but its scope should still be defined clearly enough to avoid vague interpretation.
Subject: Reading Language
Related terms: general reading, spread overview, focus