What type of deck does my tarot card reader use? A tarot reading centers around a deck of cards with specific drawings and symbols, somewhat similar to the popular 52-card playing deck that is used in cartomancy. The most common deck for tarot readings in modern times contains 78 cards, of which 22 are called major arcana and 56 are called minor arcana. A tarot reader uses the cards to uncover patterns, energies, and trends that can help interpret your present situation and predict future occurrences. In a cartomancy reading, a psychic uses a deck of cards to answer your questions or to convey insights about your past, present or future. If you are primarily focused on romantic questions, cartomancy can be a very insightful type of psychic love reading. A tarot reading centers around a deck of cards with specific drawings and symbols. A tarot reader uses the cards to uncover patterns, energies, and trends that can help interpret your present situation and predict future occurrences.