Essentials of Tarot Cards
The origin of tarot cards is a matter of some debate. No one knows for sure when the first deck of tarot cards was invented. Many scholars believe that tarot cards first appeared in the 15th century, while others believe that tarot originated as early as the 1300s.
All agree that tarot cards originated in Italy as 'tarochi' cards and were used for playing cards without any direct relation to divination or meditation. During the 18th century, tarot cards became extremely popular in France, and the French pronunciation of 'taro' with a 't' became universally accepted.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a Catholic priest named Eliphas Levi included tarot cards in his occult writings. Levi was a good student of several languages (Hebrew, Hindu, Polish, Masonic and Kabbalism) as well as several scientific studies (astrology, astrology and metaphysics).
Levy created his own tarot cards as a teaching tool to help his students study spiritual matters and self-awareness. He was the first to incorporate the four elements of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references into a deck of tarot cards. His use of these symbols has certainly stood the test of time, with many modern writers still using the symbols he created.
The most popular deck of tarot cards in use today is the Rider-Waite deck, first published in England around 1910. The name Ryder-White is a combination of the name of the publisher (the Ryder Company of London) and the name of the author. Arthur Edward Waite).
In the late 19th century, an English occult group known as the 'Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged in the study of the Tarot. One of its members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, envisioned a deck of tarot cards that could be used to predict possible future events.
The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary because each card contained a picture that told a story. The cards were beautifully illustrated by fellow Golden Dawn artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. His work has inspired many tarot artists to follow.
Tarot Deck Essentials
A full deck of tarot cards comprises of 78 cards. 56 cards consist of 'Minor Arcana' and the remaining 22 cards consist of 'Major Arcana'. The meaning of name Archean is "secret, mystery".
The 56 Minor Arcana cards deal with matters of daily importance and significance. These can be sorted into 14 cards (10 by 10, plus the four court cards) in each of the four suits. Each suit corresponds to one of the four elements of nature: fire, water, earth and air. Every suite has its own interesting elements:
- The masculine element of fire is represented by the Tarot suit of 'Wands' and symbolizes: action, desire, drive, creativity and emotion.
- The feminine element of water is represented by the Tarot suit of 'Cups' and symbolizes: emotions, feelings, psychic abilities, and spiritual beliefs.
- The masculine element of Air is represented by the Tarot suit of 'Swords' and symbolizes: thought, intelligence, innovation and clarity of thought.
- The feminine element of Earth is represented by the Tarot suit of 'Pentacles' and symbolizes: all things of earthly nature, body, health and career.
Each suit consists of fourteen cards that have their own symbolic meaning:
- Ace: new opportunities, beginnings
- Two: balance, partnership
- three: magic, trinity
- Four: perfection, foundation
Five: chaos, turmoil
- Six: Beauty and Perfection
- Seven: Spiritual quest, study
- Eight: Stability, Infinity
- nine: a magic number
Ten: fullness, harvest
- Pages: Explore, Learn
- Knights: Action, Movement
- Queen: depth, maturity
- Raja: Power, strength
The 22 Major Arcana cards speak of deeper significance and higher purpose. Major Arcana cards often relate to one's soul story and journey to spiritual awareness. The realization that life experiences transcend the boundaries of space and time is reflected in the Major Arcana cards. The Major Arcana card is considered the trump card.
Benefits of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards should be seen as a tool to examine one's life and gain a positive outlook on how to move forward. The cards do not have mystical powers, nor do they present any risk of harm to you or others when used correctly. Tarot cards should be used to gain positive insights that can be helpful in everyday situations and conflicts. Tarot can reveal a higher level of self-awareness, a new perspective, and a better understanding of your place in the world. Many tarot readers report receiving insights that have helped them understand past events with greater clarity, and ultimately this understanding has helped them avoid repeating their mistakes. Some tarot readers turn to the cards to predict possible future events. Sometimes, if your mind is open to new possibilities, that's enough to make a positive change in your life path.
Take care of your tarot deck
You can find a variety of advice on the internet about taking care of your card. Basically, it is recommended to clear your new deck of cards before your first use, this can easily be done by leaving your deck on a windowsill for 24 hours so that both the sun and the moon can reflect on you to allow the card to clear. After that, you should lie under your pillow for a few nights and season your cards. Between uses, your tarot cards should be wrapped in velvet and stored in a tarot bag.
