WHAT IS THE TAROT?
The Tarot is a tool that can be used to help consciously and deliberately shape your future. It is a deck of 78 cards, each having its own unique story, imagery, symbolism and meaning. The Tarot has been used as a tool for divination as far back as the 18thcentury. Earlier forms of Tarot were said to have originated in Europe as far back as the 15th century.
THE TAROT DECK
A Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, and is broken into two distinct sections.
The Major Arcana is made up of 22 Cards, numbered 0 to 21, and is often referred to as ‘The Fools Journey’. The Fool (Card 0) has much to learn, and sets off on a journey of self-discovery. He moves through each stage or theme (the 21 cards that follow it), attempting to understand the lessons of life. These cards focus on the bigger picture and address major life lessons, universal experiences, and strong themes that are present in life.
The Minor Arcana is made up of 56 Cards and bears resemblance to a standard deck of playing cards. It is further broken down into 4 distinct categories known as suits. The Tarot Suits are called Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands, and they each relate to a specific element. Suits are made up of 10 cards numbered 0 to 10, followed by 4 Court cards. The Tarot Court Cards are the Page, Knight, Queen and King. The Minor Arcana deals with day to day life events, situations that are being moved through, and experiences that are temporary. Despite their name, these minor cards can still deal with themes that have a huge impact on life.
HOW DOES TAROT WORK?
The Tarot works by offering us answers to our questions in the form of symbolical representations of ideas. We can either intuitively interpret the cards, or refer to traditional meanings for guidance. By asking well-formed questions that get to the heart of what we are seeking to know, we can tap into our own inner guidance or higher self to draw the cards which can offer the most appropriate answers in that moment.
Tarot does not predict our future.
What it does is offer a clearer picture of where we are right now, and the direction we are facing. It is up to us what we choose to do with that information, and what course we choose to take from thereon in.
Unlike it is presented in movies, or by unscrupulous fake psychics, the Tarot doesn’t control or dictate what’s to come. It allows us to connect with our own internal guidance to find the answers to our questions. It can also help in making choices and solving problems. Tarot provides us with a snapshot on where we are right now, and shines light on the direction we are currently heading. This knowledge can help us choose the best direction for us to take in life, and point out where we may need to correct our course or make changes.
This is a very basic overview of what Tarot is and how Tarot works. To gain a deeper understanding, the best place to start is to dive in and Learn Tarot, or experience a Reading for yourself. Tarot is one of the most enlightening and empowering tools you can come across. It is well worth investing the time and money in to learn and experience it for yourself.