THE TAROT

Historians and scholars are still grappling with evidence to reveal the true origins and history of tarot cards. The truth is that evidence pertaining to the origin of tarot cards has never been found or proven, but is rather based on varying theories and beliefs. Some of the theories that circulate in the fraternity of scholars and researchers conclude that the term ‘tarot’ either evolved from the ancient Egyptian God of Magic named ‘Thoth’, or attributed to a military order established in 1188 titled the ‘Order of the Knights Templar.’

The period and person responsible for the conceptual creation of tarot cards is still unknown although it is widely believed that the very first version was created during the first half of the fifteenth century, when a person produced the first tarot deck somewhere in Northern Italy. Some European historians and researchers believe that in time, the use of cards spread rapidly through Northern Italy and onto several areas of France. The history of tarot cards also includes the belief among some researchers that tarot cards were in existence in Italy as far back as the early 1300s.

What appears historically correct to some scholars is that Eliphas Levi, a Catholic Priest, teacher and writer created the basis from which the popular cards of today evolved. They believed that Levi achieved this between the late 1700s and early 1800s. Levi can be credited with the incorporation of the elements of nature – air, earth, fire, water – in the tarot deck he created and which is represented by symbols to this day. As the evidence pertaining to the history of tarot cards reveals, Levi claimed at the time that the cards he created were merely to act as a tool to teach his students self awareness, spiritual enlightenment and self improvement.

Further historical evidence reveals that in the late 1800s, A.E. Waite envisioned that the cards Eliphas Levi created could possibly be used to foretell future events. In 1896, Waite created the Rider-Waite tarot deck that went on to become the most popular and widely used version that is still in existence. It was not until the early 1900s when tarot cards made their presence felt in western culture. During World War I, the tarot was extremely popular. Despite the conflicting theories, beliefs and evidence on the history of tarot cards, tarot cards closely resemble the modern deck of playing cards. However, one fact that is widely accepted by scholars is that the earliest playing cards had their origins in Korea and China as early as the eleventh century. This reinforces the legend, believed by some researchers, that the tarot had its origins in the East.

It was natural that tarot would have different variations in the pictorial representation on each card as the tarot spread to different countries and took root in their respective cultures. However, its central objectives and principles have remained the same since ancient times. The history of tarot cards is as challenging to scholars, historians and researchers as it is exciting and intriguing to millions of people around the world today. Whatever may be the truth, insofar as its historical origins, the fact remains that the tarot is here to stay.

The Tarot are a set of 78 cards with pictures and symbols that are used for divination by connecting the reader to the subconscious mind or the collective consciousness. The origin of the Tarot cards is unknown they have been found in one form or another in most parts of the world and in many different forms- there use is however similar no matter what country they are found in. The Tarot can be thought of as truly universal and are not attached to any particular culture or religion. The Tarot in design are extremely diverse and many types of Tarot exist.

The 56 cards in the minor arcana are divided into four suits: wands (symbolizing action); cups (emotions); swords (intellect); and pentacles (the material and earthly ). The 22 cards of the “major arcana” depict archetypes and elemental forces. The Rider Waite deck is often the preferred choice by many beginners in many countries for extreme pictorial ease with which to learn initially.

It is believed that the Tarot enables a person to delve into their subconscious and connect with the universe in such a way- that they enable us to know of the past, present and future of things. A form of universal consciousness is thought to be in existence by some Carl Jung. was such a believer in this very concept. To learn, one must begin by choosing a deck (see the extensive list above) and by first learning the broad meanings of each card. From there you can begin to learn Tarot spreads (a way and pattern of laying out groups of cards) and practice connecting the dots as it were and learning to interpret the card group meanings and the answers that they provide. After much practice (less if there is already an obvious psychic ability present) soon most people report that they almost intuitively stop’ reading the cards by wrote and begin to use them merely as a tool and find that they some how just begin to ‘know’ or ‘receive’ information and answers that they seek. Some people do not use Tarot cards, preferring to perform a Tarot type reading with the use of ordinary playing cards instead, that may be at hand.

As a beginner the Tarot can be challenging and entertaining. At a higher level they can help to unleash your innate psychic ability. At the highest level of use, they are merely used as a means for a psychic to enable them to tune in extremely fast on a psychic level to obtain a psychic link for and with the person that they are reading for by fast accessing their own psychic ability. It is said that you should never try to perform your own Tarot reading as the process will not work for personal gain and incite alone.

As an expert of the language and symbols of the Tarot I have been working with the system in my private practice since I was a very young girl. Throughout the years, my knowledge and relationship with the language and symbols of my deck deepens and evolves enabling me to give very accurate and specific readings on any area of life or question that may be presented. I love working with the cards and teaching my students how to work with them proficiently, accurately and successfully.

If you would like a card reading or have any questions about your psychic development with the cards then drop me an e-mail. I am always happy to help.

masterclass@thepsychicinstitute.com

In Veritate Et Lux – In Truth & Light