The birth of Tarot Cards is a matter of some debate. No-one knows for sure when the first decks of tarot cards were invented. Many scholars believe tarot cards first emerged in the 15th century, others believe the origins of tarot goes back as far as the first 1300's. Everyone agrees tarot cards originated in Italy as 'tarocchi' cards and were used as handmade cards with no direct link with divination or meditation. During the 18th century, tarot cards became immensely popular in France, and the french pronunciation of 'taro' with a silent 't' has been adopted universally.
Through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a catholic priest named Eliphas Levi incorporated tarot cards into his occult writings of magic. Levi was a well-versed student of multiple languages (Hebrew, Hindu, Polish, Masonic, and Cabalism) along with many scientific tests (Astronomy, Astrology, and Metaphysics). Levi created their own deck of tarot cards as a teaching tool to help his students with their studies of spiritual matters and self-awareness. He was the first to incorporate the four elements of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references right into a deck of tarot cards. His use of these symbols have certainly stood the test of time, many modern authors still use the symbols he developed.
The single most popular deck of tarot cards used today is the Rider-Waite deck which was first published in England, circa 1910. The name Rider-Waite is really a mix of the publisher's name (Rider Company of London) and the author's name (Arthur Edward Waite). In https://bookofmystic.com/ , an English occult group known as the 'Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged in the analysis of tarot. One of it's members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, conceived a deck of tarot cards that could be utilized to predict possible future events. The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary because every card depicted an image which told a story. The cards were magnificently illustrated by fellow Golden Dawn artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. Her work has served to inspire many tarot artists that have followed.
Tarot Deck Essential Components
A whole deck of tarot cards consists of 78 cards. 56 of the cards comprise the 'Minor Arcana' and the rest of the 22 cards make up the 'Major Arcana'. Arcana means 'secrets, mysteries'.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards cope with issues of every day significance and importance. They are often further classified as 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four Court cards) in all of four suits. Each suit is related to one of many four elements of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, & Air. Each suit possesses its own unique characteristics:
- The masculine part of Fire is represented by the tarot suit of 'Wands' and symbolizes: action, will, drive, creativity, and spirit.
- The feminine part of Water is represented by the tarot suit of 'Cups' and symbolizes: emotion, feelings, psychic ability, and spiritual belief.
- The masculine element of Air is represented by the tarot suit of 'Swords' and symbolizes: clarity of thought, intellect, invention, and ideas.
- The feminine element of Earth is represented by the tarot suit of 'Pentacles' and symbolizes: all things of an earthly nature, the body, health, and career.
Within each suit, you can find fourteen cards which have their very own symbolic meaning:
- Ace: New Opportunities, Beginnings
- Two: Balance, Partnership
- Three: Magic, Trinity
- Four: Completion, Foundation
- Five: Chaos, Unrest
- Six: Beauty & Perfection
- Seven: Spiritual Quest, Study
- Eight: Stability, Infinity
- Nine: A Magic Number
- Ten: Fulfillment, Harvest
- Pages: Exploration, Learning
- Knights: Action, Movement
- Queen: Depth, Maturity
- King: Power, Strength
The 22 Major Arcana cards talk with matters of deep significance and higher purpose. Major Arcana cards often relate stories of the journey of one's soul and spiritual awareness. Life experiences transcend boundaries of space and time, this realization is reflected in the Major Arcana cards. Major Arcana cards are considered trump cards.
Usefulness of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards ought to be seen as a tool to examine one's own life, also to gain positive perspective in the years ahead. The cards usually do not possess mysterious powers, nor do they present any risk of injury to you or others when used properly. Tarot cards ought to be used to gain positive insights that can be helpful with everyday situations and struggles. Tarot may reveal an increased level of self-awareness, a fresh perspective, and a better knowledge of your place in the world. Many tarot readers have reported gaining insights that have helped them understand past events with an increase of clarity, and ultimately this understanding has helped them avoid repeating mistakes. Some tarot readers turn to the cards to predict possible future events. Often times, if your mind is available to new possibilities, that alone will do to spark a confident change in your life's path.
Care for Your Tarot Deck
You can find all kinds of different advice on the internet for how to look after your cards. Essentially, it is recommended to cleanse your brand-new deck of cards before their first use, this is often easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill every day and night to allow both Sun and the Moon to cleanse your cards. Next, your cards ought to be seasoned by sleeping with them under your pillow for some nights. Between uses, your tarot cards ought to be wrapped in a velvet cloth and stored in a tarot bag (pouch).