The birth of Tarot Cards is really a matter of some debate. No one knows for sure once 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) together with many scientific studies (Astronomy, Astrology, and Metaphysics). Levi created their own deck of tarot cards as a teaching tool to greatly help his students with their studies of spiritual matters and self-awareness. He was the first to incorporate the four components of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references into a deck of tarot cards. His usage of these symbols have certainly stood the test of time, many modern authors still utilize the symbols he developed.
The single hottest deck of tarot cards used today may be the Rider-Waite deck that was first published in England, circa 1910. The name Rider-Waite is a mix of the publisher's name (Rider Company of London) and the author's name (Arthur Edward Waite). In the late 19th century, an English occult group referred to as the 'Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged in the study of tarot. One of it's members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, conceived a deck of tarot cards which could be utilized to predict possible future events. The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary because every card depicted a picture 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 which have followed.
Tarot Deck Essential Components
A whole deck of tarot cards includes 78 cards. 56 of the cards comprise the 'Minor Arcana' and the remaining 22 cards make up the 'Major Arcana'. Free online tarot card readings means 'secrets, mysteries'.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards cope with issues of every day significance and importance. They may be further classified as 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four Court cards) in each of four suits. Each suit relates to one of many four components of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, & Air. Each suit possesses its own unique characteristics:
- The masculine element of Fire is represented by the tarot suit of 'Wands' and symbolizes: action, will, drive, creativity, and spirit.
- The feminine element 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: everything of an earthly nature, your body, health, and career.
Within each suit, there are fourteen cards that 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 speak to matters of deep significance and higher purpose. Major Arcana cards often relate stories of the journey of your respective 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 believed trump cards.
Usefulness of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards should be viewed as a tool to examine one's own life, also to gain positive perspective going forward. The cards do not possess mysterious powers, nor do they present any threat of harm 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 new point of view, and a better understanding of your place on earth. 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 open to new possibilities, that alone is enough to spark a confident change in your life's path.
Look after Your Tarot Deck
You can find all kinds of different advice on the web for how to look after your cards. Essentially, it is recommended to cleanse your brand-new deck of cards before their first use, this could be easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill for 24 hours to allow both the Sun and the Moon to cleanse your cards. Next, your cards should be seasoned by sleeping with them under your pillow for a couple nights. Between uses, your tarot cards ought to be wrapped in a velvet cloth and stored in a tarot bag (pouch).
