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 early 1300's. Everyone agrees tarot cards started in Italy as 'tarocchi' cards and were used as handmade cards with no direct connection to 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 tests (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 ever to incorporate the four components 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 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 analysis of tarot. Among it's members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, conceived a deck of tarot cards which could be used 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 that have followed.
Tarot Deck Essential Components
A complete deck of tarot cards includes 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 among the four components of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, & Air. Each suit possesses its 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 component of Air is represented by the tarot suit of 'Swords' and symbolizes: clarity of thought, intellect, invention, and ideas.
- The feminine part of Earth is represented by the tarot suit of 'Pentacles' and symbolizes: all things of an earthly nature, your body, health, and career.
Within each suit, there are fourteen cards that have their 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 look at one's own life, and to gain positive perspective in the years ahead. The cards do not possess mysterious powers, nor do they present any threat of injury to you or others when used properly. Tarot cards ought to be used to gain positive insights that may be helpful with everyday situations and struggles. Tarot may reveal an increased level of self-awareness, a new perspective, and a better knowledge of your place on the globe. Many tarot readers have reported gaining insights which have helped them understand past events with more 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 will do to spark a positive change in your life's path.
Care for Your Tarot Deck
You can find all kinds of different advice on the web for how to look after your cards. Essentially, it is suggested to cleanse your brand-new deck of cards before their first use, this can be easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill for 24 hours to allow both Sun and the Moon to cleanse your cards. Next, your cards should be seasoned by sleeping using them under your pillow for a couple nights. Between https://bookofmystic.com/ , your tarot cards ought to be wrapped in a velvet cloth and stored in a tarot bag (pouch).