The birth of Tarot Cards is usually a matter of some debate. No one knows for confident when the very first decks of tarot cards were invented. Many scholars think tarot cards very first emerged inside the 15th century, others believe the origins of tarot goes back as far as the early 1300's. Everybody agrees tarot cards originated in Italy as 'tarocchi' cards and had been utilised as playing cards with no direct connection to divination or meditation. Throughout the 18th century, tarot cards became immensely common in France, as well as the french pronunciation of 'taro' with a silent 't' has been adopted universally. Get a lot more information about How to read tarot cards
Throughout 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 several languages (Hebrew, Hindu, Polish, Masonic, and Cabalism) also as lots of scientific research (Astronomy, Astrology, and Metaphysics). Levi created his personal deck of tarot cards as a teaching tool to help his students with their research of spiritual matters and self-awareness. He was the first to incorporate the four elements of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references into a deck of tarot cards. His use of these symbols have certainly stood the test of time, a lot of modern authors still use the symbols he created.
The single most well-liked deck of tarot cards in use now is the Rider-Waite deck which was very first published in England, circa 1910. The name Rider-Waite is actually a mixture in the publisher's name (Rider Company of London) and also the author's name (Arthur Edward Waite). Inside the late 19th century, an English occult group known as the 'Hermetic Order in the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged inside 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 might be used to predict doable future events. The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary due to the fact every card depicted a picture which told a story. The cards have been magnificently illustrated by fellow Golden Dawn artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. Her work has served to inspire lots of tarot artists that have followed.
Tarot Deck Necessary Elements
A total deck of tarot cards consists of 78 cards. 56 on the cards comprise the 'Minor Arcana' as well as the remaining 22 cards make up the 'Major Arcana'. Arcana indicates 'secrets, mysteries'.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards cope with difficulties of daily significance and value. They can be additional classified as 14 cards (Ace by way of 10, plus four Court cards) in every of 4 suits. Each suit is related to one from the 4 components of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, & Air. Every 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: all things of an earthly nature, the body, health, and career.
Within every suit, there are fourteen cards which have their personal 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 in the journey of one's soul and spiritual awareness. Life experiences transcend boundaries of space and time, this realization is reflected inside the Major Arcana cards. Major Arcana cards are considered trump cards.
Usefulness of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards should be viewed as a tool to examine one's own life, and to gain positive perspective going forward. The cards do not possess mysterious powers, nor do they present any risk of harm to you or others when applied properly. Tarot cards should be made use of to gain positive insights which is often helpful with everyday situations and struggles. Tarot may reveal a higher level of self-awareness, a new point of view, and a better understanding of your place inside the world. A lot of tarot readers have reported gaining insights which have helped them understand past events with far more clarity, and ultimately this understanding has helped them avoid repeating mistakes. Some tarot readers turn to the cards to predict probable future events. Often times, if your mind is open to new possibilities, that alone is enough 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 internet for how to care for your cards. Essentially, it is recommended to cleanse your new deck of cards before their first use, this is usually easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill for 24 hours to allow both the Sun plus the Moon to cleanse your cards. Next, your cards should be seasoned by sleeping with them under your pillow for a few nights. Between uses, your tarot cards should be wrapped in a velvet cloth and stored in a tarot bag (pouch).
