There are 78 cards in a traditional Tarot deck. The 22 cards in the Major Arcana represent universal archetypes - qualities or experiences we all have. The Fool's Journey is the story of the Major Arcana (0-22) and this journey can play out in our lives over and over again. The true origin of the ancient Tarot is speculated, however there is no doubting the cards are miniature masterpieces. When laid out they tell the stories of our lives.
It is believed the word ‘Tarot’ comes from the name of the Egyptian god of Wisdom, Thoth. The cards are said to be based on an ancient set of tablets of mystical wisdom that were saved from the ruins of a burning temple. The ‘Book of Thoth’ outlined a secret language to the hieroglyphical keys to life.
In the 1400's the first Tarot card decks were used to play a game called triumph, similar to the card game bridge. There were 4 suits of cards numbered from 1 - 10 and court cards for each suit. This original deck also included 22 symbolic picture cards. Around the 1500's people began referring to the game as tarocchi, which is an Italian version of the French word 'tarot'.
Some 19th century scholars believe the word 'tarot' is partly formed from the anagram of the Latin word 'rota', meaning wheel. Rota is the eternal ending and beginning of cycles and change, as revealed to us though tarot card readings.
The 56 cards in the Minor Arcana represent the way the Major Arcana archetypes and experiences manifest in our daily lives. The court cards (King, Queen, Knight and Page) represent aspects of our own personality or people in our everyday life. The 4 suits in tarot; Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles represent the earthly elements Fire, Air, Water and Earth. They are also the things that affect us daily. Our energy, thoughts, emotions and the tangible aspects of our lives like wealth, career and spirituality.
The Tarot cards are widely misunderstood.
There’s the well known misconception that Tarot tells your future, but that isn't entirely true. You control your future and the Tarot aids you in contacting and connecting deeper to your higher self. The part of you that knows, sees, and understands at the highest level possible, while your physical body continues to move around in the world. Anchoring the wisdom of the higher self is very much a part of our human spiritual evolution and purpose.
The Tarot is a divination tool, a connection to the Universe and your higher self at the very moment you consult it.
We are all connected. Nothing in this life is random. I have come to realize this over the years. It is our awareness to the energies and moments surrounding everyday life that bring enlightenment.
There are unseen connections and synchronicities everywhere. We have to be open to noticing them, working with them and letting them work for us. Fortune-telling is really just a way to understand the decisions we make. The Tarot cards act as a mirror and enhance our self understanding.
There are two different kinds of readings, question readings and open readings.
A question reading is when you are addressing a specific question or life situation and looking for more clarification and guidance. Question readings are great for when you want to dig a little deeper into a certain situation or emotion.
An open reading is more of an over view of where you currently are. This reading can be done at any time to do a 'self check-in'.
An especially great time for an open reading is when you're entering a new phase of life.
One of my favourite spreads for a 3 card open reading is:
the energy you are currently dealing with
the energy you are moving away from
and the energy you are moving into.
The cards are not intended for yes or no answers, nor are they meant to make decisions for you. They are used as a guide to help you see things from a new perspective, confirm your instincts, intuition, and make enlightened decisions yourself.
I hope this enlightened you on what the Tarot is and what it can do for you!
I would love to help your unlock your infinite potential!
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