The birth of Tarot Cards is really a matter of some debate. No one knows for confident when the initial decks of tarot cards have been invented. Lots of scholars believe tarot cards initial emerged within the 15th century, other folks think the origins of tarot goes back as far because the early 1300's. Everyone agrees tarot cards originated in Italy as 'tarocchi' cards and had been utilised as playing cards with no direct connection to divination or meditation. Through the 18th century, tarot cards became immensely preferred in France, and also the french pronunciation of 'taro' with a silent 't' has been adopted universally. Get additional information regarding How to read tarot cards
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 various languages (Hebrew, Hindu, Polish, Masonic, and Cabalism) at the same time as quite a few scientific studies (Astronomy, Astrology, and Metaphysics). Levi created his 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 initial to incorporate the 4 components of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references into a deck of tarot cards. His use of these symbols have definitely stood the test of time, many modern authors nonetheless make use of the symbols he created.
The single most well known deck of tarot cards in use nowadays will be the Rider-Waite deck which was initial published in England, circa 1910. The name Rider-Waite is actually a mixture of the publisher's name (Rider Company of London) plus the author's name (Arthur Edward Waite). Inside the late 19th century, an English occult group referred to as the 'Hermetic Order with the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged inside the study of tarot. One of it really is members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, conceived a deck of tarot cards which could be applied to predict probable future events. The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary for the reason that just about every card depicted a image which told a story. The cards have been magnificently illustrated by fellow Golden Dawn artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. Her work has served to inspire several tarot artists which have followed.
Tarot Deck Crucial Elements
A full deck of tarot cards consists of 78 cards. 56 of the cards comprise the 'Minor Arcana' and also the remaining 22 cards make up the 'Major Arcana'. Arcana suggests 'secrets, mysteries'.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards handle concerns of each day significance and value. They can be additional classified as 14 cards (Ace via 10, plus four Court cards) in each of four suits. Each and every suit is associated with one of the four elements 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 single suit, there are fourteen cards which have their personal symbolic meaning:
- Ace: New Opportunities, Beginnings
- Two: Balance, Partnership
- Three: Magic, Trinity
- 4: 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 one's soul and spiritual awareness. Life experiences transcend boundaries of space and time, this realization is reflected within 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 employed properly. Tarot cards should be made use of to gain positive insights which might be 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 in the world. Lots of tarot readers have reported gaining insights which have helped them understand past events with extra clarity, and ultimately this understanding has helped them avoid repeating mistakes. Some tarot readers turn to the cards to predict feasible 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 1st use, this can be easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill for 24 hours to allow both the Sun as well as 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).