Up to now, the exact origin of tarot cards is still a mystery. Though, during ancient times, playing cards were used in China and there’s also proof about its connection with Buddhism and to India. However, one of the most accepted theories is that Tarot cards did originate in ancient Egypt where it’s believed that priesthood utilized these cards.
From these ambivalent origins, the tarot managed to survive comparatively unaltered until the 19thy century– this is where several decks were produced. Due to the fact that there’s only a small-scale production of these cards, they’re credibly limited in circulation, and only those who have active interest in occult managed to obtain them.
The very first commercial that was released was known as the Rider Waite Deck. This is where the modern-day decks are based, and it was produced around 1910. Ever since, the tarot continues to grow in quality and contemporary printing methods were utilized in order to ensure that it’ll be readily available to anyone who’s interested in exploring its uses.
Although we’re not saying that everyone will be able to understand tarot, we want people to know that those who are interested can have the ability of revealing a lot of its mysteries.
The 18th Century
During the mid-18th century, there are various mystical applications for the card and it has spread from Italy, going to other parts of Europe. In France, Antoine Court de Gebelin assured that the tarot was mainly based on a holy book written by the Egyptian priests, and it was traveled across the Europe by Gypsies who originated from Africa.
The truth is, tarot cards originated from the Gypsies in Europe and these Gypsies actually originated in Asia, and not in Africa. Despite its inaccuracies, it’s safe to say that the Court de Gebelin has been very influential during that time.
The Original Instruction
Based on the game’s original instruction, it has been noted that the tarot cards can be used for divining– all because of the detailed illustration on each card that contains a symbolic image, such as the anchor, as well as the specific overlaps happening between the divining playing cards.
A lot of the oracle decks appeared around the same time and it was during the end of the 18th century and early 19th century. The end of the Napoleonic Wars has also contributed to the popularity of tarot cards.
Knowing Your Tarot History
The history of Tarot is worth looking into because it can provide everything the person needs to know about the Tarot, allowing him to create a relationship with the cards.
- Through doing a little research of both history and myths, one can have a clear understanding of what Tarot is. The more you understand, the more accurate the readings will be.
- Knowing one’s roots can give the stability and foundation.
- One’s experienced with Tarot will never be complete without studying the history surrounding it. Each card has its own meaning and those who want to interpret accurately should allot some time and effort to understand it better.
- Those who use Tarot without even the basic awareness of its history, as well as its historical context would definitely miss the important part of this charm.
Tarot cards are known to be realistic representations of energies and events that humans often experience in life on a day to day basis. This can either be new beginnings, determination, patience, forgetting things, heartache, joy, togetherness, decision-making, reflection, and so much more. Tarot decks are usually comprised of 78 cards, and 22 of these are known as the Major Arcana— these cards depict the major changes that can happen in one’s life.
Tarot cards are known to be realistic representations of energies and events that humans often experience in life… This can either be new beginnings, determination, patience, forgetting things, heartache, joy, togetherness, decision-making, reflection, and so much more.
On the other hand, the rest of the 56 cards are known to be the Minor Arcana. Similar to playing cards, the Minor Arcana are composed of 4 suits, namely:
- Spirit/Fire: Represented by Wands
- Mind/Air: Represented by Swords
- Emotions/Water: Represented by Cups
- Physical Universe/Earth: Represented by Pentacles
The tarot could be utilized as a sacred tool by interpreting the card that is chosen from the deck, where the interaction is assessed, together with citation to issues happening in one’s life.
The Future of Tarot
Like most other industries, Tarot (and fortune telling in general) has benefited from technology and the internet. Tarot enthusiasts are no longer limited to their local practitioners. Through websites such as Kasamba, PsychicSource, Keen and Oranum, anyone with an internet connection can get a free tarot reading online from real, experienced tarot readers in any language and from around the world. Some sites even offer webcams chat, which allows you meet your psychic (or medium) face to face