WHAT IS TAROT?
WHAT IS TAROT?
Tarot itself originated sometime in the 14th century in Italy, and by the 16th century was also known in France. The Italian card game Tarocchini is based on Tarot cards and originates from the 17th century.
Evidence for the origin of the word Tarot has been found in 16th century France, the Old Italian word “tarocchi” and in the Arabic language with the word “taraha” which means “reject” (1)
The cards used originally were regular playing cards.
Using regular American style playing cards (i.e. a 52 card deck) are still used today by some people.
This is called Cartomancy.
Evidence for the origin of the word Tarot has been found in 16th century France, the Old Italian word “tarocchi” and in the Arabic language with the word “taraha” which means “reject” (1)
The cards used originally were regular playing cards.
Using regular American style playing cards (i.e. a 52 card deck) are still used today by some people.
This is called Cartomancy.
Today most Tarot Cards consist of a deck of 78 cards. They are broken up into categories: The Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana.
The Minor Arcana is divided into 4 groups of 14 cards total called a suit:
- Wands (fire)
- Cups (water)
- Swords (air)
- Pentacles (earth)
These cards range from Ace to King like in a regular card deck. The difference is that each card has a different meaning and illustration.
The Major Arcana has 22 cards which represent significant life events.
Sometimes Tarot Readers get confused with another ability which is that of a Medium.
Mediums have the ability to tune into spirit energy and communicate with those who have passed. They are the ones who are able to tell you if your deceased relative is truly happy or where they hid the money!
This is not to say that the abilities are strict and don’t intermix. Many people have multiple abilities and use tools such as Tarot cards, crystals, crystal balls, Runes, Scrying, Palm Reading, and so forth to assist them. These tools help channel and clarify the message or messages that are received.
In order to receive the service that you want with a Tarot Reader, confirm with them exactly what are their abilities? Some Tarot Readers are literal readers, giving you exactly what the written meanings of the cards are. Others, may be blessed with various gifts and use those to assist them. If they are not able to help you, they should be able to refer you to someone who suits your needs better.
Mediums have the ability to tune into spirit energy and communicate with those who have passed. They are the ones who are able to tell you if your deceased relative is truly happy or where they hid the money!
This is not to say that the abilities are strict and don’t intermix. Many people have multiple abilities and use tools such as Tarot cards, crystals, crystal balls, Runes, Scrying, Palm Reading, and so forth to assist them. These tools help channel and clarify the message or messages that are received.
In order to receive the service that you want with a Tarot Reader, confirm with them exactly what are their abilities? Some Tarot Readers are literal readers, giving you exactly what the written meanings of the cards are. Others, may be blessed with various gifts and use those to assist them. If they are not able to help you, they should be able to refer you to someone who suits your needs better.
There are many myths associated with Tarot, one of them being that the individual reader is able to tell someone their exact future, and that information is then “set in stone”, never to change. Our futures are determined by many factors, including the choices that we make. Each one changes the direction that we are headed and leads us onto a different path in our journey, so that is simply not the case.
There are literally thousands of Tarot Decks in existence today. The range of designs and imagery is quite staggering! It can be overwhelming for anyone who wishes to purchase a Tarot Deck and confusing for a person receiving a reading if they deck being used is not one they have seen before. That is part of the charm of Tarot. The choices available really make it exciting for Tarot readers to be able to pick Tarot Decks that speak to them.
Despite the many choices available, the cards meanings tend to stay fairly similar with some minor changes to wording or symbols used. For example, Swords may be called batons, shields, leaves or blades but it is still meant to represent Swords and the element of air.
The Death card is one that often instills instant panic in those that receive it in a reading, but its usual meaning is not so grim after all! The Death card is usually about change and growth, and possibly the "death" of a situation. While it can literally mean Death, that particular meaning does not appear often in a reading.
This is only a small sampling of information about Tarot. Across the internet, in books, videos, programs and in courses you will find much more detailed information.
Remember, Tarot is a tool. It is neither magical nor meant to be negative. Tarot readers don't read your mind. They do not have any control over your life. Use Tarot to help guide you, not as a lifeline.
© letyourspiritgrow.com 2012~2024
1"I once had a client who came to see me because they wanted to know if they were cursed. Upon further inquiry it was revealed to me that they had lost thousands of dollars to a "healer" who claimed that my client was "cursed" and ONLY their magic could fix the situation. They were harassed and threatened with a "death curse" if they did not continue to pay, so they paid, again and again.
I tell this tale not to make anyone fearful to seek out a Tarot Reader or other alternative service, but as a cautionary tale that even in this field, there are those who seek to bring their negativity and harm others. There are no magic fixes. Desperation can lead to poor life choices. Contact your local authorities if you ever feel unsafe or have been threatened irregardless of who the person is." ~ Jade
© letyourspiritgrow.com 2012~2024
I tell this tale not to make anyone fearful to seek out a Tarot Reader or other alternative service, but as a cautionary tale that even in this field, there are those who seek to bring their negativity and harm others. There are no magic fixes. Desperation can lead to poor life choices. Contact your local authorities if you ever feel unsafe or have been threatened irregardless of who the person is." ~ Jade
© letyourspiritgrow.com 2012~2024