What are Tarot Cards?

The history of the tarot cards

Historians differ somewhat in their views of where tarot cards come from, but the majority believe that tarot cards came from Italy in the early 1400's. The earliest surviving decks of tarot cards came from Milan and Fererra in northern Italy. These surviving decks bear a diverse mixture of imagery consisting of Italian nobility, biblical references, and other more arcane references including themes from ancient Egypt and the Kabbala.

Because of some of these more arcane references, some historians believe that the 15th century Italian decks are themselves descended from much earlier Egyptian and Middle Eastern decks.

The term tarot most likely comes from the Italian term "Tarrochi" (although there are some more arcane theories surrounding the similarity of the words "Tarot" and "Torah").

When was Tarot first used to tell fortunes?

The first evidence of Tarot cards being used for divinatory purposes (ie: tarot card readings) dates back to the early 16th century in France.

The early French decks are the earliest complete decks in existence, and are still widely used today. The "Marseille Tarot" is the most popular of these.

The first English language deck to gain popularity was the Rider Waite tarot which was first published in 1909. Today it is published by US Games Systems who currently 'claims' copyright on the images.

Religious significance

Many new students of tarot frequently wonder what the religious significance of tarot cards is. First, it is important to realize that tarot is *not* a religion. In fact tarot cards are used by people of all religions. From Europe to India, from Egypt to Iran, from Australia to South Africa -- people read tarot. It crosses religious and racial boundaries. Tarot also has very few "rules". Essentially the tarot is a tool for you to use and to make use of in your own way. It is deeply spiritual, beautiful and meditative. It should also be noted that the "tarot" is not a spirit or a deity unto itself. You are the power of the tarot. The magic of the tarot comes from inside you. They are a tool -- a wonderful tool -- which can enable to do things you never thought possible.

How do you read tarot cards?
The simplest way to read tarot cards is called the single card reading. It involves simply asking a question (to yourself, or out-loud) and pulling a card. The card you pull will have a general reference to the question you asked. Will it be accurate? Not so much. To really get an accurate reading you'll need to use what's called a "Tarot Card Spread".

We'll get into what the cards mean a little later, but first we'll cover a simple spread.

What are "Spreads"?

A spread is a way to "lay out" your tarot cards in a specific pattern. In a spread each position has a different meaning.

For example: One of the simplest spreads is called the "Past, Present and Future" spread. The purpose of this spread is to help you answer questions about the past, present and future of a specific topic or subject. 3 cards are selected from the deck and laid side by side.

Position 1: The Past - The card in the first position references some person, event or idea from the past which is having a particular bearing on the present.

Position 2: The Present - The card in the center or "Present" position gives insight into events unfolding right now.

Position 3: The Future - The card in the future position gives insight into events that have yet to occur. It is important -- for purposes of getting an accurate reading of the future -- to consider how this card interplays with the first two cards. It is likely to be an exension of the card in the "Present" position (but not necessarily).

The Tarot Deck

The Tarot deck of 78 cards is divided into two main parts: The Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana.

the minor arcana

The Minor Arcana are "less important" cards that typically reference events of everyday significance.

The Minor Arcana are divided into 4 suits:

• Cups
  
  
• Swords
  
  
• Staves (or Wands)
  
  
• Pentacles (or Coins)
  

the major arcana

The Major Arcana are "more important" cards that typically reference events of major, long-term significance.

The meaning of the cards The meaning of each and every card is beyond the scope of this lens but there is an excellent tarot card reference at iFate.com.

Don't worry about looking each and every card up during your first readings. Learning the meaning of each and every tarot card can take a long time. The important thing for you to consider in your initial readings is:

a) How the cards relate to your question, and to your life.

b) How the cards relate to one another.

How the cards relate to each other can be very important. The same card in the same position, may mean different things depending on which cards surround it. This is somthing that must be meditated upon. Take time to carefully analyze the meaning of each card, and how it relates to the cards around it.

Where can I learn more?

The best way to learn tarot cards is to practice. Reading tarot cards is a skill just like any other. With careful practice your readings will improve to the point where they will have truly remarkable accuracy and significance.

The author highly recommends iFate.com's online tarot readings They are 100% free, and very easy to use. There are many advantages to using an online tarot system: The card meanings are easily accessible, and more importantly you can save your readings for later study or discuss them in online forums with other students of tarot.

That's about it. Drop me a line if you have any questions. I hope you'll continue your study and come to know just how incredible,beautiful and powerful the tarot can be.