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What is Tarot?

any of a set of usually 78 playing cards including 22 pictorial cards used for fortune-telling

-Merriam Webster


The Wandering History of Tarot


    Tarot does not have much of a written history pertaining to the time of coming into existence and how it truly started. The earliest documentation that is found is through a book called Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig. His book holds much knowledge on the Divine Arts. On page 24 of his most updated version, there is a mentioning of the first recorded report on the Tarot. In 1332 Alphonse the XI whom was the King of Leon and Castile banned the Tarot along with other gambling games. In 1337 Johannes whom was a known monk in Germany claimed the Tarot could be used to teach Morals. Lastly in 1392, Charles the VI of France bought three sets of the Major Arcana from a man by the name of Grigonneur.

     The most interesting history that has been heard is from a shop owner in metaphysics. She taught Tarot to many and stated that the Major Arcana, in which are the first major 22 cards came into existence through life lessons. An artist painted murals of these lessons and were eventually destroyed due to war in a european country, though during that time period the Minor Arcana came into existence as playing cards amongst the people. Truthfully, the Tarots origins are unknown, but most historical facts are directed towards Europe.

     Personally, I believe the original Tarot being used for divinity was stated to be more of a word of mouth practice vs. Tarot being a book practice. I can agree that the most beneficial way to learning Tarot is to learn the cards for yourself and trust in your intuition as you see fit. Antoine Court de Gébelin wrote a piece on Tarot around 1780. The piece he wrote is based thru Book of Thoth. Supposedly he received much information by means of Priests whom had held secret information based on Egyptian Knowledge. To this present day you can find the workings of Tarot painted in Stained Glass in Churches and Sanctuaries throughout the World. 

Pamela Colman Smith 1878-1951

Illustrator of Rider Waite Tarot  

Arthur Edward Waite 1857-1942

     Author of RIder Waite Tarot

How Does Tarot  Work?

     The Major Arcanas' messages are of a larger turning point in life. The Minor Arcanas statements are of Lessons to be learned. Each person reads the cards to their own discretion. Tarot is like Philosophy. There is a commonality that speaks in terms of Universal Language. There is no wrong answer to how you read the cards. It is about following your intuition and concluding to a point of knowing by using that gift. What takes most practice is understanding and manifesting the cards meanings. The cards use the energy within your surrounding area and focused intentions. Occultists, and Metaphysicians have come to terms of believing that enlightenment can be obtained through studying the cards to the fullest extent.

     Each card carries Numerology and Symbology through colors, animals, plants, body language, ancient symbols, and endless variances of art. It is said that a deck has to be given to you in order to start using tarot. Personally I find you may be waiting a lifetime when waiting on others. If you care to read and learn tarot, go to the book store or a metaphysical store and find a deck that calls to you and your senses. A deck chosen through such a degree generally holds a strong connection with you. The most highest recommended and strongest manifested are any decks carrying the name of Rider Waite Smith. The name generally carries on the outside package OR inside the book that teaches the meanings of the deck of Tarot cards. It is a great study of learning and understanding valued lessons and practices of the mind, body, and spirit. Some believe that Tarot carries its own type of entity within in itself. If you choose to buy a deck and use them, be sure of respect and gratitude. Do your research.

     Many people are programmed that learning any divine tool has to be taught. Your greatest teacher is inside you. Knowledge carries power but is useless when it is not experienced. Wisdom is a great enhancement to enrich knowledge. You can only subside in wisdom through experience. Ask yourself "How do I learn?" Do you have a photograph sense? Do you pick up on learning the best through books, or listening to someone that speaks of the subjects you enjoy? The books that hold the knowledge of Tarot that comes with the deck has many facets to learning the cards yet I find there is importance of drawing out categories you may like such as numerology or symbols and coming to deeper understandings. Colors themselves carry a Universal Language and a reading of the cards may be obtained through understanding the colors of the Chakras. Your personal experiences are what is going to make most sense when learning Tarot. Make sure to utilize your wisdom when learning ALL divine arts. 

     My personal studies of the tarot were learned by means of starting with the Major Arcana cards. When I learned the Major cards by simplifying their meaning, I then took the time out to learn Numerology. At around that time I learned about the Chakras and Symbols as I experienced meanings behind my thoughts. In truth there are many categories to Tarot that would match with your experiences or what you find to be a personal trend. When you personalize your meanings you are able to raise your intuitive senses.This helps demonstrate more confidence when reading the cards for others as well as working on your Intuition.


   

How to Get Started Learning Tarot

     

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