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The birth of Tarot Cards is a matter of some debate. No one knows for positive when the initial decks of tarot cards have been invented. A lot of scholars believe tarot cards initially emerged in the 15th century, other folks believe the origins of tarot goes back as far as the early 1300's. Every person agrees tarot cards originated in Italy as 'tarocchi' cards and have been used as playing cards with no direct connection to divination or meditation. Throughout the 18th century, tarot cards became immensely well known in France, and the french pronunciation of 'taro' having a silent 't' has been adopted universally. Get extra 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 numerous languages (Hebrew, Hindu, Polish, Masonic, and Cabalism) too as lots of scientific studies (Astronomy, Astrology, and Metaphysics). Levi developed 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 first to incorporate the 4 elements of nature, astrological symbols, and biblical references into a deck of tarot cards. His use of these symbols have certainly stood the test of time, many modern authors nonetheless use the symbols he developed.
The single most preferred deck of tarot cards in use right now could be the Rider-Waite deck which was initial published in England, circa 1910. The name Rider-Waite can be a mixture on the publisher's name (Rider Company of London) as well as the author's name (Arthur Edward Waite). Within the late 19th century, an English occult group called the 'Hermetic Order from the Golden Dawn' was deeply engaged inside the study of tarot. One of it's members, and American-born and English-educated author, Arthur Edward Waite, conceived a deck of tarot cards which might be applied to predict attainable future events. The Rider-Waite deck was revolutionary due to the fact every single card depicted a image which told a story. The cards were magnificently illustrated by fellow Golden Dawn artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. Her work has served to inspire numerous tarot artists which have followed.
Tarot Deck Necessary Components
A comprehensive deck of tarot cards consists of 78 cards. 56 with the cards comprise the 'Minor Arcana' along with the remaining 22 cards make up the 'Major Arcana'. Arcana indicates 'secrets, mysteries'.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards handle issues of on a daily basis significance and significance. They are able to be further classified as 14 cards (Ace through 10, plus four Court cards) in each of 4 suits. Each suit is related to one of the four elements of nature: Fire, Water, Earth, & Air. Every single suit possesses its personal 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 personal 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 other people when employed properly. Tarot cards should be used 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 inside the world. Several tarot readers have reported gaining insights which have helped them understand past events with additional clarity, and ultimately this understanding has helped them avoid repeating mistakes. Some tarot readers turn to the cards to predict probable 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 very first use, this is often easily done by leaving your deck on a window sill for 24 hours to allow both the Sun and also 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).