Pronounced either “TAR-oh” or “TA-roh”, both widely accepted, tarot stands out as a profound and widely embraced divination tool, weaving together art, symbolism, and intuition to offer insights into our deepest questions and life paths. But what exactly is tarot, and how can it be both a source of curiosity and controversy? Let’s embark on a journey to explore the essence of tarot, its historical roots, and the multifaceted ways it is interpreted and utilized today.
Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of cards, typically consisting of 78 cards, to gain insight into the past, present, or future, or to explore spiritual or psychological matters. Each card in the deck carries symbolic imagery and meaning, and during a tarot reading, a reader interprets the cards drawn by a querent (the person receiving the reading) to provide guidance, advice, or insights into their questions or concerns.
The tarot deck is divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events, archetypes, and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits (usually swords, cups, wands, and pentacles or coins), each representing different aspects of life such as intellect, emotions, actions, and material concerns.
Tarot readings can be done for oneself or by a professional tarot reader. Interpretation of the cards can vary widely depending on the reader’s intuition, knowledge of symbolism, and the specific spread (layout) used during the reading. Tarot readings are often sought out for gaining clarity on personal matters, making decisions, or exploring spiritual or psychological growth.
The history of tarot is a subject of much debate and speculation among scholars, historians, and enthusiasts. While the exact origins of tarot are uncertain, it is generally believed to have originated in Europe during the late Middle Ages, possibly in the 14th or 15th century.
The earliest known tarot decks were created in northern Italy, particularly in cities like Milan, Ferrara, and Bologna. These early decks, known as tarocchi or tarocchini, were used primarily for playing a game known as tarocchi, tarocchini, or tarot, which was similar to modern-day card games such as bridge or poker.
The earliest surviving complete tarot deck is the Visconti-Sforza tarot, which dates back to the mid-15th century. This deck, along with other early tarot decks, featured hand-painted cards depicting allegorical symbols, religious imagery, and courtly scenes.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot began to be associated with divination and esoteric practices. During this time, tarot decks were used by occultists, mystics, and fortune-tellers for purposes such as fortune-telling, meditation, and spiritual exploration. One of the key figures in popularizing tarot as a tool for divination was Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French occultist who published a multi-volume work in the late 18th century linking tarot cards to ancient Egyptian mysticism and the Kabbalah.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, interest in tarot grew significantly, particularly within the context of the occult revival of the era. Tarot decks were redesigned and reinterpreted by various occultists and artists, leading to the creation of new decks with unique themes and symbolism. Notable figures during this period include the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a mystical organization that incorporated tarot into its teachings, and Aleister Crowley, who created the Thoth tarot deck based on his own esoteric principles.
Since then, tarot has continued to evolve and gain popularity as a tool for personal insight, spiritual exploration, and divination. Today, there are hundreds of different tarot decks available, each with its own unique artwork, symbolism, and interpretations, reflecting the diverse cultural and spiritual influences that have shaped the history of tarot.
Deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and personal beliefs, Tarot has been perceived as “evil”. It’s important to understand that tarot, in itself, is a tool—much like a book or a musical instrument. Its moral alignment is determined by the intentions and actions of those who use it. It’s essential to approach the topic with an open mind and respect for differing viewpoints. Here are some reasons Tarot has been given a bad wrap.
- Certain religious groups, particularly within Christianity, may view tarot as incompatible with their teachings. They might consider tarot as a form of divination or occultism that contradicts their scriptures or as an activity that opens the door to negative spiritual influences.
- In some cultures, there’s a stigma attached to anything associated with the occult or supernatural practices, including tarot. This perspective often stems from historical periods like the witch trials, where fear and misunderstanding led to the demonization of various practices.
- Media and popular culture sometimes portray tarot in a sensationalized or negative light, associating it with dark magic, curses, or demonic pacts. These portrayals can influence public perception, leading to misconceptions about the nature of tarot readings.
For those who use or are interested in tarot, it often serves as a meaningful and benign tool for personal exploration and reflection. Many people view tarot as a tool for personal reflection, psychological insight, and guidance. From this perspective, tarot cards can offer a way to explore one’s thoughts, feelings, and circumstances in a more reflective and introspective manner.
For enthusiasts and scholars, tarot decks are appreciated for their artistic value and the rich symbolism embedded in the cards. These aspects can be studied and admired without any connection to divination or spiritual practices. Tarot has a rich history and has been part of various cultural traditions. Studying tarot can offer insights into historical beliefs, art, and societies.
Some cards are often perceived as more positive or negative based on their traditional associations and the imagery depicted on the cards. There isn’t necessarily a “good” card or a “bad” card in an absolute sense. Each card in the tarot deck carries its own unique symbolism and range of meanings, which can vary depending on the context of a reading and the interpretation of the reader.
For example:
- The Sun: Generally considered a positive card representing happiness, success, vitality, and enlightenment.
- The Ten of Cups: Often interpreted as a card of emotional fulfillment, harmony, and contentment in relationships.
- The World: Symbolizing completion, fulfillment, and achievement of goals.
Conversely:
- The Tower: Frequently seen as a challenging card associated with sudden upheaval, disruption, and unforeseen change.
- The Ten of Swords: Often interpreted as a card of betrayal, loss, or painful endings.
- Death: Despite its ominous name and imagery, this card can signify transformation, letting go of the old to make way for the new.
It’s important to note that the interpretation of each card can vary greatly depending on the specific context of a reading, the question asked, and the surrounding cards. What might initially appear as a “bad” card in one context could actually offer valuable insights or opportunities for growth. Additionally, tarot readings often involve a combination of cards, and the overall message of a reading is typically derived from the interplay of multiple cards rather than the significance of any single card alone.
Tarot should be approached with a healthy perspective, understanding that the cards do not have the power to change future events nor should they be used as a substitute for professional advice in matters of health, legal, financial, or psychological concerns. When used responsibly and with an open mind, tarot can be a beneficial tool for personal development, reflection, and connection with others. Here are several reasons people find tarot readings beneficial:
Self-Reflection and Insight: Tarot can serve as a tool for self-reflection, helping individuals gain insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The symbolism and imagery on the cards can prompt introspection and self-awareness, offering new perspectives on personal situations or challenges. While tarot cards don’t predict the future, they can help clarify one’s thoughts and emotions surrounding a decision. This clarity might make it easier to identify the best course of action.
Emotional and Psychological Support: Engaging in tarot readings can be a calming activity that helps some people manage stress and anxiety. It can provide a moment of quiet contemplation and a break from daily pressures. Some therapists and counselors use tarot as a tool in their practice to encourage dialogue and exploration of a client’s experiences. The cards can act as a mirror to help clients articulate their feelings and thoughts.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: The rich symbolism and imagery of tarot cards can spark creativity, making them a useful tool for artists, writers, and anyone seeking creative inspiration. By presenting different perspectives through the cards drawn in a reading, tarot can help individuals think outside the box and consider solutions they might not have otherwise contemplated.
Social and Cultural Exploration: For those interested in history, art, or mythology, tarot offers a fascinating exploration of these subjects through the symbolism found in the cards. Sharing tarot readings can be a way to connect with others, offering insights, support, and understanding in a communal or intimate setting.
You may be asking yourself, “Can I learn Tarot?” The resounding answer – Absolutely! Learning to interpret tarot cards requires dedication, practice, and an understanding of both the symbolism of the cards and your intuition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Acquire a Tarot Deck: Choose a tarot deck that resonates with you. There are many different decks available, each with its own artwork, symbolism, and themes. Popular decks include the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Thoth deck, and the Marseille deck, among others.
- Study the Cards: Familiarize yourself with the imagery, symbolism, and meanings of each card in the deck. Many tarot decks come with guidebooks that provide explanations of the cards, but there are also numerous resources available online and in books that delve into the meanings of the cards in greater depth.
- Learn Basic Spreads: Start with simple tarot spreads, such as the three-card spread or the Celtic Cross spread. Each spread has a specific layout that determines how the cards are placed and interpreted. Practice using these spreads to gain insight into different aspects of a situation or question.
- Trust Your Intuition: While it’s important to understand the traditional meanings of the cards, don’t be afraid to trust your intuition when interpreting them. Pay attention to your initial impressions, emotions, and instincts when laying out and interpreting the cards.
- Keep a Tarot Journal: Maintain a journal to track your tarot readings, interpretations, and insights. Reflect on the correlations between the cards drawn and your life experiences. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the cards and their meanings.
- Practice Regularly: Like any skill, interpreting tarot cards improves with practice. Set aside time each day or week to practice doing readings for yourself or others. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become at interpreting the cards.
- Seek Feedback and Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback and guidance from experienced tarot readers or mentors. Join online tarot communities, attend workshops or classes, or seek out local tarot readers to learn from their expertise and insights.
- Be Patient and Open-Minded: Learning to interpret tarot is a journey that takes time and patience. Be open-minded to new interpretations and perspectives, and trust that with dedication and practice, you’ll continue to deepen your understanding of the cards and your ability to interpret them effectively.
Tarot is a richly layered and multifaceted practice, offering pathways to deeper understanding, introspection, and personal growth. Its history is a tapestry of cultural shifts, evolving from a game to a profound method of divination and reflection. Whether you approach tarot with curiosity, for creative inspiration or as a tool for spiritual exploration, it invites you to look within and consider the broader energies at play in your life.
