All about Tarot
October 26th 2007 01:45
Tarot has been thought to be traced back to various cultures going as far back as to prehistoric man! This I find a little hard to fathom but they say the allegorical symbolisms of tarot has a pictorial record of ancient myths and beliefs distorted by time and through the ignorance of interpreters.
In 1781 Court de Gebelin decided Major Arcana cards were really Egyptian hieroglyphic books; The Book Of Thoth. Mere fragments of ruins. Playing cards themselves are thought to be traced back to the Mamluk Cards of Turkey in about the fifteenth century. Gypsies too date Tarot back to the fifteenth century.
Tarot cards have have varied in their form throughout time as we can see from Tarocchi of Mantegna, 1470 - 50 cards; 5 classes of 10 cards. Tarocchini of Bologna - 62 cards. Minchiate of Florence - 97 cards. Tarocchini of Mitelli, 1664 - 62 cards.
The 1920's took a shine to Tarot and came back in full force again in the 1970's. And well, I have to say that again today Tarot has made a comeback! Probably one of the most popular psychic tools around today.
Tarot Cards are used as a pathfinding tool. It's not meant to make futuristic predictions, they are purely meant to be a pathfinding tool. By pathfinding I mean it gives you options. Keep in mind, it can only ever be you who makes that ultimate decision. The Tarot can tell you about your current situation, your previous situation and your current future options. It can show you what is affecting you most at this point in time and therefore allowing you to make any alterations to your current situation to help you progress and move forward.
It is best to have someone read the cards for you so you do not taint the reading with your own bias and desires. The way you read the cards is imperative for a true result. You must be able to use the energy of the questioner as well as be able to interpret the story upon the card. It is also preferred to do these readings one on one so energy is not confused between parties.
Because there are literally thousands of different tarot decks available, I'm not going to go into descriptions, but I will give you a brief (very brief) summary of what each card represents. Remember, each reading is individual and dependant on the layout, your question, energy, and of course the story upon the card.
Divinatory: Is when the card comes out ‘upright’
Reversed: When the card comes out ‘up side down’
The 22 Major Arcana are:
The Fool
Divinatory: Thoughtlessness, Lack of Discipline, Insecurity, Immaturity, Inconsideration, Reluctance to listen to advice from others.
Reversed: Bad Decision, Indecision, Hesitation
I The Magician
Divinatory: Creativity, Confidence, Deception, Determination
Reversed: Insecurity, Use of ones skill for destructive means
II The High Priestess
Divinatory: Wisdom, Foresight, Lack of patience, Hidden Emotion
Reversed: Ignorance, Shallowness, Superficial
III The Empress
Divinatory: Fertility, Feminine Aspects (mother, sister, wife etc), Decisive, Intuitive
Reversed: Anxiety, Infertility, Lack of Interest, Delay in accomplishment
IV The Emperor
Divinatory: Accomplishment, Confidence, Wealth, Stability, Conviction
Reversed: Immaturity, Weakness, Failure, Indecision
V The Hierophant
Divinatory: Ritualism/Ceremonies, Inspiration, Kindness, Nostalgic
Reversed: Excess of generosity, Frailty, Unconventional
VI The Lovers
Divinatory: Love, Beauty, Harmony, Optimistic, Overly Emotional
Reversed: Unreliable, Seperation, Frustration, Bad Decisions
VII The Chariot
Divinatory: Trouble, Confliction, Escapism, In need of mental/physical balance
Reversed: Failure, Overwhelmed, Delusional
VIII Justice
Divinatory: Justice, Harmony, Honour, Sincerity, Considerate, Good Advice
Reversed: Intolerance, Bias, Bad Advice, Unfairness
IX The Hermit
Divinatory: Caution, Knowledge, Misguided, Recession, Unable to face facts
Reversed: Immaturity, Bad Advice, Rashness
X The Wheel of Fortune
Divinatory: Destiny, Conclusion, The end of a particular cycle/drama/issue
Reversed: Bad Luck, Won’t accept outside help
XI Strength
Divinatory: Strength, Determination, Resolution, Accomplishment, Endurance
Reversed: Weakness, Sickness, Abuse of Power
XII The Hanged Man
Divinatory: Transition, Regeneration, Still striving to obtain a goal
Reversed: Unwilling to make the necessary effort to achieve a goal
XIII Death
Divinatory: Loss; financial, physical, emotional.
Reversed: Inertia, Avoiding a serious incident
XIV Temperance
Divinatory: Moderation, Patience, Harmony, Union, Highly Regarded
Reversed: Hostility, Conflict of interest, Impatience
XV The Devil
Divinatory: Subordination, Bad Influence, Unhappiness, Immoral
Reversed: Respite, Divorce, Cleansing, Enlightenment
XVI The Tower
Divinatory: Sudden Change, Misery, Disruption, Loss, Setback
Reversed: Imprisoned, Opression, Stuck in a rut
XVII The Star
Divinatory: Hope, Good Omen, Pleasure, Fulfillment
Reversed: Bad Luck, Removal of bad influences, Disappointment
XVIII The Moon
Divinatory: Trickery, Caution, Deceit, Unknown enemies
Reversed: Overcome temptation, Taking advantage of someone
XVIX The Sun
Divinatory: Contentment, Love, Devotion, New friend/influence
Reversed: Unhappiness, Broken engagement, Cancelled plans
XX Judgement
Divinatory: Need to forgive, Rejuvenation, Improvement, Someone may be taking advantage of you and will regret it soon, Promotion
Reversed: Disappointment, Theft, Procrastination, Apathy
XXI The World
Divinatory: Completion, Ultimate Change, Fulfillment
Reversed: Disappointment, Ignorance
The Layout
Generally, Tarot is dealt with a ten card spread.
Card 1 - Present Position
Card 2 - Immediate Influence
Card 3 - Goal or Destiny
Card 4 - Distant Past Foundation
Card 5 - Recent Past Events
Card 6 - Future Influence
Card 7 - The Questioner
Card 8 - Environmental Factors
Card 9 - Inner Emotions
Card 10 - Final Result
The Questioner sits at the Cards 7-10 side of the table and the Reader sits at the Card 6 side of the table. As the Questioner, you must completely concentrate solely on your question and focus that energy into the deck you shuffle. With the Ten Card Spread it is better to truly define the question. By this I mean, if you are after a yes or no answer you'd be better off doing a one card draw to answer. For example: 'Does he love me?' requires a yes or no answer. Where-as 'What do I need to know in order to retain his love?' Might be more appropriate to get a true idea as to what you're looking for.
As the Reader, you must be absolutely free of thoughts, so to not taint the reading with your own energy or perceptions. Always read purely what you see and not try to guess what the question was or you'll just ruin the whole reading. It's always best to find out what the question was at the end so can fine tune and understand what you read.
The 56 Minor Arcana are:
Ace of Swords
Divinatory: Strength, Power, Success
Reversed: Self Destruction, Embarressment, Disaster
Two of Swords
Divinatory: Harmony, Affection, Balance
Reversed: Disloyalty, Treachery, Lies
Three of Swords
Divinatory: Sorrow, Dicersion, Seperation
Reversed: Confusion, Disorder, Anxieties
Four of Swords
Divinatory: Replenishment, Solitude, Retreat
Reversed: Activity, Ecomomy, Precaution
Five of Swords
Divinatory: Defeat, Degradation, Dishonour
Reversed: Weakness, Seduction, Burial
Six of Swords
Divinatory: Travel, Accomplishment, Triumph
Reversed: Confession, No immediate solution to current problem
Seven of Swords
Divinatory: Fortitude, Endeavor, Design
Reversed: Quarrels, Gossip, Slander
Eight of Swords
Divinatory: Conflict, Bad News, Illness
Reversed: Depression, Accident, Fatality
Nine of Swords
Divinatory: Misery, Miscarriage, Anxiety
Reversed: Suspician, Doubt, Gossip
Ten of Swords
Divinatory: Misfortune, Anguish, Disappointment
Reversed: Temporary Fortune / Favour, Benefit, Profit
Page of Swords
Divinatory: Insight, Vigilance, Alert
Reversed: Ill prepared, Truth Revealed
Knight of Swords
Divinatory: Bravery, In Pursuit, Steadfast
Reversed: Disunion, Ruin, Mistakes
Queen of Swords
Divinatory: Perception, Solitude, Wise
Reversed: Malicious Influence, Deceit, Vengeance
King of Swords
Divinatory: Superiority, Wisdom, Analytical
Reversed: Cruelty, Selfishness, Perversity
Ace of Wands
Divinatory: Enterprise, Inheritance, Birth
Reversed: Decadence, Empty Existance, Cancellation
Two of Wands
Divinatory: Maturity, Courage, Goals Attained
Reversed: Faithless, Loss, Trouble
Three of Wands
Divinatory: Commerce, Enterprise, Trade
Reversed: Treachery, Beware of 'Help' offered
Four of Wands
Divinatory: Romance, Harmony, Prosperity
Reversed: Insecurity, Loss of Love, Left Behind
Five of Wands
Divinatory: Struggle, Strife, Obstacles
Reversed: Treachery, Caution Against Indecision
Six of Wands
Divinatory: Good News, Promotion, Fruition
Reversed: Apprehension, Disloyalty, False Profit/Benefit
Seven of Wands
Divinatory: Gain, Success, Victory
Reversed: Indecision, Hesitation Causes Loss
Eight of Wands
Divinatory: Sudden progress that's 'too' quick
Reversed: Jealousy, Harrassment, Quarrels
Nine of Wands
Divinatory: Deception, Discipline, Treachery
Reversed: Obstacles, Displeasures, Ill Health
Ten of Wands
Divinatory: Under Pressure, Burdens, Stress
Reversed: Subterfuge, Difficulties, Loss
Page of Wands
Divinatory: Good Friend, Good Intentions, Good News
Reversed: Reluctance, Indecision, Displeasure
Knight of Wands
Divinatory: Journey, Moving, Travel
Reversed: Divorce, Break-Up, Discord
Queen of Wands
Divinatory: Friend, Loyalty, Sincerity
Reversed: Jealousy, Deceit, Fickle
King of Wands
Divinatory: Wise, Mature, Friendly
Reversed: Excessive and Exagerated Ideas
Ace of Cups
Divinatory: Fulfillment, Fertility, Happiness
Reversed: Change, Instabilty, Unrequited Love
Two of Cups
Divinatory: Love, Friendship, Union
Reversed: Troubled Relationship, Seperation
Three of Cups
Divinatory: Resolution, Solace, Healing
Reversed: Delays, Excessive Pleasures
Four of Cups
Divinatory: Disappointment, Unhappiness, Stagnant
Reversed: New Relationship / Possibilities / Knowledge
Five of Cups
Divinatory: Regret, Marriage Without Love
Reversed: Hope, Return of an Old Friend
Six of Cups
Divinatory: Nostalgia, Memories, Longing
Reversed: Opportunities, Notable Future Events Arising
Seven of Cups
Divinatory: Dreams, Imagination, Unrealistic Ambition
Reversed: Desire, Willpower, Goal Almost Acheived
Eight of Cups
Divinatory: Shy, Modest, Disappointment - Lack of Effort
Reversed: Happiness, Success - Due to Effort
Nine of Cups
Divinatory: Success, Abundance, Victory
Reversed: Falsehood, Mistakes, Opposition
Ten of Cups
Divinatory: Esteem, Virtue, Good Family Life
Reversed: Family Quarrel, Strife, Loss of Friendship
Page of Cups
Divinatory: Reflection, Loyalty, Trustworthy
Reversed: Temporary Distraction
Knight of Cups
Divinatory: Request, Proposal, Challenge
Reversed: Deception, Fraud, Trickery
Queen of Cups
Divinatory: Beloved, Adored, Practical
Reversed: Immoral, Dishonest, Liar
King of Cups
Divinatory: Professional Influence, Generous, Reliable
Reversed: Scandal, Injustice, Dodgy Deals
Ace of Pentacles
Divinatory: Wealth, Material Gain / Possessions
Reversed: Corruption by Wealth, Miser
Two of Pentacles
Divinatory: Obstacles, Set Backs
Reversed: Message, News, Writing
Three of Pentacles
Divinatory: Skill, Trade, Status
Reversed: Lack of Skill, Mediocrity
Four of Pentacles
Divinatory: Skinflint, Miser, User
Reversed: Spendthrift, Obstacles
Five of Pentacles
Divinatory: Destitution, Failure, Cheating - Mistress / Lover
Reversed: Overcoming Ruin / Obstacles
Six of Pentacles
Divinatory: Charity, Generosity, Material Gain
Reversed: Selfish, Debts, Jealousy
Seven of Pentacles
Divinatory: Wealth, Progress, Gain
Reversed: Bad Investments, Loss of Money
Eight of Pentacles
Divinatory: Apprenticeship, Gain New Skills
Reversed: Hypocrisy, Vanity
Nine of Pentacles
Divinatory: Discretion, Foresight, Safety
Reversed: Danger, Loss - Friendship / Possessions
Ten of Pentacles
Divinatory: Prosperity, Inheritance, Ancestry
Reversed: Gambling, Robbery
Page of Pentacles
Divinatory: Desire for Knowledge - Scholarship / Study
Reversed: Dillusional, Wasteful, Illogical
Knight of Pentacles
Divinatory: Mature, Reliable, Patient
Reversed: Inertia, Stagnant, Lack of Ideas
Queen of Pentacles
Divinatory: Prosperity, Luxury, Dignity
Reversed: Suspicious, Vicious, Driven by Fear
King of Pentacles
Divinatory: Professional Influence, Reliable, Stable
Reversed: Corruption, Unfaithful, Danger
In essence, Tarot is a great tool to help provide you with options and answers. Find the deck that suits you best and find the reader that you instinctively can trust. If you have any queries about Tarot or want a reading done, then by all means leave me a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
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