Some basic facts about Tarot

There are many different theories of where the Tarot originated. One of the more common stories is that Tarot was created in Italy during the 15th century as a parlour game. It became very popular, especially among the upper class, and it spread through Europe. It wasn't until centuries later that it would be recognized for it's magical symbolism and used as a divination tool.

The Cards

The Tarot has 78 cards per deck.
56 of these belong to the Minor Arcana
22 belong in the Major Arcana.
The Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits:
swords,
wands,
cups
pentacles.

In each suit there are 10 cards labeled ace through 10, and four cards, or the King, Queen, Knight, and Page.
In each suit, the cards will have a similar meaning.
For example, Aces may represent a beginning, or, in reverse, selfishness ruining those beginnings.

The cards will also have similar meanings, though they will change energies with the different suits. A good way to think of it is to give them personalities of the Elements. For example:

King - Fire Element - Passionate, commanding, authoritative.
Queen - Water Element -? Nurturing, empathetic, emotional.
Knight - Air Element - Intelligent, wise, logical.
Page - Earth Element - Grounding, humanity, steadiness.

The Major Arcana are the superheroes of the Tarot deck. They represent major life changes, events, or elements of the human psyche. They are the most influential in unlocking the mysteries of the Tarot, and can create great insight into the wider scheme of your life and self.

Major Arcana

The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant
The Lovers
The Chariot
Strength
The Hermit
The Wheel of Fortune
Justice
The Hanged Man
Death
Temperance
The Devil
The Tower
The Star
The Moon
The Sun
Judgement
The World


Spreads

There are many different ways that you can read the cards. These are called Tarot spreads. Below are some examples.


Three Card Spread:


1. Past
2. Present
3. Future

Five Card Spread:


Card 1:   The present or general theme of the reading
Card 2:   Past influences still having effect
Card 3:   The future
Card 4:   The reason behind the question (this will probably shed light on 2)
Card 5:   The potential within the situation.



This is a very useful spread when trying to decide a given course of action. Card 4 will often reveal a subconscious impulse - perhaps a blockage which is stopping you from achieving your desired result. Card 5 shows the possible results from taking a given course of action. The spread works best if, whilst selecting the cards, you concentrate on one aspect of the decision, rather than either/or type questions.



Celtic Cross:



1. The overall situation, or atmosphere surrounding the querant in regards to the question
2. What is influencing the situation for better or worse
3. Foundation of the issue
4. The past, or influence now passing away
5. What is on the querant's mind at this time
6. Near future or the influences coming into play
7. How the querant sees the situation or how it is influencing them at this point
8. How others view the querant in this situation and how this can help or hinder it
9. The querant's hopes, fear and emotions
10. Possible outcome if things continue on the path now taken