What-Is-Tarot?

Tarot cards first came on the scene in Italy , in about the 15^th Century.  They were originally used in a game, similar to Bridge, called Triumph.  Tarot cards have been thought to a “product” of the Gypsies, but that may not be so.  Early Gypsies used palm reading, primarily, and used ordinary playing cards for other readings. hundreds

Some would say that American card decks were fashioned from the Tarot, because of the addition of The Joker.  It is said this comes from The Fool in the Tarot deck.  Actually, the Joker was added to the American decks as a “wild card” for playing Poker.

Now, the Tarot deck has four suits, Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles.  These four suits make up the Minor Arcana.  It also has the Major Arcana, consisting of 21 numbered cards and the Fool.

The cards can be laid in many different “spreads” to answer  a question posed.  The most used spread for whole readings is the Celtic Cross.  This spread takes into account, the question from the seeker, the issues leading up to it, the present circumstances surrounding it, the other people involved and the possible results.  Remember, even these readings can change, simply because one of the factors involved changes.  The Celtic Cross is a good basic reading that allows the seeker to look at the big picture.

Keep in mind, that which you seek to have may also be , in having it, your greatest fear.

Some tarot readers will do simple three card or seven card readings to give the seeker a simple answer to a question.  This method works well with phone readings because it takes little time to get to the crux of the matter.

Studying the Tarot and understanding the meanings of the cards takes much time and effort.  The nuances are subtle, but can make all the difference in how the cards are interpreted.  Much depends on the reader and the “school” of thought they read their cards from.

Tarot reading is hard work.  But, the rewards of “seeing” how things fit together is amazing!

More about each card is in our Tarot Cards Section