Tarot card reading, a type of cartomany, involves practitioners using tarot cards to seek insights into the past, present, or future. They pose a question and then draw cards to interpret the answer. A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Additionally, French-suited playing cards or any card system with suits linked to identifiable elements, such as air, earth, fire, and water, may also be utilized.
Early French occultists claimed that tarot cards were connected to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, Indic Tantra, or the I Ching, and these claims have been often echoed by card divination authors. However, scholarly research indicates that tarot cards, originally created for gaming in early 15th century Italy, were not significantly used for divination until the late 18th century. Historians have even referred to the western perception of the Tarot as "the subject of the most successful propaganda campaign ever launched," stating that occultists fabricated an entire false history and interpretation of the Tarot pack, which has become nearly universally accepted.
The association of tarot cards with divinatory meanings is often linked to a belief in their occult properties, a view widely held in early modern Europe and promoted by notable Protestant clerics and Freemasons, including Court de Gébelin.
Since becoming a tool for divination in 18th-century France, the tarot has been adopted for hermeneutic, magical, mystical, semiotic, and psychological purposes. It has been utilized by Romani fortune-tellers, as a Jungian tool for accessing the unconscious's "absolute knowledge," for archetypal analysis, and even to aid the Jungian process of individuation.
In addition to their use in divination by professional cartomancers, tarot cards are also widely utilized as a tool for personal guidance and spiritual growth. Practitioners often hold the belief that tarot cards can assist individuals in exploring their spiritual paths.
Those who employ tarot for personal divination might seek insights on a broad range of topics, from health or financial concerns to what they consider spiritually beneficial for themselves. The manner in which practitioners utilize the cards for such personal inquiries varies greatly with individual beliefs. For instance, some may hold the view that the cards themselves magically provide answers, while others might believe that a supernatural force or mystical energy is directing the cards into a specific arrangement.
How Tarot Works: What is a Tarot Reading?
Tarot is a divination tool comprising a set of 78 unique illustrated cards. Each card has its own meaning, developed over centuries by numerous Tarot practitioners and scholars.
In a Tarot reading, a subset of these cards is typically selected at random to address questions and offer insights. The reader interprets the cards by examining the imagery, colours, symbols, interactions among the figures, conventional meanings, and crucially, their own intuitive insights, to decipher the messages the Tarot may be imparting.
The magic that Tarot cards seem to hold may feel incredibly mystical, but in truth, that magic originates from within you! It lies in your capacity to engage with your Tarot reading attentively and with genuine intent.
Each Tarot reader brings a distinct approach to the cards and their readings. However, it's crucial first to understand some fundamental principles of Tarot reading. These principles are vital for interacting with the cards in a way that is both healthy and empowering.
Engage with Tarot through intuition
Tarot is an ancient system representing 78 archetypal energies, each with a specific name and meaning. However, interpreting Tarot is not akin to solving a mathematical problem. There isn't one correct answer or interpretation to uncover. Rather, Tarot engages the power of your intuition.
The instinctive feelings you have about the meanings of the cards, individually and collectively, stem from your mind, emotions, intuition, memories, personal associations, and your link to the collective unconscious. Combining all these elements leads to your unique insights.
Your interpretations may not seem logical at first, but that's not necessary. Tarot is deeply rooted in trusting your intuition, and your proficiency in this will develop as you engage with the cards and learn to differentiate your inner voice from outside influences.
Asking the Cards: How to Ask Questions in a Tarot Reading
The secret to an exceptional Tarot reading lies in knowing how to formulate your questions and being honest with yourself about your circumstances.
Begin with open-ended questions. Avoid those that can be resolved with a simple "Yes" or "No," and steer clear of requests for unequivocal answers. Tarot serves as a means to explore potential outcomes, not as a device for dispensing straightforward fixes.
If your first instinct is to ask a question that's too narrow, consider broadening your inquiry. A useful technique is to uncover the implicit questions within your apparent quandary.
Are you uncertain about accepting a new job offer? Rather than simply deciding whether to accept the job you've been offered (a straightforward Yes/No question), consider exploring questions like:
"What experiences might I encounter in this new role?"
"How can I follow a career path that will bring me fulfilment?"
"What reasons are there for this opportunity arising now?"
Concerned about a relationship issue? Instead of questioning whether to end the relationship (a direct Yes/No question) or seeking the name of a more suitable partner (a question with a specific answer), reflect on these thoughts:
"What steps can I take to ready myself for a lasting relationship?"
"How can my partner and I strengthen our connection?"
"What is causing me to feel so troubled by this situation?"
Consider Tarot not as an omniscient oracle, but rather as a friend or trusted advisor. By posing a question that initiates a dialogue, you're more likely to gain confidence and clarity.
Don't fret if stress, confusion, or being overwhelmed hinders you from formulating a question. At times, it's enough to express, "I'm at a loss! I need assistance!" This allows you to delve into the cards and discover insights.
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