What exactly is Tarot?
The allure of the mystical and the unknown has fascinated human beings throughout history. One of the most widely accessible and identified mediums that connects directly to the spiritual and the realms of the spiritual is Tarot reading. Often associated with fortune-telling and mysticism, Tarot has a long, rich history and has for centuries been a means for people to seek guidance through intuitive means. Below, we will explore the origins, symbolism, and significance of Tarot, aiming to demystify the cards and shed light on their multifaceted nature.
Origins of Tarot
The origins of Tarot are not precisely known, and there are various theories and speculations about its inception. While the exact origin remains elusive, the general consensus is that Tarot cards originated in the 15th century in Europe. Originally, they were not used for divination but rather as playing cards; with elaborate and richly decorated personal playing decks often commissioned by wealthy and noble families. One such example is the Visconti-Sforza deck, which was commissioned by the Visconti-Sforza family in Italy in the 15th century. Versions of this deck are still widely available and in use to this day; and this deck is the oldest remaining Tarot deck which most closely resembles the 78-card Tarot deck that we are familiar with today.
It wasn't until the late 18th century that Tarot cards gained popularity as tools for divination and spiritual insight. Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French clergyman and Freemason, wrote extensively about the mystical symbolism of the Tarot in his work "Le Monde Primitif." He suggested that the cards held ancient Egyptian knowledge and mystical secrets, paving the way for Tarot's association with esoteric wisdom. While the theory of Tarot’s ancient Egyptian association maintained popularity for several hundreds of years, there is no evidence to suggest such a connection, and this theory has mostly been disregarded by modern Tarot scholars.
The structure of a Tarot Deck
A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
Major Arcana: This set of 22 sequentially numbered cards (numbered from0-21) represents significant life events, archetypal figures, and spiritual lessons. Each card carries a unique symbolism and narrative, contributing to the overall story depicted by the Major Arcana. Another name by which the Tarot is commonly referred to is “The Fool’s Journey” which reflects the holistic and comprehensive way in which the Major Arcana depicts all of life’s pertinent lessons and experiences. Key cards include The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Lovers, and The World.
Minor Arcana: Comprising 56 cards, the Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (which were the precursors to today’s more commonly used Clubs, Hearts, Spades and Diamond card suits). Each suit has a card numbered from one to ten, as well as four Court Cards. The Court Cards are commonly depicted as the Page, Knight, Queen and King; though there are variations among decks (for example, some decks have a Prince and Princess in place of a Page and Knight, while other decks move entirely away from binary-gendered cards). Each suit corresponds to a specific element (fire, water, air, and earth) and addresses various aspects of daily life. The Minor Arcana is often associated with practical matters, emotions, thoughts, and material aspects.
Understanding the symbolism within each card is crucial for interpreting their meanings during a Tarot reading. This relates to not only the card’s independent symbolism and meaning, but also the ways in which that symbolism interacts with that present in the surrounding cards; as this can substantially shift the interpretation of a card.
Tarot as a tool for divination
One of the most common uses for Tarot is divination— that is, the practice of seeking guidance and insight through the interpretation of cards. Tarot readers, also known as cartomancers, tarotists or tarot practitioners, use various spreads or layouts to organise and interpret the cards. These spreads will vary dependent on the preference of the Tarot reader, the nature of the reading enquiry, and the purpose of the reading. There is no “one correct way” to shuffle, layout or interpret Tarot cards, and each individual Tarot reader is likely to have specific practices or rituals that enable them to provide the most accurate and connected interpretation of the cards
While divination is a central aspect of Tarot, it's essential to recognize that Tarot readings are not deterministic. Instead, they provide a snapshot of the energies surrounding a situation, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
Symbolism in Tarot Cards
The power of Tarot lies in its intricate symbolism, which serves as a visual language communicating profound truths and universal themes. Each card in the Tarot deck carries layers of symbolism, combining numerology, astrology, and archetypal imagery. Here's a brief exploration of some key symbols commonly found in Tarot cards:
Numerology: Each card in the Tarot is associated with a specific number, and numerology plays a crucial role in understanding the card's significance. For example, the number two is representative of balance, partnership and cooperation.
Astrology: The Tarot incorporates astrological elements, with each card corresponding to a zodiac sign, planet, or astrological house. The associations add depth to the cards and offer a broader perspective on their meanings.
Archetypal Imagery: Many Tarot cards depict archetypal figures and universal themes that resonate across cultures and time periods. The Fool, for instance, represents the journey of life with its ups and downs, while The High Priestess embodies intuition and mystery.
Elemental Connections: The four suits of the Minor Arcana—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles—are associated with the elements of fire, water, air, and earth, respectively. These elemental connections provide insights into various aspects of human experience, such as creativity, emotions, thoughts, and material concerns.
Style of Tarot Decks
As noted above, Tarot is not limited to a single set of images or symbols. Over the centuries, numerous artists and creators have designed their own interpretations of the Tarot deck, resulting in a vast array of styles and themes. Some popular variations include:
Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS): Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith and published in 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is one of the most widely used and recognised Tarot decks. Its detailed imagery and symbolism serve as the foundation for many modern Tarot decks.
Thoth Tarot: Created by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, the Thoth Tarot is known for its esoteric symbolism and connections to Crowley's teachings on mysticism and the occult. It features vibrant and complex imagery that reflects Crowley's spiritual philosophy, and is commonly known to be a challenging deck for Tarot readers to interpret and master.
Tarot de Marseille: Dating back to the 17th century, the Tarot de Marseille is one of the earliest Tarot decks. It features simple yet elegant illustrations with bold colors and geometric patterns. Many contemporary Tarot decks draw inspiration from the Tarot de Marseille.
Modern and Artistic Decks: In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in modern and artistic interpretations of the Tarot. Artists and illustrators create decks that showcase a wide range of styles, from minimalist and abstract designs to decks inspired by various cultural themes. The huge variety of emerging Tarot decks has also provided scope for greater representation within the Tarot, with significantly greater representation of a variety of cultures, lifestyles and interests being depicted within Tarot imagery. This has opened the Tarot up to be more accessible and appealing to a greater number of people!
Selecting a Tarot deck is a highly personal choice, and practitioners often choose decks that resonate with their aesthetic preferences, spiritual and cultural beliefs, or personal connections to specific themes.
Common misconceptions about Tarot
Despite its growing popularity and acceptance, Tarot is still surrounded by misconceptions that often stem from its historical associations with fortune-telling and the occult. Let's address some common misconceptions and clarify the true nature of Tarot:
Fortune-Telling vs. Guidance: Tarot readings are not about predicting a predetermined future. Instead, they offer guidance based on current energies and potential outcomes. The future is fluid, and individual choices can influence the path ahead.
Spiritual, Not Religious: While Tarot has spiritual elements, it is not tied to any specific religious doctrine. It is a versatile tool that can be adapted to various belief systems and spiritual practices.
Empowerment, Not Dependency: Tarot readings empower individuals to make informed decisions and gain self-awareness. They are not meant to create dependency on external guidance but rather to encourage autonomy and self-trust.
Tarot is a multifaceted and ancient practice that goes beyond mere fortune-telling. Its rich symbolism, deep-rooted history, and reflective potential make it a valuable tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. Tarot remains a timeless guide, offering insights into the complexities of our lives and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Whether used for divination, creative inspiration, or personal reflection, Tarot continues to be a source of wisdom and connection to the profound experiences that shape our existence.
