Tarot

Origin of Tarot

Tarot originated in the 15th century in Europe, probably in Italy or France. The oldest known tarot cards were not esoteric instruments, but intended for a card game called Tarocchi . The game was played by the aristocracy and had no mystical associations.

It was not until the 18th century that occultists began to link tarot to mysticism and divination. French scholar Antoine Court de Gébelin was one of the first to claim that tarot cards contained hidden esoteric wisdom, possibly originating in ancient Egypt. Later, esoteric thinkers such as Éliphas Lévi and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn added elements of Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy to tarot interpretations.

The Tarot Cards

A tarot deck usually consists of 78 cards , divided into two main groups:

  1. The Major Arcana (22 cards)
    • These cards represent universal life lessons and spiritual themes.
    • Well-known cards are The Fool (0) , The Magician (I) , The High Priestess (II) , Death (XIII) and The World (XXI) .
  2. The Minor Arcana (56 cards)
    • These are similar to a standard deck of cards and consist of four suits:
      • Wands (element Fire, passion and action)
      • Cups (Water element, emotions and relationships)
      • Swords (element Air, intellect and conflict.

Tarot in Culture and Symbolism

Tarot has been interwoven with various esoteric and spiritual traditions throughout the ages. Here are a few ways in which tarot has been integrated into culture:

  • Mysticism and esotericism
    Tarot became associated with occult traditions such as the Kabbalah, astrology and alchemy from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an influential esoteric group, played a major role in developing deeper interpretations of tarot.

  • Psychology and introspection
    Famed psychologist Carl Jung saw tarot as a way to explore archetypes and the collective unconscious. Many modern practitioners use tarot not only for fortune telling, but also as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth .

  • Pop culture
    Tarot cards appear in films, TV shows and literature, often as mystical or symbolic elements. Well-known examples can be seen in films such as The Matrix and Penny Dreadful , and books such as The Night Circus .

How Does a Tarot Reading Work?

A tarot reading is not a set prediction of the future, but rather a way to gain insight into your current situation and possible directions. Here is how the process usually goes:

  1. The Question of Intention

    • A reading often starts with a specific question or an open intention.
    • Examples: What do I need to know about my career? or What can I expect in my love life?

  2. Shuffling and Drawing the Cards

    • The cards are shuffled and laid out in a specific pattern (layout).
    • Well-known layouts are:
      • The Three Card Spread (Past – Present – ​​Future)
      • The Celtic Cross (an in-depth 10-card reading)
      • Single card spread (for quick insights)

  3. Interpretation of the Cards

    • The meaning of the cards depends on:
      • Their individual symbolism (for example: Death often means transformation, not literally passing away).
      • Their position in the spread (for example, a card in the "past" gives context to a situation).
      • Reversed cards can have an opposite or weakened meaning.

  4. Intuitive and Personal Meaning

    • Tarot readers combine traditional meanings with intuition and context. Sometimes they get associations or feelings about a card that apply specifically to the person.

Science vs. Spirituality

While tarot is considered by some to be purely spiritual or mystical, others see it as a form of introspection and self-analysis. There is no scientific evidence that tarot can predict the future, but it can help with mental reflection and insight .

Want to delve deeper into a specific aspect, like an explanation of the cards or how to choose your own tarot deck? 😊

Great! Let's dig deeper into the meaning of the cards and how to choose your own tarot deck .

Meaning of the Tarot Cards

A tarot deck consists of 78 cards , divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana . Here is an overview of the most important cards and their symbolism.

The Major Arcana (22 cards)

These cards represent major life lessons and transformative events.

  1. The Fool (0) – Starting a new adventure, naivety, spontaneity
  2. The Magician (I) – Manifestation, Potency, Action
  3. The High Priestess (II) – Intuition, mysticism, the unconscious
  4. The Empress (III) – Fertility, creativity, nurturing
  5. The Emperor (IV) – Structure, Discipline, Authority
  6. The Hierophant (V) – Tradition, spiritual teachings, belief
  7. The Lovers (VI) – Relationships, Choices, Harmony
  8. The Chariot (VII) – Victory, determination, control
  9. Strength (VIII) – Inner strength, courage, self-control
  10. The Hermit (IX) – Self-reflection, wisdom, loneliness
  11. The Wheel of Fortune (X) – Destiny, Changes, Karma
  12. Justice (XI) – Truth, Balance, Responsibility
  13. The Hanged Man (XII) – Letting Go, New Perspectives, Surrender
  14. Death (XIII) – Transformation, Ending and New Beginnings
  15. Temperance (XIV) – Balance, patience, harmony
  16. The Devil (XV) – Addictions, temptation, material attachment
  17. The Tower (XVI) – Shocking Change, Breakthroughs, Liberation
  18. The Star (XVII) – Hope, inspiration, inner peace
  19. The Moon (XVIII) – Illusions, intuition, fears
  20. The Sun (XIX) – Success, joy, positivity
  21. The Judgment (XX) – Rebirth, Karma, An Important Decision
  22. The World (XXI) – Completion, Wholeness, Fulfillment

The Minor Arcana (56 cards)

These cards represent everyday events and are divided into four suits.

  • Wands (Fire – Passion & Action)

    • Ace of Wands – New Beginnings, Inspiration
    • Three of Wands – Expansion, planning ahead
    • Ten of Wands – Overload, Responsibility

  • Cups (Water – Emotions & Relationships)

    • Ace of Cups – New Love, Emotional Beginning
    • Three of Cups – Friendship, Celebration
    • Ten of Cups – Harmony, Family Happiness

  • Swords (Air – Intellect & Challenges)

    • Ace of Swords – Clarity, Truth
    • Three of Swords – Heartache, Sorrow
    • Ten of Swords – End, Letting Go

  • Pentacles (Earth – Material Matters & Stability)

    • Ace of Pentacles – New Financial Opportunities
    • Three of Pentacles – Cooperation, craftsmanship
    • Ten of Pentacles – Heritage, Long Term Success

How to Choose Your Own Tarot Deck?

There are hundreds of tarot decks available, so it can be overwhelming to choose one. Here are a few tips:

  1. Classic or modern?

    • The Rider-Waite Tarot is the most popular and accessible deck, ideal for beginners.
    • Thoth Tarot or Marseille Tarot are older, esoteric decks with complex symbolism.
    • There are also modern decks , such as the Wild Unknown Tarot or Light Seer's Tarot.

  2. What appeals to you?

    • Look at the illustrations: which ones evoke a feeling or connection?
    • Does the energy of the deck feel good to you?

  3. Physical or digital version?

    • Some people prefer physical cards, but there are also tarot apps and online tools.

  4. Follow intuition

    • Let your instincts guide you! The deck that attracts you the most is often the right one.