Tarot Cards

Tarot Cards originated in the Middle Ages, probably in 15th Century Northern Italy.
They were first designed as a pastime to play games with.
The first cards were rare and hand-painted. They became widespread with the invention of the printing press.
By the late 18th century, Tarot Cards used for telling fortunes and special custom decks appeared.
Etteilla made the first pack of occult cards around 1789 based on Ancient Egyptian themes.
The Tarot pack is divided into two parts – the Minor Arcana (suited cards), and the Major Arcana (unsuited cards).
The four suits are usually SWORDS, CUPS, COINS (pentacles / discs) and BATONS (wands / rods / staves).
The unsuited cards are: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Lovers, The Hierophant (Pope), Strength, The Hermit, The Chariot, Justice, The Hanged Man, The Wheel of Fortune, Death, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Sun, The Moon, Judgement, The Fool, The World, and Temperance (Angel).
There is a “spread” for every occasion. Different types of “reading” serve different purposes: A three-card reading can represent past / present/ future; a single card signifies the day ahead or can answer a specific question; a seven-card spread may represent the coming week.
Many people use Tarot Cards to guide their personal daily decisions.
Do they predict the future? Or do they merely help focus our thoughts to deal with everyday events? What do you think?

Sources:

“A Beginners Guide to Tarot Cards.” The Cut at http://www.thecut.com/article/tarot.cards

(Photo: Public Domain)

2 responses to “Tarot Cards”

Kit Perriman