The Tarot has been a device that has been used for centuries. Though how it came to be is not certain, there are many thoughts to where it may have come from. Just as there are many opinions on how the cards should be used. From a guide for foreseeing to that of meditation and growth.

The Tarot has been a device that has been used for centuries. Though how it came to be is not certain, there are many thoughts to where it may have come from. Just as there are many opinions on how the cards should be used. From a guide for foreseeing to that of meditation and growth.

Where did they come from? Several theories suggest that they originated in Egypt, Italy, and India. The Tarot has been traced back to at least the 15th century, however Cartomancy {the art of using the Cards } was been used before Egyptian time. Egyptians call them the Tarog, which translate into “The Kingly Way”. It is from this word and the French work Tareau , that the word Tarot comes to us in our culture.

In the earlier records the cards were used in games for the nobility, during the Renaissance period. The Italians called it Tronfi, or Trumphi. Around the early 1500’s, the name was change to Tarocchi and a game quickly came about using them. But, short there after the Cards were called Trumphi again and the game was called Tarocchi. Though the cards were known for the game, the most significant use was as an oracle.

During ancient Egyptian time, the priest would paint the symbols on their temple walls. When one had to consult the deities, one would throw sticks at the wall and then interpret their meanings by the way the stick fell and point at the symbols upon the wall. When one of their number, had to travel, they would copy the symbols to small leaves or papyrus. This deck was they connection with the gods upon the road of life and was sacred to them.

The modern day playing cards evolved from these first decks. The tarot deck is divided into two parts. The first the Trumps or the Major Arcana, represent the major events upon one journey in life. The second the Minor Arcana or Suits, represent the more common areas in our lives. “Original” playing decks used only the Minor Arcana, with the Page change to that of the Jack and the Knight removed. The suits of the play deck remained Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. But was changed by the common folk to the suits still used today: Hearts, Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds respectively…

The cards used for many things in the past, today have only a few especially common uses. What do people use them for? There are many answers. Some use them to reveal the hidden truths. As an ancient art they are used to help one understand oneself better. Though a reader will tell you the cards are to be used as a guide, to stop, warn, or get one or correct the path to reach one goals in life. In today world, the Cards have even been used in psychotherapy, to free one suppressed feelings, and to stimulate creative ideas.

By the use of spreads, the cards are read to answer the question of the seeker. There are as many spreads out there, as there are questions. Though many of today decks come with a booklet on how to interpret the Cards. A reader is encouraged to free interpret them and use their insight. This is what it is meant by the Cards “speaking” to someone…