“What we see in the symbology of Tarot derives in large measure from our own intuition and, once revealed, reflects back upon each of us to further enrich our lives.” – The Encyclopedia of Tarot; vol. One; Stuart R. Kaplan
Divination (or scrying) is an age old practice of seeing the past, present, and future. Whether it be at the bottom of a cup of tea, a happenstance of stones thrown, or the drawing of a certain card from a deck, the ability to “tell the future” is a talent that may come easily, or a skill that may be learned.
Tarot has its origins in Italy more than 500 years ago. Other methods of divination, such as Runes, predate Tarot by 1000 years. I-Ching predating Tarot by 2500 years is a form of divination used by tossing coins or sticks. Tarot and Runes predict the future, whereas I-Ching give you options for your future. It could be said that Tarot (and Runes) gives you options, too. When you know what the outcome of a certain situation is, you have the option to change the path you are on, thus changing the future.
A Tarot deck consists of 78 cards. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits. Each suit consists of 14 cards. Just like a modern deck of cards. The suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.
The Major Arcana are the picture cards. Beginning with the Fool. Next are the Magician, the High Priestess, the Empress, the Emporor, the Heirophant, the Lovers, the Chariot, Strength, the Hermit, the Wheel of Fortune, Justice, the Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, the Devil, the Tower, the Star, the Moon, the Sun, Judgement, and finally ending with the World.
There are several common ways of drawing and laying out the cards. These are called spreads. The way the cards are laid out determine how they will be interpreted. There are many different types of Tarot decks, but the underlying meaning of each card is still the same. An inverted, or upside down, card will invert the meaning of the card.
As with Runes, Tarot can also be a profound form of meditation. By meditating on each card individually, not only will you come to a better understanding of the cards themselves, but also of your own self. Either way you use the cards, you will gain a better understanding of your life and the things that affect the paths you take.
