Tarot cards have been tickling people’s fancy for ages. They ain’t just pretty cards with fancy designs; they open a window into our deepest thoughts and emotions. At first, you might think it’s just superstition, but Tarot is a whole lot more than that.
As a Buddhist, LotusBuddhas does not believe in divination, or something fateful, predicting the future. However, in order for readers to have a more objective view of aspects in life, LotusBuddhas decided to share knowledge related to Tarot Cards. The content of the article is referenced from his brother who is currently a famous Tarot Reader in SaiGon, Vietnam.
You see, Tarot is an ancient way of divining that’s been around for donkey’s years, helping folks get a grip on their lives. It ain’t about fortune-telling, but more like digging up hidden truths that lie within us. Each card in the Tarot deck has its own special meaning, and when mixed with the others, it can give you a rich and layered reading.
If you’re a Tarot newbie, it can seem a bit daunting. But remember, Tarot is all about self-reflection and growth. It can help you wrap your head around your feelings, your relationships, and what you’re meant to do in life. And with the right Tarot reader, it can be a real magical experience.
So why not take the plunge? As my bro, a talented Tarot reader, would say, “Dive into the magic of Tarot.” You never know what eye-opening discoveries you might make about yourself. Who knows, you might even unearth hidden parts of your soul that you never knew were there.
Overview of Tarot cards
Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards that folks use for divination, meditation, and getting a glimpse into personal and spiritual stuff. They’re split into the Major Arcana (22 cards for big life events and archetypes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards for everyday life and experiences).
People often whip out Tarot cards for readings, asking questions and looking to the cards for guidance or insight.
In the Minor Arcana, you’ve got 16 Court cards that stand for different personality traits we can rock at any given moment. Plus, there are 40 numbered cards in 4 sets, each set of 10 cards symbolizing different day-to-day situations.
Tarot reading is all about channelling wisdom and guidance through a specific spread (or arrangement) of the cards. But, contrary to what some might think, the cards don’t just spill the beans on your fate, and the reader doesn’t need psychic powers.
Instead, the cards aim to shed light on the deepest truths of who you are, helping you become more aware of what you already know. Most decks come with a booklet so you can get to know the ins and outs of the deck.
The Minor Arcana in Tarot focuses on the nitty-gritty of life, offering insight into our challenges, talents, opportunities, and the rollercoaster of experiences we go through. On top of that, Tarot’s got these magical symbols representing the 4 elements: the Wand for Fire, the Sword for Air, the Grail for Water, and the Pentacles for Earth. These symbols can hint at attitudes and moods, like someone being hot-headed or “up in the air” or “down-to-earth.”
The importance of each card depends on the question, the reader, the person getting the reading, and the positions of the other cards in the spread. Based on each card’s meaning, the Tarot Reader can give interpretations that fit the situation and story or provide an overview of an issue.
Tarot reading’s been a thing for centuries and is still a hit today among people wanting a deeper understanding of themselves and their lives.
Origin of Tarot cards
The origin of Tarot cards has got historians and scholars scratching their heads. Some folks reckon they were created in ancient Egypt or China, but there’s not much solid proof to back up those claims.
Most eggheads agree that the first known Tarot cards popped up in Italy during the 15th century. Back then, they were used for playing games kinda like today’s bridge or poker and didn’t have the mystical or divination vibe they’re known for now.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century that Tarot cards started being used for fortune-telling and spiritual stuff. This change of heart was mainly thanks to French occultists like Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (who went by the pen name “Etteilla”), who spread the word that Tarot cards had secret meanings and could give you a sneak peek into the future.
Since then, Tarot cards have become a go-to tool for spiritual soul-searching and self-discovery, with heaps of different decks and interpretations to suit everyone’s tastes and beliefs.
The first Tarot deck
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is one of the oldest and most famous Tarot decks out there. It was whipped up in Italy during the mid-15th century for the Visconti and Sforza families, who were the big shots of the time.
This Tarot deck’s got 78 cards, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Major Arcana cards show off archetypal figures and ideas, while the Minor Arcana cards are split into four suits (Swords, Cups, Coins, and Staves) and show scenes from day-to-day life.
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is famous for its top-notch artistry and craftsmanship. Loads of the cards have fancy gold leaf and detailed illustrations. The deck was probably made by a bunch of artists and craftsmen working under the watchful eye of the Visconti and Sforza families, and it was likely used for games and social shindigs.
Nowadays, only 15 complete Visconti-Sforza Tarot decks are known to exist, with many of the surviving cards tucked away in museums and private collections around the world. Despite being rarer than hen’s teeth, the Visconti-Sforza Tarot is still a big hit among Tarot fans and historians.
Types of Tarot spreads
There are many different types of Tarot spreads that can be used for divination and spiritual exploration. Here are a few examples:
- Three-card spread: This is a simple and popular spread that consists of three cards. The first card represents the past, the second card represents the present, and the third card represents the future.
- Celtic Cross spread: This is a more complex spread that consists of ten cards. The first six cards represent different aspects of the present situation, while the remaining four cards represent the future.
- Relationship spread: This spread is designed specifically to explore the dynamics of a relationship. It consists of seven cards, with each card representing a different aspect of the relationship, such as communication, trust, and intimacy.
- Career spread: This spread is used to explore career and work-related issues. It typically consists of five or six cards, with each card representing a different aspect of career, such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
- Astrological spread: This spread is based on the twelve signs of the zodiac and is used to explore issues related to astrology and the influence of the stars. It consists of twelve cards, with each card representing a different zodiac sign and the associated traits and influences.
These are just a few examples of the many different Tarot spreads that can be used. The specific spread chosen will depend on the question being asked and the individual preferences of the Tarot reader.
Uses of Tarot cards
Tarot cards have a bunch of uses that can help folks tackle problems and get through tough times in their lives. These cards can be handy for creative visualization, meditation, self-improvement, and getting to know yourself better. Plus, Tarot cards can be used for divination, prophecy, or even just as plain ol’ playing cards.
Some people might see Tarot cards as just artsy drawings on paper, but those who’ve been using them regularly for spiritual exploration and guidance can vouch for their power as a tool to tap into inner wisdom. The 78 Tarot cards dish out spiritual lessons that can be applied to all aspects of life, and when used for divination, they can show you the exact lessons you need to learn to live a satisfying life.
Using Tarot cards is like holding up a mirror to your subconscious, letting you access the wisdom and answers within. Tarot cards can help with self-development, making decisions, manifesting goals, coaching others, business planning, career growth, writing books, and meditation. Tarot is more than just a fortune-telling tool – it’s a powerful ally for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
How to read Tarot cards as a beginner
If you’re a beginner interested in learning how to read Tarot cards, here are some steps to help get you started:
- Choose a deck: There are many different Tarot decks to choose from, so it’s important to select a deck that resonates with you. Take some time to browse different decks and choose one that appeals to your personal style and intuition. The most common deck is the Rider-Waite deck, which is a good option for beginners.
- Get familiar with the cards: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the cards and their meanings. Read the accompanying guidebook that comes with the deck, or look up meanings online. Start with the major arcana, which are the 22 cards that represent major life events or themes, and then move on to the minor arcana, which are divided into four suits and represent everyday experiences.
- Develop your intuition: Tarot readings are based on the reader’s intuition and psychic abilities, so it’s important to develop your own intuitive skills. You can do this by practicing meditation, journaling, or other activities that help you tap into your inner guidance.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with reading the cards. Practice on yourself or with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for feedback.
- Learn different spreads: There are many different spreads, or layouts, that can be used for Tarot readings. Start with a simple three-card spread and then move on to more complex spreads as you become more comfortable with the cards.
- Trust your intuition: Remember that Tarot readings are a tool to help you tap into your inner wisdom and guidance. Trust your intuition and don’t be afraid to follow your own insights and interpretations of the cards.
- Seek guidance from experienced readers: Joining a Tarot community or seeking guidance from experienced readers can be helpful as you learn. They can offer insights and help answer any questions you may have.
Even though loads of people think Tarot cards can predict the future, their main gig isn’t really to foresee specific events. Instead, Tarot cards are best used to tap into your intuition and inner wisdom.
The images on the cards give you a direct line to your subconscious and intuition, helping you access your inner strength and wisdom, so you can make positive changes and chase your goals and dreams.
For example, if you’re on the lookout for a new romantic relationship, instead of pulling a card to predict if Prince Charming is on his way, you can ask the cards how to attract love. When you draw the Ten of Cups and see a happy family dancing under a rainbow, it’s a reminder that to find love, you’ve gotta have a clear vision of what you wanna achieve and attract.
This simple act of visualizing your dream relationship can have a subtle but powerful effect on your ability to find new love. Instead of waiting for someone to stumble upon you, you can take the reins and find them.
Tarot cards make an instant connection with our subconscious, letting us access the wisdom of our higher selves. From this place, we can bring that wisdom into our conscious awareness and act accordingly.
You might already be clued up on the message or insight you get from a Tarot card, in which case the reading just confirms what you already know is true. Or, you might not get the message until you see it in the cards, giving you the power to act based on your newfound understanding.
Keep in mind that Tarot reading is a journey, and it takes time to hone your skills. With patience, practice, and an open mind, you can become a top-notch Tarot reader over time.
Things to learn to become a Tarot reader
Becoming a Tarot reader requires a thorough understanding of the meanings of each Tarot card and how to interpret them within a reading, as well as the ability to apply various Tarot spreads to different situations.
Developing intuition and psychic abilities is also important to connect with the cards on a deeper level and provide accurate readings. Effective communication skills, such as active listening and providing non-judgmental feedback, are essential for creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients. Continuing education and practice are also crucial for refining skills and gaining confidence.
One can learn the art of Tarot reading by reading books or taking courses, and even obtaining a certificate. Online courses are available and the Tarot Certification Board of America offers seven levels of certification, which require experience in Tarot reading and passing standardized tests.
Psychology plays an important role in Tarot, from analyzing and synthesizing card imagery to observing and engaging in cold reading. A skilled reader can provide feedback that is both pleasing and true to the card and customer. Developing listening and questioning skills can help readers gain a more intuitive understanding of their clients.
While linguistic interpretation is common in Tarot readings, the spiritual element should not be ignored. Some still refer to themselves as diviners, while others view the Tarot as a tool to reach the subconscious and gain self-understanding.
The best Tarot deck
There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” Tarot deck, since heaps of different decks have popped up with various themes and imagery since the early 1900s when the Rider-Waite deck first hit the scene. While Rider-Waite is one of the most popular decks out there, there are hundreds of other decks to choose from, each with its own unique vibe and themes.
Some decks take inspiration from popular books like The Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, and My Little Pony, while others dive into themes like Kamasutra, Steampunk, Hollywood, or even Gummy Bears. Other decks, like The Crowley Thoth Tarot, The Golden Tarot, and The Wildwood Tarot, have more of a worldwide appeal.
When picking a deck, it’s key to trust your gut and go for the one whose themes and images click with you the most.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on Tarot and its purpose, I encourage you to connect with your intuition, whip out your Tarot cards, and not just predict your future, but make it happen. Remember to keep an open mind and believe in the magic of miracles.
Video describing the process of reading Tarot cards
LotusBuddhas – Reference: biddytarot.com
