What is Tarot?
Tarot cards are centuries-old tools used for spiritual practice. They provide a form of visual storytelling that can be used for healing, personal growth, and providing advice and perspectives on life. Originally an Italian invention in the late 15th century, it has established itself as a form of divination around the world. Tarot decks vary in structure and artistry, but most contain 78 cards called the Major and Minor Arcana. This can be overwhelming at first for readers and even collectors.
What is the Structure of a Tarot Deck?
The typical tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana with 22 cards and the Minor Arcana with 56 cards. The Major Arcana, also called the Trumps, contains archetypal images of life, elements and emotions. They carry greater emphasis compared to the Minor Arcana and although their images can vary, they usually feature characters ranging from The Fool to The World.
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, covers the everyday aspects of life. Divided into four suits – Wands, Swords, Pentacles, and Cups – each suit has 14 cards of numbered Ace to 10 and four Court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Besides bearing different symbols that correspond to the four elements, they also represent different aspects of life and facets of human nature, such as the action-oriented Wand or the contemplative Cups.
What do the Cards Mean?
The imagery of Tarot has its own language which can help build an understanding of life’s cycles and events. When cards come together in a spread, they often reveal particular influences and a road map of possibilities. There are numerous theories about the meaning of each card and how they affect a person’s reading. They will vary depending on the individual’s perspective and interpretations.
For a beginner, it’s best to start by familiarizing oneself with the structure and symbolism of the cards. Through meditation and lots of practice, one will be able to understand how the cards can truly work together to show a possible future.
Conclusion
The Tarot is an ancient tool that can be a powerful medium for healing and personal growth. Knowing the structure and symbols of the cards is the basis for a successful tarot reading, and one can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world through practice and dedication.
“What is the difference between tarot and oracle cards?”
Tarot cards are a subset of oracle cards. Tarot cards have a set structure and their meanings are rooted in symbolism. Oracle cards, on the other hand, tend to be more free-form and their interpretations are based on intuition. Oracle cards often feature themes and keywords that vary greatly in comparison to tarot cards.
What is the purpose of tarot and oracle cards?
The purpose of tarot and oracle cards is to provide guidance and insight while exploring different ideas and perspectives. They are often used as a tool to stimulate self-reflection and spiritual growth. Additionally, tarot and oracle cards can sometimes be used for divination purposes in order to gain insight into potential future outcomes.