Overview of Tarot
Tarot is a set of cards used by people around the world to provide guidance and spiritual direction. There are many misconceptions around the practice of Tarot in modern culture, which has led to widespread misunderstandings and myths about what it can do and how it works. This article will separate fact from fiction, and debunk the common myths associated with the use of Tarot.
History of Tarot
Tarot has been used for centuries as a form of divination, especially among psychics and spiritual healers. The exact origin of Tarot is unclear, but it is believed to have been first used in Italy during the 15th century. According to some, Tarot cards originated from a game played by gypsies in Italy in which players used Tarot cards to tell tales and predict the future.
Tarot continued to be used primarily as a divination tool, but it has also been used as an artistic medium and used in meditation, counseling, and self-discovery. In the 20th century, particularly in the Western world, Tarot gradually gained popularity as a way to gain insight and explore spirituality. This newfound popularity has led to a range of misconceptions and myths associated with the practice.
The Real Purpose of Tarot
The primary purpose of Tarot is ultimately to explore, rather than predict, the future. The cards provide a means of hashing out complex and confounding issues. Using a combination of intuition and card interpretation, Tarot can provide some clarity and direction in matters of love, health, career and much more.
Contrary to popular belief, the cards themselves do not predict the future. They are simply tools to enable a storyteller to explore the past, present and potential future. In this way, they can be used as a reflection of one’s life and to help unlock answers to certain problems.
The Different Types of Tarot
There are many different types of Tarot decks available. Traditional decks include the four suits — wands, cups, swords and pentacles — as well as the major arcana, which is a collection of 22 trumps or trump cards. This is the most common type of Tarot deck, but some decks have also been created with different cultural influences, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
In addition to traditional decks, there are also modernized versions, such as tarotscopes, which are specifically designed to aid in different career paths. No matter the type of deck, all Tarot decks have 78 cards and are interpreted differently.
Myth: Tarot is the Same as Fortune-Telling
One of the common myths associated with Tarot is that it is the same as fortune-telling. This misconception is rooted in the idea that Tarot can tell the future, which is untrue. As stated previously, Tarot cards are used to explore the possible outcomes of certain life situations. They are not a magical solution that can give definitive answers — instead, they can provide a framework in which to think creatively and reflect on the current situation.
Myth: Tarot is Evil or Related to Witchcraft
Another common myth associated with Tarot is that it is an evil or dark form of magic, or related to witchcraft. This belief is unfounded and not supported by any evidence. In fact, Tarot does not have any kind of psychological or magical power over the reader or any other person. Instead, Tarot should be viewed as a source of insight and guidance, which can be used to help make decisions and solve life situations.
Myth: Tarot is Difficult to Interpret
A pervasive myth is that Tarot is difficult to interpret. The truth is that Tarot is actually quite simple to interpret. All Tarot decks come with accompanying booklets or instruction manuals which explain the meaning of each card and provide context on how to read the cards in a variety of contexts.
The most important advice for those looking to interpret Tarot is to focus on the quality of the interpretation and not on the quantity. The key to interpreting Tarot effectively is to be open-minded and understand that there is a wide range of interpretations that can be made.
Myth: You Must Have Psychic Abilities to Read Tarot
Another common myth around Tarot is that it can only be read by psychics and other gifted individuals. In reality, anyone can learn how to read Tarot, regardless of their psychic ability. All that is necessary is a basic understanding of the meanings of the cards and a willingness to explore different interpretations.
Myth: You Have To Have A “Gift” To Read Tarot
The idea that one must possess a “gift” in order to be able to read Tarot is simply untrue. While some people may have an innate ability to interpret Tarot cards in a more spiritual way, this is not required to read Tarot. In fact, anyone can learn how to read Tarot by doing research and/or taking classes, and can eventually gain mastery of the skill.
Wrapping Up
Tarot can be a powerful tool for gaining insights into your life, but it is important to remember that it is not a magical solution to all of life’s problems. By separating fact from fiction, and debunking the common myths associated with the use of the Tarot, it is possible to gain a better understanding of its real purpose and potential.