The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination - An Illustrated Book with 14 Chapters
The Tarot History Symbolism And Divination Pdf 14
The tarot is a fascinating and mysterious subject that has intrigued many people for centuries. The tarot is a set of 78 cards that can be used for various purposes, such as divination, meditation, self-discovery, art, psychology, etc. But what is the origin and meaning of these cards? How can they help us understand ourselves and our lives better? In this article, we will explore the history, symbolism, and divination of the tarot in detail. We will also provide you with a link to download a free PDF book that contains 14 chapters on these topics. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in tarot, this article will enrich your knowledge and inspire your curiosity.
The Tarot History Symbolism And Divination Pdf 14
What is the tarot?
The word "tarot" comes from the Italian word "tarocchi", which means "trumps" or "cards". The tarot is a collection of 78 cards that are divided into two main groups: the major arcana (22 cards) and the minor arcana (56 cards). The major arcana are also known as the trump cards or the soul cards. They represent the major themes and lessons in life, such as love, death, justice, etc. The minor arcana are also known as the suit cards or the personality cards. They represent the minor aspects and details in life, such as work, money, family, etc.
The origin of the tarot is not clear. Some scholars believe that they originated in ancient Egypt or China. Others think that they came from India or Persia. Some suggest that they were influenced by Jewish mysticism or Christian symbolism. However, most historians agree that they were first used as playing cards in Europe in the 14th century. Later, they were adopted by occultists and mystics who saw deeper meanings and messages in them.
The history of the tarot
The history of the tarot is a long and complex one. It is not possible to cover it all in this article, but we will give you a brief overview of the main stages and events.
The origins of the tarot
The earliest evidence of the tarot cards dates back to the 14th century in Italy. They were called "carte da trionfi" or "cards of triumphs". They were used for a game called "tarocchi", which was similar to bridge or whist. The game involved four players who used 78 cards that consisted of four suits (coins, cups, swords, and batons) and 22 special cards that acted as trumps. The trumps depicted various figures and scenes, such as the emperor, the pope, the wheel of fortune, the world, etc.
The origin of these cards is not certain. Some scholars believe that they were inspired by ancient Egyptian or Chinese cards. Others think that they were influenced by Islamic or Indian cards. Some suggest that they were based on Jewish or Christian symbols. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support any of these theories. The most likely explanation is that they were a synthesis of different cultural and artistic elements that were popular at the time.
The major and minor arcana
The major and minor arcana are the two main categories of the tarot cards. The major arcana consists of 22 cards that are numbered from 0 to 21. The minor arcana consists of 56 cards that are divided into four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards: 10 numbered cards from ace to ten and four court cards: king, queen, knight, and page.
The major arcana represents the big picture and the universal themes in life. They are also called the trump cards or the soul cards. They depict archetypal characters and situations that reflect our spiritual journey and our inner wisdom. They can be seen as a symbolic map of our soul's evolution and potential.
The minor arcana represents the small details and the personal aspects in life. They are also called the suit cards or the personality cards. They depict everyday events and situations that reflect our practical matters and our outer world. They can be seen as a realistic mirror of our daily experiences and challenges.
The different types and styles of tarot decks
There are many different types and styles of tarot decks available today. They vary in their design, symbolism, interpretation, and purpose. Some are more traditional and faithful to the original sources, while others are more modern and creative. Some are more artistic and aesthetic, while others are more functional and practical. Some are more general and universal, while others are more specific and niche.
Some of the most well-known and widely used tarot decks are:
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck: This is one of the most popular and influential tarot decks in the world. It was created by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. It is based on the traditional European tarot with some modifications and additions. It features colorful and detailed illustrations that depict scenes and symbols for each card. It is considered to be a beginner-friendly deck that is easy to read and interpret.
The Thoth deck: This is another famous and influential tarot deck in the world. It was created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris in 1944. It is based on the esoteric teachings of Crowley's philosophy of Thelema, which combines elements of Egyptian mythology, Kabbalah, astrology, alchemy, etc. It features abstract and complex illustrations that depict symbols and concepts for each card. It is considered to be an advanced deck that requires a lot of study and understanding.
The Marseille deck: This is one of the oldest and most authentic tarot decks in the world. It dates back to the 17th century in France. It is based on the original medieval tarot with some variations and regional differences. It features simple and stylized illustrations that depict figures and objects for each card. It is considered to be a classic deck that is rich in history and tradition.
These are just some examples of the many tarot decks that exist today. There are also decks that are inspired by different cultures, religions, themes, genres, etc., such as Celtic, Norse, Hindu, Buddhist, Angelic, Fairy, Gothic, Steampunk, etc.
The symbolism of the tarot
the tarot is based on various elements and factors, such as the elements, the numbers, the colors, etc. We will explore some of these in more detail below.
The elements and suits
The elements are the basic building blocks of nature and life. They are fire, water, air, and earth. They represent different qualities and energies that influence our personality and our environment. They also correspond to the four suits of the minor arcana in the tarot: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles.
Fire is the element of passion, action, creativity, and enthusiasm. It is associated with the suit of wands in the tarot. Wands represent our goals, dreams, ambitions, and motivations. They also indicate our confidence, courage, and charisma.
Water is the element of emotion, intuition, healing, and spirituality. It is associated with the suit of cups in the tarot. Cups represent our feelings, relationships, love, and compassion. They also indicate our imagination, sensitivity, and psychic abilities.
Air is the element of intellect, communication, logic, and knowledge. It is associated with the suit of swords in the tarot. Swords represent our thoughts, words, opinions, and beliefs. They also indicate our clarity, honesty, and justice.
Earth is the element of stability, security, materiality, and practicality. It is associated with the suit of pentacles in the tarot. Pentacles represent our resources, finances, work, and health. They also indicate our groundedness, reliability, and prosperity.
The numbers and numerology
The numbers are the basic units of mathematics and measurement. They are also symbols of cosmic order and harmony. They represent different stages and cycles in life that influence our growth and development. They also correspond to the numbers on the tarot cards from 1 to 10.
One is the number of unity, identity, individuality, and leadership. It is associated with the ace cards in the tarot. Aces represent new beginnings, opportunities, potentialities, and possibilities.
Two is the number of duality, balance, partnership, and cooperation. It is associated with the two cards in the tarot. Twos represent choices, decisions, dilemmas, and compromises.
development, synthesis, and diversity.
Four is the number of stability, structure, order, and discipline. It is associated with the four cards in the tarot. Fours represent foundation, security, organization, and limitation.
Five is the number of change, challenge, conflict, and freedom. It is associated with the five cards in the tarot. Fives represent disruption, instability, struggle, and adaptation.
Six is the number of harmony, balance, beauty, and love. It is associated with the six cards in the tarot. Sixes represent cooperation, agreement, alignment, and attraction.
Seven is the number of wisdom, spirituality, intuition, and mystery. It is associated with the seven cards in the tarot. Sevens represent exploration, discovery, learning, and insight.
Eight is the number of power, authority, success, and justice. It is associated with the eight cards in the tarot. Eights represent achievement, recognition, control, and balance.
realization, contentment, and generosity.
Ten is the number of completion, transition, renewal, and cycle. It is associated with the ten cards in the tarot. Tens represent endings, beginnings, transformation, and repetition.
The colors and meanings
The colors are the basic components of light and vision. They are also symbols of emotions and moods. They represent different feelings and attitudes that influence our personality and our environment. They also correspond to the colors on the tarot cards.
Red is the color of fire, passion, energy, and action. It is associated with the suit of wands in the tarot. Red represents courage, enthusiasm, creativity, and motivation.
Blue is the color of water, emotion, intuition, and healing. It is associated with the suit of cups in the tarot. Blue represents love, compassion, imagination, and sensitivity.
Yellow is the color of air, intellect, communication, and logic. It is associated with the suit of swords in the tarot. Yellow represents clarity, honesty, knowledge, and justice.
reliability, health, and practicality.
Other colors that appear on the tarot cards are:
Purple: the color of spirituality, wisdom, intuition, and mystery. It is associated with the major arcana in the tarot. Purple represents higher consciousness, insight, magic, and mystery.
Black: the color of darkness, mystery, death, and transformation. It is associated with the major arcana in the tarot. Black represents endings, beginnings, change, and power.
White: the color of light, purity, innocence, and wholeness. It is associated with the major arcana in the tarot. White represents unity, harmony, completeness, and enlightenment.
Gold: the color of sun, fire, wealth, and success. It is associated with the major arcana in the tarot. Gold represents achievement, recognition, glory, and happiness.
receptivity, imagination, and psychic ability.
The divination of the tarot
The divination of the tarot is one of the most common and popular uses of these cards. Divination is the practice of seeking guidance and insight from a higher source or power. The tarot can be used as a tool for divination by reading and interpreting the cards according to a specific question or situation. The tarot can help us gain clarity, perspective, direction, and advice on various aspects of our lives.
However, divination is not a simple or easy process. It requires preparation, ethics, skill, and intuition. We will discuss some of these in more detail below.
The preparation and ethics
The preparation and ethics are the essential steps and principles that we need to follow before, during, and after a tarot reading. They ensure that we respect ourselves, the cards, and the people involved in the reading. They also ensure that we get the best results and benefits from the reading.
Some of the preparation and ethics are:
Clear your mind and your space: Before a tarot reading, you need to clear your mind of any distractions or negative thoughts. You also need to clear your space of any clutter or unwanted energy. You can do this by meditating, praying, breathing, smudging, etc.
Set your intention and ask your question: Before a tarot reading, you need to set your intention and ask your question clearly and sincerely. You need to know what you want to know and why you want to know it. You also need to ask your question in a way that is open-ended, specific, positive, and relevant.
Shuffle and cut the cards: Before a tarot reading, you need to shuffle and cut the cards with care and respect. You need to infuse the cards with your energy and your question. You also need to cut the cards in a way that feels right for you.
and acknowledge the messages and meanings of the cards. You also need to respect the privacy and feelings of yourself and others.
Use your intuition and common sense: During and after a tarot reading, you need to use your intuition and common sense to read and interpret the cards. You need to trust your inner voice and your gut feeling. You also need to use your logic and reason to apply the cards to your situation.
Take action and responsibility: After a tarot reading, you need to take action and responsibility for your life. You need to follow the guidance and advice of the cards. You also need to remember that you have free will and choice to shape your destiny.
The spreads and layouts
The spreads and layouts are the different ways and methods of arranging and displaying the tarot cards for a reading. They vary in their number, shape, position, and meaning of the cards. They also vary in their purpose, focus, and scope of the reading.
Some of the most common and popular tarot spreads and layouts are:
The three-card spread: This is one of the simplest and most versatile tarot spreads. It consists of three cards that can represent past, present, and future; situation, action, and outcome; mind, body, and spirit; etc.
The Celtic cross spread: This is one of the most classic and comprehensive tarot spreads. It consists of 10 cards that represent the self, the situation, the challenge, the past, the future, the advice, the environment, the hopes and fears, the outcome, and the overall theme.
The horseshoe spread: This is one of the most dynamic and flexible tarot spreads. It consists of seven cards that represent the past, the present, hidden influences, obstacles, external influences, advice, and outcome.
the self, the situation, the hopes, the fears, the hidden factor, and the outcome.
The tree of life spread: This is one of the most complex and profound tarot spreads. It consists of 10 cards that represent the 10 sephiroth or spheres of the Kabbalistic tree of life. They represent the different aspects and levels of existence and consciousness.
These are just some examples of the many tarot spreads and layouts that exist today. There are also spreads and layouts that are designed for specific questions or situations, such as love, career, health, etc.
The reading and interpretation
The reading and interpretation are the core processes and skills of tarot divination. They involve selecting, observing, analyzing, and applying the tarot cards to a question or situation. They require intuition, logic, context, and experience.
Some of the steps and tips for reading and interpreting the tarot cards are:
Select the cards: After shuffling and cutting the cards, you need to select the cards for your reading. You can do this by drawing them randomly from the deck or by using a specific method or technique. You can also use your intuition or your dominant hand to pick the cards.
Observe the cards: After selecting the cards, you need to observe the cards carefully and attentively. You need to notice the colors, numbers, symbols, images, figures, etc. on the cards. You also need to notice your first impressions and feelings about the cards.
the meanings and associations of the cards based on their category, suit, number, element, etc. You also need to consider the meanings and associations of the cards based on their position, direction, relation, etc. in the spread or layout.
Apply the cards: After analyzing the cards, you need to apply the cards to your question or situation. You need to synthesize and integrate the messages and meanings of the cards. You also need to relate and personalize the messages and meanings of the cards to your own experience and context.
These are just some general guidelines for reading and interpreting the tarot cards. There are also different methods and techniques that can be used for different purposes and preferences, such as intuitive reading, symbolic reading, story-telling reading, etc.
Conclusion
The tarot is a fascinating and mysterious subject that has a long and rich history, symbolism, and divination. The tarot is a set of 78 cards that can be used for various purposes, such as divination, meditation, self-discovery, art, psychology, etc. The tarot can help us understand ourselves and our lives better by providing us with guidance and insight on various aspects of our lives.
In this article, we have explored the history, symbolism, and divination of the tarot in detail. We have also provided you with a link to download a free PDF book that contains 14 chapters on these topics. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in tarot, we hope that this article has enriched your knowledge and inspired your curiosity.
If you want to learn more about the tarot or get a personal tarot reading from a professional tarot reader, you can visit our website and contact us. We will be happy to assist you and answer your questions.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you enjoyed it. Please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in the tarot. Have a wonderful day and may the tarot guide you!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the tarot:
Q: Is the tarot evil or dangerous?
A: No, the tarot is not evil or dangerous. The tarot is just a tool that can be used for good or bad purposes depending on the intention and ethics of the user. The tarot does not have any inherent power or influence over anyone or anything. The tarot only reflects what is already present in ourselves and our lives.
Q: How accurate is the tarot?
the questioner, the relevance and specificity of the question, the appropriateness and suitability of the spread or layout, etc. The tarot is not a definitive or absolute source of truth or prediction. The tarot is a subjective and relative source of guidance and insight. The tarot can only show us the possible outcomes and influences based on the current situation and circumstances. The tarot cannot tell us what will happen for sure or what we should do. The tarot can only help us make our own decisions and choices.
Q: How often should I get a tarot reading?
A: There is no fixed or universal rule on how often one should get a tarot reading. It depends on one's personal preference and need. Some people may get a tarot reading every day, while others ma