The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Tarot
The Power of Insight: Divination Systems, Tools, and Practices

ORIGINS

The tarot is a deck of usually seventy-eight cards that were originally created for card games but now are also used for divination. The deck is divided into two sections: the major arcana (twenty-two cards) and the minor arcana (fifty-six cards). Each card features a specific concept or archetype—for example, Justice or The Lovers. It is believed that the cards you select can provide answers to questions and show you what you need to see in order to make certain decisions and moves in life.

HISTORY/LORE

The tarot (originally known as trionfi) originated in the mid-fifteenth century in Europe, where it is still used to play card games. It wasn’t until the eighteenth century that tarot card reading first appeared as a divination practice. The French occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette (1738—1791), also known by the pseudonym Etteilla, is credited with popularizing tarot as a divination method and issuing the first tarot deck created specifically for this purpose.

USES

There are two ways to get involved with the tarot: You can visit a tarot card reader and have your cards read, or you can learn the art of tarot card reading yourself—or both! Many people have their cards read only when they feel they need guidance or want to reflect on where they are in life, while others do it on a regular basis. Tarot card readings are relatively quick (as short as fifteen minutes) and typically very affordable, so it’s worth trying if you’ve never had the experience. Once you’ve had your first reading, you may feel inspired to buy your own deck and learn how to read the cards yourself. There are endless resources that can help you do this, including online courses, workshops, books, and websites.