Brief history, techniques, uses and views dealing with Tarot Cards.
Tarot cards began being used in the 14th century but didn't gain its popularity in deviation until a few centuries later since it was considered a black art. At the time of their creation, they were used much in the same way common playing cards today are. The history of Tarot cards are a bit of a mystery, the origins are claimed to be from Egypt, Asia, Mayan, and all across Europe. The deck known today is based on the French Tarot of Marseilles consisting of 78 cards. Most commonly used by travellers and gypsies as a means to bring in income, much, in the same way, Palmistry or skrying would. There are different decks, spreads, and ways to read the cards, one must find the method that works best for them. Today, decks can be found in almost any design, the classic Celtic, as well as French and Egyptian, but also anime, dragon, faerie, pirate, vampire, and even zombie to name a few unique ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to be Psychic? No. As you increase in your work though, you may start to strengthen your psychic side, even rely more on your intuition.
How do Tarot Cards Work? Like any tool, they are used to help us see past the physical. Most use them to see the future, but they can also be used to look inside ourselves, and find ways to improve. Working with your own intuition to sense when to cut the deck, which cards to draw and where to place them Tarot cards will give you a glimpse into the possible future. As well, using symbols found within the cards and the placement of each card in any given spread will help you see the future.
When Can I Start Giving Readings? As soon as you feel comfortable. Once you charge the deck to your energy and get a feel for the cards, you may begin giving readings. They may not be 100% accurate at first, but over time, like any skill, you will get better at it.
I Believe in God and/or I was taught Tarot Cards are Evil, is This True? No. While some religions choose to see the ability of second sight as evil, it really isn't. It is a skill, it is an art; It's not evil. You are not calling upon another being to help you in your readings, it relies on your own intuition and your skill. If you feel uncomfortable, however, then don't use them. They are not dangerous, but you shouldn't do anything you're not 100% happy with.
How to Pick Out a Deck:
Like with most magical tools, one should pick a deck that 'calls' to them. A strong connection with the cards should be found since you will be using them to see into the future. Since there are so many different decks, most decks come coupled with a book specific to the cards. Do your best to find a deck with a book attached, it'll cost a little more, but it's worth it. There is also a belief held by many that a Tarot deck should be a gift, if one believes this, then ask a friend to buy your dream deck.
How to Cleanse and Charge the Deck:
After purchasing the deck, one should cleanse it since spending all that time in the store, being handled, and having people pass by it, the Tarot has picked up the energy of hundreds of other people. Ways you can clean your deck include:
Leave it by a crystal with cleansing properties.
Leave the cards under a full moon to absorb its energy.
Leave the cards on your altar overnight to be blessed.
Sprinkle each card with holy water.
Pass each card through the smoke of purifying incense.
There are other methods to cleanse the card, do what works best for you.
How to Charge the Tarot Cards:
Once you've washed away all the energy from others, the cards need to be charged with your own energy for a stronger connection and better readings. The most used methods are:
Carrying the deck with you.
Sleeping with the deck under your pillow or by your bed.
Meditate with each card. This also helps you get a feel for each card.
Some people choose to have people who are having the reading done shuffle the cards, while others won't let anyone else touch the cards. If you choose to let others shuffle the deck, you should cleanse and recharge the cards more frequently than if you don't let others touch your cards. Though it is not uncommon for someone to give their cards an annual cleansing since energy will linger from previous readings. The more readings you do, the more often the deck should be cleansed and charged. When the Tarot is not in use, try to keep them in a safe place.
How to Read:
This is different for everyone, since there are many different decks, books and spreads, different people will read different things. While most of the cards as well as the spreads have the same themes to each card and placing, subtle differences will alter a reading. Choose the one that's best for you. Before each reading, however, try to clear your mind of all thoughts. If you know the question, focus only on that as you shuffle the deck. When you feel you should cut the cards, do so. Place each card face side up in the spread, and read the cards as they appear to you, not the reader. Meaning, if a card is revered for you, read it as such. [if you read reversed cards] Reading from a book is fine, just try your best to relate it all back to the questioner so as not to confuse them. [we're trying to help after all]
Types of spreads:
Celtic Cross: Possibly the most famous spread, The Celtic Cross contains 10 cards, with six making up the cross and four running down the side, this spread is deemed one of the best spreads to use. The first card is the present. Card number two is the immediate obstacle one faces. Normally a bad card is found here, but sometimes a positive one will appear, be extra careful when examining it as it is not what it appears. The third card is the distant past giving some insight into the question. Card four will speak of more recent events linked to the question. Card five is the best possible outcome. If something bad comes up in this spot, it probably is trying to tell the person to focus on something else. The sixth card is the immediate future, up to two weeks. The seventh card shows us factors or deep feelings that affect the situation. While card number eight represents external influences, like people involved in the situation. One of the hardest cards to understand is the ninth card; hopes and fears. Since the two are so close, sometimes a person might fear things working out, and wind up sabotaging themselves to prevent the possible future from happening. The last card shows the final outcome, good or bad.
Dragon Spread
A long but very accurate spread, the dragon spread consists of 13 cards, and reads similar to a Celtic Cross spread, only laid out to look like a dragon in flight.
Eclipse Spread Shaped like an arrow this spread is great for a quick reading. Card number one is the past, the second is the present, and the third is the future. The fourth card informs the reader of what actions to take, while the fifth card warns us of what outside influences might have on the question. Card six is hopes and fears, and card seven is the final outcome.
Five Card Spread: One of the simplest spreads a person could read. As it says in the title, this spread contains only 5 cards, laid out in a cross-like pattern. The first card is the present, or the question, the second card is the past influences on the question, the third card is the future, and card number four is the reason this question is being asked. The final card in the spread foretells a potential outcome for the situation.
Mandala Spread
Rather confusing spread to explain the card's order, though it's shaped like a diamond, this nine-card spread is best suited for spiritual matters rather than those for love or wealth. The tricky part of the reading is card 1 [view of oneself] must be read against 3 different sets of cards. Firsts against cards 2 [goals] 4 [present achievements] and 6 [strengths]; the present, then against cards 3 [dreams/hopes] 8 [self-perception] and 9 [desires]; the future, and finally against 5 [dependence/negative views] and 7 [weaknesses/faults] to see any future improvement that is needed.
Mirror Spread Designed to deal with existing relationships, the Mirror Spread is an 8 card spread best for when an obstacle has arisen and you are unsure how to proceed. Set the cards in a rectangular pattern, with cards 1 and 8 at either end slightly higher than the other two sides. Card 1 is the problem, 2 is how you see the other person, 3 is how they see you, 4 is what the person means to you, 5 is what you mean to them. card 6 is the obstacles in your relationship, and 7 is the relationship's strengths. Lastly, card 8 is the most likely outcome to the problem.
Relationship Spread While self-explanatory, this spread is best done when dealing with a relationship issue, be it romance or friendship. This spread is set up is four rows, cards 9 and 10 in the first row, card 6 in the second, cards 1-5 in the third and card 8 and 7 in the fourth row. In order each card represents the distant past, the more recent past, the present, future influences, external influences, the questioners attitude, helpful influences, obstacles, hopes/fears and finally the end result.
Common Card Readings:
With different decks, different spreads, and different placements there is no one way to read each Tarot card. Each card may harbour similar meanings, but there will be slight variations in them. Listed below are a few common ones, involving a Celtic deck. Note, not all the cards will be listed below, nor will the reverse reading. Some may choose to not read reversal cards, others will, it comes down to preference:
The foolUnexpected opportunity and major decisions.
The Magician Ability to Succeed.
The High Priestess Intuition, unexplored potential.
The Empress Nurturing, marriage, motherhood.
The Emperor Ambition, authority, financial stability.
The Hierophant A wise person, guidance.
The Lovers Love choices.
The Chariot Triumph over adversity.
Strength Gentleness with inner strength and courage.
The Hermit Inner Wisdom. Could also mean withdrawal.
The Wheel of Fortune New beginnings and progress.
Justice Fairness. Need for a balanced mind.
The Hanging Man Understanding, self-sacrifice.
Death Major change.[not physical death]
Temperance Patience, balance, healing.
The Devil Manipulation, overindulgence, self-enslavement.
The Tower Destruction of things with weak foundation [relationships]
The Star Better times ahead
The Moon Uncertainty, unseen depth.
The Sun Success, good health, happy marriage.
Judgement Karma.
The World Success and happiness.
The suit of Wands This suit represents fire, the cards in this section deal with career, inspiration and action.
The Suit of Cups This suit represents water and cards in this section deal with emotions, relationships, and creativity.
The Suit of Swords This suit represents air, these cards deal with intellect, challenges, and animosity.
The Suit of PentaclesThis suit represents earth, and speaks of all material aspects of life, such as finances and prosperity.
Final Points:
Trust your intuition. If possible, try reading the cards without knowing the question [can be done if the person with the question shuffles and cuts the cards] this way, the reader won't be swayed to read the cards to give an answer they wish to hear. Avoid reading what you wish was there, just read the cards.
The future is always changing. Sometimes just having a reading is enough to change the future chain of events. The best thing to be done after a reading is to try and forget about it unless a warning needs to be heeded. If you go about convinced you'll get a job [for example] you might not work as hard to achieve said job and wind up losing it.
Tarot cards tell the person what they need to know, not what they want to know. Sometimes they will reveal a tragedy, don't get discouraged and believe it's set in stone, but be aware it's a possible outcome.
Nobodies readings are 100% accurate 100% of the time. If there seems to be varying differences in readings, the Tarot cards probably need to be cleansed, or the reader has been doing too many readings, take a break and try later.
Record your readings. This will not only help you learn the cards, but keep track of your success and any patterns that may emerge.
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