What is Tarot?

[swetha]

What is Tarot?

Tarot cards are pictorial representations of events and energies that we are likely to encounter in life. Most modern decks consist of 78 cards; 22 major Arcana that depict major changes on our path through life and 56 Minor Arcana that expand upon the themes of the Major Arcana. They consist of the following:

Wands - the Spirit and Fire
Cups – the Emotions and Water
Swords – the Mind and Air
Pentacles – the Physical World and Earth

These are numbered 1 to 10, with four court cards, usually Page, Knight, Queen and King though other decks substitute Prince and Princess in place of Page and Knight. The ordering, numbering and names depicted on the Major Arcana also differ between decks; Crowley, for example, renamed the card Strength to Lust and new symbolism continues to be generated by shamans, magicians and artists.

The tarot is most commonly known as a tool for divination by reading the cards that are selected from the deck and interpreting the meanings and interactions of the cards in relation to their position in the spread. It can also be used as a personal and spiritual development tool and as a visual aid in meditation.

The popularity of the tarot has continued to grow, particularly since the 19th century and is now available to almost everyone who wishes to explore its uses. Yet only through study and personal growth will reveal the many hidden mysteries within the cards.