Over the past few years people have become interested in so called ” new age” practices such as Tarot. In reality, they are rediscovering crafts that date back centuries. The true origin is unknown. However, There is evidence of tarot cards dating as far back as the 12th century. It is believed the cards were brought into Europe by traveling gypsies, from places like Northern India and Arabia in the 14th century. The Gypsies claim to have cracked a secret code buried within. They used the secret symbols to predict the future and the secret was passed on by word of mouth.The Tarot was also used by royal prophets and seers to predict the outcome of battles and relay strategies to the King's legions.

Farmers used the Tarot as a guide to plant and harvest their crops. The Catholic church outlawed the practice in the 14TH century, and declared it heresy and treason. During the inquisition, anyone caught in possession of tarot cards were charged with witchcraft, tortured and burnt at the stake. The cards and were seized and stored in London’s Victoria Library. The Library was lost along with centuries of history in the great fire of London. Gradually Tarot cards began to filter back into society. Tarot has always been unfairly linked to satanism and dark magic and were played in secret.
Today, the cards are a tool for psychics and for personal development.

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Typical tarot decks have 78 illustrated and numbered cards. There are two chapters known as the major and minor arcana. The two decks may be used together or separately. The minor arcana has 56 cards, the major Arcana has 22 cards from 0 - 21.

The deck begins and ends with the fool. The major arcana is often called the journey of the fool and seems to relate to the Bible, beginning with the creation of Adam. The Tarot maps man's journey through life and the lessoons and laws he must learn along the way. Hence the name "Journey of the fool".

The major deck describes major situations and life lessons. Most readings will have a ratio of two minor cards for every major card. Mainly major arcana cards in a reading would indicate a busy period with many changes. Few or no major cards would indicate a settled period without any major dramas. This could also mean that the questioner has fallen into a rut.

Click here for a description of the Major Arcana cards

The minor arcana consists of 56 cards and resembles conventional playing decks.
This deck has been used throughout history in a game of chance called Tarrocho. It is still played in parts of Europe today.

The Minor Arcana has four suits. Cups are equal to hearts and ruled by Water. Coins are related to diamonds and ruled by Earth. Swords are similar to spades and ruled by air. Wands are ruled by Fire and are equal to clubs.

Each suit has an ace, 56 numbered cards and four court cards. Authentic Tarot decks include a king, queen, knight and page. Some modern decks have a queen, king, prince and princess. Every symbol on the cards has a secret meaning.

In a reading, the Minor Arcana describes everyday situations and adds details to the major cards.

Click here for a description of the Minor Arcana cards

Every reader has a favourite method of laying out the cards for a Tarot reading. Some methods are quick and simple, others are more detailed.

Click here for Tarot layouts and spreads