The History of Tarot
I list only a small portion of a history I have found and an abbreviated meaning of the cards with some of the associations to other disciplines. There is so much more that I cannot include in just one post. This is for you to discover!
What is The History of Tarot?
Tarot has been around hundreds of years. Tarot Readings are believed to have originated in Egypt centuries ago. Although, some scholars state that they were invented by the Chinese, others say that the Gypsies brought them back from India. Other information said Tarot has an ancient history with the Hebrews and the Kabala. Some information stated that they were originally used only by members of the church and thought to be a way to communicate with God. Other information states that the church disliked associations with the Tarot and caused great difficulty to those who continued to use them or use them in any connection to the church. Most scholars give a date of 1400's or 1500's as the earliest dates with Tarot in Europe, but my research found that there was a deck of Tarot dated 1390 AD stated to be located in a museum in Europe (Bibliotheque Nationale).
There are thoughts that the basic Deck of Playing Cards is based on Tarot. As so they have meanings shown as such: Wands-Clubs, Swords-Spades, Cups-Hearts, Pentacles-Diamonds. Through history, though, Tarot has been used as a way to divine the future and give insight into life.
What are Typical Tarot Decks?
Tarot Decks generally have 78 cards; some decks more, some less.
The 56 Minor Arcana are divided into 4 Suits: Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. Minor Arcana are made up of 16 Court Cards; the others are the Aces through 10 in each suit. The Minor Arcana are not as important as the majors, but they are still vital because they deal with our everyday life.
The Court Cards are People who have an impact on us and who we have an impact on. These cards are Kings, Queens, Knights and Pages. There are 4 per suit, making a total of 16 per deck. These cards can represent any people in our lives: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, attorneys, supervisors at work, people at the gym, YMCA etc.
What do the Tarot Cards Mean?
Ace through 10: Give picture account of daily happenings.
Tarot and the Four Elements
The 4 Elements correspond with the 4 suits (Air, Earth, Fire and Water).
Swords: Element Air. Thinking, Aggression, Power, Action (Difficulties are often themes).
Pentacles: Element Earth. Material, Practical Finances, Possessions, Investments, Jobs.
Wands: Element Fire. Creative Energy, Ambition, Enterprise, Competition, Courage.
Cups: Element Water. Love, Family, Friends, Giving & Receiving Love, Emotion.
The Zodiac and Tarot
The Zodiac Signs often give attributes associated with the court cards and the suits. People may behave in a certain manner, situations etc. The Astrological Signs attributed to Tarot:
Swords: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius (Air).
Pentacles: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn (Earth).
Wands: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (Fire).
Cups: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio (Water).
Numerology and Tarot
Tarot also has connections with Numerology!
1: new beginnings, creations
2: balance, duality
3: growth
4: stability
5: change, disruption of stability
6: harmony
7: ending of a cycle, unfolding of a soul
8: balance, success, power
9: alignment, endings
10: completion
… the court cards are NOT included in Numerology!
The Major Arcana
The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are the Spiritual Trump. Readers may pay special attention when the Major Cards appear. The Sun, Moon and Lovers are examples of Major Trump. They have psychological, psychic, philosophical and spiritual meanings. They can show spiritual significance of lessons of life and major themes of a persons life… when they appear in a reading the reader will pay special attention to their position and meaning. When there are 8 or more Major Arcana cards in a reading, it is as if the Universe has strong powerful energies in the situation, showing things that may seem to be beyond control of the person asking for the reading.
Major Arcana Cards are often given a bad wrap from the Media! Such as: Death Card in James Bond Movie / Voodoo. Seeming to mean James' death but really means the end of one situation, the beginning of different or new way of life. Or the Hanged Man Card. Does not mean you will be hanged. This is more a meaning surrendering or sacrificing something (but you must feel it thoroughly and don't try to ignore the sorrow).
Remember, with Tarot you have the Ultimate Choice. The reader sees things based on what you are thinking NOW. This shows the direction you are heading at this time. You can choose to go a different direction! The reader may offer notes of caution or make suggestions… but it is up to YOU to decide.