What is the Tarot?
The Tarot is a deck of 78 illustrated cards divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards) used to interpret symbology in relation to the user’s current life situation. The Major Arcana of the Tarot was first developed in Northern Italy in the 15th century while the Minor Arcana has been added in during the 19th century.
The use of the Tarot has been, for many years, associated with fortune telling and has been a tool that helped many make certain life decisions. Each card represents a meaning portrayed through its images and symbols.
Readings have remained popular throughout the years as many can relate to the messages the cards bring.
The Major Arcana shows the journey of the human consciousness through life. It portrays a cycle that starts from the beginning (The Fool) all the way to the culmination of one’s adventure (The World).
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand is a simple and direct representation of the different aspects of life: passion (The Wands), emotion (The Cups), logic (The Swords) and material things (The Pentacles). It also shows the cyclical nature of each area.
What is the purpose of the Tarot?
Tarot cards are widely used in fortune telling. However, this should be approached with caution as it may encourage the user to depend solely on what the spread shows. Any tool is most effective when it empowers the user from within.
Remember, you have the capacity to create your own future. The best way to predict your fortune is to actually create it.
Tarot helps the user clarify their current thoughts. In difficult situations, it is challenging to think clearly and see the bigger picture. Having a tool, like Tarot to sort out your thoughts can help you approach the situation more effectively.
The messages in the Tarot Arcana are eternal. They are based on the Truth of who you are and thus will apply to any user who seeks the aid of the Tarot.
The Tarot offers an organized set of reminders to the user. It is a personal handbook to the journey of life that anyone will understand if used properly and approached with the correct intention.
How to use the Tarot?
Tarot cards are presented in what is called a “spread”. This is an arrangement of cards coming from both the Major and Minor Arcana. The user has the complete authority to arrange the cards as they please. Although it has been a common practice to arrange the cards in order as they appear in the deck.
Here is a step-by-step guide to create a Tarot spread:
- Think about your question or situation that you want to receive guidance on.
- Once you are clear on the question or situation, start shuffling the deck of Tarot.
- Make sure the deck is facing down.
- Start selecting individual cards and place them face up in an arrangement in front of you.
- Spreads are commonly done in sets of odd numbers (3, 5, 7…).
- Start reading and enjoy the message of the Tarot.
- Contemplate on the message of the spread and start identifying actionable steps you can apply to your situation.
The premise of spreads is that given the number of cards in the Tarot deck and the shuffling performed by the user, it is certain that the spread pulled will be unique. Each spread is personalized for the user at that particular moment in time and can never be repeated, at least by the same person.
To be effective, the user must interpret the spread in relation to their question or situation. With experience, one realizes that whatever situation is involved, the teachings of the Tarot will always apply.
Can I use Tarot to change my future?
Absolutely. The Tarot can be an effective tool when understood and used properly. It should not be taken as a shortcut to predicting the future but an ally in creating it. It offers a gentle pathway in clearing out blockers your authentic power to create.
This power to create reality is the only way you can change your future. Accessing this power will open the doors to wonderful experiences you can have only dreamed of before.
The secret is not to dwell in the spreads. You won’t enjoy your desires unless you become the channel with which they become reality in the physical realm. Use the message of the Tarot to inspire you to have well thought out actions.
The benefit should not end once you remove the spread. You need to connect the messages with certain actionable points in order to maximize the Tarot’s help.
This is where incorporating the Tarot in your daily routine, like journaling is helpful. Journaling with the Tarot helps you come up with ideas and plans that come from a clear and inspired mind.
Remember, you can predict your future by creating it! You are the maker of your destiny. Each moment is always the opportune time to take this power back, and the Tarot can help you do just that.
How can Tarot help me?
The Tarot is a wonderful story that anyone will relate to. Just like any Law, it is impersonal and doesn’t single out any individual for any reason. It is up to you to interpret and read the messages of a spread in a way that will be most helpful to your current situation.
Every Tarot spread helps you remember the powerful being that you are. It reassures you that whatever the situation, there is always hope and that help is always available to you.
Tarot is an external expression and objectification of the Eternal and Permanent Truth of love, joy and light. Use it properly. You will remember that you are a being of light meant to experience the greatest possible version of life.
