Tarot Decks - The History Revealed
Posted on September 24, 2008
Filed Under Astrology Symbols |
Choosing tarot decks is much like searching for your soul mate. Beginners may hope to find a “standard deck” that comes with a booklet of definitions. However, all the experienced tarot card readers will tell you that reading tarot cards is a deeply personal experience that relies upon your intuition, your personal style and your perceptions. Some decks come with basic imagery you can decipher at a glance, whereas others require a more studious eye.
Arguably, the most well-known is the Rider-Waite tarot cards. These decks were created in 1909 by A.E. Waite, a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn occult group. He chose artist Pamela Colman-Smith to craft the 78-card deck, slightly tweaking certain details from earlier decks. For example, the “Pope” card became the “Hierophant” and “Popess” became “High Priestess.” Waite also switched the Strength and Justice cards (Strength became card 8 and Justice card 11). The Minor Arcana numbered suit cards had a full repertoire of pictorial scenes, rather than being merely suited or numbered. For years, this was the only readily available deck in America and with its comprehensive book of symbolism, it became the beginners “must-have” deck. Today, there are other decks similar to the Rider-Waite, including the Universal Waite tarot deck, Golden Tarot, Aquarian tarot deck, Nigel Jackson Tarot, Gilded Tarot and Golden Rider, to name a few.
Experienced tarot card readers often mention they’ve outgrown Rider-Waite tarot decks over time. Those looking for deeper tarot card meanings might want to try the Thoth tarot deck designed by famous occultist Aleister Crowley. Each of the tarot cards are intricately designed to include depictions of Astrology, the Zodiac and Qabalistic imagery. Colors are said to be particularly important, especially in the elemental cards. Crowley renamed some of the cards, for example, “The Magician” became “The Magus,” “The World” became “The Universe,” “Strength” became “Adjustment” and “Justice” became “Lust.” The Hanged Man and The Moon cards were borrowed from Egyptian mythology and the suit cards carry slightly different meanings, when compared to the traditional Ride-Waite deck.
Generally speaking, tarot decks contain 78 cards: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. There are four suits (hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs or swords, batons, cups and coins), 4 court cards (jack, knight, queen and king) and the Fool trump card. Major Arcana symbols represent major life events, whereas the Minor Arcana cards signify underlying emotions and factors that influence the fateful circumstances. Picking a deck is only the first step in learning how to read tarot cards of course. There are still many different spreads to choose from, different interpretations and much practicing to do!
Let’s be honest with each other, okay? Chances are probably pretty good that you check your horoscope occasionally. Checking your daily horoscope is fine but it is a pretty general way of predicting your day or your week. Why not go a little more in depth? You should give tarot cards a try. A good deck can reveal plenty about your current financial situations, your personality and even let you know when to make big decisions regarding your finances. It is a way of getting a little hint at what the future may reveal about you.
Click here to read your future.
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