As more and more people search for a deeper meaning to their lives, Tarot cards have become a very popular tool. Here is a brief outline of the history of Tarot cards from Michelle Walter. The Tarot cards can be understood as symbolic keys to the mystery of life.
The Tarot cards are gateways to our sub-conscious mind, bringing forth hidden knowledge into the open. Each of the 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, are replete with inner secrets. "Arcana" meaning mysteries and hidden secrets comes from the word "Arcane".
Tarot cards are not a modern invention and have developed their symbolism from ancient civilisations: the Egyptian Book of Thoth, Chinese and Indian philosophies and particularly the Jewish Kabbalah which has 22 symbols similar to the Major Arcana. Mystery, however, shrouds the historical origins of the Tarot cards. We do know that the Tarot cards embody many shared truths and over the centuries have evolved in different ways as people of used them in their quest to understand life. From a strictly historical viewpoint, the first Tarot deck was the Marseille deck, used in Paris in 1393 during the reign of Charles VI. Although the strands of Tarot cards do go back a long way they do seem to have a short history in comparison to the I Ching, Astrology and Runes Stones which go back to primitive times.
Although not as old as Astrology and the I Ching, Tarot cards probably do go back longer that historical records would indicate. Tarot cards were almost certainly used in secret for many years since they were frowned on by Church authorities. They were even banned in some European countries during the Middle Ages. The gist to reading Tarot cards is to understand that they are not a group of preconceived meanings to be memorised. The symbols of the Tarot cards are a medium through which we can communicate with each other, exploring intuitions and insights. The aim is to develop a bond with the cards immersing oneself in to the lineage of meaning contained with the Tarot cards.
Using your intuition is the supremely intelligent way to read the Tarot. When you do this then guessing or trying to remember meanings are eliminated. In fact, you are developing your own personal power by strengthening your communication skills with your subconscious mind.
If you have a set of Tarot cards, try this simple intuition exercise, to begin the process of learning to read the Tarot cards . *Start by separating the major arcana cards from the minor arcana. Relax and breath in and out three times whilst holding the Tarot cards in your hands. Experience yourself relaxing down each time your breathe in and out.
This will take you into a receptive state of consciousness. * Now think about the question you are seeking guidance from the Tarot on. * Shuffle the Tarot deck in a calm and easy way. After you have finished shuffling, place the cards face down on the table and just once cut the Tarot cards.
Next, place the bottom set on the top and then turn over one card. * Take a few moments to meditate on the Tarot card. What are your first impressions? Write these down in a journal. Try not to analyze or filter what you feel or see in this tarot card - it may be a colour, a face, or something in the background which stands out to you. Your first impression of this tarot card may be a saying that comes to you or an understanding about life.
It doesn't have to be a definite conclusion about meaning because often our first impressions are quite vague. *Try doing this every day for a week, and see what you discover for yourself!.
Michelle Walter is a gifted tarot card reader. Her vast experience in psychic work, coupled with her background in psychology. Michelle offers guidance and support, especially in very difficult emotional situations and heartbreaks. To find more by Michelle, and to find out how she can help you in your relationship.
