Introduction to Tarot
- Amanda Portelli
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
The Story of You
Tarot cards can trace their humble beginnings to about the 14th Century A.D. as a Saracen or Moorish card game called ‘Naib”.
About the same time, the Egyptians had a card game called “Mamluk”. Their deck of 52 cards consisted of 4 suits; swords, polo sticks, cups and coins plus the ranks of King, Governor, Second Governor and Ten to One.
These cards were brought to Europe by the (invading) Moors where the game of Tarocchi was played in Italy.
In the 18th century, the images on these cards became popular in cartomancy and the French occultists gave the cards their mystical significance.
The modern deck of playing cards is a direct descendant of Tarot cards.
Hearts = Cups
Diamonds = Wands
Spades = Pentacles
Clubs = Swords
Tarot Cards Are Different from Oracle Cards
Every deck of Tarot cards will always have the same structure.
It is really two decks in one:
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent major aspects or changes of life. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards (4 suits of 14 cards each) that deal with day to day aspects.
Together, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana tell it like it is. The good and the bad.
That’s life.
Oracle cards will vary from one deck to another depending on the author. They are more like tools for living in harmony with ourselves and tend to be positive, uplifting and inspiring.
Both types of cards are useful in their purpose and their use is based on your personal preferences and needs.
The Major Arcana starts with the Fool which represents a new, naive beginning ready to grow. Cards 1 through 21 are various aspects of life; opportunities for growth, up to card 21.
The 4 suits of the Minor Arcana focus on daily experiences represented by
Cups - love and emotions
Wands - power
Pentacles - wealth
Swords - thought, communication, sometimes endings
The Best Way to Use Tarot Cards -
Is to answer a specific question shuffle the deck (to connect the cards to your higher self)
lay out the cards in a specific way that pertains to the question (known as a spread)
How do I Choose a Deck for Myself? -
make sure it is a true tarot deck
look at the various decks and choose what appeals to you (artwork, theme)
Can I Learn to Read Tarot Cards?
Absolutely!
While many people start by leaning on their own, an in-class course on tarot cards can enhance and accelerate your understanding of the cards. Both methods are perfectly fine. Having a Tarot buddy (buddies) to practice with is both fun and enlightening.
A Tarot reading can be done both in person and on line (by phone or Zoom).
Book a 30 or 60 minute reading today at energyequalschange.com or message me
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