Posts Tagged ‘Divination’
Tarot Readings - Outlooks, Opportunities and Modifications
doris trebescyh asked:
Tarot cards consist of twenty-one cards for every single suit. Many bits of Europe implement the set to pastime, but this is sporadicin English chatting areas where the set is routinely employed for divination.
Tarot cards ascertain their past around in the 1300’s. Guesswork specifies that they were founded in Islamic areas, but the initially actualnews of them is the first time they were blocked in the primarily Christian terrain of Bern, Switzerland. Initial tarot decks, however, featured just 16 trump cards, as compared to the twenty-one that are featured in unpretentious types.
Tarot cards are separated into one major arcana and five suits, namely: The Major Arcana, The Suit of Wands, The Suit of Coins, The Suit of Cups, and the Suit of Swords.
The suits are separated as well. Their points’ worth and specific meanings are determined by being one of Oudlers/Trulls, Kings, Queens, Cavaliers, Jacks, or Others. Oudlers and Kings have the same value; the others from Queens to Jacks are worth one point less than their predecessors.
Despite this, the English-speaking world pays more attention to the divinatory meanings of the cards, which will be tackled in the next area.
Reading a tarot card is easy, as each trump card has a distinct meaning. However, careful interpretation is needed if one wants to read the meaning from the collection of cards. These cards have astrological connections with readings placed under the context of the Octavian Calendar. Tarot cards are believed to readily describe the physical and emotional characteristics of the subject.
The rich and age-old tradition of tarot reading is constantly evolving through time. The methods of interpreting tarot cards continue to change to catch up with the culture it is living in. The change in meaning can also contribute to the evolution of the card itself. The elements of a tarot card today are far different from what it was before.
Many tarot readings are done face to face. You can find someone who reads tarot cards in your local area by searching online, checking local listings or asking at an occult bookshop. You should come prepared with a question or query much of the time, and may find that while you can gain some useful insights from a reading, it is more a perceptive tool than a truly esoteric one. Each tarot reader has their own preferences with regard to how they lay out cards and read them; however, you can reasonable expect that a more complex and time consuming reading will be more costly.
Card readings over the telephone are conducted much the same way that card readings face to face are conducted. A querent (caller) will call into a reader, and the reader will ask the caller to concentrate on a question that he or she wants answered or clarified. The card reader then shuffles the cards and lays them out in a particular pattern. Popular patterns include a single card reading, a three card reading, and a Celtic Cross reading, which is a reading of 10 different cards. The card reader will examine the symbolism in each card, in addition to the card position to conclude what the cards convey.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
Content
Tarot cards consist of twenty-one cards for every single suit. Many bits of Europe implement the set to pastime, but this is sporadicin English chatting areas where the set is routinely employed for divination.
Tarot cards ascertain their past around in the 1300’s. Guesswork specifies that they were founded in Islamic areas, but the initially actualnews of them is the first time they were blocked in the primarily Christian terrain of Bern, Switzerland. Initial tarot decks, however, featured just 16 trump cards, as compared to the twenty-one that are featured in unpretentious types.
Tarot cards are separated into one major arcana and five suits, namely: The Major Arcana, The Suit of Wands, The Suit of Coins, The Suit of Cups, and the Suit of Swords.
The suits are separated as well. Their points’ worth and specific meanings are determined by being one of Oudlers/Trulls, Kings, Queens, Cavaliers, Jacks, or Others. Oudlers and Kings have the same value; the others from Queens to Jacks are worth one point less than their predecessors.
Despite this, the English-speaking world pays more attention to the divinatory meanings of the cards, which will be tackled in the next area.
Reading a tarot card is easy, as each trump card has a distinct meaning. However, careful interpretation is needed if one wants to read the meaning from the collection of cards. These cards have astrological connections with readings placed under the context of the Octavian Calendar. Tarot cards are believed to readily describe the physical and emotional characteristics of the subject.
The rich and age-old tradition of tarot reading is constantly evolving through time. The methods of interpreting tarot cards continue to change to catch up with the culture it is living in. The change in meaning can also contribute to the evolution of the card itself. The elements of a tarot card today are far different from what it was before.
Many tarot readings are done face to face. You can find someone who reads tarot cards in your local area by searching online, checking local listings or asking at an occult bookshop. You should come prepared with a question or query much of the time, and may find that while you can gain some useful insights from a reading, it is more a perceptive tool than a truly esoteric one. Each tarot reader has their own preferences with regard to how they lay out cards and read them; however, you can reasonable expect that a more complex and time consuming reading will be more costly.
Card readings over the telephone are conducted much the same way that card readings face to face are conducted. A querent (caller) will call into a reader, and the reader will ask the caller to concentrate on a question that he or she wants answered or clarified. The card reader then shuffles the cards and lays them out in a particular pattern. Popular patterns include a single card reading, a three card reading, and a Celtic Cross reading, which is a reading of 10 different cards. The card reader will examine the symbolism in each card, in addition to the card position to conclude what the cards convey.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
Content
Tarot Cards - Divinations, Openings and Variations
Samantha Srillian asked:
ds comprise of twenty-one trump cards, the fool and one supplementary face card for all additional suits in the deck. mixed districts in Europe apply the deck to amusement with formed protocols, howeverin English-communicating states, tarot cards can be discovered in the zone of divination.
The tarot cards originated along with additional cards in the 1300’s. professors infer that they were concieved in Islamic states, although the early documented knowledge in the English-communicating globe is the Christian terrain of Bern, Switzerland. The older tarot cards comprised of just 16 trump cards as compared to twenty-one in futuristic decks.
A deck of tarot cards, as they are used today, contains 78 cards, all of which contain different, meaningful symbols which can be interpreted in a number of ways. The deck contains a total of four suits, and the names of the suits may vary depending upon the tarot deck one is using. Often times, the suits are referred to as wands, cups, swords, and coins, which make up what is known as the Minor Arcana. Meanwhile, the Major Arcana consists of twenty two cards, all of which are used to signify major events or people in a reading.
Meaning is assigned to each card in a tarot deck; however, the specifics of interpretation are impacted by the layout of the cards, whether they are upright or reversed, and the interpreter’s own reading. Many of the cards in the major arcana, the trump cards, are fairly logical. The Lovers represent love, in some capacity, while Strength is symbolic of courage and drive. Each of the cards in the minor arcana also carries meaning when used for divination, based on both the numeric value of the card and which suit it is. Meanings of each card can be found online, in books, or simply by interpreting the images on the card.
Face-to-face tarot card readings are the most popular types of readings because they allow the person to select the cards themselves. The reader then interprets what cards are chosen. This has more market appeal due to its interactive nature. In different parts of the world, there are several street readers who do readings for passers-by. There are also people who go to homes in order to read tarot card meanings for other people. England rates for home readings are at £12.50 per person or around that area.
Tarot card purists believe that these face-to-face readings are the original type of readings. This leads them to believe that face-to-face readings are a lot truer than other types of tarot card readings like e-mail or telephone readings. Then again, these arguments are astrological in nature and cannot be found to be true or accurate.
Telephone readings are generally more available than the street readings. A simple Google search will provide one with more options than one can normally find in the local streets. These readings are available for more or less £5.00 per reading.
Phone readings are generally cheaper because being online the tarot card readers can appeal to a larger audience, and through which they do not have to over charge, as there is no lack of customers.
There is, however, a drawback to phone readings: a lack of mystique. According to tarot card purists, again, phone readings are less effective than the typical face-to-face reading. Unfounded as this argument may be, it is enough to sway reading prices lower, and for those who believe in astrology, this may mean a whole lot.
This industry is largely helped by the growth of online communication. While past services have only been for local phone lines or party lines, the Internet has encouraged a large market growth in tarot card readings over the phone.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
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ds comprise of twenty-one trump cards, the fool and one supplementary face card for all additional suits in the deck. mixed districts in Europe apply the deck to amusement with formed protocols, howeverin English-communicating states, tarot cards can be discovered in the zone of divination.
The tarot cards originated along with additional cards in the 1300’s. professors infer that they were concieved in Islamic states, although the early documented knowledge in the English-communicating globe is the Christian terrain of Bern, Switzerland. The older tarot cards comprised of just 16 trump cards as compared to twenty-one in futuristic decks.
A deck of tarot cards, as they are used today, contains 78 cards, all of which contain different, meaningful symbols which can be interpreted in a number of ways. The deck contains a total of four suits, and the names of the suits may vary depending upon the tarot deck one is using. Often times, the suits are referred to as wands, cups, swords, and coins, which make up what is known as the Minor Arcana. Meanwhile, the Major Arcana consists of twenty two cards, all of which are used to signify major events or people in a reading.
Meaning is assigned to each card in a tarot deck; however, the specifics of interpretation are impacted by the layout of the cards, whether they are upright or reversed, and the interpreter’s own reading. Many of the cards in the major arcana, the trump cards, are fairly logical. The Lovers represent love, in some capacity, while Strength is symbolic of courage and drive. Each of the cards in the minor arcana also carries meaning when used for divination, based on both the numeric value of the card and which suit it is. Meanings of each card can be found online, in books, or simply by interpreting the images on the card.
Face-to-face tarot card readings are the most popular types of readings because they allow the person to select the cards themselves. The reader then interprets what cards are chosen. This has more market appeal due to its interactive nature. In different parts of the world, there are several street readers who do readings for passers-by. There are also people who go to homes in order to read tarot card meanings for other people. England rates for home readings are at £12.50 per person or around that area.
Tarot card purists believe that these face-to-face readings are the original type of readings. This leads them to believe that face-to-face readings are a lot truer than other types of tarot card readings like e-mail or telephone readings. Then again, these arguments are astrological in nature and cannot be found to be true or accurate.
Telephone readings are generally more available than the street readings. A simple Google search will provide one with more options than one can normally find in the local streets. These readings are available for more or less £5.00 per reading.
Phone readings are generally cheaper because being online the tarot card readers can appeal to a larger audience, and through which they do not have to over charge, as there is no lack of customers.
There is, however, a drawback to phone readings: a lack of mystique. According to tarot card purists, again, phone readings are less effective than the typical face-to-face reading. Unfounded as this argument may be, it is enough to sway reading prices lower, and for those who believe in astrology, this may mean a whole lot.
This industry is largely helped by the growth of online communication. While past services have only been for local phone lines or party lines, the Internet has encouraged a large market growth in tarot card readings over the phone.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
Create a video blog
Fortune Telling Tarot Cards in a Rudimentary Realm
mmon forms of prediction fortunes and offering observations into the formerand coming is the tarot. Tarot cards original initiated in Italy in the original half of the fifteenth century as a card game, used wholly for play. This first game was something like the idyllic game of Bridge. The utilise of tarot cards for prophecy is original archived in the first 1700s and by the close of the 1700s; modifications were done to tarot cards to make them more proper for prophecy and abstruse intent. initailly, tarot cards had no bond to the occult, and this affiliation is a more idyllic an than the cards themselves. The particularities of the idyllic cards, designed for abstruse aims, have their bedding in the 19th century.
The modern tarot deck is separated into what is commonly called the major arcana or trump cards and minor arcane or suits of cards. The trump cards or major arcana consist of twenty two cards, all without suits. These include the Fool, the Magician, the Empress, Justice, the Wheel of Fortune and others. The minor arcana consists of four suits of cards; swords, staves, cups and coins. Today, staves are often called wands, but rods or batons are seen as well. Coins may be called disks or pentacles in some tarot decks.
Meaning is assigned to each card in a tarot deck; however, the specifics of interpretation are impacted by the layout of the cards, whether they are upright or reversed, and the interpreter’s own reading. Many of the cards in the major arcana, the trump cards, are fairly logical. The Lovers represent love, in some capacity, while Strength is symbolic of courage and drive. Each of the cards in the minor arcana also carries meaning when used for divination, based on both the numeric value of the card and which suit it is. Meanings of each card can be found online, in books, or simply by interpreting the images on the card.
Face-to-face tarot card readings are the most popular types of readings because they allow the person to select the cards themselves. The reader then interprets what cards are chosen. This has more market appeal due to its interactive nature. In different parts of the world, there are several street readers who do readings for passers-by. There are also people who go to homes in order to read tarot card meanings for other people. England rates for home readings are at £12.50 per person or around that area.
Tarot card purists believe that these face-to-face readings are the original type of readings. This leads them to believe that face-to-face readings are a lot truer than other types of tarot card readings like e-mail or telephone readings. Then again, these arguments are astrological in nature and cannot be found to be true or accurate.
You can also have a tarot reading done over the phone. If you cannot find a local person who does tarot readings or would prefer additional discretion, this can be a good choice. While you should expect a tarot reading over the phone to be rather expensive, do avoid questionable services charging by the minute. There are reputable tarot card readers who provide readings over the phone for a reasonable flat fee. Some may also offer online readings for a small sum, and provide their interpretation of the cards via email.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
By: Samantha Srillian
About the Author:
The modern tarot deck is separated into what is commonly called the major arcana or trump cards and minor arcane or suits of cards. The trump cards or major arcana consist of twenty two cards, all without suits. These include the Fool, the Magician, the Empress, Justice, the Wheel of Fortune and others. The minor arcana consists of four suits of cards; swords, staves, cups and coins. Today, staves are often called wands, but rods or batons are seen as well. Coins may be called disks or pentacles in some tarot decks.
Meaning is assigned to each card in a tarot deck; however, the specifics of interpretation are impacted by the layout of the cards, whether they are upright or reversed, and the interpreter’s own reading. Many of the cards in the major arcana, the trump cards, are fairly logical. The Lovers represent love, in some capacity, while Strength is symbolic of courage and drive. Each of the cards in the minor arcana also carries meaning when used for divination, based on both the numeric value of the card and which suit it is. Meanings of each card can be found online, in books, or simply by interpreting the images on the card.
Face-to-face tarot card readings are the most popular types of readings because they allow the person to select the cards themselves. The reader then interprets what cards are chosen. This has more market appeal due to its interactive nature. In different parts of the world, there are several street readers who do readings for passers-by. There are also people who go to homes in order to read tarot card meanings for other people. England rates for home readings are at £12.50 per person or around that area.
Tarot card purists believe that these face-to-face readings are the original type of readings. This leads them to believe that face-to-face readings are a lot truer than other types of tarot card readings like e-mail or telephone readings. Then again, these arguments are astrological in nature and cannot be found to be true or accurate.
You can also have a tarot reading done over the phone. If you cannot find a local person who does tarot readings or would prefer additional discretion, this can be a good choice. While you should expect a tarot reading over the phone to be rather expensive, do avoid questionable services charging by the minute. There are reputable tarot card readers who provide readings over the phone for a reasonable flat fee. Some may also offer online readings for a small sum, and provide their interpretation of the cards via email.
Tarot cards have a long history, both as a simple card game and as a tool for divination. The modern usage of these cards is purely esoteric. If you are interested, you should keep in mind that tarot cards are only as helpful as the reader is perceptive, and that while you may leave with some clarifications of your own thoughts, more than that is unlikely.
By: Samantha Srillian
About the Author:
Samantha Srillian is a freelance writer, as well as a naturally gifted psychic medium and tarot card reader. She is interested in alternative therapies, angels and spiritual healing.
Is Tarot Real And Can It Tell You About Your Life?
Koz Huseyin asked:
In the world today, we find many people interested in Tarot and fortune telling. As many people who believe that Tarot cards do work, and provide meaningful information for there lives, there are also others who say that they don’t work.
For centuries humans have sought to know what is going to happen. We know about yesterday, though maybe we have not gleaned all the necessary lessons, and tomorrow is like a dream, and it would be nice to know what is going to happen! Tarot makes this possible.
I guess it would be in order for me to tell you my position on the topic, so you understand my bias. I do believe that the Tarot works, so this article may be a bit biased on the working factor, however, I will try to provide the unbiased information, so you can make up your own mind on the subject.
For many centuries many kings and queens have used diviners to get answers to there problems. Certainly Tarot has been the most popular method of divination in most parts of the world. Though I would like to give you a look at differences between what could be termed real divination and fortunetelling. A diviner looks for insight, and gains information, whereas the term ‘fortuneteller’ though implies someone possibly being a gypsy, more often than not, is a glamorous way of making money at fairs, etc. Though some of them may actually be a diviner.
If you ask most diviners where they get the answers for there questions, you will find as much variety as the many religions of the Earth! Some people believe that the answers come from spiritual forces, god, a god, Gaia (Earth Spirit, Mother Earth), others also believe that it may come from the unconscious collective, and yet others believe it is there own creativity.
Scientists and Psychologists such as Carl Jung did much study with the tarot, and believed that the tarot cards were symbols which resonated with the archetypes of different people. Another noted person working with consciousness was Dr Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary believed that the cards represented our journey through life.
Whether you believe in tarot or not does not necessarily mean that you will get a good or bad reading, nor does it mean that it will effect your life or not. The cards have been used by many over the years in the belief that it does work. Many people who have had readings have found that the cards do indeed speak about some parts of there lives. For the skeptics however, often the view is that the cards speak to generally.
The tarot cards popularity has also found its way online, where now, you can find many sites online who will give you a free reading. Again skeptics are born, and now with people who do believe in tarot cards ability! The question is now whether online tarot card readings work as well or if at all compared with traditional in your hand tarot cards.
My take on this is that whether the tarot cards are physically present in front of you or on a virtual screen, the tarot is based on randomness and faith. The randomness that out of infinite possibilities the card dealing with your present life is the one to come up; and the faith that some power whatever we may call it is the power which delivers us the right card.
Tarot will always catch people’s fascination. After all anything that can give us a glimpse of tomorrow, a better understanding about our life, and lessons from the past is giving us a map of the unknown.
Website content
In the world today, we find many people interested in Tarot and fortune telling. As many people who believe that Tarot cards do work, and provide meaningful information for there lives, there are also others who say that they don’t work.
For centuries humans have sought to know what is going to happen. We know about yesterday, though maybe we have not gleaned all the necessary lessons, and tomorrow is like a dream, and it would be nice to know what is going to happen! Tarot makes this possible.
I guess it would be in order for me to tell you my position on the topic, so you understand my bias. I do believe that the Tarot works, so this article may be a bit biased on the working factor, however, I will try to provide the unbiased information, so you can make up your own mind on the subject.
For many centuries many kings and queens have used diviners to get answers to there problems. Certainly Tarot has been the most popular method of divination in most parts of the world. Though I would like to give you a look at differences between what could be termed real divination and fortunetelling. A diviner looks for insight, and gains information, whereas the term ‘fortuneteller’ though implies someone possibly being a gypsy, more often than not, is a glamorous way of making money at fairs, etc. Though some of them may actually be a diviner.
If you ask most diviners where they get the answers for there questions, you will find as much variety as the many religions of the Earth! Some people believe that the answers come from spiritual forces, god, a god, Gaia (Earth Spirit, Mother Earth), others also believe that it may come from the unconscious collective, and yet others believe it is there own creativity.
Scientists and Psychologists such as Carl Jung did much study with the tarot, and believed that the tarot cards were symbols which resonated with the archetypes of different people. Another noted person working with consciousness was Dr Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary believed that the cards represented our journey through life.
Whether you believe in tarot or not does not necessarily mean that you will get a good or bad reading, nor does it mean that it will effect your life or not. The cards have been used by many over the years in the belief that it does work. Many people who have had readings have found that the cards do indeed speak about some parts of there lives. For the skeptics however, often the view is that the cards speak to generally.
The tarot cards popularity has also found its way online, where now, you can find many sites online who will give you a free reading. Again skeptics are born, and now with people who do believe in tarot cards ability! The question is now whether online tarot card readings work as well or if at all compared with traditional in your hand tarot cards.
My take on this is that whether the tarot cards are physically present in front of you or on a virtual screen, the tarot is based on randomness and faith. The randomness that out of infinite possibilities the card dealing with your present life is the one to come up; and the faith that some power whatever we may call it is the power which delivers us the right card.
Tarot will always catch people’s fascination. After all anything that can give us a glimpse of tomorrow, a better understanding about our life, and lessons from the past is giving us a map of the unknown.
Website content
How Psychic Development Can Benefit Your Life
Psychic development - the ability of an individual to utilize one or more of their psychic abilities for achieving unexplainable results beyond the norm. Psychic ability is unexplainable by any known laws. But since the beginning of modern civilization, man has always known of the existence of these unique powers
Egypt, Greece and Rome
Man’s desire to study psychic development is nothing new. Through the centuries of time, man has attempted to understand this unusual phenomenon. The ancient Egyptians were strong believers in these unseen forces and devoted centuries of study to understand, develop and control them. They used various psychic development techniques to help them better comprehend these mysterious forces. The Egyptians used dream scrying, astrology and meditation. They also accepted reincarnation as a fact of life. The Egyptians had several religious cults devoted to understanding these psychic forces on a deeper level.
The Greeks and Romans also had a strong interest in what we now call psychic development. They believed that you could use this knowledge to help yourself lead a better life. There were even “Mystery Schools” in Greece and Rome devoted to nothing but learning about spiritual and psychic development. In these Mystery Schools, they studied the Tarot, Numerology, Astrology and other forms of divination. In fact, the word “psychic” finds its origin from the Greek word “psychikos” meaning “of the soul and mind.”
Common Psychic Experiences
Psychic development uses our god-given sixth senses and is inherent in all of us. Therefore, learning how to develop and unlock this power is possible for everyone. Psychic development involves the uncovering and nurturing of your already existent abilities. Many people don’t even realize when they’ve had a psychic experience!
Here are some common psychic experiences one may encounter on a daily basis are:
- Knowing who is calling before answering the phone
- Having a feeling about something that later proves to be correct
- Dreaming something that actually happens later
- Understanding the hidden purpose behind things that happen
- Understanding other people’s true feelings without them having to express them
- Knowing what someone is going to say before they say it
If you have experienced one or more of these experiences, it indicates the presence of strong psychic powers within. It is important to realize the presence of these psychic powers and to learn how to develop them using psychic development techniques. Ignoring or denying your psychic ability due to fear and doubt is not the right thing to do.
Psychic development has responsibilities that should not be feared but welcomed. These natural god-given abilities won’t go away, even if they are disregarded!They are natural gifts which should be explored and welcomed. Although the journey of discovery requires practice and patience, the end results will justify your efforts. You can learn to unravel the mysteries of life and understand what others mistakenly call the “unknown.”
The Benefit of Meditation
When you begin to take your first steps towards psychic development, the key is to remain calm and focused. Meditation helps with this immensely. Meditation can be used as a process of shutting out all worldly thoughts and going within. At first, some people find it is difficult to get into the practice of meditation. But meditation is extremely beneficial to the body, mind and soul of an individual.
There are several approaches one can use to get into a meditative state. While sitting upright, make yourself comfortable and keep your spine straight. Then try a few of the following exercises:
- Breath naturally while focusing on nothing but your breathing
- Sit in a dimly lit room and focus your attention on a candle flame
- Focus on a mental image in your mind
- Continuously repeat the mantra “Ohm” while relaxing your body
In order to maximize the benefits of the psychic development process, practice one of the abovr meditation techniques at least twice a day for a least 10 minutes each time.
Meditation helps to clear the mind by allowing all other irrelevant thoughts to leave. Through practice, once this meditative state is achieved, the visions, thoughts and feelings that you experience will perhaps become true psychic visions.
What You Will Gain
Psychic development techniques will help you to tap into the abilities already within yourself. In addition to the attainment of a deep sense of relaxation and peace of mind, psychic development will help to spark a new sense of confidence in yourself.
Insight
By working on psychic development, it will provide clarity, focus and a new sense of purpose in your life. You will come to recognize your potential talents and develop them, realizing that these powers can be used for success, prosperity and the benefit of others.
By: James Dunn
About the Author:
Egypt, Greece and Rome
Man’s desire to study psychic development is nothing new. Through the centuries of time, man has attempted to understand this unusual phenomenon. The ancient Egyptians were strong believers in these unseen forces and devoted centuries of study to understand, develop and control them. They used various psychic development techniques to help them better comprehend these mysterious forces. The Egyptians used dream scrying, astrology and meditation. They also accepted reincarnation as a fact of life. The Egyptians had several religious cults devoted to understanding these psychic forces on a deeper level.
The Greeks and Romans also had a strong interest in what we now call psychic development. They believed that you could use this knowledge to help yourself lead a better life. There were even “Mystery Schools” in Greece and Rome devoted to nothing but learning about spiritual and psychic development. In these Mystery Schools, they studied the Tarot, Numerology, Astrology and other forms of divination. In fact, the word “psychic” finds its origin from the Greek word “psychikos” meaning “of the soul and mind.”
Common Psychic Experiences
Psychic development uses our god-given sixth senses and is inherent in all of us. Therefore, learning how to develop and unlock this power is possible for everyone. Psychic development involves the uncovering and nurturing of your already existent abilities. Many people don’t even realize when they’ve had a psychic experience!
Here are some common psychic experiences one may encounter on a daily basis are:
- Knowing who is calling before answering the phone
- Having a feeling about something that later proves to be correct
- Dreaming something that actually happens later
- Understanding the hidden purpose behind things that happen
- Understanding other people’s true feelings without them having to express them
- Knowing what someone is going to say before they say it
If you have experienced one or more of these experiences, it indicates the presence of strong psychic powers within. It is important to realize the presence of these psychic powers and to learn how to develop them using psychic development techniques. Ignoring or denying your psychic ability due to fear and doubt is not the right thing to do.
Psychic development has responsibilities that should not be feared but welcomed. These natural god-given abilities won’t go away, even if they are disregarded!They are natural gifts which should be explored and welcomed. Although the journey of discovery requires practice and patience, the end results will justify your efforts. You can learn to unravel the mysteries of life and understand what others mistakenly call the “unknown.”
The Benefit of Meditation
When you begin to take your first steps towards psychic development, the key is to remain calm and focused. Meditation helps with this immensely. Meditation can be used as a process of shutting out all worldly thoughts and going within. At first, some people find it is difficult to get into the practice of meditation. But meditation is extremely beneficial to the body, mind and soul of an individual.
There are several approaches one can use to get into a meditative state. While sitting upright, make yourself comfortable and keep your spine straight. Then try a few of the following exercises:
- Breath naturally while focusing on nothing but your breathing
- Sit in a dimly lit room and focus your attention on a candle flame
- Focus on a mental image in your mind
- Continuously repeat the mantra “Ohm” while relaxing your body
In order to maximize the benefits of the psychic development process, practice one of the abovr meditation techniques at least twice a day for a least 10 minutes each time.
Meditation helps to clear the mind by allowing all other irrelevant thoughts to leave. Through practice, once this meditative state is achieved, the visions, thoughts and feelings that you experience will perhaps become true psychic visions.
What You Will Gain
Psychic development techniques will help you to tap into the abilities already within yourself. In addition to the attainment of a deep sense of relaxation and peace of mind, psychic development will help to spark a new sense of confidence in yourself.
Insight
By working on psychic development, it will provide clarity, focus and a new sense of purpose in your life. You will come to recognize your potential talents and develop them, realizing that these powers can be used for success, prosperity and the benefit of others.
By: James Dunn
About the Author:
This was written by a famous Psychic. Visit his website for psychic readings and psychic predictions.
Is It Better To Make Your Own Tarot Cards for Divination Readings
I bought my first tarot deck when I went through what I like to call a mystical phase in college. I had watched dozens of witch movies and thought that tarot had everything to do with witchcraft and spells.
I was wrong.
Tarot has been around for centuries, even though no one quite knows where it came from. There is evidence that it was in Egypt for a time, as well as in medieval England.
More commonly it is believed that gypsies are somehow responsible for endowing the world with the mystical, magical tarot cards.
Tarot cards are not about witchcraft or spells. They are, instead, about looking into the soul of another person.
1) How to get started
It is actually extremely easy to get started reading tarot cards. If you have never used tarot before, and know nothing about it, you should find some instructions.
There are dozens of books available for purchase, as well as hundreds of websites devoted to tarot reading. Then you have to pick a deck. There are dozens of different types of decks out there, and most of them are fine to use.
Eventually, after you get some practice under your belt, you may find yourself wondering if you can, and should, make your own tarot deck. After all, it is just some cards with pictures on them, right? It should not take that long to make some pictures and color them in, right?
2) The Conundrum Of Crawley
Let us take the example of Aleister Crawley. Aleister believed that he could make up a deck of tarot cards within a very short time. As a matter of fact, he believed that he would be done the deck within two weeks.
He requested the help of skilled drawer, Lady Frieda Harris, in helping him complete his task. For months and years the two went back and forth, doing their best to create the perfect deck. Finally, the deck was published, but not until both Crawley and Lady Harris had passed away.
His deck was named the Thoth deck, and is absolutely breathtaking and very unique. But keep in mind that this beautiful deck of tarot cards took over five years to create.
3) To draw, or not to draw your own tarot cards
There are some people who believe that you do not have to draw pictures on your tarot cards. Personally, I find this just plain wrong.
Tarot cards have a history of being as beautiful as they are prophetic. The question then arises, if you are planning on drawing your own tarot deck, of how good an illustrator you are.
I know that I am a terrible drawer. If I ever wanted to create my own deck, I would probably do as Aleister Crowley did and find myself a good artist to illustrate the deck for me.
You have to realize, though, that there is always the possibility that you and the artist might lock horns about the design, especially if the artist has a lot of pride in their work and are not getting paid for the project.
4) The bottom line
If you do decide that you would like to create your own deck, you need to be prepared for a number of things. For starters:
a) Be prepared to spend some time. It take a long time to make quality tarot decks, so do not get discouraged if it seems to take a few months or even a few years. At the end of the process, you will have a beautiful deck that you can be proud of. In addition, the cards will be imbued with your own energy; and you might find that you are able to read into more information when you are doing a tarot card reading whether it is for yourself or even for your friends.
b) Become a tarot expert. In order to make a good deck, you need to understand all of the pieces of the deck, as well as why they mean what they do. The pictures are there for a reason, and should help you to weave a story together, when they are laid down properly. You can start by doing regular practice of meditation on each of the cards, and do not be afraid to ask your higher, intuitive self for directions in making your own tarot cards! You might find that you will receive signs and information in your dreams!
c) Size does count. Most tarot decks in the store now a days are overly large. The reason is because the artists create very large illustrations, and then the publisher scans the picture down. If they go too small, it will be very difficult to see anything in the picture. Big decks, though, can be uncomfortable if you are not used to them. Most professional tarot readers us cards that are the same size as regular playing cards.
d) Do not scrimp. If you are making your own tarot deck, you are going to want it to last for quite awhile. What is the good of making a deck that gets destroyed in a few months? Use good material and your cards will last a long time.
e) It is not necessary to make your own tarot cards to read them. There are dozens of beautiful decks out there that have been around for hundreds of years, and you can easily use one of those if you prefer. Listen to your inner voice and trust your intuitive higher self. It will give you signs and indications if you should proceed to create your own tarot cards.
Do not be discouraged from creating a deck. If you have the desire to do so, go ahead! After all, tarot is all about knowing yourself so that you can create the future that you want!
By: Tenzin Pemo
About the Author:
I was wrong.
Tarot has been around for centuries, even though no one quite knows where it came from. There is evidence that it was in Egypt for a time, as well as in medieval England.
More commonly it is believed that gypsies are somehow responsible for endowing the world with the mystical, magical tarot cards.
Tarot cards are not about witchcraft or spells. They are, instead, about looking into the soul of another person.
1) How to get started
It is actually extremely easy to get started reading tarot cards. If you have never used tarot before, and know nothing about it, you should find some instructions.
There are dozens of books available for purchase, as well as hundreds of websites devoted to tarot reading. Then you have to pick a deck. There are dozens of different types of decks out there, and most of them are fine to use.
Eventually, after you get some practice under your belt, you may find yourself wondering if you can, and should, make your own tarot deck. After all, it is just some cards with pictures on them, right? It should not take that long to make some pictures and color them in, right?
2) The Conundrum Of Crawley
Let us take the example of Aleister Crawley. Aleister believed that he could make up a deck of tarot cards within a very short time. As a matter of fact, he believed that he would be done the deck within two weeks.
He requested the help of skilled drawer, Lady Frieda Harris, in helping him complete his task. For months and years the two went back and forth, doing their best to create the perfect deck. Finally, the deck was published, but not until both Crawley and Lady Harris had passed away.
His deck was named the Thoth deck, and is absolutely breathtaking and very unique. But keep in mind that this beautiful deck of tarot cards took over five years to create.
3) To draw, or not to draw your own tarot cards
There are some people who believe that you do not have to draw pictures on your tarot cards. Personally, I find this just plain wrong.
Tarot cards have a history of being as beautiful as they are prophetic. The question then arises, if you are planning on drawing your own tarot deck, of how good an illustrator you are.
I know that I am a terrible drawer. If I ever wanted to create my own deck, I would probably do as Aleister Crowley did and find myself a good artist to illustrate the deck for me.
You have to realize, though, that there is always the possibility that you and the artist might lock horns about the design, especially if the artist has a lot of pride in their work and are not getting paid for the project.
4) The bottom line
If you do decide that you would like to create your own deck, you need to be prepared for a number of things. For starters:
a) Be prepared to spend some time. It take a long time to make quality tarot decks, so do not get discouraged if it seems to take a few months or even a few years. At the end of the process, you will have a beautiful deck that you can be proud of. In addition, the cards will be imbued with your own energy; and you might find that you are able to read into more information when you are doing a tarot card reading whether it is for yourself or even for your friends.
b) Become a tarot expert. In order to make a good deck, you need to understand all of the pieces of the deck, as well as why they mean what they do. The pictures are there for a reason, and should help you to weave a story together, when they are laid down properly. You can start by doing regular practice of meditation on each of the cards, and do not be afraid to ask your higher, intuitive self for directions in making your own tarot cards! You might find that you will receive signs and information in your dreams!
c) Size does count. Most tarot decks in the store now a days are overly large. The reason is because the artists create very large illustrations, and then the publisher scans the picture down. If they go too small, it will be very difficult to see anything in the picture. Big decks, though, can be uncomfortable if you are not used to them. Most professional tarot readers us cards that are the same size as regular playing cards.
d) Do not scrimp. If you are making your own tarot deck, you are going to want it to last for quite awhile. What is the good of making a deck that gets destroyed in a few months? Use good material and your cards will last a long time.
e) It is not necessary to make your own tarot cards to read them. There are dozens of beautiful decks out there that have been around for hundreds of years, and you can easily use one of those if you prefer. Listen to your inner voice and trust your intuitive higher self. It will give you signs and indications if you should proceed to create your own tarot cards.
Do not be discouraged from creating a deck. If you have the desire to do so, go ahead! After all, tarot is all about knowing yourself so that you can create the future that you want!
By: Tenzin Pemo
About the Author:
Tenzin offers amazingly accurate FREE Tarot Readings at this site! You can also check your sign compatibility with another person whether it is your lover or your friends! Use our FREE divination tools to discover the AMAZING human traits, personality and behavioral patterns of ANYONE you like to find out!
A Beginner’s Guide to Tarot Card Readings
INTRODUCING THE TAROT -
Tarot is a means of divination - that is, the art of ‘reading’ the future or uncovering the unknown. The tarot consists of a set of playing cards which are dealt into a particular layout according to what your question is. When dealing the cards you should focus on a particular problem you may be experiencing or think about an aspect of your life about which you’d like more clarity. Traditionally the tarot has been interpreted by a ‘tarot-reader’ - either professional or amateur. More recently, however, computers have been used more often to give readings online or on CD Roms etc.
HISTORY -
There is much mystery surrounding the history of the tarot and myths about its origins abound. Some cynics say that this mystery has been perpetuated as a marketing tool for tarot card salesmen! However, by just looking at the evidence available we can estimate that the earliest surviving full deck was painted in 1422 by Italian artist Bonifacio Bembo. This is known as the Visconti deck, named after the Duke of Milan, who commissioned them. Although accounts of Ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Indian and earlier Italian links have been suggested, there is no evidence to support claims of earlier decks than the Visconti. It is possible that these more exotic links were drawn as a result of the Moorish and other cultural influences on Italian society at the time.
The cards were originally used for a game called Tarocchi or ‘Game of Triumphs’ which was similar to Bridge. The game was played mainly by the Upper Classes and has continued in some circles (mainly in Italy and France) to be played to this day.
The tarot’s use by the Upper Classes probably saved the game from being banned by the Church (though some accounts state that tarot was considered heretical and outlawed by the Church). Indeed in the latter half of the fifteenth century some church sermons labelled tarot as the work of the Devil. But in fact the Church concerned itself more with the use of ordinary playing cards, which were considered gambling. Some cards from the tarot deck - such as the Devil, the Tower and the Death card - were on occasions omitted from the pack, as they were feared by many people, but little harm was actually done to the use of the cards until centuries later.
EVOLUTION -
The tarot has undergone many permutations in its use, design and interpretation over the centuries. There is early evidence, for instance, to suggest that one of the first permutations was in using the cards as inspiration for poetry - possibly the first use in describing aspects of the human psyche and personality traits. The cards have since evolved according to the prevailing culture of the times and attitudes within them.
The first evidence of tarot being used as a divinatory tool came in the early eighteenth century in Bologna. In 1781 a clergyman, Antoine Court de Gebelin, revitalised and raised awareness of the tarot in his book, which drew links between the imagery in the Major Arcana and the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. This was later picked up by occult practitioners (occult means “hidden”) such as Alistair Crowley and Waite of the Rider-Waite deck. The imagery on this deck is the one with which we are most familiar today as this was the deck introduced into America in the twentieth century and the only one readily available to generations of Americans. We therefore tend to associate the tarot with more esoteric connections, rather than the lighter use which defined its origins in fifteenth century Italy, over 500 years before.
THE TAROT CARDS -
There are 78 cards in a tarot deck. These cards are made up of a Major Arcana (Trumps) and Minor Arcana. Arcana means mystery, which reflects the secret wisdom contained in each card.
The Major Arcana
Major Arcana or ‘Great Mysteries’ consists of 22 cards and represents our journey through life.
The Minor Arcana (Lesser Mysteries)
consists of 56 cards and represents day-to-day living.
The Minor Arcana can be divided into four suits. These are Wands, Cups, Swords and Coins.
The Suits
The Wands represent doing
Key words: Action, change, beginning, resolution, fire element.
The Cups represent being
Key words: Feeling, emotions, spiritual, love, water element.
The Swords represent thinking
Key words: Ideas, understanding, reason, conflict, air element.
The Coins represent having
Key words: Money, property, abundance, earth element.
Each suit consists of numbered cards from Ace to Ten
plus four Court Cards - the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Court cards
The Court Cards traditionally represent a person in your life or an aspect of yourself. For instance, turning up the Knight of Wands suggests you or someone in your life may be acting irresponsibly and therefore behaving like this Knight. This site has been written so that all the interpretations can be found in the text. You do not need to do any extra work in adding the Court Card interpretations into your readings.
Card numbering
These definitions are not intended to give comprehensive definitions (nor do they fit each card precisely). Rather, they provide general patterns and a rough path through the suits:
Ace: Represents the essence of its suit
Two: First steps into the area of the suit
Three: Further steps
Four: Inner blocks to be overcome along the way
Five: Hardship, strife, struggle, conflict
Six: Journeys and learning new lessons
Seven: Learning further, more challenging lessons in order to break into the new
Eight: Having to persist through difficulties
Nine: Final lessons
Ten: The end result of learning all the lessons of the suit
Page: The apprentice who learns and plays with the essence of the suit
Knight: The rebellious or ‘darker’ side to the suit
Queen: The feminine manifestation of the suit - its ‘inner aspect’
King: The masculine manifestation of the suit - its ‘outer,’ worldly aspect.
To learn more about Tarot and get a free reading visit http://www.tarot-cards-reading.com
By: Fred Street
About the Author:
Tarot is a means of divination - that is, the art of ‘reading’ the future or uncovering the unknown. The tarot consists of a set of playing cards which are dealt into a particular layout according to what your question is. When dealing the cards you should focus on a particular problem you may be experiencing or think about an aspect of your life about which you’d like more clarity. Traditionally the tarot has been interpreted by a ‘tarot-reader’ - either professional or amateur. More recently, however, computers have been used more often to give readings online or on CD Roms etc.
HISTORY -
There is much mystery surrounding the history of the tarot and myths about its origins abound. Some cynics say that this mystery has been perpetuated as a marketing tool for tarot card salesmen! However, by just looking at the evidence available we can estimate that the earliest surviving full deck was painted in 1422 by Italian artist Bonifacio Bembo. This is known as the Visconti deck, named after the Duke of Milan, who commissioned them. Although accounts of Ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Indian and earlier Italian links have been suggested, there is no evidence to support claims of earlier decks than the Visconti. It is possible that these more exotic links were drawn as a result of the Moorish and other cultural influences on Italian society at the time.
The cards were originally used for a game called Tarocchi or ‘Game of Triumphs’ which was similar to Bridge. The game was played mainly by the Upper Classes and has continued in some circles (mainly in Italy and France) to be played to this day.
The tarot’s use by the Upper Classes probably saved the game from being banned by the Church (though some accounts state that tarot was considered heretical and outlawed by the Church). Indeed in the latter half of the fifteenth century some church sermons labelled tarot as the work of the Devil. But in fact the Church concerned itself more with the use of ordinary playing cards, which were considered gambling. Some cards from the tarot deck - such as the Devil, the Tower and the Death card - were on occasions omitted from the pack, as they were feared by many people, but little harm was actually done to the use of the cards until centuries later.
EVOLUTION -
The tarot has undergone many permutations in its use, design and interpretation over the centuries. There is early evidence, for instance, to suggest that one of the first permutations was in using the cards as inspiration for poetry - possibly the first use in describing aspects of the human psyche and personality traits. The cards have since evolved according to the prevailing culture of the times and attitudes within them.
The first evidence of tarot being used as a divinatory tool came in the early eighteenth century in Bologna. In 1781 a clergyman, Antoine Court de Gebelin, revitalised and raised awareness of the tarot in his book, which drew links between the imagery in the Major Arcana and the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. This was later picked up by occult practitioners (occult means “hidden”) such as Alistair Crowley and Waite of the Rider-Waite deck. The imagery on this deck is the one with which we are most familiar today as this was the deck introduced into America in the twentieth century and the only one readily available to generations of Americans. We therefore tend to associate the tarot with more esoteric connections, rather than the lighter use which defined its origins in fifteenth century Italy, over 500 years before.
THE TAROT CARDS -
There are 78 cards in a tarot deck. These cards are made up of a Major Arcana (Trumps) and Minor Arcana. Arcana means mystery, which reflects the secret wisdom contained in each card.
The Major Arcana
Major Arcana or ‘Great Mysteries’ consists of 22 cards and represents our journey through life.
The Minor Arcana (Lesser Mysteries)
consists of 56 cards and represents day-to-day living.
The Minor Arcana can be divided into four suits. These are Wands, Cups, Swords and Coins.
The Suits
The Wands represent doing
Key words: Action, change, beginning, resolution, fire element.
The Cups represent being
Key words: Feeling, emotions, spiritual, love, water element.
The Swords represent thinking
Key words: Ideas, understanding, reason, conflict, air element.
The Coins represent having
Key words: Money, property, abundance, earth element.
Each suit consists of numbered cards from Ace to Ten
plus four Court Cards - the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Court cards
The Court Cards traditionally represent a person in your life or an aspect of yourself. For instance, turning up the Knight of Wands suggests you or someone in your life may be acting irresponsibly and therefore behaving like this Knight. This site has been written so that all the interpretations can be found in the text. You do not need to do any extra work in adding the Court Card interpretations into your readings.
Card numbering
These definitions are not intended to give comprehensive definitions (nor do they fit each card precisely). Rather, they provide general patterns and a rough path through the suits:
Ace: Represents the essence of its suit
Two: First steps into the area of the suit
Three: Further steps
Four: Inner blocks to be overcome along the way
Five: Hardship, strife, struggle, conflict
Six: Journeys and learning new lessons
Seven: Learning further, more challenging lessons in order to break into the new
Eight: Having to persist through difficulties
Nine: Final lessons
Ten: The end result of learning all the lessons of the suit
Page: The apprentice who learns and plays with the essence of the suit
Knight: The rebellious or ‘darker’ side to the suit
Queen: The feminine manifestation of the suit - its ‘inner aspect’
King: The masculine manifestation of the suit - its ‘outer,’ worldly aspect.
To learn more about Tarot and get a free reading visit http://www.tarot-cards-reading.com
By: Fred Street
About the Author:
Fred Street is the creator of http://www.tarot-cards-reading.com a free Tarot reading site which offers a wide range of readings online and by email. Ideal for anyone learning Tarot
A Fascinating History of Tarot and What you Should Know About Tarot Reading
Most of what I’m going to lecture from come from Cynthia Giles’ book: The Tarot, History, Mystery and Lore and some other resources.
The origins of the Tarot have been attributed a wide range of wacky sources paleolithic cave paintings, gypsy folk lore, Moroccan mystics and even gifts from space aliens to Egyptian priests!. Most of these stories are, of course, speculation of the wildest, most ridiculous kind, and only serve to muddy the waters when it comes to understanding the Tarot. If you’re going to use the cards, it’s important to understand where they come from so that you know their rich history, their potential and their value and not put faith in silly urban legends.
Tarot on parade
The first mention of the cards was in Italy in the 14th century, called “Tarocco” and used for games and already, authorities were lecturing against its use. The first known deck was made for the Vicsconzi-Sforza family of Milan, designed by the artist Bembo. According to Tarot expert Gertrude Moakley, the various characters illustrated in the major arcana represented the triomfi, or parade, that accompanied Italian celebrations.
Historians believe that there may have been other cards that existed to represent other characters but have disappeared over time. Few decks of Tarot cards exist for those early days, but there’s enough similarity in artwork to make it clear that the deck was in common use in that time. Some historians believe that the Tarot was originally only used as a gaming deck to play a game called tarocchi until occultists began using them for divination.
Taking Europe by storm
The next big milestone in Tarot’s history came in the late 1700’s when Court de Gebelen, a member of a secret society of occultists, came across the a game of tarocchi and became obsessed with the cards. He believed them to be imbued with important symbolism which he attributed to ancient Egyptian lore. De Geblen wrote a nine-volume treatise titled “Le Monde Primitif” in which he discussed the meanings of the Tarot. That he attributed the Tarot’s symbolism to the Egyptian’s was based less on any real fact than on the fascination that Europeans had with Egypt at that time, believing it to be the center of all of man’s early wisdom. Use of the cards for divination spread during that time, with a book by a man named Etteilla in 1783, in which he offered his interpretations of the cards. In fact, professional mystics began using the Tarot throughout Europe, although there was no consensus of what the cards actually meant.
The mystical background of the Tarot
Card readings have long been associated with Gypsies, although they certainly weren’t responsible for their creation. For hundreds of years, Gypsies made their way across the world, living by their wits and earning a living by any skills that they could market. Gypsies were exotic, feared and looked down on, but there was an aura of romance about them that caught the imagination of Europeans in the 1800’s. A book was published towards the end of the century called “The Tarot of the Bohemians,” attributing the Tarot to the Gypsies (who Europeans commonly believed came from Egypt). Interestingly, Gypsies used regular playing cards for divination not the Tarot.
In the 19th century, the famed mystic Eliphas Levi Zahed (whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant) connected the Taror with Hebrew mysticism the Kabbalah. He saw the Tarot as a key to life, a tool that man can use to develop himself as a human being, as a way to grow so that he might find heaven. His work outlined 22 connections to the tarot major arcana, making it a tool to be used on the path to enlightenment.
The modern Tarot deck was most influenced by the cards used in the late 1800’s by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The order was founded in England by three men who, according to lore, found an old secret manuscript written in code, deciphered it as the by-laws of a secret German society, and received permission to start their own group in England. Years later, the woman who gave them permission died, and the German members disavowed the British branch, saying they never got permission after all.
The modern Tarot is born
Despite its contentious beginnings, the Golden Dawn became a very influential group, with two members in particular doing a great deal to spread the popularity of occultism Aleister Crowley and Arthur Edward Waite. Crowley, a protégé of the Golden Dawn founders in England, created a Tarot called the Book of Thoth. Waite created the Tarot deck that’s most familiar to modern users. Working with an American artist named Pamela Coleman Smith, Waite used a storytelling theme, utilizing characters from myth, legend and religion, allocating a group of symbols to each card that gives them unique meaning. His Tarot formed the foundation on which most decks that followed were based.
The next milestone in the Tarot’s history came in the 1920’s, when a Golden Dawn member named Paul Foster Case started a group in Los Angeles called Builders of the Adytum (BOTA). The BOTA deck is in black and white, created so that the owner could color the drawings themselves (it was a tradition in the Golden Dawn that each member had to make their own deck as part of their training). The group offers Tarot training to this day, although their interpretations of the cards are disputed by many divination experts.
Today, there are countless versions of the Crowley/Waite Tarot available, some with magnificent artwork, others less impressive. Whatever your choice of deck, using the Tarot as a divination tool is a personal experience, one that’s origins reach far back in history. Hopefully, knowing the background of this ancient art will enhance your connection to the cards, and to your own readings.
By: Mailcucan
About the Author:
The origins of the Tarot have been attributed a wide range of wacky sources paleolithic cave paintings, gypsy folk lore, Moroccan mystics and even gifts from space aliens to Egyptian priests!. Most of these stories are, of course, speculation of the wildest, most ridiculous kind, and only serve to muddy the waters when it comes to understanding the Tarot. If you’re going to use the cards, it’s important to understand where they come from so that you know their rich history, their potential and their value and not put faith in silly urban legends.
Tarot on parade
The first mention of the cards was in Italy in the 14th century, called “Tarocco” and used for games and already, authorities were lecturing against its use. The first known deck was made for the Vicsconzi-Sforza family of Milan, designed by the artist Bembo. According to Tarot expert Gertrude Moakley, the various characters illustrated in the major arcana represented the triomfi, or parade, that accompanied Italian celebrations.
Historians believe that there may have been other cards that existed to represent other characters but have disappeared over time. Few decks of Tarot cards exist for those early days, but there’s enough similarity in artwork to make it clear that the deck was in common use in that time. Some historians believe that the Tarot was originally only used as a gaming deck to play a game called tarocchi until occultists began using them for divination.
Taking Europe by storm
The next big milestone in Tarot’s history came in the late 1700’s when Court de Gebelen, a member of a secret society of occultists, came across the a game of tarocchi and became obsessed with the cards. He believed them to be imbued with important symbolism which he attributed to ancient Egyptian lore. De Geblen wrote a nine-volume treatise titled “Le Monde Primitif” in which he discussed the meanings of the Tarot. That he attributed the Tarot’s symbolism to the Egyptian’s was based less on any real fact than on the fascination that Europeans had with Egypt at that time, believing it to be the center of all of man’s early wisdom. Use of the cards for divination spread during that time, with a book by a man named Etteilla in 1783, in which he offered his interpretations of the cards. In fact, professional mystics began using the Tarot throughout Europe, although there was no consensus of what the cards actually meant.
The mystical background of the Tarot
Card readings have long been associated with Gypsies, although they certainly weren’t responsible for their creation. For hundreds of years, Gypsies made their way across the world, living by their wits and earning a living by any skills that they could market. Gypsies were exotic, feared and looked down on, but there was an aura of romance about them that caught the imagination of Europeans in the 1800’s. A book was published towards the end of the century called “The Tarot of the Bohemians,” attributing the Tarot to the Gypsies (who Europeans commonly believed came from Egypt). Interestingly, Gypsies used regular playing cards for divination not the Tarot.
In the 19th century, the famed mystic Eliphas Levi Zahed (whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant) connected the Taror with Hebrew mysticism the Kabbalah. He saw the Tarot as a key to life, a tool that man can use to develop himself as a human being, as a way to grow so that he might find heaven. His work outlined 22 connections to the tarot major arcana, making it a tool to be used on the path to enlightenment.
The modern Tarot deck was most influenced by the cards used in the late 1800’s by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The order was founded in England by three men who, according to lore, found an old secret manuscript written in code, deciphered it as the by-laws of a secret German society, and received permission to start their own group in England. Years later, the woman who gave them permission died, and the German members disavowed the British branch, saying they never got permission after all.
The modern Tarot is born
Despite its contentious beginnings, the Golden Dawn became a very influential group, with two members in particular doing a great deal to spread the popularity of occultism Aleister Crowley and Arthur Edward Waite. Crowley, a protégé of the Golden Dawn founders in England, created a Tarot called the Book of Thoth. Waite created the Tarot deck that’s most familiar to modern users. Working with an American artist named Pamela Coleman Smith, Waite used a storytelling theme, utilizing characters from myth, legend and religion, allocating a group of symbols to each card that gives them unique meaning. His Tarot formed the foundation on which most decks that followed were based.
The next milestone in the Tarot’s history came in the 1920’s, when a Golden Dawn member named Paul Foster Case started a group in Los Angeles called Builders of the Adytum (BOTA). The BOTA deck is in black and white, created so that the owner could color the drawings themselves (it was a tradition in the Golden Dawn that each member had to make their own deck as part of their training). The group offers Tarot training to this day, although their interpretations of the cards are disputed by many divination experts.
Today, there are countless versions of the Crowley/Waite Tarot available, some with magnificent artwork, others less impressive. Whatever your choice of deck, using the Tarot as a divination tool is a personal experience, one that’s origins reach far back in history. Hopefully, knowing the background of this ancient art will enhance your connection to the cards, and to your own readings.
By: Mailcucan
About the Author:
Make my wish come true - Make my dreams come true.
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Free Tarot Reading Secrets
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