Ever hear of tarocchi or tarock cards? These were some of the names of card games believed to have evolved into today's Tarot cards. What is out of the ordinary is that no one seems to know the true history of Tarot cards which becomes a mystery in itself. For one thing, its origin has never been proven but only assumed.
Several versions of possible Tarot appear in different locations and centuries. To a certain extent, all may be valid to the progressing history of Tarot or just coincidental theories. Tarot cards are said to have originated in China more than 3000 years ago. It is fact that playing card games in tile and card forms were known and always popular among the Chinese. This theory can be strengthened that the original origin of Tarot may very well have been developed in China based upon playing cards showing up for the first time and being used in Italy in the 15th century. How could they come from China to Italy? This was the same time frame when Marco Polo returned from China.
It is speculated by some to forget the China link. The earliest set of Tarot known was solely created in Northern Italy during the 15th century. The Tarot began as a card game called tarocchi and soon spread to France and across the rest of Europe. It was not associated with fortune telling except through gypsies accused of witchcraft. In 1859, witchcraft trials took place in Venice documenting that a form of cards (possibly Tarot) were used for fortunetelling.
Other historians are doubtful of this theory to the history of the Tarot deck. They argue the claim of it being created in China or Italy. They consider that the original Tarot was formulated as an expansion of 22 cards added to the original deck of playing cards by the ancient Egyptians. It is surmised that many symbols on the Tarot and Egyptian hieroglyphics are similar and can connect it to this culture. The Egyptians were a very advance and mysterious society who indulged in the occult but may have obtained the knowledge from elsewhere.
Many feel that the history of Tarot goes back even further than the ancient Egyptians. Many think Tarot dates back to Atlantis. They speculate that those who lived in Atlantis knew they were headed for destruction. They began to look for some way to preserve their advanced knowledge and gave out the 22 cards. Outsiders thought the cards were a game until the few gifted seers gained insight into the current and possible future situations of a subject and released the knowledge of its power.
The history of the Tarot cards it is also hypothesized as being just another card game that evolved into a fortune-telling device. However, this too cannot be proven since in conjuncture; rules for a game using 78 cards were never found or 78 cards rules were never created in the first place.
During the 18th century, the Tarot deck was used exclusively for fortune telling in France. The first known documented paid fortuneteller using the Tarot was named Alliette. As a fortuneteller, for an allusion of mystique, he turned his name backward into Etteilla. He assigned meanings to each Tarot card, which are still used today in modern readings for divination, guidance, and meditation. There are no concrete facts pertaining to the history of Tarot cards; it is as mysterious as the understanding the reading.
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.
The word "Arcana"from the word Arcane simply means mysteries, secrets, that which is hidden. The Tarot card names themselves contain links to the wisdom of ancient civilizations, e.g. Egypt, the learned secrets from the Book of Thoth, the Jewish Kabbalah, which has 22 symbols like the 22 major arcana, as well as Chinese and Indian philosophies.
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.
Do not think of the Tarot cards as a list of meanings to be memorised and then regurgitated when learning to do a reading. No, Tarot cards have a symbolic life of their own which we can use as a medium for exploring our intuitions. We need to build a relationship with the cards, immerse ourselves into the symbolism and slowly let their meanings seep into our conscious and subconscious mind.
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.
You can begin the process of learning the Tarot by trying this simple intuition exercise....
Go through your Tarot deck and separate the Major arcana from the Minor arcana. Take the Tarot cards into your hands and breathe in and out three times relaxing down into a receptive state of consciousness.
* Focus now on the question you are wanting the Tarot to give you guidance.
* 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.
*Hold the Tarot card and quietly meditate. Write your first impressions into a journal. Whatever you do, try not to analyse or filter. Simply record your impressions: colour, face or something that stand out. It could be a phrase that comes into your mind or an insight about life. Don't look for something definite, first impressions can be vague.
* Do this exercise each day for a week. You will find the process of self-discovery to be very interesting
Both Craig Malone & Michelle Walter are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Craig Malone has sinced written about articles on various topics from Astrology Predictions, Religion and Pets. Craig Malone is a writer for SpiritNow.com. Looking for a free tarot or ? Visit SpiritNow.com today, the online home of America's Top Psychic,. Craig Malone's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Michelle Walter has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tarot Card. Michelle Walter is a gifted . Her vast experience in. Michelle Walter's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.