Whenever you say tarot cards, you would in most cases find it means the Rider Waite tarot deck. This is because this is one of the most commonly used types of card decks. The history of using tarot cards may take you to ancient times, however the tarot cards as they are known today can be traced to the year 1910 when Arthur Edward Waite designed these with the help of a very talented illustrator named Pamela Colman Smith. While Waite was British, Smith was American at that time, Waite, who was a renowned publisher, also printed an excellent guide to help with the interpretation of this tarot deck titled, 'The Key to the Tarot.' This book has often been re-run and used by a slightly modified title, 'The Pictorial Key to the Tarot.'
This is a wonderful book for any tarot enthusiast because it assists you in every step while using tarot cards for a reading. Waite made a few changes when he designed this new set of cards. The Justice and Strength cards were interchanged so Justice read as card 11 while Strength reads as card 8; all the Minor Arcana cards, which previously only had their numbers and suit symbols inscribed on them, had pictures added by Waite and Smith creating a more interesting and in many ways, easier-to-read tarot deck.
You will find that this particular deck is not only the most popular found today, but also one that is most eloquent in readings. Owing to the beautiful scenes and symbols that Rider Waite and Pamela Smith introduced, each card becomes a miniature book for the diviner, who is able to read the symbols as they become apparent during a reading. The tarot deck, with the help of the key can encourage any amateur to want to learn more about this occult art. Each card has scenery, background and many symbols, which at first glance look child-like simple. On closer perusal, the details would literally unfold before your eyes the story of your subject.
Using tarot cards for divination by novices became apparently easier after this deck was issued. This is why this is one of the most popular versions of tarot cards used today throughout the world. A good number of the symbols that you would find on these cards are the result of the inspiration the authors drew from Eliphas Levi, who was during those time an extremely famous and successful occultist and magician. Fascinated by the signs this occult personality used and convinced that using tarot cards need more visual stimulation for a proper interpretation, Waite tried to make his tarot deck speak out eloquently with the help of color, scenes and symbols.
Owing to the popularity of the Waite tarot cards, many clones have found their way in this type of divination. Some of the better-known versions include the gilded tarot, the Aquarian tarot, the Universal Waite tarot, the Nigel Jackson tarot and the Golden tarot among others. Do not be fooled by the imitations. Use the original Rider Waite tarot deck.
The Page of any suit has a childlike personality about it. Of all the Pages, this is the most mature and capable but it maintains much of the lightness and whimsy of childhood. This tarot card can represent an event, a part of you or an aspect of another person. It is typically a positive minded card, representing mental power and insight. There is also an investigative nature at work here but usually not in a detrimental way. Balance and strength of heart exist in this card. When this card shows up in a reading, you will have the clarity and diplomacy to make a decision regarding even the toughest decision.
The Knight of Swords bears no resemblance to his little brother the Page. He is without emotion, hostile and a bringer of conflict. There is no fear here or chance of defeat. His feelings of invincibility, while a negative on the whole, can give him the short term confidence needed to plow through an obstacle. There is no balance in judgment- but that can be a good thing. Sometimes a situation can only be rectified by plowing straight through it without fear and with the knowledge that you can make it through to the other side unscathed. That said, the negative aspects of this card need to be watched so that they do not become overpowering and unproductive. This card can represent an aspect of you, another person or an event.
The Queen of Swords has an emotional side but you'll never see it- even though it does influence her decisions. The majority of times that this card shows up in a tarot reading it is representing another person. She is able to see through to the heart of a situation and sense even the most subtle deception. She holds honesty and truth higher than all other things. She is often distant from others due to exacting standards and can suffer from negative self-worth feelings due to not living up to them herself. But her brilliant sense of humor can mask these feelings well for others. She is symbolic of learning something from every situation and becoming a master of analysis.
The King of Swords is the fairest judge you can find. Highly emotional, he is able to keep his feelings in check when making decisions. Usually, this card represents another person in a tarot reading but it can occasionally be an aspect of self. He is a commander, a leader- someone that others follow out of trust. He is capable of making the best decision for the group at whole. He is active and likely to make the first strike. His lack of empathy can come down harshly on those who break what he has deemed to be the rules. When this card appears, the person it represents will draw attention of others as their leadership abilities and mental clarity become obvious. This is a person who takes charge of a room and leads them to battle. He is as far from being a wallflower as you can be.
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Craig Malone has sinced written about articles on various topics from Astrology Predictions, Religion and Pets. CM is a writer for SpiritNow.com. Visit SpiritNow.com today, the online home of America's Top Psychic, Sylvia Browne. Read Sylvia's 2009 predictions and the best sp. Craig Malone's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
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