The cards are spread across the table in the shape of a "t", or perhaps, as the client thinks, it is in the shape of a crucifix.
Turning the cards over one by one, the reader breathes deeper, tension creeps across her face and she begins to tell a story.
The client is the star of this story. The plot lines are etched out, with the beginning and the middle seemingly more accurate than the client can believe possible.
Then comes the end. The reader reveals "Death". The client gasps and quickly grows pale.
But the reader laughs, "This does not mean you are soon to be dead, but that a change is ahead for you. A big change. A new life."
The mysterious reader continues to explain the meanings of the individual cards and the reading as a whole.
History
There are many aspects of Tarot which are still not entirely understood by the average person. However, most will be familiar with the cards, and at least some of the lore.
Many believe the Tarot to be many centuries old, almost 1000 years by some accounts. Most sources across the Internet suggest the Tarot originated in Egypt, but the cards in question can also be traced throughout Europe.
Nowadays the Tarot is synonymous with "psychic readings", but were used in games (still are) in countries such as France and Italy.
The Tarot are used in psychic readings, and have a long history of being used in this way. Much mystery surrounds them not only because they are a tool for the "psychic", but also because of their association with secret societies and their other occult applications.
They are, more commonly, a tool to help the psychic, or the sensitive, structure and focus their reading. The psychic still "does the work", but the cards help guide their intuition.
The Cards
22 cards form the Major Arcana (dealing with deep and important issues), with 56 cards forming the Minor Arcana (in four suits, dealing with more "day-to-day" issues). Each card, though differing slightly from pack to pack, is decorated in great symbolism, open to interpretation by the reader.
The Major Arcana are most commonly:
The World, Judgement, The Fool, The Moon, The Sun, The Star, The Devil, The Tower, Death, Temperance, Strength, The Hermit, Justice, The Lovers, The Chariot, The Hierophant, The Emperor, The Empress, The High Priestess, The Magician, The Wheel Of Fortune and The Hanged Man.
The Minor Arcana suits are most commonly:
Swords, Wands, Pentacles and Cups.
There are many designs to choose from. How you choose a pack may depend on aesthetic appeal as well as on how you are philosophically aligned. Each design is associated in one way or another with differing systems of occult and magical training and history.
Choosing the right pack takes a lot of research!
My Experience
I have had a few people read for me. I have also given readings. I never fail to be completely fascinated at just how accurate a reading can be.
For me, Tarot is a great way to enhance an already existing natural talent.
When thinking about writing this post, I was reminded of a woman I once worked with.
Myself and a few others were talking about psychic ability and Tarot. The woman declared she was a born again Christian, was offended by us talking about this in her company and proceeded to warn us against such things. She told us Satan used such distractions to tempt and destroy us.
The conversation continued in this way. I can't help but ask questions! I asked if she believed people, some people, were at all psychic or gifted. She said no, that people seeing ghosts and the like were ways of Satan exerting his influence.
I asked why, then, if St. Joan Of Arc was canonised for hearing a voice (God!), if wee Jean down the road heard a voice it was a demon or Satan?
Her temper flared and she accused me of being sent by Satan to tempt her off her path!
This was maybe 13 years ago or so, but I still remember her eyes. She was so angry that I was asking her these questions! She resigned soon after.
Whatever you may believe, surely you can accept people are capable of so much more than we currently take for granted?
We are still learning about energy, how we are connected on his planet, and throughout the Universe.
Is the past, present and future so beyond us? I don't think so. My own experience shows me that we can access the seemingly unattainable. The Tarot, if respected and used properly, can assist us in such workings.
The Tarot is not evil. It is not a devilish ploy to destroy our mortal souls. It's a tool.
Have you ever had a reading?
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