Tarot Medieval History 
The history of the Tarot has many versions, the current historical understanding is that the tarot originated in Northern Italy in the 15th century (1420 – 1440). The earliest existing cards were lavish hand painted decks from the courts of nobility and Royalty. Having a tarot reading in medieval Italy was quite the ‘thing about town’ to do. Ancient civilizations provided the inspiration for the development of our modern day tarot system. Various ancient civilizations including Egypt, China, India and Morocco used oracle cards which were subsequently modified over the centuries.
The earliest names for tarot are all Italian. Originally they were called carte da trionfi (cards of the triumphs). Around 1530 the word tarot itself came from the Italian word tarocchi (singular tarocco). This distinguished the cards from ordinary playing cards. The symbolism of the cards comes from the culture of medieval and renaissance Europe. Most tarot subjects are distinctive to European Christendom. Illustrations almost identical to each of the tarot subjects can be found in European art and not other cultures.
It was widely believed that Gypsies brought the tarot to Europe and spread its use; however there is no basis in historical fact to prove this. Most Gypsy fortune telling was through palmistry and later by use of ordinary playing cards. The history of the tarot can be long and complicated connecting it to alchemy, mythology and other occultic beliefs.
The original use of the tarot cards according to written records, was they were used regularly to play a card game, similar to Bridge. The game was very popular throughout much of Europe and is still played today. Early records also show in 1589 in Venice that the tarot may have been associated with witchcraft. After this, there are no references linking tarot with magic or divination until the 18th century.
Modern Day Tarot Versions
In today’s western culture, the tarot comes in many styles and decks, the most enduring and popular being Rider Waite (created early 20th century, drawn by Pamela Smith, as instructed by the mystic AE Waite), a highly respected pack.
Contemporary versions are so varied that these days one can purchase Halloween, Vampire and glow in the dark packs for those special occasions. Most of us today are interested in the tarot mostly as a tool for divination. There are all manner of tarot decks available including Arthurian Tarot, Aleister Crowley Thoth Deck, Victorian Romantic Tarot, Fenestra Tarot and Witches Tarot. There are also a veritable host of other oracle decks comprising limitless variations on the original tarot system.
Reading the Tarot
Reading the tarot may vary greatly from one practitioner to another, simply because the tarot is subject to the reader’s individual interpretation. Genuine tarot readers have strong intuitive powers and are deeply sensitive. Interestingly, you will find the majority of tarot readers are women!
Tarot cards have intrigued us with their compelling and enigmatic pictures and symbols, inviting us to travel deep within our psyche to discover ourselves. They are sacred cards that reveal answers to our most vexing questions in life. Tarot is a divination system based on images and symbols represented by cards, picked at random from a deck. They have deep meaning and can relate to your present situation, subconscious or conscious state of mind. Basically, the deck consists of 78 cards, including 22 Major Arcana and 56 cards of the Minor Arcana.
The Minor Arcana is further subdivided into four suites, wands (diamonds), swords (spades), cups (hearts) and pentacles (clubs). There are many variations along these lines. You can use tarot cards for many purposes: a) to ask for advice about the best course of action, b) to gain insight into life’s spiritual “lessons”, c) as a tool for meditation and self discovery, d) to develop psychic ability and interpret the world.
It’s important to create a calm environment for the reading. Privacy is also vital due to the personal nature of issues that will probably arise during the reading. If you are the seeker, you need to concentrate on the subject or issue you would like to discuss with the reader. If you are the reader you might consider giving the seeker access to handle the cards, although, some readers have their own rules regarding this, they may prefer not to allow anyone else to touch their cards in the belief that this ‘dilutes’ the energy. This is a very personal choice.
The important thing when learning to read the Tarot (or other oracle systems) is to allow yourself to go with the flow of energy. Do not judge whatever comes into your mind, our egos just love to judge. Flow with whatever comes along as you open your mind up to the limitless possibilities that exist within the tarot deck. When you are discussing your impressions with the seeker, do so in an honest, compassionate and diplomatic way. I normally say what impressions I have picked up and then ask the seeker if they can relate to what I have sensed.
Beginning readers may naturally put more emphasis on the written traditional interpretation of each card. However as practice and confidence is gained, you will learn more and more to trust your own impressions. I can pick up a card I’ve read thousands of times over the years and still see something new I have never seen previously. This is the magic of tarot. There are many, many volumes written on the subtle nuances of tarot reading and my advice to you would be to do some research and get started if this is your heart’s desire. Or go and have a tarot reading, you may be surprised at just how accurate tarot cards and a good reader, can be.
Tarot Today
The tarot is widely used in today’s society, readily available in many bookshops, cafes, New Age shops, via advertisements in popular newspapers and magazines, countless online services and of course, the private practitioner that operates by word of mouth. Although there is still some skepticism surrounding tarot reading, many households today will have a ‘closet’ reader.
If you intend on having a reading, it is important that the practitioner you choose has a good reputation. Therefore, ensure your choice is a wise one by checking out your intended tarot reader. The best recommendations are usually word of mouth or choose larger organizations that employ reliable readers that have been interviewed by other experienced and professional psychics.
A good reading can open doors to things you have never considered. Not only is a tarot reading predictive, but more importantly it can give you new options for life and inspire you to think about subconscious patterns that have held you back from fulfilling your heart’s desire.
Wishing you happy and insightful tarot adventures!
