Beginner’s Guide to Tarot Cards

March 22, 2008 – 2:35 pm
by Michelle Walter

If you are interested in tapping into the deeper meaning of your life then, perhaps, you have started to use Tarot cards. The history of Tarot cards is briefly outlined here by Michelle Walter

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.

“Arcana” meaning mysteries and hidden secrets comes from the word “Arcane”. Tarot cards are not a modern invention and have developed their symbolism from ancient civilisations: the Egyptian Book of Thoth, Chinese and Indian philosophies and particularly the Jewish Kabbalah which has 22 symbols similar to the Major Arcana.

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.

When we compare Tarot cards with Astrology, Runes and the I Ching it does not seem to have a very long history. Astrology and the I Ching for example go back to pre-historic times. The widely held belief is that Tarot cards were used for a long time in secret before there was any recorded use. We do know that for many years they were actually banned from use in a number of European countries.

The key in reading the Tarot is to remember that it is not just a set of cards with preconceived meanings you must learn. Rather, Tarot is a medium through which people can communicate their intuitions and insights, about each other, to each other. As you consciously develop your relationship with the Tarot cards, you link in with the lineage of meaning passed down through the network of harmony.

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….

* Firstly, separate out the major arcana cards from the minor arcana. Hold the Tarot cards between your hands while you relax and breathe in and out at least three times. Each time you breathe out, feel yourself relaxing down into a more 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.

* Take a few moments to meditate on the Tarot card. What are your first impressions? Write these down in a journal. Try not to analyze or filter what you feel or see in this tarot card - it may be a colour, a face, or something in the background which stands out to you. Your first impression of this tarot card may be a saying that comes to you or an understanding about life. It doesn’t have to be a definite conclusion about meaning because often our first impressions are quite vague.

*Do this ever day for at least a week. It will interesting what you discover for yourself.

About the Author:
Michelle Walter is a deeply intuitive tarot card reader. Her vast experience in psychic work, coupled with her background in psychology. Michelle offers guidance and support, especially in very difficult emotional situations and heartbreaks. To find more by Michelle, and to find out how she can help you in your relationship.

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