The tarot is widely regarded as three most highly evolved method of divination in European civilization. It first appeared in Italy during the Renaissance, but has been strongly influenced by a variety of much older sources, including the Jewish cabbala, Celtic traditions, Indian tantrum practices, teachings of underground Christian sects, and Egyptian secret wisdom.
The tarot grew out of a card game that was popular in Europe in the fortieth century, and was probably carried back from the Middle East by Crusaders. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, the popularity of the tarot has exploded and the variety of decks has multiplied. There are now packs based on specific cultures, such as the Mayan, Australian Aboriginal, Tibetan, and Native American cultures; there are others based on subjects as diverse as Arthurian legend, Jungian theory, the women's movement, and the works of Salvador Dali.
All tarot decks comprise two types of cards. There are the twenty-two trump cards, known as the major arcana, which illustrate life principles and the journey of the human soul from birth to enlightenment. There are also four suits of fourteen cards, which are collectively known as the minor arcana. The major arcana are usually numbered from I to XXI, using Roman numerals. There is also an unnumbered card called The Fool, which in some decks is numbered zero.
READING THE TAROT: There are many methods of setting out tarot cards conducting a reading. The simplest is to draw three cards from the deck, representing the past, present and future respectively. The major arcana foretell important events and strong emotions.
0 - The Fool. New experience, new beginning requiring wisdom and courage
I - The Magician Creativity, imagination, willpower, confidence
II - The High Priestess Wise, judgment, strong creative abilities
III - The Empress Domestic life, fruitfulness, positive achievement
IV - The Emperor Wordly wealth and power, strength, confidence
V - The High Priest Kindness, desire to conform and gain social approval
VI - The Lovers Loving relationship, friendship, harmony
VII - The Chariot Struggle and triumph against the odds, prestige, unexpected news.
VIII - Justice Balanced objectivity and outlook, sincerity.
IX - The Hermit Enlightenment, the need to choose unfamiliar path
X - The Wheel of Fortune unexpected events, wisdom from experience
XI - Strength Spiritual or physical strength, triumph
XII - The Hanged Man Willing sacrifice, lack of progress, stamina
XIII - Death Unwelcome change leading to a rebirth
XIV - Temperance Moderation, compromise, harmony
XV - The Devil Self-indulgence, greed, controversy
XVI - The Tower Unexpected events, temporary loss of stability
XVII - The Star Hope, love, rebirth, pleasure, satisfaction
XVIII - The Moon Imagination, uncertainty, fluctuation
XIX - The Sun Satisfaction, gratitude, heath, happiness
XX - Judgment Development, resolution, release
XXI - The World Completion, reward, celebration, success
