Introduction to Tarot

The Oxford dictionary describes the word “tarot” as a noun meaning a pack of 78 playing cards with four suits used for fortune telling.

The tarot is a centuries old technique used for divination which has started gaining popularity in the last 4 decades.

The 78 playing cards are divided into:-

·         22 Major Arcana cards

·         56 Minor Arcana cards

The four suits are:-

1.   Cups

2.   Swords

3.   Wands

4.   Pentacles

The tarot is often believed to be a universal language that helps to understand the forces that are at work in your life. It may predict future events, give clues or even reveal our innermost desires.

The 22 Major Arcana cards represent our most basic issues and qualities which are present in all mankind. These cards help provide self-knowledge and guidance to the person for the road ahead.

The 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits numbered from Ace to 10, plus four court cards – Page, Knight, Queen and King. The four suits also have elements assigned to them like:-

·         Cups with Water

·         Swords with Air

·         Wands with Fire

·         Pentacles with Earth

To best describe the tarot, it can be said that it is like looking through a mirror and seeing an image of yourself with your hopes, dreams and challenges.

The tarot should be used as a tool for guidance and to gain insight about yourself by finding out about the various energies surrounding you and leading to self-discovery.