Posted on May 6th, 2023.

Hi there, I'm so excited to share with you my passion for tarot and introduce you to this ancient tool for spiritual guidance. My name is [Name], and I'm the owner of Love D Bay Empress, a Spiritual Products Store based in El Paso, Texas. We specialize in selling spiritual products, including candles, oils, tarot decks, and metaphysical supplies. In this blog post, I will guide you through the basics of tarot, its history, structure, meanings, and how to read the cards for yourself or others. So, let's get started!

What is Tarot?

Tarot is a deck of 78 cards that originated in Italy during the Renaissance period. It was originally used for playing games, but over time, it evolved into a tool for divination and spiritual guidance. The tarot deck consists of two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, representing archetypal images and universal themes, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each representing a specific element and aspect of life.

The word "tarot" is derived from the Italian word "tarocchi," which was the name of the card game that the tarot deck was originally created for. The game was popular among Italian nobility in the 15th century, and the earliest known tarot decks date back to this period. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that tarot began to be used for divination and spiritual purposes.

The Major Arcana cards are often seen as the heart of the tarot deck, representing the major life themes and archetypal images that we all encounter on our journey through life. These cards include iconic images such as The Fool, The Magician, The Empress, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, The Strength, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, The Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgment, The World, and The Fool (again).

Tarot History

The history of tarot is shrouded in mystery, and its origins are still debated by scholars. Some believe that tarot was brought to Europe by the Moors or Gypsies, while others claim it was invented by medieval Italian nobility. Regardless of its origins, tarot became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries among occultists and mystics, who saw it as a means of tapping into higher spiritual realms.

Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, there is evidence to suggest that tarot has been used for divination and spiritual purposes for centuries. Some scholars believe that the symbols and imagery on the tarot cards have roots in ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, or Greek mythology. Others point to similarities between tarot and other divination practices, such as the Chinese I Ching and the Indian Vedic system.

One of the earliest recorded uses of tarot for divination was in the 16th century, when a Frenchman named Antoine Court de Gébelin claimed that the tarot deck contained ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and that the images on the cards held secret spiritual meanings. This idea was further developed by the French occultist Eliphas Levi in the 19th century, who saw the tarot as a key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

Tarot Structure

The structure of tarot is based on a system of correspondences and symbolism. Each card has a specific meaning, represented by its imagery, numerology, and astrological associations. The Major Arcana cards represent major life themes, while the Minor Arcana cards provide more detailed insights into specific situations or events. The suits of the Minor Arcana correspond to the four elements of nature: Wands for Fire, Cups for Water, Swords for Air, and Pentacles for Earth.

The symbolism in tarot is complex and multifaceted, and it's essential to have a basic understanding of the system of correspondences in order to interpret the cards accurately. The imagery on the cards often contains multiple layers of meaning, incorporating numerology, astrology, mythology, and cultural symbolism.

The Major Arcana cards, for example, are often seen as archetypes representing universal themes and stages of spiritual development. Each card can be associated with a Hebrew letter, an astrological sign, a planet, or a numerical value, all of which add depth and complexity to its meaning. For instance, the High Priestess card, which is associated with the Hebrew letter Gimel, the Moon, and the number 2, represents intuition, inner wisdom, and hidden knowledge.

Tarot Meanings

The meanings of tarot cards are not set in stone and can vary depending on the deck, reader, and context. However, there are some general interpretations that can be applied to each card. For example, the Magician card represents manifestation and creation, while the High Priestess card represents intuition and hidden knowledge. The meaning of each card can also be influenced by its position in a spread or the cards surrounding it.

It's important to note that the meanings of tarot cards are not fixed or absolute. The interpretation of each card can vary depending on the reader's intuition, the context of the reading, and the querent's individual situation. The symbolism on each card is rich and multi-layered, allowing for a range of possible interpretations and insights.

For example, the Magician card is often interpreted as representing manifestation and creation, as well as confidence and skill. However, depending on the context of the reading, it could also represent trickery or manipulation, or a need to focus on practical skills and goals. Similarly, the High Priestess card is often associated with intuition and hidden knowledge, but it could also represent secrets, mysteries, or a need to trust one's own inner voice.

Tarot Reading

Tarot reading is the process of interpreting the cards to gain insight into a situation or question. There are many ways to read tarot cards, but the most common method is to lay out a spread, a pattern of cards that represent different aspects of the question or situation. Some popular spreads include the Celtic Cross, the Three-Card Spread, and the Horseshoe Spread. The reader then interprets the cards based on their position, symbolism, and intuition. The process of tarot reading is a deeply personal and intuitive experience, and there is no one "right" way to read the cards. However, there are some general guidelines and best practices that can help you get the most out of your tarot reading.

The first step in a tarot reading is to formulate a clear question or intention. This can be a specific question about a situation or a more general inquiry about a particular aspect of your life. Once you have your question in mind, you can choose a tarot spread that feels appropriate for your needs.

Tarot Ethics

Tarot reading is a powerful tool that should be used with care and respect for the client's privacy and autonomy. As a reader, it's essential to maintain clear boundaries and avoid giving unsolicited advice or making predictions that could cause harm or distress. It's also important to recognize that tarot is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. As a tarot reader, it's important to maintain a high level of ethical standards in order to ensure that the client feels safe, respected, and empowered. Here are some key ethical considerations to keep in mind when practicing tarot:

Confidentiality: The information that is shared during a tarot reading should be kept confidential and only shared with the client. It's important to obtain the client's consent before sharing any information with others, including other clients, friends, or family members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tarot is a fascinating and complex tool that can provide insights and guidance on our spiritual journey. Whether you're a seasoned reader or a curious beginner, there is always more to learn and discover about the mysteries of tarot. At Love D Bay Empress, I offer a wide selection of tarot decks, concoctions, and accessories to help you on your journey. Whether you're looking for a traditional Rider-Waite deck or a more modern, artistic one, I have something for everyone.

If you're interested in learning more about tarot or purchasing a deck, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect deck for your needs and answering any questions you may have. Thank you for reading this blog post, and I hope to hear from you soon!