Photo by Angelus Agendi.
Divination: the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.
In a Nutshell:
In the realm of Divination; Tarot falls under the category of Cartomancy which is the art of using cards to look into the future.
As Heather Hardison eloquently puts it in The Threads of Fate, The Divining Sisters Series:
“Divination functions as a bridge of communication between the conscious and unconscious mind. It’s a tool to awaken our intuitive senses.”
Tarot is a conduit to the hidden, a means to develop your intuition and read the energies that swirl around us. Rooted in rich symbolism and intricate imagery, Tarot serves to make predictions, gain clarity, provide guidance, unveil intentions, and offer a deeper understanding of the self and the unseen world.
Interestingly, its origins are not rooted in mysticism or divination but in entertainment.
The first tarot cards, known as "Trionfi" or "Triumphs," were created in the mid-15th century for playing a card game similar to bridge. It wasn't until the late 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination. In contemporary times, tarot has evolved further. While still used for predictive purposes, it's focus has shifted towards guidance and spiritual growth. Modern tarot readers often emphasize the therapeutic and introspective aspects of the cards, using them as tools to:
Gain clarity about a situation
Tap into your subconscious mind
Develop your intuition
Assist in manifestation practices
Understand your life path
Facilitate personal growth and identify areas for improvement...etc,
To me, Tarot is a very helpful tool. I use it a lot as a pragmatic tool for important or for day-to-day decisions, such as making a specific purchase (like a car), planning trips, and choosing between job or study opportunities... etc. The possibilities are endless. The more curious and open minded you are, the more possibilities you have with Tarot. You can even use it to communicate with pets, connect with deceased loved ones, gather insights about missing people, delve into political matters beyond shallow or fake media coverage, make game bets, check your home's energy, and even communicate with your higher self. Sky is the limit!
A traditional Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
Major Arcana: This section includes 22 cards, each depicting significant archetypes and representing major life events.
Minor Arcana: Comprising 56 cards, the Minor Arcana is divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each with 14 cards (Ace through Ten, plus four Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King). The Minor Arcana deals with everyday events and practical aspects of life.
Two of the most popular and influential tarot decks are the Rider-Waite Tarot and the Tarot de Marseille.
Tarot de Marseille: This classic deck dates back to the 17th century and is known for its distinct, almost cryptic imagery. The Tarot de Marseille has a long history and remains a favorite among traditionalists and those who appreciate its historical significance. Personally, I enjoy working with the Major Arcanas but I find the Minor Arcana's enigmatic imagery challenging to connect with.
Rider-Waite Tarot: Created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909, the Rider-Waite deck is renowned for its detailed and symbolic artwork. It is one of the most widely used tarot decks in the world and has inspired countless other decks. This one is my favorite.
Tarot is the most well-known form of cartomancy, but it is by no means the only one. Other popular methods include Lenormand cards, Oracle cards, playing cards, and the Belline Oracle.
I use Oracle decks because they are a wonderful addition to readings with Tarot and are very easy to use. But I haven't learned Lenormand nor Belline yet!
Tarot's evolution from a game to a tool for divination and guidance highlights its adaptability and enduring appeal. Whether you're seeking clarity, personal growth, or a deeper understanding of life's dark mysteries, tarot offers a versatile and powerful means of exploration. For those ready to delve into the depths, tarot can be an invaluable companion on the journey of self-discovery and guidance.
Are you ready to answer the call of the cards?
To book a session with me, send me an email to julie.lumosoracle@gmail.com
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