Tarot Readings

Tarot History and Reading of the Tarot

The exact origin of the tarot is not known, but it is thought that they originated from somewhere around India and were brought to Europe with the Gypsies. The earliest known deck seems to have appeared around the fourteenth century. During the Renaissance, the tarot was a part of a growing interest in the studies of the mystic arts, such as Qabbalah and alchemy. The tarot saw a revival in the nineteenth century and has been enjoying popularity ever since.

Tarot cards have a complex history, and have been used in many different ways.  The first documented evidence of tarot comes from 15th century Italy, although oral tradition states that their origins have much greater antiquity.  There are 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana depict major life events in the client’s life, and the Minor Arcana pick up on the smaller nuances.  Symbolism of the tarot draws upon universal archetypes, or common human experiences that are rooted deep in the psyche.  In today’s world, the Tarot is most often used as a therapeutic tool for self development. The tarot reading is a tool for gaining insight into life’s processes.

The cards act as a trigger to tell a story about the client’s current life situation, and from this basis, a therapeutic dialogue is opened up.  Much guidance is drawn through the symbolism implicit in the cards that the client has selected. The hour long session is a space for the client to discuss potential choices and direction to be taken, as well as exploring areas in life where things may have become blocked or imbalanced.  It is helpful if the client comes with specific questions or circumstances that require clarification.

The cards are first shuffled by the client, in most cases, and laid out and interpreted by the reader.  It is the interaction between both parties that is the heart of the process, and an experienced reader will gently steer the client towards the sometimes complex answers to their questions. Anything that is disclosed is held in strict confidentiality creating safe space to discuss whatever the client needs to without fear of judgment.

*In this type of reading, the cards and their meanings, along with past experience using the cards, will focus the reading and its' message to the client.*

*For readings with Tarot cards and the ‘Clairs’ being used see ~ Opportunities Reading http://ladycolleen.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13:combination-opportunity-reading&catid=40:combination-opportunity-reading&Itemid=54