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More about Tarot Cards
The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards. Originating over 500 years ago in Northern Italy, the Tarot’s symbolism draws on a surprisingly rich variety of cultures and spiritual traditions, such as Kabbalah, Western esotericism and alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, mystical Christianity and Gnosticism.
Today, the Tarot is by far the most popular tool in the West for spiritual introspection. However, for most people, the thought of a Tarot reader fosters images of a weird woman foretelling impending doom over small table with a black candle. In true practice, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Tarot Cards were never intended for fortune telling. According to The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, "the most powerful sources of information come from within; the Tarot aids in coming in contact with one's Higher Self.”
The Tarot deck is divided into two sections, the minor and major arcana (or secrets). Most people, whether they realize it or not, are already familiar with the minor arcana. Today’s playing cards are actually based on Tarot, represented by the four suits advancing from Ace through King:
- Cups (or Hearts): Relationships, emotions and love
- Pentacles (or Diamonds): Money and possessions, being a good steward
- Wands (or Clubs): Vitality and health
- Swords (or Spades): Decisions and power, using the mind
The 22 cards of the major arcana are considered to be the heart of the deck. Each name and numbered card symbolizes an important aspect of the human experience. The purpose of the major arcana is to represent inner growth - what some call the Fool's Journey.
Regardless of ignorant opinion, there were no references to Tarot in the bible, which was written from prior to AD 1. Such citations would be impossible as the Tarot was developed over a thousand years later.
Another inaccurate belief is that churches outlawed Tarot in an effort to stamp out heretical teachings. In the middle ages, printers produced both religious and playing cards. Unfortunately, playing cards were outlawed because of an association with gambling. In 1423, playing cards (Tarot cards were not mentioned) were among many things thrown on the fires in Bologna by followers of Bernadino of Sienna during an attack against all studies not focused on religion. Gambling, and therefore playing cards, became illegal, forcing most printers to go out of business. No printers, no Tarot cards.
The bible and church have never disagreed with oracle tools such as Rune stones and Tarot cards. The Old Testament sites many examples of divination. Centuries ago, several decks were actually COMMISSIONED by Popes. More recently, a photo surfaced of former Pope John Paul seated at his desk with a book about Tarot.
HOPE'S HEART TAROT CARDS
78-card deck available Spring 2018!
All four novels of the Adventure Seekers Saga are illustrated with Hope's Heart Tarot cards. Original art portrays characters, settings and scenarios. Because card messages depict fun-to-remember storyline plots, learning more about this ancient tool has never been easier! With the card meanings spelled-out card full circle on the round-shaped cards, anyone can read the Tarot!
