TarotWhat It Is, Where It Came From, and What It Meansby A.R. | 
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TarotWhat It Is, Where It Came From, and What It Meansby A.R. |
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Tarot cards have been thought to be a mysterious way to look ahead into the future. By using the cards you are said to be able to release hidden energies from inside and read them through the cards. The 78-card deck itself is divided into two parts; the 22 Major and the 56 Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: wands (batons), cups, swords, and coins (pentacles). Most people read with just the Major Arcana because remembering all the meanings is very challenging.
There are many ways to read the cards but the most famous layout is the Ancient Celtic Method. The Querent (the person with the question) shuffles the deck and cuts the deck to the left. The Reader then lays out the cards as shown in the diagram. According to Gray (1970) cards one through ten have the following meanings:
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When reading the cards some may be upside down. When this happens you are to read the reversed meaning. This is NOT always the opposite of the original meaning. You must know the reversal meaning also.
Where it comes from
The history of tarot is a complicated story with no certain answers. It is a story of theories and myths. I hope to touch on a few of the major ones. The earliest origin suggested is the ancient Egyptian origin. This theory claims that tarot was a form of communication. Through pictures using mystic symbols special messages could be translated. According to Gray (1970), "the symbols were later reproduced on seemingly innocuous cards that were used in games of chance by more frivolous men who could not possibly decipher their true meaning." (p.14) Two major supporters of this theory were Alliette and Court De'Gebelin. Alliette was a French hairdresser who published several books under the name Etteilla (his name backwards) in which he explained his belief in the Tarot's connection with ancient Egypt. As stated by Cain (15 November 1997) Antoine Court De'Gebelin believed that the "cards' birth place was ancient Egypt, where they served as tools of initiation into the priesthood. The Major Arcana was the Book of Thoth, a synthesis of knowledge once held in hieroglyphic form in burned Egyptian temples and libraries." (p.2) Still accepting the Egyptian origin but not the reason, Gray (1970) believes that Tarot originated in Egypt when Alexandria was destroyed. Fez (present day Morocco), he says, became the capitol of the world and Tarot its communication. It is certain, says he, that Tarot symbols "are clearly derived from Egyptian mythology. (p.15) Of course there are those who disagree with this theory. According to Kaplan (1970), these symbols "generally follow design from decks used by wandering Gypsies in Europe." (p.11)
Another theory deals with the Gypsy origin of the cards. According to Gray (1970): "The Gypsies did indeed roam through Europe at the same time that Tarot cards began to be used around the shores of the Mediterranean." (p.14) Dr. Gerard Encause (more regularly known as Papus) is quoted by Gray as saying "The Gypsy . . . has given us the key which enables us to explain all the symbolism of the ages." (p.14)
According to Waite (n/a), around the 1300s there are records of Spanish monks experimenting with wooden blocks. They carved letters into the block to make a type of stamp. By pressing the ink covered blocks against paper they soon came up with the idea of printing cards. Whether these first cards were Tarot cards or not is unsure, but it is a possibility.
Martello (1972) discusses the Dark Ages and the Inquisition when Tarot cards were called "devil's pasteboards" and the reading of the cards became punishable by burning at the stake. In 1440 St. Bernadin persuaded people to gather all the cards they could find and burn them in a public square.
Near the end of the 14th century King Charles VI became mentally ill. Somewhere during the time of his illness a pack of cards was commissioned to him by Jacquenin Gringonneur (other sources say Jacques Gringonneu). It is stated by Martello (1972) that "one of the objects found in Charles the VI's possession was a receipt for 3 packs of cards." (p.8) As questioned by Cain (15 November 1997) "Was the first Tarot deck created simply to entertain an aristocratic madman?" (p.1)
In the year 1404, "Catholic priests were forbidden to even touch the cards" as stated by Martello. (p.9) Despite this, Tarot cards became very popular at this time especially in Germany where they had a regular card guild for makers of the cards.
The next theory deals with the time of the Renaissance. It is stated in Tarot.faq (n/a) that "Tarot was part of a growing interest in the study of mystic arts (at this time), such as Qabbalah and Alchemy." (p.1) Gertrude Moakley suggests that the floats used in parades of that time represented the virtues found in the Tarot deck. According to Waite (n/a) Moakley's theory "doesn't seem to fit the exactly pattern of virtue over vice" shown in the tarot. (p.5) According to Kaplin (1970) a deck of cards was commissioned for the Duke of Milan's daughter as a gift for her marriage to Francesco Sforza. This pack later became known as the Visconti-Sforza pack.
Finally, a record of sermons were found dating back to 1450-1470 from Italy. The sermons dealt with the evils of utilis deludo. (The use of games). Games of that time included card playing such as the Tarot.
There are many other theories dealing with the Tarot. Some say they were passed around during the time of the Crusades, others believe they are from the lost continent Atlantis, and still others link them to the Jewish Kabbalah. Is there an answer out there to where the Tarot came from? I'm sure there is, but with all the myth and guessing going on it will be a miracle if anyone ever finds it.
What it means (according to Kaplin [1974]).
The Fool represents a quest or journey, innocence, chaos, heedlessness, folly,
thoughtlessness, extravagance and delirium as well as such things as lack of discipline,
inconsiderateness, carelessness in promises and insecurity beginning an adventure,
getting a new start, and excitement. Reversed, the fool means one has made a wrong
decision, to reevaluate and put more thought into something.
| The Magician depicts the will, the hermetic arts, the trickster manipulation self- confidence, willpower, skill, initiative, creativity, originality and flexibility. Reversed it stands for things like cunning, deceit, manipulation, indecision, weak will, ineptitude, or use of power for destruction. |
| The High Priestess stands for the intuition, the unconscious, the hidden knowledge mystery, wisdom, serenity, serene knowledge, judgment, learning, sagacity, common sense, and understanding. Reversed it stands for things pertaining to shallowness, superficiality, conceit, or accepting only surface knowledge. |
| The Empress represents creativity, nature, material, the mother, heaven and earth, sensuality, action, development, progress, fruitfulness, fertility and attainment in addition to accomplishment, mother, sister, wife, feminine influence and subterfuge. It foretells abundance in human affairs, healthy children, good crops, erotic needs fulfilled, material wealth, marriage. Reversed it means things like dissipation, wastefulness, poverty, frustration, failure, destruction, disunity, and lack of growth. |
| The Emperor symbolizes reason, society, the father, virility and authority, realization, accomplishment, worldly power, wealth, stability, authority, indomitable spirit, endurance and leadership, amongst such things like father, brother, and husband. Reversed, it may depict lack of self-discipline, threat to one's authority, irrationality, conspiracies, and loss of control amongst things like serious injury and bondage to parents. |
The Hierophant portrays wisdom, religion, orthodoxy, morality, mercy, kindness, goodness, good advice, inspiration, alliance, and humility along with compassion, servitude, inactivity, overly reserved, fear, and timidity. It also stands for captivity, lack of conviction, fear of facing facts, unrealistic, inability to adapt and one seeking social approval. Reversed it can stand for unrequited love, parental or other authoritarianism, lover's quarrel, break up or divorce, open-mindedness, and unconventionality.
The Lovers depict the soul, attractions, choices, sexuality, a relationship, love, beauty, attraction, perfection, harmony, unanimity, trials overcome, confidence, trust, and temptation. It also means freedom of emotion putting something to a test, young love, innocence, good versus evil, virtue versus vice, love versus sex, and a dominant female as well as a harmony of the inner and outer aspects of life. Reversed it can mean things such as unconventionality, originality, daring, revolutionary, not being bound by dogma, a quarrel and need to stabilize emotions.
The Chariot depicts elements such as mastery, war, triumph, the persona, and progress. The chariot means trouble, turmoil, conflicting influences, indecision, fleeing from reality and pressure from outside factors. Reversed it means dissipation of energies and talents, scandal, ill health, and desire for change.
Justice represents balance, the law, equilibrium, fairness, and the conscience, harmony, fairness, honor, virtue, and impartiality, as well as overcoming obstacles and spiritual power. Reversed it can mean disharmony, abuse of power, tyranny, attempt to use force to gain one's ends and lack of moral force.
The Hermit deals with inwardness, philosophy, withdrawal, meditation and seeking. It means prudence, circumspection, caution and solitude in addition to insensitivity and expressionlessness and tendency to withhold emotion. Reversed it may mean refusal to listen to wisdom, staying young disgrace instead of aging gracefully, and persistence in bad habits, also it may mean lack of communication and emotional and spiritual deprivation.
The Wheel of Fortune's elements are chance, fate, irony, instability and evolution. It means destiny, fortune, an unexpected turn of luck, and a conclusion or a result. Reversed it may forecast a stagnancy, a turn for the worst, or set backs.
Strength represents courage, force, endurance, fortitude, determination, confidence, justice, fair play, consideration of both sides, a balanced personality and a desire for education. Reversed it may mean injustice, legal delays, excess in drink, and racism.
The Hanged Man depicts ambivalence, transition, suspension, sacrifice, reunification, lack of progress means postponed plans, temptation, and one must make sacrifices to reach a goal. Reversed, it may be interpreted as meaning a false prophet, or one is chained to material things, or a wasted effort.
Death symbolizes transformation, profound changes, a destruction and a renewal, mortality and a loss or failure, a physical death or a death followed by a rebirth or reincarnation. Reversed it can mean things are at a stand still, a disaster, anarchy, or the death of a political figure.
Temperance symbolizes moderation, caution, prudence, reflection, frugality, fusion, and good influence, experiment, take one step at a time and adapt and coordinate. Reversed it may mean false promises, wrong assumptions, competing interests, wrong chemistry in professional or social relations, or one is in too much of a hurry.
The Devil depicts materiality, lust, obsession, temptation, violence, subservience, downfall, a bad outside influence or dependence on someone, self indulgence, sensation divorced from understanding, and 'money makes the person' mind set. Reversed it may be seen as meaning one making a conscious effort to change and breaking away from bad influences.
The Tower represents catastrophe, the unexpected, divine intervention, punishment, deception, a reversal or change, a broken marriage or friendship, tearing down existing dogmas and structures, destruction of false beliefs, doctrines, and laws both secular and religious. Reversed it may be seen as meaning a gain of freedom of body or mind at great cost, false accusations, or imprisonment.
The Star portrays hope, aspiration, healing, beauty, satisfaction, bright prospects, insight, preparation for new horizons, inspiration and reaching ones goal through hard work. Reversed it may be read as hopelessness, doubt, disillusionment, lack of perception, and pessimism.
The Moon's elements are instinct, secrecy, psychic powers, the irrational, and dreams. It can be seen as meaning danger, caution, error, ulterior motives, a "lunatic" subconscious, or imagination and intuition. Reversed it can be read as meaning to stay in control of one's urges, harnessing one's energy, or be able to maintain inner peace despite outer turmoil.
The Sun represents growth, success, reason, splendor, abundance, golden opportunity, material happiness, happy reunions and attainment. Reversed it can mean false hope, good fortune but a reevaluation is needed for a more realistic approach, or a loss of job or home.
Judgment deals with such things as rebirth, completion, evaluation, revelation, and reward. This card means atonement, one coming to their senses, a need to judge one's self, a life well lived, or a legal judgment in one's favor. Reversed it can mean loneliness, a fenced-in feeling, or restraint by and unhappy lifestyle.
The World deals with synthesis, wholeness, perfection, eternity , cosmic consciousness, worldly knowledge, success and the ending of a journey. Reversed it can be seen as a fear of change, being held back while others go ahead, one being reactionary instead of being progressive.
Nobody seems to know where Tarot came from, or exactly what it means. This seems to add to the mystery that has surrounded the deck and its readings. Anyone can learn to read the cards: it just takes patience and a good memory. Whether Tarot can tell the future or not is unsure but it is still a fun and exciting thing to learn about.
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