How The Tarot Actually Operates?

Tarot cards are small, paper cards that are used for divinatory purposes and represent different archetypal energies. They are divided into two groups: the major arcana and the minor arcana. When a deck is laid out, it reveals all of life hidden within it. The Arcanas, which mean “secrets”, are the two sections that bring life to a situation.

Reading tarot can help cultivate self-awareness and bring clarity to a situation. Drawing tarot cards provides a framework to see a situation with powerful precision. Tarot gives the reader added layers of insight. Tarot readings are a form of divination giving insight into the influences surrounding a person. The cards stir up the silt of the subconscious and allow bits and pieces to drift to the surface for us to see more clearly.

Tarot readings are not quite the same as being psychic, as psychics claim to predict the future using supernatural powers. According to Fiongal, tarot is a diagnostic tool similar to an X-ray but less medically-approved, which can give clarity and insight. A good tarot reading will give you clarity and help heal anxiety.

To get the most out of your tarot reading, it is important to understand the basics of tarot and how they work. When done correctly, tarot cards can be a huge source of guidance and help, as well as a great way to explore a person’s past, present, and possible future.

What is the science behind tarot?

Tarot cards, a tool with a long history dating back nearly 700 years, have been used by people to predict the future and understand their inner issues, desires, and motivations. The major arcana of Tarot is believed to be based on the Egyptian hieroglyphic book of Thoth, also known as the book of Tarot. The use and interpretation of Tarot cards can be divided into two explanations: paranormal and nonparanormal.

The paranormal explanation claims that Tarot cards reveal hidden motives, portray opportunities, and offer a reflection of a person’s inner processes, providing clarity regarding questions or conflicts. The nonparanormal explanation argues that the entire phenomenon of Tarot cards can be explained by examining two simple psychological effects: the Barnum effect and “cold reading”.

Many standard Tarot decks follow the same 78-card structure, which is divided into the minor arcana (56 cards) and the major arcana (22 cards). The major arcana represents the main themes of human life, such as love, death, spirituality, acceptance, etc., while the minor arcana represents subtle mysteries of life.

The popularity of Tarot cards has continued to flourish, even in western societies, as it provides insight into how using the cards can influence our thought processes and mental state. Occultists believe that the cards reveal information about the quality of a moment for an individual, rather than predicting the future as if it is fixed. By creating more awareness about the meaning of a specific moment, clients can gain important insights and drive them to take control of their own lives and make changes that will be beneficial in the long run.

The nonparanormal explanation examines the use of Tarot cards through the lens of psychological effects, with the Barnum effect being the most emphasized. This effect suggests that vague predictions or general personality descriptions, such as those offered by Tarot or astrology, have specific applications to one’s unique circumstances. Cold reading, a set of deceptive psychological techniques, involves the use of sharp observational skills and a good memory when examining a client. Cues such as a client’s clothing, physical characteristics, and manner of speech can reveal valuable information that a reader can use to inform their statements regarding the topic of their reading.

What is the luckiest card in the tarot?

The Wheel of Fortune card, part of the Major Arcana, is a symbol of destiny, fortune, success, elevation, luck, and felicity. It is often depicted in a six- or eight-spoked wheel, often attended by an individual dressed in an Egyptian-style headdress. In some decks, such as the AG Müller, the wheel is also attended by an individual wearing a blindfold. The wheel is not always inscribed with any lettering, but the letters T-A-R-O (clockwise) or T-O-R-A (counter clockwise) can be found aligned against four of the spokes, which can also be interpreted as R-O-T-A, the Latin word meaning “wheel”.

In some decks, such as the Waite, the wheel is inscribed with additional alchemical symbols representing the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These emblems can also be seen on the Magician’s table in the Magician card (Card I).

Why don’t tarot cards work?

The interpretation of a tarot card depends on the questions asked, card combinations used, and spreads used. Standard card meanings may not be suitable for a specific context. It’s important to ask “How can I interpret this card in this specific reading?” instead of “What does this card mean?” This approach is not taught in courses like my Tarot Foundations program, which covers all 78 tarot cards.

Are Tarot cards mysticism?

Tarot cards, originally used by Italian nobles and aristocrats as playing cards, evolved into a cornerstone of mysticism and spiritual exploration. They were initially used for skill, strategy, and luck in a game called “tarocchi”. However, they also had hidden potential for unraveling life’s mysteries, divining the future, and exploring the human psyche. Italy played a significant role in this transformation, with the Visconti-Sforza deck, created in the mid-15th century for the Duke of Milan, being one of the earliest surviving tarot decks. The deck’s intricate imagery and symbolism hint at a deeper, more mystical purpose, yet to be fully revealed.

Is it safe to read tarot cards?

Tarot cards, like other metaphysical tools, are as safe or dangerous as the messages they deliver. They provide clues into the subconscious and are not harmful themselves. The Tarot is often linked to witchcraft, as many practicing witches use it. However, not all witches use the Tarot. The Tarot is a divination tool used by witches to derive more symbolism and understanding for specific questions. Witchcraft and Tarot can co-exist separately, and reading Tarot does not necessarily mean practicing witchcraft. Both practices involve active engagement with intuition.

Do tarot cards predict the future?

Tarot can help make big decisions, but it cannot predict the future. Michelle Tea suggests beginners start with a three-card reading from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Growing up, her family often relied on tarot for tough decisions, such as discussing a brother’s breakup or deciding whether to drop out of school. The deck’s iconic Rider-Waite-Smith cards can be used to guide readers through these situations.

Is there any truth to tarot cards?

Early French occultists claimed that tarot cards had esoteric links to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, Indic Tantra, or the I Ching. However, scholarly research reveals that tarot cards were invented in Italy in the early 15th century for playing games, and there is no evidence of significant use of them for divination until the late 18th century. The belief in the divinatory meaning of the cards is closely associated with a belief in their occult properties, which was propagated by prominent Protestant Christian clerics and Freemasons.

From its uptake as an instrument of divination in 18th-century France, the tarot went on to be used in hermeneutic, magical, mystical, semiotic, and psychological practices. It was used by Romani people when telling fortunes and as a Jungian psychological apparatus for tapping into “absolute knowledge in the unconscious”, a tool for archetypal analysis, and even a tool for facilitating the Jungian process of individuation.

Is it OK to read tarot to yourself?

Making predictions for yourself in Tarot reading is not always the best approach, as it can be challenging due to the fluctuating details and timing of the cards. Being too involved and having expectations can negatively impact the results. The energy of the reader is crucial, and it influences the cards drawn. The best results are achieved when asking short-term questions, such as the same day or week, or long-term questions, which can be difficult to predict due to the fluctuating nature of the details and timing. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional for accurate predictions.

Is tarot reading really work?

Tarot readings can be an empowering and insightful tool for self-discovery and future direction. A professional tarot reader can help you understand your goals and desires, providing insight into your situation and guiding you towards the best actions for your love life, career, or other questions. They can also reveal the motivations of others and predict potential outcomes of decisions. A good tarot reading can provide clarity and help heal anxiety.

However, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for your first reading to fully benefit from the experience. A good tarot reading can provide valuable insights into your future and help you make informed decisions.

What is the psychology behind Tarot cards?

Tarot readings involve the use of symbolism, intuition, and the human psyche to access the collective unconscious and deeper layers of awareness. This process aligns with psychological concepts like archetypes, symbolism, and narrative therapy, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and symbolism in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world. Three factors contributing to transformation following a tarot session include positive expectations, the placebo effect, and the belief in the effectiveness of the treatment. This optimistic outlook can lead to real improvements in well-being.

What is the psychology behind tarot cards?

Tarot readings involve the use of symbolism, intuition, and the human psyche to access the collective unconscious and deeper layers of awareness. This process aligns with psychological concepts like archetypes, symbolism, and narrative therapy, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and symbolism in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world. Three factors contributing to transformation following a tarot session include positive expectations, the placebo effect, and the belief in the effectiveness of the treatment. This optimistic outlook can lead to real improvements in well-being.