What is Tarot? How is it Pronounced? How does it work? Is it Evil? Can anyone read Tarot? Do they cast spells? All theses questions and more are answered in this mini guide to Tarot explained by World Renowned White Witch and Professional Tarot Reader, Lady Crescent. Keep reading to find out....
TAROT | TA - ROW
Tarot decks originated in Italy in the 1430s by adding a fifth suit of 21 specially illustrated cards called trionfi (“triumphs”) and an odd card called il matto (“the fool”) to the already existing four-suited pack. At this time in was nothing more than a game that developed from illustrated scrolls found in a library that was burnt down and therefore given to the gypsies.
The History of Tarot
The first recorded true tarot decks showed up in Europe in the 15th century, with the most popular sets selling in Italy to wealthy families. The printing press had yet to arrive, and since hand-painted cards were all that existed, it cost a considerable amount of cash to commission what was essentially dozens of super miniature paintings.
Like any deck, these early tarot cards—tarocchi cards, in Italian—had suits, trump cards, and even pips.
While some people dabbled, the widespread use of tarot cards for divination only took off in the late 1700s, when Frenchman Jean-Baptise Alliette published the first definitive guide to tarot card reading. Pseudonymed Etteilla, he wrote a guide to using the cards and released his own deck alongside it. He gave meaning to each of the cards, incorporating beliefs about astronomy and the four elements. He claimed to have borrowed heavily from the Book of Thoth, an Egyptian text supposedly written by Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom.
He gave meaning to each of the cards, incorporating beliefs about astronomy and the four elements.
Etteilla was also the first to assign a specific order and spread to the cards, both frontwards and backwards—a system still used today. His works took off and he published a revised edition of his guide in 1791, becoming the first person to be a professional tarot reader.
What is Tarot used for?
Tarot is momentary; it shows you all your options rather than telling you what to do, so that you may make your own well informed decisions. Pendulum dowsings are the ones that tell you yes and no directly, and does not often change - it can however only be asked yes/no questions.
What is Tarot and How Does it Work?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism, and story. The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons; things that are often than not inevitable nor easily changed. The 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience on a daily basis; things that are never truly set in stone. Every lesson we meet in our lives can be found in the 78 Tarot cards. And so when we consult the Tarot, we’ll get shown the exact lessons we need to learn and master to live our full divine life. It’s like holding up a mirror to yourself, and quite literally seeing/reading all your cards, laid out on the table...
"Tarot isn’t just about predicting the future, It’s about changing it."
Tarot is great for predicting the future, but it's even greater when being used to shape it. It's a great tool for self-development, making choices, manifesting goals, planning a business, etc. I use Tarot to help you discover how to make positive changes in the now so that you can manifest your goals, dreams, and desires, and bring them into reality aka bringing the Spiritual and Mental into the Physical Realms.
Is the future set in stone?
Outcomes can change with any big decision that is made, or any drastic Events that take place.
Is it okay to do One-Off Readings?
Since Tarot is very much an in-the-moment tool...if something big happens in your life it’s best to come back as soon as possible, to see if any new paths that have come forth, and any old ones that have faded.
Is Tarot Evil?
Now, this is a question I get A LOT. "Tarot is Evil", "Tarot is Devil Worshipping", "Tarot is dark magic" - This is far from the truth. Tarot cards have no evil powers. In fact, a Tarot reader can use these cards to help a client receive clarity and provide solutions in challenging areas of their lives. Tarot cards help us connect with our souls' purpose and our higher selves. It can help us make a connection with the Divine and sometimes even the Angelic. Tarot is not only profoundly spiritual, and magikal but can also be positively life-changing.
I must admit that every time I use my Tarot cards for others, or myself, it can be quite spook-takular, even to this day, I surprise myself with what it is I can accurately see, feel and read.
Again, Tarot is a tool, it is only as powerful and accurate as its' wielder - and I suppose it could be "evil" if the one using it has ill intent or is a dark magic practitioner.
But like any tool, anything can be used as a weapon, if that is the wielder's intention.
I can't speak for all, but for myself; I use Tarot cards and Cartomancy to help others objectively see paths in front of them, help them make reassured decisions, and potentially change their foreseeable futures into the futures they desire and dream of.
Can Tarot Cast Spells?
Tarot can be used to cast spells, but the cards themselves do not - unless of course there is intent to do so.
Can anyone read Tarot?
Technically speaking, yes, but not everyone can be a Tarot reader.
Tarot can be eye-opening and at times simply something entertaining.
If you are looking to buy yourself a deck, and use one in a light and fluffy way, it can be great fun!
However, there are often rules to the use of Tarot, as it is categorized as a magik tool....
These rules are usually along the lines of:
"you can't read oneself nor anyone you know, such as; friends, loved ones or family."
Many people abide by these important rules especially when they are first starting out, although it can be okay to cross this boundary if you've been reading Tarot accurately and professionally for 3-5 years minimum. However, it is still best not to make a habit of it.
Like Therapy, and Therapists - Tarot readers, psychics, mediums, etc, often have their own Tarot readers, psychics, mediums, etc, for themselves, just like you do!
When I say "Not everyone can be a Tarot reader", I am talking about intuition and natural abilities. People can learn to read tarot cards, but you can't teach people to read the future.
Being a Tarot Reader isn't as easy as knowing the meanings and symbolism of the cards and remembering them by heart - As I will say time and time again - Tarot is a tool and well you get where I'm going with this...
Can they summon Evil? (such as Demons, or The Devil)
Honestly? Not to my knowledge... I don't believe so, but I also don't believe in the devils' existence...
I also am an anointed White Witch who practices White Witchery/Light Magik and have taken the Three-Fold and Harm None oath...meaning, I can only do anything to others as long as I've been given their permission, or if it is going to help better them as an individual or their lives.
As I have stated before Tarot Cards are simply a tool, and just like the sword, they are only as powerful (or evil, or good) as the person who wields them.
To answer the many Questions people have about Tarot being evil and how having their cards read might be a betrayal to their religion..... unless the intent is to harm you, you will be and are fine.
Now close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of this silly fear forever...
You can learn more about Tarot, unveiling your natural abilities, and leveling up your intuition, through The Art of Tarot Workshop - I host it both online and in-person through group and 1:1 for beginners-intermediate - contact me today to book your spot!
Bless'd Be,
Lady 🌙
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