Tarot and the Beautiful Evolution of Its Spiritual Energy
Tarot card reading is an ancient mystical practice that has been helping people with divination becoming aware of their subconscious selves for hundreds of years. It is still wildly popular today which is a testament to its reliability and ability to connect with people. Despite its age and many myths surrounding it, clairvoyants and spiritual enthusiasts alike continue to use Tarot card reading because it has evolved to reflect changes in society and trends in philosophy, religion, sexuality and culture.
Ancient Origins
Tarot cards first appeared in the 14th century, over 600 years ago. They were first used as game cards, but scholars began finding connections to ancient Egypt within the symbolism of the cards. It was believed that tarot cards contained esoteric secrets of ancient Egyptian priests.
In the late 18th century, tarot readings for the purpose of divination became much more popular and widespread. Later, they became tools of the clairvoyants of the wandering Romany people (also called “gypsies”) who are believed to be descendants of ancient Egyptians.
Later still in the 19th century, connections were made with Tarot and the Kabbalah, suggesting that it held secrets of the wisdom of the Tree of Life. While all of these origins and relationships may seem haphazard, they actually go to show how tarot cards transcend linguistic, cultural and even temporal barriers and connect people and spiritualities.
Modern Tarot
Today, most tarot decks are based on the Rider-Waite deck which was created in 1910 by revered mystic Arthur Edward Waite. The popularity of this deck is due to its rich symbolism and clear, robust artwork. The Rider-Waite deck has inspired many of the decks in use today and has helped so many people.
Modern tarot decks have different art, styles and composition but retain the soul of the Rider-Waite deck. This diversity allows a reader to choose a deck that best fits them or the person they are reading for while still staying connected to the centuries old spirit of the cards. Decks have changed over the years and will continue to evolve, but these metamorphoses guide our ever-changing spirits and allow those who are in touch with their emotions to stay linked to the greater mystic world.
Tarot for All
Because tarot decks can be personalized and match different styles, it is easier than ever for the uninitiated to learn to read the cards. Anyone with a strong spirit and a desire to heal or divine the unknown can learn to read tarot cards, and there are many resources out there to help.
Written by Sally Perkins