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What is tarot? -

The tarot is a pack of 78 pictorial cards, each with its own unique meaning. The cards are used for divinatory purposes and can be read to predict what will happen to someone in the future.

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Origins of tarot -

Tarot decks first appeared in Italy in the 1430s. They were created in part to play card games such as tarocchini, which uses illustrated cards called trionfi ("triumphs") and an odd card called il matto ("the fool").  Image: Bonifacio Bembo (1420–1480)

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The Visconti-Sforza tarot decks -

Some of the oldest surviving tarot cards are Visconti-Sforza tarot decks painted in the mid-15th century for the rulers of the Duchy of Milan.

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Ornate design -

These highly ornate cards are rectangular pasteboards of designs made using opaque paint over a background of rich gold color.

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Tarot's representation -

As with tarot cards of the modern era, the Visconti-Sforza tarot decks represent a different archetypal being or lesson. Here, Strength is being demonstrated.

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Card-playing cities -

This intricately patterned card from 1460 is representative of the suit of swords. The Visconti-Sforza tarot decks would have been played in Milan, Ferrara, Florence, and Bologna.

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Tarot of Marseilles -

In the mid-17th century, tarot expanded outside Italy to France and Switzerland. In France, the Tarot of Marseilles version of tarot was hugely popular.

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Death is named -

This is the oldest known tarot of the Marseille tradition, dating back to 1650. It's unusual in that it identifies Arcanum XIII, usually unnamed, as Death.

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Spanish tarot cards -

Away from Central Europe, the tarot deck became popular in Spain and southern Italy in the late 17th century.

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Development of tarock -

A variation of tarot called tarock developed in southern Germany in the late 18th century. This deck is illustrated by wild and domestic animals and birds.

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Standard tarot card deck -

The standard modern tarot deck is based on the Venetian or the Piedmontese tarot. There are 78 tarot cards in a complete deck. These are divided into two groups: arcana major and arcana minor.

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Major arcana -

The first 22 cards—major arcana—are numbered I through XX I. The Fool is unnumbered.

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What do major arcana cards reveal? -

The cards of the major arcana are illustrated to represent various forces, characters, vices, and virtues. They reveal universal human experiences like falling in love, challenging authority, strength of character, and unexpected bad news—illness, for example, or even death.

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Minor arcana -

The 56 cards of the minor arcana are divided into four suits of 14 cards each. The suits are as follows: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles.

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The wands -

The suit of wands often represent a person's creative potential. They are about action, initiative, and enthusiasm.

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The cups -

The cups are an intuitive, emotional suit. They represent relationships and help guide you in love and matters of the soul. 

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The swords -

The suit of swords is typically associated with the element of air, the cards often indicating power, change, and conflict. As such they help you harness the strength of your own mind.

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The pentacles -

The pentacles cards represent matters of security, stability, and wealth as well as resilience, responsibility, and reliability. 

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How are tarot cards read? -

Anyone can learn how to read tarot cards. But to interpret them effectively you first need to consider carefully the questions you're asking. Then you choose a deck that speaks to you. 

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Unique in design and symbolism -

There are many different tarot decks to choose from, each with its own unique design and symbolism. That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with the card's meanings. 

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What's your objective? -

If you're new to tarot it's advisable to have your cards read by a professional tarot card reader. But it's also quite admissible to conduct your own session. Before playing, however, you must state your intention. What do you hope to gain from the reading? 

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Shuffle and spread -

As the deck is shuffled, focus on your objective. The cards should then be laid out in a spread of your choosing. 

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Interpret the cards -

Interpret each card as it's placed down. Remember: the traditional meaning of each tarot card is only half the story. It's your own emotions and intuition that will help you understand how the cards that are revealed apply to your unique situation.

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Are tarot cards safe to use? -

The adaptation of tarots to occult and fortune-telling purposes first occurred in France in about 1780. Questions later arose as to whether or not tarot cards were safe.

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A state of mind -

Provided they're used correctly, tarot cards are perfectly safe. However, your state of mind can tremendously affect a tarot reading, especially one you perform on yourself. 

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Beware of negative emotions -

For example, when you are distressed or feel out of control, your readings only compound these emotions. Separation from a loved one can amplify heartache. Similarly, the cards will reflect this negative feeling because they cannot provide you with the answer you seek.

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The power of tarot -

Tarot cards rely on your intuition to select cards, and an understanding on how they apply to you: the power of tarot isn't in the cards, it's in the person using and interpreting them! There is no evil force guiding them.

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No evil intended -

Indeed, tarot cards are not meant to conjure up malevolent spirits or bring forth bad luck... as long as the motives of the person reading the cards are in the receiver's best interest.

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Inspiring and insightful -

Instead, tarot cards are meant to provide insight into the innermost truths of your higher self. In other words, they inspire a greater awareness of what you already know deep within.

Sources: (Britannica) (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

See also: A quick guide to reading tarot

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