Everything You Wanted to Know About Tarot

What is "Tarot"?
"Tarot" is the name of a mysterious deck of cards that is used among other things to predict the future and for giving advice. The "Tarot" cards aren't ordinary cards and usually they will have colorful characters imprinted on them which are related to common myths.

What are the main uses for the "Tarot" deck?
Fortune telling
Guidance and advice
Spiritual development
Meditation
Various forms of sorcery

What does the name "Tarot" mean ?
There is no sole explanation for this. Here are a couple of versions:
In English and in French the cards are named Tarot.
In Italian they are names Taroccchi.
In other European countries they are named Taro, Tarok and Tarock.
The common theme through all of these names is the word TARO which is probably the original name for the cards.
Normally you do not pronounce the "T" at the end of the word � which means that it is pronounced "TARO".

Who created the "Tarot"?
The Jews are the first to claim ownership over the "Tarot". 22 of the cards are related with the 22 letters of the Hebrew Alpha-Bet. Jewish letters, names and symbols appear on many cards.
Many concepts of the Jewish Kabala match concepts within the "Tarot" deck.
The word "Tarot" when changing its letters become "Tora".

Another myth links the "Tarot" cards with the ancient Egyptians, which made the "Tarot" in the form of cards so that the gambling nature of man will keep the tradition going on for a long time.

There are many other theories about the origin of "Tarot" but none has been proved till this day.

Do I need to be blessed with "powers" in order to deal with "Tarot"?
As it is every man's right to pray, it is every man's right to deal with "Tarot". The ability to read the cards is the result of much practice and experience and not "enlightenment".

How many cards does the "Tarot" deck contain?
An official "Tarot" deck contains 78 cards.
56 cards are called the "Lesser Aracna" ("Aracna" means mystery in Greek).
22 cards are called the " Major Aracna".
The " major " and "lesser" relates to the energy of which the cards contain.

How many kinds of "Tarot" decks exist?
There are over 4000 kinds of "Tarot" decks around the world- but if you know to read one deck you know to read them all.

Is there an importance to the type of deck in which you all conducting the reading?
No. You can and may read any "Tarot" deck you wish, as long as the deck "speaks" to your heart.
In this book we will use the Arthur Edward Waite "Tarot" deck also know ass "Rider" (which is the name of the publishing company that first printed the cards). This is the most common and famous deck today.

How should I treat my deck?
The same way you would treat any other sentimental object. Some say it is recommended to wrap the deck in purple silk cloth and place them inside a wooden box.

Can I read the cards for myself?
Absolutely yes.

Can I repeat a question to the cards even though I just got a clear answer from them?
Absolutely no!
Usually people do so because either they are not happy with the answer they got and they are trying to get a different one, or they are happy with the answer and want to make sure that it will actually happen (by conducting another read and matching the results).

Am I allowed to consult with my cards often?
There are no specific rules. You have to give the cards the respect they deserve and not "nag" them about any simple matter. It is accustomed to consult the cards when standing before a major crossroad in life or when the matter at hand is of at most importance.

Are there cases when it is advised not to consult the cards?
Yes. When it is utterly obvious that the person doing so has some intent of malice � in this case the reader needs to use his conscious to guide him.
Furthermore it is not wise to touch the "Tarot" when the reader (not the asker) is in a state of depression � in this case the cards will reflect the reader's mood.

In what mood does the reader need to be in?
As calm as possible. The reader needs to remember that he serves as an interpreter only and not let his mental state, his beliefs or prejudices affect the process.