Tarot

The word Tarot is said to be derived from two Egyptian words, Tar, meaning ‘road,’ or ‘path’ and Ro, meaning ‘royal’. Thus… The Royal Path.

It is a fascinating system of divination that uses a deck of 78 unique cards, comprising the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).

The Tarot’s symbology was said by alchemists and mystics to spring from the ‘Soul of the World’ (Anima Mundi.) Ancients called this concept ‘The Sympathy of all things’. Carl Gustav Jung later named it the ‘Collective Unconscious.

While the cards true origins remain shrouded in myth and mystery, its archetypal imagery can be seen in art and hieroglyphics from Ancient Egypt, Chinese and Indian cultures, the Hebrew Kabbalah, Numerology, Astrology, Gnosticism, Celtic religion, Rosicrucian symbolism and in medieval texts carried by Romanies on their wonderings across Asia and Europe.

Although no complete pack survives, in 15^th century Milan, the lavish Visconti-Sforza deck was created for noble families, initially as a game. However, Tarot’s rich symbolism, imagery and more profound purpose transcended mere entertainment, evolving into a tool for seeking guidance and deeper understanding.

Today, Tarot readings are a popular way to gain insights into situations and explore potential paths forward. A tarot reader will use a specific card layout, called a “spread,” tailored to your question(s) or circumstances and interpret the cards, drawing on their intuition to provide insights into the influences and patterns playing out in your life.

While the Tarot empowers you with knowledge and awareness, any resulting choices you make remain your own. It divines your present journey and the direction of travel, rather than predicting  your destination.