Complete guide to Tarot: What is it and what is it for?

The tarot is a set of cards that serve as a mirror of our inner self, offering insights and guidance through its deep and multifaceted symbolism. In this article, we will explore its foundations, uses and the richness of its symbolism, inviting you to explore how it can serve you in your personal and spiritual development.

What is Tarot?

The tarot is a set of cards used since the Middle Ages for divination and self-knowledge. It consists of 78 cards divided into Major and Minor Arcana, each with its own symbolism and meaning. Originally, these cards were used for games, but over time, they became a powerful tool for exploring the unconscious, making decisions and foreseeing potential futures. The interpretation of tarot cards is based on the reader’s symbology and intuition, which allows for a deep connection with the querent and his or her circumstances.

Unlike other divinatory practices, tarot is distinguished by its complexity and symbolic richness. The images on the cards, full of archetypal and symbolic elements, facilitate introspection and deep reflection. This makes tarot not only a method of divination, but also a tool for personal growth, allowing users to explore aspects of their life and psyche in a deep and meaningful way.

Tarot as a tool for introspection

To use tarot for introspection is to embark on a journey towards self-knowledge. The cards serve as mirrors of our inner life, reflecting emotions, desires, fears and aspirations. This practice allows the querent to confront aspects of his or her life that perhaps he or she had not considered or preferred to avoid. Through the interpretation of the cards, patterns of thought and behavior can be discovered, facilitating a process of reflection that can lead to significant changes and personal growth.

In addition, tarot offers a safe space to explore possible futures and prepare for them. By considering the messages of the cards, the querent can evaluate different paths and make more informed decisions about his or her life. This proactive approach to tarot as a tool for introspection underscores its value not only in predicting the future, but also in creating a more conscious and enriching present.

What can be asked in the tarot?

Tarot can address almost any aspect of life, from everyday dilemmas to questions of deep spiritual significance. Here are some common questions that are often asked of the tarot:

Consultation area	Common Tarot questions
Personal growth	What should I learn from this situation?
Relations	How can I improve my relationship with X?
Challenges	What obstacles do I have to overcome?
Career and work	What is in store for me in the workplace?
Objectives and aspirations	How can I achieve my personal goals?
Energetic influences	What energies are influencing my life at the moment?
Spirituality	What is the next step in my spiritual path?
Healing	How can I heal from this experience?
Love and relationships	What can I do to attract love into my life?
Conflict resolution	What is the best approach to resolve a conflict?
Important decisions	How do I decide between two complicated options?
Personal improvement	What changes can I make to improve my well-being?
Professional development	How can I progress in my career?
Emotional well-being	How do I manage anxiety or stress in my life?
Future	What can I expect in the coming months?

Differences between the Major and Minor Arcana

The Major and Minor Arcana constitute the two main divisions within a tarot deck, each playing distinct roles in a reading.

• The 22 Major Arcana symbolize the great universal lessons and archetypes of life, representing significant influences and events of great importance. Each card, from “The Fool” to “The World”, narrates a stage of the hero’s journey, reflecting the spiritual and evolutionary path of the individual.
• The 56 Minor Arcana focus on the everyday aspects of life, offering insights into daily situations, challenges and opportunities. They are divided into four suits (cups, golds, swords and clubs), each related to an aspect of the human experience: emotional, material, mental and creative/action, respectively.

Together, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana offer a complete view of the human experience, from the deepest spiritual journeys to the most mundane details of daily life.

There are different Tarot card decks

There are many different tarot card decks available, each with its own unique design and symbolism. Some of the most popular tarot card decks are:

Rider-Waite

This is one of the most popular and widely used tarot card decks in the world. It was created by mystic Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith in 1910. The Rider-Waite is known for its detailed symbolic images that help readers interpret the cards accurately.

Tarot of Marseilles

This is one of the oldest and most traditional tarot decks. It was created in Marseilles, France, in the 17th century and is known for its minimalist style and traditional symbolism. The Tarot de Marseille is considered one of the most accurate and traditional decks for divination and esoteric study.

Crowley-Harris Tarot

This tarot deck was created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris in the 20th century. It is known for its complex symbolism and its focus on hermetic philosophy and theosophy. The Crowley-Harris tarot is considered an advanced deck and is recommended for those who have a prior knowledge of esotericism and symbology.

Osho Zen Tarot

This tarot deck was created by Osho, a contemporary spiritual teacher. It is known for its focus on meditation and self-knowledge, and has a focus on the exploration of emotions and thoughts. The Osho Zen Tarot is considered a deck for those interested in spirituality and self-knowledge.

Tarot of the Fairies

This tarot deck is focused on the world of fairies and mythological beings. It is known for its colorful design and its focus on nature and spirituality. The Fairy Tarot is considered a deck for those interested in nature and spirituality.

The history and evolution of tarot

Tarot has a rich history that spans centuries, possibly originating as a card game in 15th century Europe. Over time, it evolved from a mere pastime to a profound esoteric tool, integrated into spiritual and mystical practices. The evolution of tarot reflects the change in human perception of divination and introspection, from superstition to the recognition of its psychological and spiritual value. This transformation is marked by the appearance of various decks and systems of interpretation, each bringing a new dimension to the art of tarot.

Tarot and spiritual development

Tarot is not just a divination tool; it is a means for spiritual development. The cards act as a mirror to our soul, revealing hidden truths and guiding us to a greater understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Through reflection and meditation on the images and symbols of the tarot, we can unlock deep intuitions and receive guidance on our spiritual journey. This practice invites us to face our fears, embrace our shadows and move towards a more enlightened version of ourselves, demonstrating that tarot is, in essence, a path to personal growth and enlightenment.

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