Exploring Tarot Cards
The Historical Background of Tarot
As a divination tool, tarot cards have a long history, stretching all the way back to the 15th century in Northern Italy. Tarot was initially not meant for divination but as a card game and entertainment. The false belief that tarot was, or is, a Gypsy or Egyptian study can be traced back to the very close connection that exists amongst mystical studies that were developed in these lands. The cards started being studied in depth by French and British scholars of the time and eventually developed into a divinatory tool.
The Evolution into a Divination Tool
In divination, people usually ponder their questions and draw cards at random. It involves asking questions and using the images and symbolism in the cards to help gain insight or even foretell the future. Today, tarot continues to be one of the most popular divination methods in the world because of the great mix of history, culture, and psychology it provides.
Different Versions of Tarot Decks
Major Tarot Systems
At present the three major tarot deck systems are the Rider-Waite-Smith (Waite) system, the Marseille system, and the Thoth system. Each of its systems is unique, thus suited for different use cases and personal preferences. Most recognizable is the Waite system which came to dominate divination, made of 78 cards classified as 22 Major Arcana cards containing symbolic meanings of greater significance, and the 40 Minor Arcana cards depicting everyday events, along with the 16 Court Cards which express personality archetypes.
Characteristics of Each System
- Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot:This is the most common and widely used system due to its straightforward imagery and easy-to-understand symbolism. It is ideal for beginners who are new to tarot reading.
- Thoth Tarot:Emphasizing mystical and philosophical elements, this deck features complex artwork and is suited for readers with some foundational knowledge of tarot.
- Marseille Tarot:Known for being one of the oldest systems, it has simple yet classic designs that appeal to those interested in numerology.
Recommendations for Beginners
Why Choose the Waite Tarot Deck?
If you want to learn how to read tarot, you have to begin with a deck of cards. While there are other options today the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a good selection for beginners. Designed by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith (also both members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn), it has become the all-time best-selling tarot deck.
This deck has the most investment in its description of how images relate to each other, to numbers, and to groups of cards. As such, the visuals in the game are rather clean and easy to follow for fresh players. Additionally, there is a lot of literature on this deck which can help people with no experience understand how to read tarot systematically. In addition, there is lots of material written about this specific deck that can help beginners work through a systematic approach to learning to read tarot.
Benefits of Starting with the Waite Deck
The Waite Tarot Deck offers numerous advantages for beginners:
- Clarity: The illustrations are designed to be easily interpretable without requiring advanced knowledge.
- Resources: Extensive materials are available online and in print that help learners systematically understand each card’s meaning.
- Community Support: As one of the most popular decks globally, there exists an active community willing to share insights or answer questions.
- Versatility: Suitable for addressing various types of questions ranging from personal growth issues to relationship dynamics or career decisions.
Choosing this deck as your first venture into beginner tarot reading practices will provide you with strong foundational skills while allowing ample room for growth through exploration within established frameworks provided by experienced practitioners worldwide!
The Concept of “Deck Spirit” in Tarot
What is a “Deck Spirit”?
A “Deck Spirit” in tarot is the personality characteristic of a given tarot deck. This spirit represents the unique personality of the deck and forms the link between the reader and the cards. The Deck Spirit is a card you choose through a ritual that represents the personality, characteristics, and energy of a new tarot deck you open. This card serves as a signature of your deck and its relationship with you.
It is not good or evil; the Spirit of the Deck will simply help you to better interpret the messages relayed to you via the cards. It helps you deepen your relationship with the cards and greater understanding of what the cards are saying. The concept is by regarding the Deck Spirit as a companion to guide you on your tarot journey.
How to Connect with Your Deck Spirit
The ways to build a connection between you and your Deck Spirit that allow you to purify and align its energy with you are uncomplicated but elaborate all at once. Many people will purify their tarot precisely with things like crystal purification, incense smudging, or meditation. Such rituals, it is said, guarantee that the Deck Spirit stays clean and positively charged.
If you are a beginner, do not worry too much about bonding with your Deck Spirit right away. Rather, try to feel the intuition and inspiration of what your tarot cards are telling you. Using your deck over the years, you will learn to realize rather than feel your Deck Spirit in regard to how it manifests through your deck.
Types of Questions Suitable for Tarot Readings
Life Choices and Direction
Like Tarot Cards are great for Life choice and guidance. They will help them answer questions like, “How do I plan my career development for the year? or “Should I take this job?” Tarot readings help in making informed decisions that align with personal objectives through insights into possible events.
Emotional and Relationship Insights
For emotional matters and relationships, tarot readings can provide insight into the evolution of these dynamics. Things like “How will my connection with my significant other in a romantic context unfold? Or “What could I do to solve my problems with relatives?”
Inner Struggles and Personal Growth
Tarot is also great for working on our challenges as well as for personal growth. Example: Questions like “How can I fix my current anxiety? Or the “What can I do to improve myself?”
Predicting Specific Events
You cannot ask tarot when exactly will I win the lottery number or where will I meet my future partner because these kinds of questions won´t come out in the cards; however, you can ask about between what time frame will I be able to travel abroad and which place near me I will meet him/her. Because you might ask “Will I get to travel in the next three months?” enables more flexibility of interpretations and does not require specifics. Questions like “Will I get to travel in the next 90 days?” permits more general understandings and do not require particulars.
Common Inquiries About Choosing a Deck
Q1: When It Comes to the Numerous Types of Waite Deck Versions, How Should One Make a Choice?
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck comes in different versions, including bordered and borderless editions, as well as various sizes like tin box versions and standard editions. Despite these variations in appearance—such as card backs or borders—the core content remains consistent across all Waite decks.
Q2: Where to Purchase the Waite Tarot Deck
If you’re looking for Rider-Waite-Smith decks, Suba’s website is the perfect place to find them. They offer a comprehensive selection of customizable options, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences. With Suba’s expertise in manufacturing and gaming, they can help you bring your creative game ideas to life.
