FAQ: What Is Tarot | What Are Oracle Cards | Can Tarot Predict The Future

 What Is Tarot?


Wikipedia Definition: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot)

"The tarot (/ˈtæroʊ/, first known as trionfi and later as tarocchi or tarock) is a pack of playing cards, used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play games such as Italian tarocchini, French tarot and Austrian Königrufen, many of which are still played today. In the late 18th century, some tarot decks began to be used for divination via tarot card reading and cartomancy leading to custom decks developed for such occult purposes.[1]

    Like common playing cards, the tarot has four suits which vary by region: French suits in Northern Europe, Latin suits in Southern Europe, and German suits in Central Europe. Each suit has 14 cards: ten pip cards numbering from one (or Ace) to ten, and four face cards (King, Queen, Knight, and Jack/Knave/Page). In addition, the tarot has a separate 21-card trump suit and a single card known as the Fool; this 22-card section of the tarot deck is known as the major arcana. Depending on the game, the Fool may act as the top trump or may be played to avoid following suit.[2] These tarot cards are still used throughout much of Europe to play conventional card games without occult associations.

    Among English-speaking countries where these games are not played frequently, tarot cards are used primarily for novelty and divinatory purposes, usually using specially designed packs.[2] Some who use tarot for cartomancy believe that the cards have esoteric links to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, Indian Tantra, or the I Ching, though scholarly research has not found documented evidence of such origins or of the usage of tarot for divination before the 18th century.[2][3]"

    Tarot is a type of divination tool that falls under the term called Cartomancy. This practice dates back to as early as 14th century, and has been adapted and evolved from culture to culture, landing into Europe becoming what is widely known now as Tarot.  It is the practice of diving deeper into ones inner psyche through the use of cards. This practice dates back as far as 1367 in Berne and has been widely used by many kings and queens during their lifetime of rulings. Many advisors, businesses, and law enforcement sectors turn to tarot readers and spiritual practitioners. They help expand our current ways of thinking, shedding light onto new perspectives that may have been overlooked or blind sighted. Untapping potential decision makings that can lead to an unfolding of desired outcomes. 

    Tarot and the practice of tarot reading does not belong to any religion but rather is a spiritual and psychological practice in and of itself. Many therapists, councillors and professions in the health and wellness industry finds great use in tarot cards as well as oracle cards in their practices and sessions with clients to help gain deeper understanding and insight onto themselves. 


 What Are Oracle Cards?


    Oracle cards are similar to Tarot cards in the sense that they fall under the category and practice of Cartomancy. The difference in oracle cards is that they focus much more on positive affirmations or advice and guided messages for the reader to reflect on. Often times there is an image and associated phrase or word to these cards. The topics that are used within oracle cards are often messages from Angels, Ancestors, and a focus on Chakras. They can even delve into messages and symbolism from nature, such as plants, animals, down to the elements of earth (Fire, Water, Air, Earth).
    
    Oracle cards tend to be more free form in their approach, and do not associate too heavily with symbolism and traditional meanings that a traditional Tarot card can hold. Similar to tarot, oracle cards are also used for guidance and introspection. The focus and tone of oracle cards are often lighthearted and encouraging in nature, and do not often dive deeper into darker and heavier aspects of topics in our lives. They often carry the tone of inspiring and motivational guidance and advice. Unlike tarot cards, there is no set number of cards in each deck.  


Can Tarot predict the future?


    Depending on whom you ask. Like the entry I had written about what is a Psychic? Some psychics may tell you yes. Then again the concept of time is a human construct, according to science our past, present, and future are happening simultaneously in what is considered  multi-dimensional/multi-universal alternate realities. For those who do not believe that Tarot can predict the future, they approach the use of these cards as a tool to gain deeper insight and reflection on our inner Psyche. Not every person who uses Tarot believes that Tarot or the people who use it has the ability to predict the future. However, those who do believe in the ability to foresee the infinite possibilities of the many possible futures will say yes. I am one of those readers. 

    Skeptical? That is totally understandable, as I had been for the first three years of my journey into tarot and developing my personal relationship with the universe and spirituality as a whole. The best remedy for this is to keep an open mind and give tarot reading a chance, and always know that you have free will and can always choose to do what you will with the information given to you. Like all outcomes and possible futures, if we are not heading towards the direction of where we wish to arrive; we are always empowered and have the ability to be informed and receive clarity on the direction and actions we need to take to redirect our paths.  

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