If you are interested in tapping into the deeper meaning of your life then, perhaps, you have started to use Tarot cards. The history of Tarot cards is briefly outlined here by Michelle Walter

by MichelleWalter

If you are interested in tapping into the deeper meaning of your life then, perhaps, you have started to use Tarot cards. The history of Tarot cards is briefly outlined here by Michelle Walter

The Tarot is a key to help us go deeper into the meaning of of life. The symbols of the Tarot deck help us to bring out subconscious knowledge into the open to be discussed and understood. The Tarot deck comprises 78 of these symbols divided in 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.

"Arcana" meaning mysteries and hidden secrets comes from the word "Arcane". Tarot cards are not a modern invention and have developed their symbolism from ancient civilisations: the Egyptian Book of Thoth, Chinese and Indian philosophies and particularly the Jewish Kabbalah which has 22 symbols similar to the Major Arcana.

But nobody really knows the historical origins of the Tarot cards. What we do know is that the Tarot cards have evolved out of people's search for meaning in their lives, and that it embodies many shared truths. The first historically recorded use of Tarot was by King Charles VI, in Paris in 1393. This deck was called the Marseille Deck.

Although the strands of Tarot cards do go back a long way they do seem to have a short history in comparison to the I Ching, Astrology and Runes Stones which go back to primitive times. Although not as old as Astrology and the I Ching, Tarot cards probably do go back longer that historical records would indicate. Tarot cards were almost certainly used in secret for many years since they were frowned on by Church authorities. They were even banned in some European countries during the Middle Ages.

The key in reading the Tarot is to remember that it is not just a set of cards with preconceived meanings you must learn. Rather, Tarot is a medium through which people can communicate their intuitions and insights, about each other, to each other. As you consciously develop your relationship with the Tarot cards, you link in with the lineage of meaning passed down through the network of harmony.

Using your intuition is the supremely intelligent way to read the Tarot. When you do this then guessing or trying to remember meanings are eliminated. In fact, you are developing your own personal power by strengthening your communication skills with your subconscious mind.

You can begin the process of learning the Tarot by trying this simple intuition exercise....

* Firstly, separate out the major arcana cards from the minor arcana. Hold the Tarot cards between your hands while you relax and breathe in and out at least three times. Each time you breathe out, feel yourself relaxing down into a more receptive state of consciousness.

* What is the question you want to ask the Tarot? Think about it quietly.

* Shuffle the Tarot cards in a relaxed way. Put the Tarot deck face down and just once cut the cards. Put the bottom pile on the top and just turn one card.

*Hold the Tarot card and quietly meditate. Write your first impressions into a journal. Whatever you do, try not to analyse or filter. Simply record your impressions: colour, face or something that stand out. It could be a phrase that comes into your mind or an insight about life. Don't look for something definite, first impressions can be vague.

* Do this exercise each day for a week. You will find the process of self-discovery to be very interesting

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