Why Tarot Is Not Scary
Why Tarot Is Not Scary
Tarot cards are often associated with occultism, mysticism, and fortune-telling. Some people may find them intimidating, mysterious, or even dangerous. However, tarot cards are not inherently scary or evil. They are simply a tool for exploring the human psyche, the archetypes of the collective unconscious, and the symbolism of life.
The origin of tarot cards
Tarot cards originated in Italy in the 15th century as a pack of playing cards for various games. The term tarot derives from tarocchi, an Italian word whose root— taroch —translates to “foolishness.” The word taroch was used in the 15th century, when trionfi, a 70-card game inspired by the theatrical festivals popular during the Italian Renaissance known as trionfo emerged
The original tarot deck consisted of four suits of 14 cards each (coins, cups, swords, and batons), plus 21 trump cards (called trionfi or triumphs) and a single card called il matto (the fool)13 The trump cards depicted various allegorical figures, such as the emperor, the pope, the lovers, the chariot, the wheel of fortune, and so on. These cards were not used for divination or occult purposes, but rather for entertainment and social interaction.
The evolution of tarot cards
Tarot cards spread throughout Europe and evolved into different patterns and styles. In France, the tarot de Marseille became the standard design for tarot cards in the 18th century. It simplified the imagery of the trump cards and renamed some of them, such as le bateleur (the juggler) for il matto, la papesse (the female pope) for la papessa, and le monde (the world) for il mondo.
In the late 18th century, some French occultists began to use tarot cards for divination and esoteric purposes. They claimed that tarot cards had ancient origins and hidden meanings related to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, Indic Tantra, or the I Ching. However, these claims were not based on historical evidence or scholarly research. They were rather a product of imagination and speculation.
One of the most influential occultists who popularized tarot cards for divination was Antoine Court de Gébelin, who published his book Le Monde Primitif in 1781. He asserted that tarot cards were a remnant of an ancient Egyptian book of wisdom called Thoth. He also associated each card with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and an astrological sign.
Another prominent figure in the history of tarot divination was Jean-Baptiste Alliette, who wrote under the pseudonym Etteilla. He created his own system of tarot interpretation based on numerology and astrology. He also designed his own deck of tarot cards with reversed meanings for each card.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, many other occultists and mystics contributed to the development and diversity of tarot decks and meanings. Some of the most famous ones include Eliphas Levi, Arthur Edward Waite, Aleister Crowley, Pamela Colman Smith, Arthur Waite Smith Tarot Deck and Carl Gustav Jung.
The meaning of tarot cards
Tarot cards are not meant to predict the future or reveal hidden secrets. They are rather a way of exploring one’s own subconscious mind, intuition, and creativity. Tarot cards can be seen as a mirror that reflects one’s inner state, feelings, thoughts, and desires.
Each card has a symbolic meaning that can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context, the question, and the reader. There is no one correct or definitive way to read tarot cards. Each reading is unique and personal.
The most common way to use tarot cards is to draw a certain number of cards from a shuffled deck and arrange them in a specific layout or spread. Each position in the spread has a meaning that relates to the question or topic of the reading. The reader then analyzes the cards in relation to their position, their suit, their number, their image, their symbolism, and their connection to each other.
The most widely used tarot deck today is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (or simply Rider-Waite), which was created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. It is based on the tarot de Marseille but with more detailed and colorful images. It also incorporates some elements from other occult sources, such as Kabbalah and astrology.
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck consists of 78 cards divided into two groups: the major arcana and the minor arcana. The major arcana has 22 cards that represent the major themes and lessons of life, such as the fool, the magician, the high priestess, the empress, the emperor, the hierophant, the lovers, the chariot, strength, the hermit, the wheel of fortune, justice, the hanged man, death, temperance, the devil, the tower, the star, the moon, the sun, judgment, and the world. The minor arcana has 56 cards that represent the minor aspects and details of life, such as emotions, thoughts, actions, and situations. The minor arcana is divided into four suits: cups (water), pentacles (earth), swords (air), and wands (fire). Each suit has 10 numbered cards from ace to ten and four court cards: king, queen, knight, and page.
Why tarot is not scary
Tarot cards are not scary because they are not a source of evil or harm. They are simply a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. They can help one to gain insight into one’s own psyche, to understand one’s feelings and motivations, to explore one’s potential and possibilities, to make decisions and choices, to overcome challenges and obstacles, to find guidance and inspiration, to express one’s creativity and imagination, and to connect with one’s spirituality and intuition.
Tarot cards are not scary because they do not dictate or control one’s fate or destiny. They are rather a way of reflecting on one’s current situation and creating one’s own future. They can help one to take responsibility for one’s actions and consequences, to learn from one’s mistakes and successes, to embrace change and transformation, to manifest one’s goals and dreams, to align with one’s purpose and values, and to live authentically and joyfully.
Tarot cards are not scary because they do not reveal anything that one does not already know or feel. They are rather a way of bringing to light what is hidden or unconscious in one’s mind and heart. They can help one to acknowledge and accept one’s strengths and weaknesses, to heal and release one’s wounds and fears, to balance and harmonize one’s energies and emotions, to empower and affirm one’s self-esteem and confidence, and to love and appreciate one’s self and others.
Tarot cards are not scary because they are not a substitute for reason or reality. They are rather a complement to logic and experience. They can help one to expand one’s perspective and awareness, to question one’s assumptions and beliefs, to stimulate one’s curiosity and wonder, to enrich one’s knowledge and wisdom, and to enhance one’s intuition and creativity.
Tarot cards are not scary because they are not a dogma or a doctrine. They are rather a language or a dialogue. They can help one to communicate with oneself and with others, to express oneself clearly and honestly, to listen attentively and empathetically, to understand different points of view and experiences, to respect diversity and individuality, and to foster harmony and cooperation.
Tarot cards are not scary because they are not a burden or a threat. They are rather a gift or an opportunity. They can help one to enjoy life more fully and deeply, to appreciate its beauty and mystery, to celebrate its joys and sorrows, to embrace its challenges and opportunities, to discover its meaning and purpose.
Tarot cards are not scary because they are not an end or a goal. They are rather a means or a journey. They can help one to grow as a person and as a soul.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions or comments about tarot cards or this article please let me know.
