The Little Known History of Tarot
Among the many tools and traditions that have circulated through occult culture, none have stood the test of time or gained as much popularity as the tarot. Throughout its history, the tarot has been associated with various esoteric ideologies and the true origin of the cards has been a topic of debate. However, historical evidence points to a deck of playing cards that wasn’t used exclusively for divination and fortune-telling until centuries after its creation.
Occult historian and author Mitch Horowitz sheds some light on how this powerful tool transitioned from an early version of bridge to a mystical divination tool.
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The Minor Arcana: How Numbers and Elements Give Tarot Meaning
Veiled in mystery and feared by some, the tarot is part card game, divination system, and tool for self exploration. While learning the meaning of each card can be a daunting task, it’s not as complicated as you may think. In fact, by breaking the tarot down by Arcana, numerological meaning and element, the evocative images of the cards quickly reveal their secrets.
The tarot consists of two sets of cards called the Major and Minor Arcana. While the Major Arcana deals with archetypes and larger karmic lessons, the Minor Arcana focuses on the mundane aspects of day to day life. As a part of this world, we are all focused on our physical well being, emotional needs, and relationships. This is the realm of the Minor Arcana.
From here, the Minor Arcana is further divided into four different suits, each with their own court cards and imbued with their own element. These suits are actually related to a deck of playing cards and numbered 1-10 with an additional Page. Each suit tells its own story, and each story is tied to the element of the suit in question.
