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by: MichelleWalter
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In modern times Tarot cards have become a popular tool that many people use to understand the deeper meaning of life. Here is a brief history of Tarot cards as outlined by Michelle Walter.

The Tarot cards can be understood as symbolic keys to the mystery of life. The Tarot cards are gateways to our sub-conscious mind, bringing forth hidden knowledge into the open. Each of the 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, are replete with inner secrets.

"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.

Mystery, however, shrouds the historical origins of the Tarot cards. We do know that the Tarot cards embody many shared truths and over the centuries have evolved in different ways as people of used them in their quest to understand life. From a strictly historical viewpoint, the first Tarot deck was the Marseille deck, used in Paris in 1393 during the reign of Charles VI.

When we compare Tarot cards with Astrology, Runes and the I Ching it does not seem to have a very long history. Astrology and the I Ching for example go back to pre-historic times. The widely held belief is that Tarot cards were used for a long time in secret before there was any recorded use. We do know that for many years they were actually banned from use in a number of European countries.

The gist to reading Tarot cards is to understand that they are not a group of preconceived meanings to be memorised. The symbols of the Tarot cards are a medium through which we can communicate with each other, exploring intuitions and insights. The aim is to develop a bond with the cards immersing oneself in to the lineage of meaning contained with the Tarot cards.

The most intelligent way to read the Tarot is to use your intuition. When you do this you are not trying to guess or remember the meanings out of a book. You are using the Tarot as a means to harnessing the power of 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.

* Slowly shuffle the Tarot cards. Place the Tarot deck face down on the table, cut the tarot cards once, place the bottom pile on the top, and then turn over one card.

* Take a few moments to meditate on the Tarot card. What are your first impressions? Write these down in a journal. Try not to analyze or filter what you feel or see in this tarot card - it may be a colour, a face, or something in the background which stands out to you. Your first impression of this tarot card may be a saying that comes to you or an understanding about life. It doesn't have to be a definite conclusion about meaning because often our first impressions are quite vague.

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

About the Author

Michelle Walter is a deeply intuitive tarot card reader. Her vast experience in psychic work, coupled with her background in psychology. Michelle offers guidance and support, especially in very difficult emotional situations and heartbreaks. To find more by Michelle, and to find out how she can help you in your relationship.

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