The origins of the tarot are shrouded in mystery, but the cards were well established in Europe by the late 14th century.
The Tarot pack is made up of a total of 78 cards, 56 known as the minor arcana and 22 as the major arcana, from the Latin word "arcanus", which means "secret".
The minor arcana is divided into four suits - Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. The cards in the major arcana are also known as the trumps.
Originally the cards were used for gambling but later, perhaps when the Romany or gypsies came to Europe and discovered them, they were used for fortune-telling. The pictures on the cards are rich in meaning and the pattern they form in a reading can help the reader to gain insight into someone's life.
Many of our readers use tarot in their readings, combining the cards with their natural psychic ability. There are many different kinds of Tarot packs, but the underlying symbolism remains the same.
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How does the Tarot work?
Good question! No one really knows. However you`ll find that the more you familiarise yourself with the basic meaning and symbolism of the cards and practise reading them, the more you`ll gain confidence in interpreting them for yourself and others. Over time you`ll develop your own intuitive relationship with the cards, so that they become a mirror reflecting the inner self.
How do I learn the Tarot?
There are lots of books on the Tarot, also workshops and courses. These will help you to absorb the basic divinatory meanings of the cards, but to develop your own personal style of interpretation, you`ll need to practise working with them. Practice makes perfect!
I`ve noticed that some of your readers are also counsellors…
Yes, some of them have trained as counsellors, but you`ll find that all our readers are sensitive and empathetic and will do their best to help you with any issues that you may have.
Soon you will have the opportunity to own a copy of your personal birth chart accompanied by a natal report summarising your character traits and the main transits to your chart.
You'll also enjoy the unique chance to explore your birth chart and discuss the trends for your coming year during a special one-to-one 20-minute phone consultation with resident professional astrologer Stephanie Norris.
A new exciting service launching soon!
Happy Birthday Pisces! And welcome to your personal new year which began with the Sun going into your sign on 19 February 2012. With Neptune, the planet that rules your sign also (just) there you’re at the very beginning of a literally quite extraordinary period in your life. Over the next 14 years you’ll come into your own as the creative, spiritual and sensitive person you are. Be guided by your intuition, give free rein to your imagination and you’re likely to find your life changing in ways so subtle even you may not initially be aware of what’s happening. Just go with the flow!
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