The present historical knowledge of where tarot cards originated is from Northern Italy around the 15th century (1420 – 1440). The earliest cards were richly, hand painted decks inspired by the courts of nobility.
Tarot readings were not the basis of tarot cards in the beginning, instead they were used a simple playing cards, referred to as “carte da trionfi” (which means cards of the triumphs), but they were also thought to have symbolic meaning. Then approximately 100 years after the original use, the cards became known as tarocchi, which distinguished them from a new game of cards. All the early names related to tarot are in fact Italian.
A popular misconception of tarot cards was that they were brought to Europe by the gypsies for tarot readings, and they spread their use. However, gypsies told fortunes through palmistry and ordinary playing cards, until the 20th century when they began using actual tarot cards for tarot readings. The whole idea of gypsies bringing tarot cards was accepted simply because writers, such as Papus, told them so without and accurate sources. Tarot cards have always been thought of as a way to do tarot readings, as a form of magic. In truth, documented evidence relating to the early uses of tarot cards were used simply for a card game similar to bridge. A card game that was popular, even today, throughout Europe, especially in France. Though they may have been used by some for other reasons, such as tarot readings, there is no historical evidence that suggests it until the 18th century. Tarot Readings How to do the Celtic Cross Spread: One of the most in-depth tarot readings that can be done, either by you or a professional, is the Celtic Cross Spread. This particular spread is also one of the most popular spreads used in tarot readings today. To do a Celtic Cross spread, shuffle the cards while thinking of your question. When you feel you are ready, split the deck into three piles with your left hand. Place the first one to your left, then the next one to the right of the first pile, and so on. Next, still using your left hand, take the pile on your right and place it on top of the middle pile, then place the middle pile on top of the last one. Now you are ready to begin your tarot card spread. With your left hand lay down the first card, the second card will then be placed sideways across half of the first card. Card number three will go beneath card number two, and the forth card will be placed to the left of card number one. The fifth card goes above the first card, and then the sixth card is placed to the right of the first card. To complete the cross, you will need to lay down the final four cards in a row on the right side of the cross. Lay down the seventh card, with the eight above that, then the ninth above that, and finally the tenth should be in line with card number five. Tarot readings begin once this spread has been completed, and a specific meaning is assigned to each of the ten cards. This spread may seem complicated, and will more then likely lead to some confusion at first, but the more often you do the spread, the easier it gets. |
