The Tarot - Starting Points

Some initial thoughts about The Tarot

Apr 14, 2024

yellow green and red floral print cards — Photo by Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash

The Basics

Of all the oracle systems in use today, Tarot is arguably one of the better known. 78 Cards. 22 images which could be said to describe a journey through life and a further 56 which add people and textures to the main chapters of that adventure.

It is frequently misrepresented as simply an oracle and given an esoteric history that is firmly in the realms of the fairy tale but when understood it is a symbolic initiatory system that opens a doorway to spiritual exploration.

OK, so that may sound a little grandiose, but is far closer to one of the intended uses of the modern, 19th Century Tarot than many of the ideas written by any number of Tarot popularisers.

The oracular, divination uses of The Tarot are clearly, important but many who start their Tarot studies to ‘give readings’ frequently miss the deeper references built into the cards and their structure.

In essence, the Tarot deck is a tool for self-reflection and development and it is from this perspective that we teach the Tarot with The School of Mystery & Magick.

So, let’s clear up one thing straight away.

It is very likely that the ‘original Tarot cards’ were not designed with a mystical aim – they were designed for a game similar to Bridge. The transmission of mystical wisdom from ‘ancient cultures’ embedded within the pictures of the cards is a lovely story – but just that, a story.

As one Tarot writer notes:

We actually know quite a bit about tarot history. It originated sometime between 1420 and 1440 in Northern Italy, probably Milan or Ferrara or possibly even Florence, amid other experiments in creating sets of “triumph” cards. We also know fairly precisely what the images signified in the late Gothic, early Renaissance North Italian culture.

(Morgan Greer)

This VIDEO is one of our early recorded MOOTS.

I think this will help set the scene for what is to come…

“It’s said that the shuffling of the cards is the earth, and the pattering of the cards is the rain, and the beating of the cards is the wind, and the pointing of the cards is the fire. That’s of the four suits. But the Greater Trumps, it’s said, are the meaning of all process and the measure of the everlasting dance.”
― Charles Williams

I know that there is a lot to think about here and I would hope that you are happy to journal your thoughts and reflections.

Journaling is a very important aspect of your studies with The Tarot.

It will be where you record your journey, your developing relationship with the cards themselves.

Capture key ideas; questions; comments you agree and disagree with.

So, if you’ve not obtained a journal for your studies I recommend that you to do so forthwith.

TSMM - Tarot Academy

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