Tarot card reading:
Tarots too have been existing since historic times and are considered to be one of the important means by which fortune tellers predict the future. Fortune tellers use a deck of cards known as the major arcana and the minor arcana. The client is allowed to pick the cards and depending on the cards he picks up, fortune tellers can make the prediction. Tarot cards were associated with mysticism and magic before they were accepted to be a part of fortune telling. It was only in the nineteenth century that tarot began to accepted as a part of fortune telling. Fortune tellers began to use tarots in France first. Some information on tarots and divination is discussed below.
The different types of tarot reading are:
| • | Divination: This method is adopted by fortune tellers with the idea that they can be able to predict the events that will occur in the future besides being able to know the events that have occurred in the past. Many fortune tellers are also of the believe that divination helps them gain access to the sub conscious level of the mind and hence predict the person’s reactions to different situations. |
| • | Psychological: Psychologists associate tarot symbols wit psychology. For example, during a reading, often the fortune tellers will ask you to pick a card which you may associate yoursef with. And fortune tellers are able to tell you more about yourself based on the psychological significance associated with the card. This also helps helps the fortune tellers gain an idea of what perception the client has about himself. Recent developments and research have also led some psychologists to believe that tarot card representations indicate the evolution of mankind and may perhaps hold the key to what future holds for man. They also are of the opinion that the tarot card symbolises the development of a man from the stage of a baby to that of an adult. |
| • | Mneumonic devices: Tarots are also considered to be mnemonic devices used by many schools in their teachings. |
Tarot Interpretations: Every card in the tarot deck holds a significant meaning. The figures on the tarot cards are known to have astrological influence. The interpretation of these cards has changed with times. Even the figures have evolved, modified or changed completely with times. Modern decks are available now with glossier prints and in sync with the current trends. However the older card decks are preferred by many people for it gives them a sense of getting the most genuine prediction from the fortune tellers. There are various books that deal with tarot cards and tarot readings. In fact, one can also learn this art from books as well as online resources. These days tarot card readings can be conducted online itself. Websites are plenty though the readings many not give you that much accuracy.
The Spread: Before the commencement of the tarot reading, the cards arranged in a specific pattern. The fortune teller or the client is asked to chose one card and turn it so that the picture on the tarot card faces him. The cards are not arranged in a random fashion. Each card is assigned a specific position and has certain significance attached to it. The way the card is turned is also not random. A certain sequence or order needs to be followed when turning the card. The position of the card also has a significance which implies that, the interpretation given after turning the card is meant for the paricular question the client had in mind before turning the card.
Once the card has been turned, the fortune teller explains the what the card is suppose to mean and what impact will a certain incident have on the client’s life. It need not be an indication of a forthcoming event. Fortune tellers often explain the significance of a past event, why it happened and what lesson must be learnt from it. Tarots ofen give a better understanding of self and need not be used to predict only the future. When a man understands himself better, he is better prepared to brace what the future holds for him. Life is after all governed by reactions. Some of the common spread used in tarots is mentioned as follows:
The Celtic cross: The Celtic cross consists of ten cards totally. These ten cards are arranged in such a way that five of the cards form the diagonal and the other four are placed vertically. The last card is placed at the centre and is usually known as the significator. Significator is the name given to that card which is turned up intentionally at the beginning of a reading to answer a question. The crossed cards in the celtic card are symbolic of the hurdles and difficulties which one is likely to face in the future or has already faced. It can also indicate a part of a question posed by the subject, which has been left unanswered.
The horse shoe spread: The cards in this type of spread are arranged in the form of the alphabet V. The cards in the horse shoe spread each depict the events of the past, those occurring in the present and those that will occur in the future. Along with this information, the fortune teller will also give you an insight into the action that is deemed best at the given time for a given incident. The tarot cards help you have realistic expectations so that the outcomes are satisfactory.
The three card spread: The three cards are associated with the past, present and the future.
The astrological spread: Fortune tellers sometimes consider this as a conjunction or a link between astrology using the zodiac signs and tarot cards. In this method, the twelve cards represent the twelve zodiac symbols. The significator forms the thirteenth card and is placed at the centre of this spread.
One card spread: The word ‘spread’ often conjures an image of a large quantity. However, in tarot card readings, even one card can be used as a spread. Fortune tellers use this card to answer any one specific question of the subject.
Reversed cards: Reversed cards are believed to imply the opposite meaning of what they would convey in the up right position. For example if a card signifies happiness, well being, satisfaction at work place and good family life; The same card in the reversed position would mean te opposite. There is a lot of debate over this kind of a belief but majority of fortune tellers follow this rule. Some fortune tellers will consider a reversed card as a mere indication of an issue which needs more attention than what is due. It could be an aspect of the question which is not posed or some issue which appears trivial but is actually not.
Some of the oldest and most famous cards of the major arcana are The fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The lovers, The Chariot, The strength, The hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The devil, The Tower, The Star, The moon, The Sun, The Judgement and The World.
Fortune tellers are many and the art of fortune telling depends a lot on the accuracy of the calculations. Not everyone can predict the right way. Online fortune tellers too are increasing in number but it is advisable not to use these services as they are not very autentic. There is no doubt that one would definitely be curious to know what lies in store for him in te future. But it must be kept in mind that the beauty of life lies in its uncertainity. So, it is good to be a follower of astrology or any occult form as long as your entire life is not predicted and printed on a piece of paper. No one on this planet is equipped well enough to do that. Use astrology in such a way that it does not hinder your normal functioning of life by imposing restrictions or imbibing a fear in you. Be aware but also learn to enjoy life as it comes.