Tarot

The pack of tarot cards consists of 78, usually highly illustrated cards. 22 major arcana cards are accompanied by 40 numbered cards in suits and 16 court cards. The major arcana cards represent all archetypes known to man - the fool, the innocent, the judge, the hero, the virgin etc. as well as concepts like fate, the sun, moon and judgement.

The 16 court cards consist of a Page, a Knight, a King and a Queen of each suit. Depending on the pack used, these take on different names (son and daughter, perhaps, or prince and princess, Priestess and Shaman and so on). These cards usually deal with relationship issues.

The numbered cards run from Ace or one to ten in each of four suits. Traditionally, these are Pentacles (or coins, or discs), Cups (or chalices), Wands (or spears, or staves) and Swords, although other imagery may be used instead - the Merlin Tarot, for instance, uses fishes, birds, beasts and serpents. These numbered cards represent the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and usually deal with specific issues and courses of action.

There is much debate about the origin of the Tarot cards. In their present form, they date from medieval times, although the imagery used is much earlier. The modern tarot pack comes from an Italian tarrochi deck with 22 trumps.

Others believe that the wandering gypsies brought the tarot with them from India via the middle east.

Still others believe that Tarot originated from Kabbalah, the source of Hebrew esoteric wisdom.

Tarot cards are traditionally used for divination, but laying the cards into any one of numerous spreads, some with specific purposes, and interpreting the meaning of each card in synthesis with its position in the spread. Tarot can also be a useful self-discovery tool, however, and many of the modern decks are especially designed more for self-knowledge and spiritual growth than they are for divination.

For more information visit our Tarot Decks and Kits section or our Tarot Books section in the new age shop.

Elysian Picks: Tarot Links
American Tarot Association	An association for the purpose of bringing together qualified students, teachers and masters of the Tarot who are willing to subscribe to a high ethical standard and use the Tarot for the benefit of those for whom they read.
Villa Revak	Items for Tarotists at all levels. Includes "Selected Resources for New Students of Tarot", "Interactive Adventures in Tarot", and original research into Tarot history.
Bat's Loft	A Tarot community with card discussions and weekly group interpretations of an actual Tarot reading. Discussion board, mail list, chat facility and shared files space makes this a truly great place to share Tarot knowledge.
The Tarot School	Tarot classes, teleclasses, correspondence course, audiotapes, free Tarot Tips newsletter, articles, links and more. Degree programs available.
Tarot Consultant	A free on-line ezine for professional Tarot Readers and Tarot Consultants featuring chat, forums and articles on Tarot spreads, Tarot cards and how to improve Tarot readings.
Llewellyn.com - Tarot	Tarot articles, events, links, and products from Llewellyn, the worlds oldest New Age Publisher.

An introduction to Tarot

The Art of Tarot Kit

Makes the ancient art of tarot card reading easy and accessible. 78 page book with beautiful set of tarot cards. £12.99 from Elysian New Age Shop.

The Thoth Tarot Deck

The magnificent Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck contains the kabbalistic and astrological attributions described in Aleister Crowley's The Book Of Thoth. Best suited to those with some knowledge of Crowley's work. Large cards, roughly postcard sized. £18.99 from Elysian New Age Shop.

Beginners Guide to Tarot Set

If you're a first time tarot user, Beginner's Guide to Tarot is for you. The Sharman-Caselli deck has been designed especially for the novice, with every card illustrated in a clear and distinctive style. Juliet Sharman-Burke's teaching method introduces you to the minor cards first. A practice layout is used for each suit - Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles - and then a bigger layout for all 56 minor cards. Once you are familiar with these cards, you will meet and practice with the Major Arcana. Finally, you will be ready to use all 78 cards of the complete deck. Getting to know the cards is easy and fun. From beginner, you will very quickly progress to expert tarot reader! 192 page illustrated book and full deck of 78 cards. £16.99 from Elysian New Age Shop.