Tarot is a form of divination that has been around since the 1400’s according to tarot historian Tom Tadford. These first decks were used to play a game called triumph that was similar to bridge. This game quickly spread to all parts of Europe and soon came to be called tarocchi.
*Tarocchi – Italian version of the word tarot.
In 1781, France and England occult followers discovered the cards and saw that the symbolic images provided more depth than they were recognized for. They began to use the tarot cards as a tool for divination and wrote about “the tarot” after which the tarot became a part of occult philosophy.
There are yet those who believe that the tarot origin is Egyptian and that the tarot is the one book that survived the great fire that burned the libraries of ancient Egypt. This perspective considers tarot to be the hieroglyphical keys to life.
To this end tarot has been used as an Oracle in the basic form we know today, since the 17th century.
What Tarot Is Now
Tarot is a symbolic map of consciousness that encompasses our journey through life, both spiritually and practically. It is the practice of diving wisdom and guidance through a spread or intention.
Contrary to popular belief tarot CAN be read by ANYONE. Being psychic or a medium or both is not a prerequisite for tarot practice. Also contrary to popular belief tarot is not simply for fortune telling. In fact you may NOT receive a future insight or outcome from a reading. Tarot is meant to provide insight into the inner most workings of your higher self.