The Tarot is perhaps the most misunderstood divination system in the world. For some, it is a powerful tool for self-awareness, whilst for others it is associated with prejudice, fear or even superstition. But is this really the case? Can the cards bring bad luck? Are they linked to \u00abdemons\u00bb? And how often can one do a reading?;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will answer the most important questions about the Tarot, distinguishing between history and experience on the one hand, and the myths that have been circulating for centuries on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tarot is a deck of cards consisting of 78 cards<\/strong>, which are divided into 22 Major Arcana<\/strong> and in the 56 Minor Arcana<\/strong>. Each card carries a specific symbolism and is used either for divination or as a tool for psychological and spiritual exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to what many people believe, the cards do not \u00abcause\u00bb events. They do not create the future. Rather, they act as a mirror that reflects the most likely developments based on the current moment in time, our choices and the prevailing circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Tarot does not take away free will. On the contrary, it helps us to recognise the patterns that are emerging so that we can make more conscious decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notes:<\/strong> In this article, we refer to the classic 78-card Tarot deck. In recent years, many other divination decks and systems have been created, such as the Angelic Tarot, the Runes and other contemporary oracle decks, each of which has a different philosophy, symbolism and method of interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The origins of the Tarot remain a matter of debate, however, most historians agree that the first known decks appeared in northern Italy in the 15th century as a game for aristocratic families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several centuries later, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, occultists and esoteric schools began to ascribe deeper symbolism to the cards, linking them to Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology and other esoteric traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best-known deck of cards today is the Rider\u2013Waite\u2013Smith<\/strong>, which was published in 1909 and has influenced almost all modern playing cards used worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From then until now, Tarot cards have been used both by professional counsellors and by people seeking guidance, self-awareness or a different perspective on the situations they are experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most common mistakes is overusing cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people, when they are anxious about something, make repeated enquiries on the same day or even within a few minutes, in the hope of getting a different answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this usually leads to even greater confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A proper opening takes time for the developments it reflects to unfold. If we constantly repeat the same question, we actually cease to observe reality and begin to chase answers that serve our anxiety more than they provide meaningful guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, it is best to avoid repeating the same question until there is new information or there have been significant changes in circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarot works best when used as a tool for understanding rather than as a means of constant validation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is perhaps the most widespread myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cards do not have the power to cause negative events in someone\u2019s life. They do not create reality, nor do they \u00abcast curses\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What they do is symbolically represent the dynamics that already exist or the most likely developments should the current trend continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bad luck doesn\u2019t come from the cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This perception emerged mainly through religious and folk traditions, rather than through the historical development of the Tarot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, those who practise Tarot describe their experience as a form of connection with the unconscious, intuition or the spiritual realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What exactly this source of guidance is is a matter of personal philosophical or religious belief and cannot be scientifically proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The concept of the \u00abdaemon\u00bb, as it is often portrayed in the popular imagination as an entity that seeks to harm humans, is not something that arises intrinsically from the practice of Tarot. For most professionals in the field, the cards serve as a symbolic tool for interpretation rather than a means of invoking such entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no historical or practical basis for this belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many professionals have bought their first deck of cards themselves and have been using it for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What matters is not who bought it, but the respect and consistency with which it is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of one\u2019s personal beliefs, many professionals consider it important to treat the deck of cards with respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the energy sector, it is customary to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This approach is not based on scientifically proven methods, but forms part of the tradition of many schools and practitioners who use the Tarot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If, at some point, someone wishes to part with a deck of cards they have worked with for a long time, several traditions suggest that it should not be thrown in the bin, but symbolically returned to nature \u2013 for example, by burial or burning \u2013 as a sign of respect for the tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people, the answer is yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An experienced professional does not limit themselves to interpreting the cards. They know how to manage the process, ask the right questions and help the client make creative use of the messages that emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In energy-based approaches, there is also the view that the reader, as the main manager of the deck and the session, takes on the lion\u2019s share of the energy \u00abwork\u00bb. This is not a scientifically verified fact, but it is a widely held belief in many energy schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, many practitioners choose to use energy-releasing or cleansing techniques after a session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my private practice, I often see people who choose to combine a Tarot reading with a Reiki session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To begin with, we use the cards to explore the question, identify the dynamics at play and pinpoint potential obstacles or opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, through Reiki, the aim is to promote relaxation and provide energetic relief from the emotional burden that may accompany the issue under discussion. In this way, the session is not limited to providing information, but concludes with a process which, for many people, helps to foster a sense of inner balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Tarot is neither a game of fear nor a means of inevitably determining the future. It is a symbolic tool that has been used for centuries to provide guidance, self-awareness and reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like any tool, its value depends on how it is used. With knowledge, respect and responsibility, it can provide an opportunity for a deeper understanding of ourselves and our choices, without replacing personal judgement or free will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe History of the Tarot<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow often can someone have a Tarot reading?;<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMyths and truths about the Tarot<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Myth: \u00abTarot cards bring bad luck.\u00bb<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMyth: \u00abTarot cards are associated with demons.\u00bb<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMyth: \u00abYou should never buy your first pack of cards on your own.\u00bb<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe energetic care of the deck of cards<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nIs it safer to have a session with a professional?;<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy do so many people combine Tarot with Reiki?;<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n