Cards are not only one of the gambling games, but also an ancient magic tool. When reading Tarot cards, the meaning and interpretation of each card requires developed intuition, knowledge of archetypes and the ability to compare facts. Yes, and simple playing cards can serve in divinatory practice no worse than Tarot.
Card history
It is believed that the first card games appeared in the east - in China and India around the VIII century. Moreover, even before the origin of the paper, clay or wooden tablets and even mussel shells were used instead of card decks. Through the Arab countries, by the 14th century, this entertainment reached Europe, and by the 16th century, into Russia.
It is interesting that in each country its own deck has taken root - with unique features and slight differences in the meaning of the cards. For example, in a classic French deck there are 54 cards:
- junior cards - those that have numerical values ​​from two to ten;
- high cards - ace, king, queen, jack;
- two jokers - cards with the image of the jester, considered the oldest.
In some games, an ace can indicate a unit and be the youngest - it depends on the layout of the cards.
And 36 cards, the values ​​of which begin with sixes and reach the king, are the Russian deck. Jokers are absent in it. The deck, known to most of our compatriots, is called a satin - it was invented in the middle of the 19th century by the Russian academician of painting Adolf Charlemagne.
In Germany, there is a non-standard German deck, where instead of the four suits we are used to, unusual card values ​​are used - acorns (clubs), hearts (hearts), leaves (spades) and bells (tambourines). And in the Swiss deck, acorns (clubs), roses (hearts), shields (peaks) and bells (tambourines) are used. And for gambling, a preference is used for a deck where there are only 32 cards - it starts immediately with sevens.
Fortune telling on the cards
The first treatise on the meaning and interpretation of each card in divinatory practices dates from 1540 - it was written by Italian Francesco Marcolino da Forlì. The cards entered into constant magical practice two centuries later - in the 18th century.
Most often, such fortunetelling is based on the fact that there is a meaning and interpretation specific to each card. Moreover, each suit is characterized by common properties and signs (for example, hearts are love, and peaks are troubles). It is best if the fortuneteller proceeds not only from generally accepted meanings, but also from his own experience. If your heart stubbornly tells you that this card means something else, then trust your intuition.
In some fortune telling it is not necessary to know the meaning of the cards. For example, you can ask a question that requires an answer of “yes” or “no” and decompose solitaire. If the solitaire matches, then the answer is yes. If you are stuck in a solitaire decision, the answer is no. On the other hand, if you know the meaning of each card, you will find a symbolic clue for yourself in unsolved solitaire - what exactly prevents you from moving on. The card that stops the development of solitaire will be the answer to this question.
In order to correctly guess the messages of the cards, you need to learn to understand the symbolism of numbers, suits, elements. For Tarot cards, you will need to dive separately into the general history of symbols, familiarize yourself with the history of creating your deck specifically. It is best to study the Tarot deck through a separate meditation on each card. If you have a regular playing deck of 36 cards, you can also try to meditate on it - suddenly a card will find the only possible meaning for you. Combinations of cards should also be interpreted based not only on learned values, but also on intuitive associations.
How to guess
The easiest way to tell fortunes is to draw one card from the deck. She will give you a direct answer to the question asked. But if the situation requires a more detailed consideration, then additional cards are also drawn. Most often they use “layouts” - the cards are laid out on the table in a certain way, the position of each card limits the set of its values ​​and the sphere of influence. For example, the cards are laid out in the form of a cross, and the top card is responsible for the situation in the relationship. If this is relevant for a given card, then its direct or inverted position can be taken into account - when using playing cards it is usually sevens or aces. Tarot cards can clearly determine when the card is upside down, so this aspect is most often taken into account.
Each of the stripes is responsible for a specific area of ​​life. Often they are correlated with the four elements, seasons, cardinal points, and even temperaments. Black suits are considered active "masculine", and red - passive "feminine". Also often curly cards give certain appearance features depending on the color of the suit. The Queen of Spades and the King are most often brunettes, possibly even aged. Clubs also have dark hair, possibly dark blond. The tambourine ladies and kings are rather light than dark type, sometimes red. And, of course, gentle hearts are given the role of blondes and blondes with blue eyes. Most often, the figures of worms are also of a very young age. But in any of the suits jacks are always younger than kings.
Suit of spades
In the generally accepted interpretation, the suit of the peak corresponds to the Swords in the meaning of Tarot cards and is responsible for the element of Air. Air corresponds to spiritual energies and affects the power of the mind and thought. In some interpretations, peaks are cards, the value of which is more related to the energy of Fire (therefore, clubs are equated with the elements of Air). In any case, the peak point is associated with determination and focus. In fortune telling, they often symbolize a sharp change in the situation.
In popular culture, peaks are associated with something fatal and irresistible. Recall, for example, the work of A.S. Pushkin's “Queen of Spades”. Based on this interpretation, in everyday fortune-telling, Pikes often denote all sorts of troubles - from minor quarrels and setbacks to major disasters such as going to jail. Cards depicting people under the suit of spades can hint at detractors or strangers.
Suit of clubs
Despite the black color, the suit of clubs corresponds to the elements of Fire and corresponds to Wands (in some decks - Staves or Scepters) in the meaning of Tarot cards. As mentioned above, clubs are also considered as symbols of the elements of the Air - then, in a more pragmatic way, clubs are interpreted as all kinds of working activities: solving business issues, traveling on business trips, and career growth. If you got high cards of clubs, then most likely they indicate people who are somehow connected with your career.
Suit of hearts
The suit of hearts in playing cards correlates with the Cups in the meaning of Tarot cards. Even the very symbolic designation of this suit indicates that it is responsible for heart affairs - the emotional sphere of life. The element of Water determines sensuality and involvement in relationships. In the layouts of the meaning of the cards, worms are associated with any events in the love sphere - from a date to a wedding. High cards of worms that have fallen during fortune telling most often indicate your fans or lovers.
Tambourine suit
Tambourines or Pentacles in the meaning of Tarot cards correspond to the elements of the Earth and, accordingly, are responsible for the most mundane areas of our lives. This is the sphere of material success, cash flows, well-being. Also, the dropped diamonds suit may contain a hint of conservatism and even some kind of stagnation in any processes. Curly cards under the suit of a tambourine are correlated with well-wishers and friends.
Tarot cards
Separate from playing decks should be considered Tarot cards. The meaning of each card from the deck can be linked into a separate and coherent magical system in which mankind has enclosed most of the famous symbols and archetypes.
Although some legends ascribe the Tarot system to the existence almost from the time of Ancient Egypt, historians believe that these cards appeared in Italy around the year 1450. The exact origin of the name is unknown - the Italian word for a dataset of cards “taroki” can be associated with the Arabic “turuk” (path) or “taraka” (leave, quit).
There are 78 cards in the tarot deck. Of these, 22 cards are called major lasso, and 56 - the youngest. Types of Tarot decks are very numerous, differ from each other in a unique, skillfully executed design.
The Ryder-Waite deck is a recognized classic among Tarot cards. The meaning and interpretation of this deck was developed in 1910 by the British mystic and occultist Arthur Edward Waite, painted by its artist Pamela Colman-Smith, and published by William Ryder. It was Waite who was the first to supplement the digital meanings of the minor arcana with full-fledged symbolism and even certain plots. Many later decks repeat the symbolism of the Ryder-Waite deck.
The famous mystic of the beginning of the 20th century Alistair Crowley invented his own deck - Tarot Thoth. She was painted by artist Frida Harris. This deck has an unusual color scheme - the cards resemble the work of avant-garde artists. The drawings are filled with symbols, and from this combination and the meaning of the cards take on several levels of meanings.
Major Arcana
Major Arcana has 22 cards. Each of them depicts a certain plot (most often it is an archetypal character). Each element in the figure has a secret meaning and has many of them. The specific meaning of the tarot cards depends on both the deck itself and the situation you are guessing at.
Often the sequence of major lasso is considered as the stages of the formation of personality (the so-called “Hero's Journey”):
- “Fool” (“Jester”) is a special, “zero” lasso. It symbolizes the willingness to perceive the new, openness and emptiness.
- "Mage" is the first lasso. The image of the magician-alchemist corresponds to the archetype of the Creator. Man is not just ready to learn new things - unlike the Fool, he already has certain knowledge and is able to create new things.
- "Priestess" - the second lasso. From knowledge gained through logic, a person goes on to an intuitive understanding of all processes.
- The Empress is the third lasso. Female energy is fully revealed in its wild and pristine nature.
- "Emperor" - the fourth lasso. From the inconstancy of female energy - the transition to clarity and structuring of the male, active principle.
- “Hierophant” (“High Priest”) is the fifth lasso. The earthly order is dominated by an even stricter hierarchy - the heavenly one. A priest is the formation of a spiritual component, the pursuit of righteousness and the knowledge of the highest truth.
- "Lovers" ("Choice") - the sixth lasso. Most often, the plot of this card repeats the biblical theme of the fall - the map depicts a man and a woman, and next to them is a devil or a snake. Even being in absolute harmony (Garden of Eden), we are eager to look inside out and learn the unknown.
- "Chariot" - the seventh lasso. The choice made at the previous stage leads to a significant leap forward, the development of processes is accelerating.
- “Justice” (“Justice”) is the eighth lasso. It is found in eleventh place in some decks. Having passed the stages of growing up, a person learns to live in society, obey its rules, and also reaps the first fruits of his activity.
- "Hermit" - the ninth lasso, symbolizing the satiation of the previous stage of stay in society. A man leaves business and again plunges into the knowledge of himself.
- "Wheel of Fortune" - the tenth lasso, the stage of awareness of its true task. Finding ourselves - we gain the path, and accept the fact that everything happens as it should.
- "Strength" is the eleventh lasso. Acceptance of one’s own destiny gives access to an unlimited resource and allows one to become fully involved in life.
- “The Hanged Man” is the twelfth lasso, a test that comes to one who possesses great power. Any test is a transition to a new level of development.
- "Death" is the thirteenth lasso. Despite the frightening name and no less frightening serial number, the meaning of the “death” card is rather positive - it is a symbol of transformation, complete renewal and zeroing.
- "Moderation" ("Time") - the fourteenth lasso. After experiencing “death” and casting aside the old, an understanding of time, measure and cyclicity comes.
- “Devil” is the fifteenth lasso, showing that it is time to meet with its dark side and overcome its internal contradictions.
- "Tower" is the sixteenth lasso, which is often interpreted as a crash and disaster. But after a fight with oneself, the destruction of the old always follows, often sharp and swift.
- "Star" is the seventeenth lasso. As a star lights up in the sky in complete darkness, so after all the destruction and catastrophes a new hope lights up.
- "Moon" is the eighteenth lasso. There is more and more light in the night sky. Inspired by hope, a person tries to find a new path to the truth and not get lost in illusions.
- "The Sun" is the nineteenth lasso. A person again comes to the light and fully feels its energy and abundance.
- The Last Judgment (“Judgment”) is the twentieth lasso. Having passed all the trials, a person is transformed and gains a new self.
- "World" is the twenty-first lasso. The cycle is completed, and the person finally gains integrity.
Experienced practitioners recommend starting work with the Tarot from the Ryder-Waite deck - it has been considered a recognized classic for more than a century. However, if you are more impressed by any other deck, you can immediately start your work with it.
Junior Arcana
The remaining 56 cards in the deck are called minor lasso. They are divided into four suits, each of which has 14 cards. In fact, these are cards with numerical values ​​from one to tens and “court” cards, the set of which may differ from deck to deck. For example, in the Ryder-Waite deck, these are Page, Knight, Queen and King. Alistair Crowley has the Queen, Knight, Princess and Prince in the deck. Differences in the values ​​of Tarot cards among minor arcana depend on the deck and its individual interpretation by the predictor.
The suits of minor arcana correspond in value to playing cards and their four suits. Most often these are Swords, Cups, Wands and Pentacles. The value of a single card taken is considered as a combination of the influences of the patronizing element and the numerological meaning of the serial number:
- Ace is a unit, a beginning. This card symbolizes the origin of something, creativity, a powerful energy impulse.
- Two - a reflection of the duality of all things on Earth. It can mean both confrontation and union, both conflict and unity. It can be a search for balance and balance. Among its other meanings is a hint of an upcoming choice or communication with someone.
- The three are the result of the dualism of the deuce. From the connection of opposites, the third element is born, which can both balance the deuce (the “Mother-Father-Child” triad), and further aggravate the conflict - for example, in a love triangle. In any case, this is a way out of the loop of the deuce on itself and moving forward.
- Four is the transition from movement to stability. This is a square with its clear structure and right angles. It is a symbol of the material world, made up of four elements, its fullness and stability. On the other hand, it can be interpreted as passivity and rigidity arising from the lack of movement.
- Five - going beyond the stability of the four thanks to the emergence of a new factor. This is novelty and the pursuit of the unknown. This is a symbol of the pentagram, as well as a symbol designating a person.
- Six is ​​a successful conclusion to the creative search for the five. This is the harmony of the two triples with their flexibility and creativity. This is the six-pointed Star of David as a symbol of the combination of earthly and heavenly.
- Seven - the transition to unknown spheres, the awakening of interest in the spiritual and intangible. A mystical factor intervenes in human affairs, which is interpreted as the Divine Will.
- Eight is the number of balance and justice. If the four is responsible for stability in the material world, the eight is responsible for the harmony of the Spirit. This is both a stable and dynamic number.
- Nine is a number that has accumulated the energy of previous forms and is ready to move to a qualitatively new level. This is the harmony of the three triples, this is the pause before the jump to the top ten.
- Ten - realized potential, fullness of previous experience and benefits, as well as readiness for a new cycle. But we are entering into this new cycle much wiser than our past.
In addition to sacred meanings, minor arcana can indicate very specific things, especially in everyday fortune telling. For example, the triple of swords in the Ryder-Waite deck is depicted as a heart pierced by three daggers, and means a break in the relationship.
Maps of Mary Lenormand
Maria Lenormand is a famous French soothsayer of the early 19th century. This woman had an unusual fate. Due to birth defects in appearance (legs different in length, sloping shoulders), parents sent their daughter to a shelter at the monastery. Maria devoted her childhood and youth to the study of books containing secret knowledge about esotericism, magic and fortune telling, and at the age of 18 she already opened her fortune-telling salon in Paris.
Gradually the news of the paranormal abilities of the fortuneteller and the accuracy with which she predicts the future reached noble ears. True, it cannot be said that these noble ears heard the good news for them - Mary predicted the death of many then politicians and noble persons - Marie Antoinette, Marat, Robespierre, Saint-Just. And Napoleon Bonaparte generally sent Mademoiselle Lenormand from France because she predicted a defeat for him from Russia. And only after Napoleon was defeated and, in turn, exiled from France, Lenormand was able to return to France and live to be 71 years old.
In addition to cards, Maria Lenormand used almost all known methods in fortune telling. She wondered on coffee grounds, a crystal ball, mirrors, along the lines of her hands and even a drop of blood in water. Interestingly, the cards used by Lenormand were the most ordinary and she had no systematic way of interpretation - Maria understood the meaning of 36 playing cards intuitively, from layout to layout. It was her followers who began to study and restore the heritage of Lenormand.
Most of our contemporaries use the Lenormand deck, recreated and supplemented by the Dutch fortune teller Erna Drusbeke. In 1987, she published the book “Guessing Together with Lenormand,” and presented her deck with her. The value of Lenorman-Drusbeke cards is facilitated for understanding the fortuneteller - after all, Erna has supplemented each card from the deck with a symbolic drawing that is most relevant to the meaning of the card. For example, a fox is depicted on nine clubs, which serves as a warning about possible cunning. And the ace of diamonds is complemented by the sun - and, of course, this is a good sign that promises great luck. The values ​​of 36 cards from the Lenorman-Drusbeke deck, better known as the "Lenorman Oracle", are easy to master on your own.