The Tarot divination system has been known for over half a century. The deck itself is classified based on its imagery theme and specialization. There are over a thousand different types available in stores. Before laying out a spread to understand the future, one must study the subject thoroughly—starting with an analysis of the characteristics of the suits.
A Brief History of Playing, Divinatory, and Metaphorical Cards
Playing cards were first discovered in China, where they were used for fortune-telling. Later, they spread across Asia and became popular for games. In Europe, playing cards were introduced in the 14th century by Arab traders who brought them to Spain. Initially, they were not used for divination.
Magical playing chips were made from various materials, including parchment, paper, wood, and even ivory. The most common ones were paper cards coated with lacquer or wax. In Europe, playing cards became a form of entertainment for the nobility and merchants, while peasants were unaware of their existence. A century later, the variety expanded, introducing suits such as clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. In the 19th century, new types of card decks were created in the United States, primarily for poker.
By 2023, playing cards have become universal objects used in various fields, from entertainment and collecting to witchcraft, scientific research, and mobile games. They remain popular and accessible to enthusiasts of leisure and the occult, while also preserving their historical, social, and cultural significance.
The Origins of Tarot
The exact date of Tarot’s emergence is unknown. It is widely believed that mystical symbols appeared in Italy in the 15th century. By the 19th century, Tarot divination had gained widespread popularity in Europe, evolving into a mass phenomenon. The introduction of Tarot in the United States sparked renewed interest in the practice.
Tarot as a Metaphorical Tool
Metaphorical cards were created as an instrument for predicting the past, present, and future. With the advancement of science and technology in the 20th century, these mystical decks began to be used in various social fields. They found applications in psychology, business meetings, journalism, and even art. Their popularity continues to this day.
David Gruyer, a well-known creator of metaphorical cards, developed a deck in 1975. These ritual tools help enhance thinking and allow users to organize and visualize information effectively.
Types of Divinatory Cards
Fortune-telling cards are classified into several major categories. Any deck that was not originally created for gaming falls into one of these groups:
- Tarot
- Oracle Cards
- Metaphorical Cards
Any non-gaming deck available for purchase is considered an oracle deck. The official definition of an oracle states that it serves as a means of direct communication between humans and the divine. Oracle statements are regarded as divine revelations.
There are more than 1,500 different Tarot decks available today. They can be categorized into:
- Universal (classic) Tarot
- Specialized decks (e.g., ritual-specific Tarot such as love-oriented decks)
- Authorial Tarot
- Dark and light Tarot
Classic Tarot Decks
Classic decks include Rider-Waite, Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, the Marseille Tarot, and Papus Tarot.
Specialized Tarot Decks
These include Tarot of Lovers, Lenormand Tarot, Manara Tarot, Love Deck, and Klimt Tarot.
- Tarot of Lovers is designed for love and relationship-related questions.
- Lenormand Tarot is used for direct answers to specific queries.
- Manara Tarot focuses on analyzing sexual relationships and psychological aspects of intimacy.
- Love Deck is a romantic set exploring gender relationships.
- Klimt Tarot reveals the reality of one’s current situation.
Authorial Tarot Decks
These decks are unique creations where the Major and Minor Arcana are depicted according to the artist’s personal interpretation. Examples include Rider-Waite, Golden Dawn, and Osho Zen Tarot. Some decks contain complex arcana that require experience in symbolic interpretation.
Dark and Light Tarot
This categorization is based on energy rather than strict definitions. Dark Tarot decks require a strong aura to handle them and are typically used by black magicians and witches. These include Shadow Tarot, Lucifer’s Tarot, and Necronomicon Tarot.
- Shadow Tarot contains demonic imagery and is unsuitable for everyday questions. It is used to analyze a person’s aura for curses and hexes.
- Lucifer’s Tarot features symbols of magical beings, hell, and demons.
- Necronomicon Tarot depicts scenes from the life of dark magician Alhazred, who wrote the infamous occult book of the same name.
Light Tarot decks, in contrast, are universal and accessible. These include Angel Cards and the Universal Key Tarot. Angel cards feature biblical themes and were designed by Italian artists, while the Universal Key Tarot was created by David Corsi. Both are suitable for beginners.
Unlike dark decks, light Tarot sets have aesthetically pleasing designs. Dark decks, on the other hand, often contain intimidating biblical, paranormal, and occult imagery.
How Fortune-Telling Cards Work
Humans have always been naturally curious beings, seeking to understand and predict the future. In addition to logical tools such as analysis and deduction, people have developed numerous mystical methods without scientific evidence. These include divination using cards, runes, and other symbolic objects.
Fortune-telling cards follow a structured system:
- Deck Development – The deck is divided into Arcana and suits. The mystical attributes are assigned roles and classified into groups.
- Card Design – The artwork is carefully crafted, incorporating hidden symbols and deeper meanings.
- Divination Method – The method of drawing and interpreting cards varies based on tradition and individual practice.
- Interpretation Process – Understanding the cards’ meanings and applying them to real-life situations.
- Psychological State – The success of divination depends on approaching the process with the right mindset.
Types of Fortune-Telling Cards: Tarot and Oracle
There are several types of fortune-telling cards, the most well-known being Tarot and Oracle decks.
Tarot is the oldest and most structured divination system. A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into:
- 22 Major Arcana – representing universal archetypes and spiritual lessons.
- 56 Minor Arcana – divided into four suits, each symbolizing different aspects of life.
Each Major Arcana card has a name and number, such as The High Priestess (II) or The Hermit (IX). While names may vary, their core meanings remain unchanged. The Minor Arcana includes 16 Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) and 40 Numbered Cards (Aces to Tens).
Understanding Tarot Decks and Their Symbolism
Tarot is one of the oldest divination tools, deeply connected to esoteric teachings and mysticism. It has a well-defined structure and has evolved into many variations over time. Some modern Tarot decks stray so far from the original system that they are no longer considered true Tarot.
In such cases, these modified decks are classified as oracle cards with Tarot elements. While different from traditional Tarot, they are still useful for divination.
How to distinguish Tarot from other decks:
- A Tarot deck always contains 78 cards.
- The card imagery follows traditional symbolism and archetypes.
- The deck is structured into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.
- The Minor Arcana includes four suits, each with Court Cards and numbered cards.
Tarot provides answers to questions about daily life, relationships, social dynamics, and personal philosophy.
The Marseille Tarot: A Historic Divination Deck
The Marseille Tarot is one of the most famous and historically significant Tarot decks. It first appeared in the 18th century in Marseille, France. Originally created on wood and hand-painted, it is considered the first standardized Tarot deck.
This deck consists of 78 cards, divided into:
- 22 Major Arcana – including 21 trump cards and one unnumbered card, The Fool.
- 56 Minor Arcana – split into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (Coins).
The Marseille Tarot is highly regarded by professional readers for its precise symbolism and deep interpretative value. It is often used as a foundation for creating new Tarot decks.
The Rider-Waite Tarot: The Most Popular Deck
The Rider-Waite Tarot is the most widely used Tarot deck today. Created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, it revolutionized Tarot with its vivid imagery and clear symbolism.
Waite designed the deck to be accessible and easy to understand. He collaborated with artist Pamela Colman Smith to create visually striking illustrations that make interpretation more intuitive.
This deck consists of 78 cards, including:
- 22 Major Arcana – featuring The Fool, The World, and other iconic cards.
- 56 Minor Arcana – divided into four suits with 16 Court Cards.
The Rider-Waite Tarot is ideal for beginners, professional readers, and spiritual seekers. It is versatile, easy to interpret, and suitable for any type of reading.
The Manara Tarot: Exploring Intimate Relationships
The Manara Tarot was created by Milo Manara, a well-known Italian artist famous for his erotic illustrations. The deck reflects themes from his works and explores romantic relationships, passion, and emotional connections.
Most of the figures depicted in this Tarot are female characters, emphasizing sensuality and emotional depth.
Each suit is associated with one of the four classical elements:
- Fire – Represents passion, energy, and desire.
- Water – Symbolizes deep emotions and intuition.
- Air – Reflects thoughts, fears, and dreams.
- Earth – Represents stability, daily life, and practical matters.
The Manara Tarot is particularly useful for analyzing love triangles, intimate relationships, and hidden emotional desires.
The Lenormand Cards: A System of Symbolic Messages
The Lenormand Oracle Cards are named after Marie Lenormand, a famous 18th-century French fortune-teller. While she did not create the deck herself, the symbols are based on her divination techniques.
The Lenormand deck consists of 36 cards, each containing simple yet powerful symbols. Unlike Tarot, Lenormand readings focus on practical aspects of life, such as:
- Love and relationships
- Career and finances
- Health and personal well-being
- Travel and life decisions
This deck is popular among beginners because it does not require knowledge of esotericism or astrology. The Lenormand system is straightforward, focusing on direct answers rather than deep spiritual interpretations.
Other Divination Decks Beyond Tarot
Although Tarot is the most well-known, many other fortune-telling decks exist.
Kipper Cards
The Kipper Cards are a 52-card deck featuring symbolic images and runes. These cards are particularly popular among astrologers and those seeking detailed life predictions.
Oracle Cards
Oracle decks vary in structure and purpose. They are often themed around:
- Business and career
- Health and well-being
- Spirituality and personal growth
- Animals, nature, and mystical symbols
Each Oracle deck follows its own system, allowing for flexible and intuitive readings.
Angel Cards
Angel Cards are designed to help users connect with divine beings and spiritual guides. Featuring depictions of angels, archangels, and saints, they are used for guidance on love, health, happiness, and personal fulfillment.
To receive accurate messages, one must believe in higher powers, meditate, and ask meaningful questions. Before using Angel Cards, it is recommended to say a prayer or set an intention to invite spiritual guidance.
Which Deck Is Best for Beginners?
Newcomers to divination should choose a deck that is easy to interpret. The Rider-Waite Tarot is an excellent starting point due to its clear imagery and simple symbolism.
Those interested in spiritual guidance may prefer Angel Cards, while those focused on love and relationships may enjoy Manara Tarot.
When selecting a deck, consider:
- Your personal connection to the artwork – The deck should feel visually appealing and intuitive.
- The size and material – Some decks are pocket-sized, while others are large and elaborate.
- The purpose of the readings – Choose a deck that aligns with your divination goals.
How Many Decks Does a Beginner Need?
When starting with fortune-telling cards, people often wonder how many decks are necessary. For beginners, one deck is sufficient—ideally, the Marseille Tarot, which contains 78 cards, each with positive and negative interpretations.
A second deck may be helpful to compare interpretations and explore different reading styles. Some practitioners prefer two decks to test compatibility with different systems before investing in additional ones.
For those interested in specialized readings, other decks may be useful:
- Lenormand Oracle (36 cards) – Provides direct and concise answers.
- Chakra Cards – Focuses on energy centers and personal well-being.
- Angel Cards – Connects users with spiritual guides.
Professional fortune-tellers often own multiple decks, choosing specific ones based on their clients’ needs.
How to Know If You’ve Chosen the Right Deck
Tarot and oracle decks are energetic tools that aid in self-discovery and divination. When selecting a deck, it’s important to understand its purpose and symbolism.
Here’s how to confirm you’ve made the right choice:
-
Understand the deck’s function – Each type of deck serves a different purpose.
- Marseille Tarot – Best for spiritual guidance, career, and personal growth.
- Runes – Used for fate predictions and life challenges.
- Lenormand – Excellent for relationship readings.
-
Study the suits and structure – Before purchasing, research Tarot archetypes and traditional card meanings.
-
Consider expert recommendations – Learn from Russian and international Tarot readers who offer insights on deck selection.
-
Check the quality of materials – A good deck should be made from durable, high-quality paper or plastic.
-
Assess your emotional connection – A deck should feel right and evoke a sense of familiarity and trust.
-
Perform a test reading – Before purchasing, ask the deck a personal question. If the response feels clear and insightful, you’ve found the right fit.
Ultimately, the best deck is one that resonates with you and allows you to explore your intuition and subconscious mind.
Interesting Facts About Tarot
Tarot is a symbolic tool filled with mystical imagery. It helps people understand relationships, make difficult decisions, and foresee potential outcomes. Here are some fascinating facts about Tarot:
- As of 2023, there are over 1,500 different Tarot decks, including light and dark versions.
- The Marseille Tarot served as the foundation for many modern decks and originated in 15th-century Italy.
- Originally, Tarot was used for astrological forecasts rather than fortune-telling.
- Every card has a unique meaning:
- The Magician represents masculine energy and mastery.
- The High Priestess symbolizes feminine intuition and wisdom.
- Many Tarot symbols are rooted in mythology, history, and psychology.
- Tarot spread across Europe and Russia in the 19th century when French occultists began using it for mystical readings.
- Tarot is closely linked to numerology and mythology, but you don’t need expert knowledge to use it—intuition is key.
- Some modern psychologists believe that Tarot functions as a tool for self-reflection rather than magical prophecy.
- Tarot images have been created using various artistic techniques, from engraving to digital art.
- The Minor Arcana suits correspond to the four elements:
- Cups (Water) – Emotions, relationships, and intuition.
- Pentacles (Earth) – Money, career, and material matters.
- Swords (Air) – Challenges, conflicts, and thoughts.
- Wands (Fire) – Ambition, action, and creativity.
🔮 One final fact: Tarot readers cannot predict their own future. While they can interpret others’ lives, their own destiny remains a mystery to them. They serve only as messengers of information, not controllers of fate.
Tarot and oracle cards are powerful tools for divination, self-reflection, and personal growth. Whether you seek answers about love, career, or spiritual guidance, there is a deck designed to suit your needs.
💡 Key takeaways:
✔️ Tarot is the most structured system, with 78 cards divided into Major and Minor Arcana.
✔️ Oracle decks offer flexibility and variety, catering to different themes.
✔️ Choosing the right deck involves intuition, personal preference, and research.
✔️ Tarot does not predict the future with certainty, but it provides insightful guidance.
🃏 Your journey with Tarot begins with the right deck. Choose wisely, trust your intuition, and explore the mystical world of divination! ✨
