The art of tarot is definitely rooted in ancient history and spirituality: the pack of 78 deck cards can be first traced back to the early 1500’s in various parts of Europe – although originally the cards were used across France and Italy to play card games such as Tarocchini, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that occultists attributed their history and meaning to divination and the deck of cards became used for readings. (This is why you might come across different types of card packs).

There is historical confusion around tarot – whilst in English speaking countries the cards were never used for games so the cards are only available for divination purposes, and Western occultists have claimed the cards had esoteric links to ancient Egypt, tantra, the Kabbalah, historians actually cannot accurately verify their ancient association with the divine.

Whilst the origins of the cards are obscure, a tarot deck will consist of two arcana: the first is made up of 22 seductive names including The Magician, The High Priestess, The Sun, with the most recognisable The Fool, symbolising ‘new beginnings.’ The second arcana consists of court cards like The King, The Knight and the suits including Suit of Cups, Suit of Tentacles.

So what do these cards mean and how can they help you achieve life direction? The major arcana tarot cards reveal messages about the big picture of your life and its long-term direction: for instance, The High Priestess represents human wisdom, and if picked would advise you to focus on your wellbeing, to adhere to a chosen spiritual practice as a path to freedom. 

The other arcana, The Wands, suggest action, initiative and invention as a guide to how you move through life, whilst The Cups, represents emotions, intuition and relationships to guide you in love and process your feelings.