Tarot Major Arcana

History of tarot is shrouded in mystery and speculation, with its origins spanning centuries and involving various cultures. Here's a condensed overview:

1. Origins: Tarot's origins are believed to date back to the 15th century in Europe, likely in Italy or France. Initially, tarot decks were used for playing card games, similar to modern-day playing cards.

2. Early Tarot Decks: The earliest surviving tarot decks, such as the Visconti-Sforza Tarot and the Tarot de Marseille, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These decks consisted of the standard four suits (similar to playing cards) along with additional trump cards, which later became the Major Arcana.

3. Occult Associations: Tarot's connection to the occult and esotericism emerged in the 18th century with the publication of "Etteilla's" tarot book, linking the cards to ancient Egyptian mysticism. This sparked interest in tarot's mystical potential beyond just gaming.

4. 19th Century Revival: The 19th century saw a resurgence of interest in tarot, particularly in occult circles. Figures like Eliphas Levi and Arthur Edward Waite contributed to the esoteric interpretation of the cards, leading to the development of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, one of the most popular tarot decks today.

5. 20th Century and Beyond: Tarot's popularity continued to grow throughout the 20th century, especially with the rise of New Age spirituality. Tarot readings became a common practice for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual guidance.

6. Modern Tarot: Today, tarot is widely recognized as a tool for psychological insight, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. There are countless variations of tarot decks, each with its own symbolism and artistic style, catering to diverse interests and beliefs.

While tarot's exact origins remain unclear, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into universal archetypes, offering guidance and reflection to those who seek it.

The Major Arcana in tarot consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events, themes, and archetypes.

Here's a brief overview of their meanings:

0 The Fool: New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity.

1  The Magician: Manifestation, power, action, resourcefulness.

2  The High Priestess: Intuition, subconscious mind, mystery.

3  The Empress: Fertility, nurturing, abundance, creativity.

4  The Emperor: Authority, structure, control, father figure.

5  The Hierophant: Tradition, spirituality, guidance, institutions.

6  The Lovers: Love, relationships, choices, harmony.

7  The Chariot: Determination, willpower, victory, control.

8  Strength: Courage, inner strength, compassion, control of impulses.

9  The Hermit: Soul-searching, introspection, guidance, solitude.

10 Wheel of Fortune: Destiny, change, cycles, luck.

11  Justice: Fairness, balance, truth, accountability.

12 The Hanged Man: Surrender, letting go, new perspectives, sacrifice.

13 Death: Endings, transformation, change, rebirth.

14 Temperance: Balance, moderation, harmony, patience.

15  The Devil: Materialism, bondage, temptation, limitations.

16  The Tower: Sudden change, chaos, upheaval, revelation.

17  The Star: Hope, inspiration, spirituality, guidance.

18  The Moon: Illusion, intuition, subconscious, fear.

19  The Sun: Success, joy, vitality, clarity.

20 Judgement: Reflection, awakening, renewal, inner calling.

21  The World: Completion, fulfillment, unity, accomplishment.

These cards are rich in symbolism and can have varied interpretations depending on context and the reader's intuition. They often represent major life lessons or significant influences at play in a person's life.

Love and Light,

LLOracles