If you are interested in tapping into the deeper meaning of your life then, perhaps, you have started to use Tarot cards. The history of Tarot cards is briefly outlined here by Michelle Walter

The Tarot has been understood as a “universal key” to help us to understand life. Perhaps, this is because the Tarot is a catalyst that brings secrets out into the open to be consciously talked about and understood. Every Tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.

“Arcana” meaning mysteries and hidden secrets comes from the word “Arcane”. Tarot cards are not a modern invention and have developed their symbolism from ancient civilisations: the Egyptian Book of Thoth, Chinese and Indian philosophies and particularly the Jewish Kabbalah which has 22 symbols similar to the Major Arcana.

However, the full truth about the historical origins of the Tarot cards are wrapped in mystery. All we actually know is the Tarot cards have developed as people have used them in their search for meaning. The Marseille Deck is the first deck to have an historical origin with a record of its use in Paris in 1393, during the reign of King Charles VI.

Although the strands of Tarot cards do go back a long way they do seem to have a short history in comparison to the I Ching, Astrology and Runes Stones which go back to primitive times. Although not as old as Astrology and the I Ching, Tarot cards probably do go back longer that historical records would indicate. Tarot cards were almost certainly used in secret for many years since they were frowned on by Church authorities. They were even banned in some European countries during the Middle Ages.

The key in reading the Tarot is to remember that it is not just a set of cards with preconceived meanings you must learn. Rather, Tarot is a medium through which people can communicate their intuitions and insights, about each other, to each other. As you consciously develop your relationship with the Tarot cards, you link in with the lineage of meaning passed down through the network of harmony.

The most intelligent way to read the Tarot is to use your intuition. When you do this you are not trying to guess or remember the meanings out of a book. You are using the Tarot as a means to harnessing the power of your subconscious mind.

You can begin the process of learning the Tarot by trying this simple intuition exercise….

Go through your Tarot deck and separate the Major arcana from the Minor arcana. Take the Tarot cards into your hands and breathe in and out three times relaxing down into a receptive state of consciousness.

* Focus now on the question you are wanting the Tarot to give you guidance.

* Shuffle the Tarot deck in a calm and easy way. After you have finished shuffling, place the cards face down on the table and just once cut the Tarot cards. Next, place the bottom set on the top and then turn over one card.

* Take a few moments to meditate on the Tarot card. What are your first impressions? Write these down in a journal. Try not to analyze or filter what you feel or see in this tarot card - it may be a colour, a face, or something in the background which stands out to you. Your first impression of this tarot card may be a saying that comes to you or an understanding about life. It doesn’t have to be a definite conclusion about meaning because often our first impressions are quite vague.

*Do this ever day for at least a week. It will interesting what you discover for yourself.