TAROT

What is Tarot? Where does it come from? These questions are often asked by those who are getting newly acquainted with Tarot.

The truth is: There is very little documented history about the Tarot and none prior to the fourteenth century. The oldest partial Tarot deck, held in a museum, dates back to around 1390. However, Tarot mythology has it that these cards were invented around the year 1200.

According to Tarot mythology, after the Crusades and the destruction of the great library of Alexandria, the city of Fez, in Morocco, became a world-renowned center for learning. People came to Fez from all over the world to study and learn. Among those who came to Fez, were many members of the "Brotherhood of Enlightened Men." They came to discuss and share the spiritual or metaphysical things they had discovered and the uses they had found for their new knowledge.

However, the fact that they spoke many different languages made communication a problem for them. So, Tarot mythology says, being well acquainted with the subconscious imagery we now call "archetypes," they designed a "book" utilizing these subconscious symbols to help them communicate their spiritual knowledge with one another.

Religious fanaticism, in those days, was rampant. It was very dangerous to become known as a student of the so-called occult. (Actually, the word, occult simply means hidden.) There were often burnings, hangings and stoning of people suspected of contact with these kinds of teachings. All of the mystery teachings, the ancient hermetic sciences, astrology, numerology, alchemy, etc. were suspect. A witch-hunt was liable to break out at any time and their lives were at risk.

These teachings had to be protected and passed down from generation to generation! This knowledge could not be lost! But, how were they to save the hidden knowledge without a risk to their lives? The hermetic sciences would know the inner meanings and could use the cards to pass on their ancient knowledge and according to Tarot mythology that is exactly what they did.

These are computer-generated readings and are offered for your entertainment. These should not be confused with personally done readings such as I offer below. The computer readings are fun but they obviously cannot address a definite problem and focus in on ones personal vibrations as a live personal reading can.