Tarot

Tarot, Anyone? 

One afternoon, while browsing the aisles of TJ Maxx, a deck of Tarot Cards caught the eye of Esme, who just happened to be shopping with Ella. "Do you think I should buy these?" she asked, to which Ella responded, "Why not?" 

And so, it begins...

We really didn't know much about tarot, was it just a game for fun? did it predict the future? why do some people consider it evil? Nevertheless, the deck was put away and kind of forgotten about for a while. One day before a yoga session, Esme stumbled across the deck and decided to open it, she read the instructions/suggestions that came with it, which said to familiarize yourself with the cards and the images. She decided to pull a card and looked up the meaning of the card on her phone, what she found was inspiration. On Ella's next visit, we looked them over again and she pulled her first card, with which she had the same feeling of positivity. 

For Christmas, Ella gifted Esme with a few books on tarot and another set of cards. We haven't come across any negative feelings, we don't consider it taboo or evil, what we typically get out of a reading is self-reflection, inspiration and motivation. More often than not, we resonate with the cards and because we have many sources, along with the internet, we can look deeper into the possible meanings of each card and how it may pertain to us. We have found it to be thought provoking, yet it has a sense of whimsy. We feel it has helped to create healthy thought patterns and boost creativity. If you're feeling stuck, it just might give you the push you need to start moving again. 

In a time when things around us are so chaotic, where fear is constantly being pushed down our throats, we are all in on anything that leads towards light and love. 

We will update later with pics of the books we have and a reading. In the meantime, we'd love to hear your journey with Tarot, how you use it, what it means to you. 

Below is some information on the history of Tarot. 

 History of Tarot Cards

1. Origins: Tarot cards are believed to have originated in the 15th century in Europe, specifically in Italy. Initially, they were created as playing cards for games like Tarocchi. The earliest known decks were not associated with divination.

2. Development: By the late 18th century, tarot cards began to be used for fortune-telling. This shift was influenced by mystical and esoteric traditions, particularly those connected to Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy.

3. Popularization: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, created in 1909, became one of the most popular tarot decks. Its imagery and symbolism greatly influenced modern tarot practices.

Are Tarot Cards Evil?

• Cultural Perspectives: The perception of tarot cards varies widely across cultures. Some view them as tools of divination or insight, while others associate them with the occult or negative spiritual influences.

• Religious Views: Certain religious groups, particularly some branches of Christianity, consider tarot cards to be associated with witchcraft or the occult. This belief often stems from a fear of practices perceived as trying to gain knowledge of the future, which they view as contrary to faith in divine will.

• Misunderstandings: The idea that tarot cards are evil often arises from a misunderstanding of their purpose. Many users see them as tools for self-reflection and personal growth, rather than as instruments of harm or malevolence.

Why People Might View Tarot as Good

1. Self-Reflection: Tarot can serve as a mirror, helping individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and situations. The cards can prompt introspection and personal development.

2. Symbolic Guidance: Each card has rich imagery and symbolism that can provide insights into various life situations, helping users to understand their circumstances better.

3. Community and Connection: Many people find community through tarot readings, workshops, and gatherings, creating connections with others who share similar interests.

4. Cultural Appreciation: Some view tarot as an art form, appreciating the creativity and diversity of different decks and interpretations.

Conclusion

Tarot cards are complex tools with a multifaceted history. While some see them as instruments of evil, many others view them as valuable aids for personal insight and growth. The beliefs surrounding tarot often reflect broader cultural and religious contexts, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual perspectives.