FAQ on Divinatory Tarot: Everything you need to know for a successful reading

Have you ever wondered what lies behind these mysterious cards called "divinatory tarot"? You're in the right place! In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of tarot, an ancient practice that has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world.

The Mystery of its Origin (which is not a mystery!)

Divinatory tarot is not a novelty. But contrary to what is said, it was not created in Ancient Egypt, nor even by the Bohemians or Gypsies! Its roots are anchored in the time of the Egyptian dynasty of the Mamluks from the 11th to the 13th century. I do a review of a remarkable reconstitution of this deck of a lost tradition. Then these card games crossed the Mediterranean Sea to land in Italian or Spanish ports, where this new game of entertainment and auctions quickly became popular. In just a few years, the Mamluk cards are adapted to European cultures, and in Italy they add to the series of 22 Triumphs (or Major Arcana). The structure of the Tarot is born. Then, as it arrives in France, card masters completely rethink the images of the Triumphs. One of the oldest known Tarot de Marseille is the Tarot de Jean Noblet published in 1650 (Review of the Noblet Tarot restored by Flornoy). The French tradition Tarot then knows a wide success, it is even exported by thousands abroad. It is only much later that the occultists of the 19th century will call this tradition the "Tarot de Marseille" (because at that time this game was no longer printed than in Marseille).

More than a Card Game

For many, tarot may seem like just a simple card game. But think again! Each card is a window open to a universe of possibilities, emotions, and life lessons. But what makes it so captivating? In fact, its medieval iconography and symbolic richness have stood the test of time because they refer to universal archetypes of the human psyche.

Psychological Tarot vs Divinatory Tarot: Two sides of the same Coin

You may have heard of psychological tarot and divinatory tarot, but do you really know what distinguishes them? Psychological tarot uses tarot cards as a tool for self-exploration. It focuses on self-reflection, awareness, and personal development. Instead of predicting the future, it helps you better understand your present. Divinatory tarot, as its name suggests, is used for divination, which is defined as "Art of discovering what is hidden" or "Ability, action of guessing, of foreseeing.". Even "foreseeing" is not quite "predicting". Because if we foresee tomorrow's weather as a probability, we predict the future as a prognosis. So, we should rather oppose Psychological Tarot to Predictive Tarot. Because in fact, Psychological Tarot is a branch of Divinatory Tarot. Yes, even in the case of Psychological Tarot, we seek to guess, to reveal to our understanding what escapes us, what is occulted to us. But regardless of the dictionary definitions, you can use tarot both as a tool for personal development and as a means to understand and anticipate the forces at work in your life.

Think all tarot cards look alike? Think again! The world of tarot is as diverse as the people who use it. In this section, we will explore the different types of tarots that exist and what makes them unique.

The Tarot de Marseille: The Original

Considered the "grandfather" of tarots, the Tarot de Marseille is the oldest and most traditional. Its archetypal images have inspired countless modern versions. If you are a purist, this is the deck for you. If you are looking for the true source of knowledge, take the version of Jean Noblet (complete review) in 1650, it is the oldest Tarot de Marseille.

Rider-Waite: The modern tarot

The Rider-Waite is perhaps the most popular tarot deck today. With its detailed illustrations and rich symbols, it is ideal for beginners and tarot experts alike. The original 1910 version is esoteric and "too much" (as is this era rightly called the "Roaring Twenties"). But contemporary versions are current and more accessible.

Thematic Tarots: A universe to explore

From feminist tarots to pop culture-based tarots, there is a deck for every passion and personality. Are you a Harry Potter fan? There's a tarot for that!

Why the choice of Tarot is important

The type of tarot you choose can greatly influence your reading experience. Some tarots are more suited to specific questions, while others are more versatile. In this article, I give you "the list of the best Tarots de Marseille" according to my experience, naturally it is neither exhaustive, nor definitive, but it can help you in the choice of your next deck !

You're intrigued by tarot or Petit Lenormand, but wondering how a simple card draw can give you insights into your life? You're in the right place! In this section, we will break down the process step by step.

The drawing ritual

Before you even draw a card, there can be a whole ritual to follow. Whether you shuffle the cards with a specific question in mind or let your intuition guide your hands, following each step is a welcome way to achieve an inspired and accurate reading. In this article "Tarot Ritual: Awaken your intuition", I give you advice on how to ritualise your reading, and make it 'your moment’ of the day.

Drawing with "positions": More than a simple draw

There are several drawing methods, called "Position" draws, each suited to different types of questions. From the cross draw to the astrological wheel draw, we will guide you through the most popular ones.

Interpretation: A mirror to the soul

Once the cards are drawn, comes the interpretation step. Each card has several meanings, and it's the art of combining them that creates a truly insightful tarot reading. Read my article on the keywords of the 78 cards of the Tarot to read Tarot step by step.

Mistakes to avoid

Like any art form, fortune-telling has its pitfalls. In this article "Top 5 mistakes to avoid when starting out in fortune-telling", I explain the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

You've undoubtedly noticed that divinatory tarot is everywhere these days, from social networks to TV shows. But why is this ancient mystic art experiencing such a craze? Let's dive into the reasons behind this growing popularity.

The Quest for Meaning

In an increasingly complex world, many are looking for ways to give meaning to their lives. Tarot offers a space for reflection and spiritual guidance.

The Power of Self-Exploration

Tarot is not just a prediction tool; it's also a mirror that reflects our desires, fears, and aspirations, helping us to understand ourselves better.

Media Influence

With the appearance of influential personalities and celebrities indulging in tarot, this ancestral art has become more accessible and less stigmatized.

The Tarot Community

The rise of online platforms and social networks has allowed the creation of a global community of tarot enthusiasts, making the experience even more enriching.