Tarot cards are not just for fortune telling! Here are some other ways the tarot can be used.
Game Playing
Tarot cards were first used as a bridge-like card game called Tarocchi, and to this day the game is still played in some parts of Europe. Historically, game playing has a close relationship to divination. So, it seems a natural outcome that playing cards eventually became used for divination. Games of chance or luck are often practiced in the same way as some forms of divination. For example, you throw dice cubes when playing games of dice, and you might throw rune stones when you are doing a divination. The primary differences between game playing and divination lies in the intent (fun versus seeking knowledge) and outcome (win/lose versus meaning).
Fortelling Events
If you ask a person on the street what tarot cards are used for, he or she would most likely answer for fortune-telling—seeing into the future, illuminating the present, or revealing the past. Some tarot readers certainly use the cards in this way. And, it is surprising how many people are afraid of the cards as if even seeing certain cards will cause them to experience a However, the focus of the Hermetic Rose course is different. Instead divination is for used for increasing self-knowledge. It is less about what has happened, is happening, or will happen in the circumstances of your life and more about what is occurring within you and how the circumstances of your life offer opportunities for growth.
Divining for Self Knowledge
When the cards are used with the intent to gain self-knowledge—like asking for insight as to how you might better your relationship—the tarot acts as a mirror. You peer into this “mirror” in order to perceive deeper or unrecognized aspects of yourself and your life. Tarot readings help you gain an understanding of your life situation, your personal psychology, directions for change and growth.
Meditating on the Major Arcana
The cards and their symbols can be a focus for meditation. While you meditate, you engage with the symbols and archetype associated with a particular card. This type of active meditation accesses inner sources of wisdom to gain knowledge of the Western mysteries. This use of the cards for meditation purposes may also lead to transformational insights about yourself. Interested in learning more? Check out the free ebook and online course Learn the Tarot.
KATE WARWICK-SMITH is an author and licensed psychotherapist researching at the intersection of depth psychology, culture, and mythology.