History
Scholarly research indicates that the cards originated in Italy in the 1500s where they were used as a game, called Tarocchi, by the very wealthy. In fact, they formed the basis for modern-day playing cards. Tarot cards weren’t interpreted for spiritual divination until the 18th century, and began to be used in Jungian psychology in the 20th century.
Tarot and Psychology
As Jung once noted, “Man [sic] always felt the need of finding an access through the unconscious to the meaning of an actual condition, because there is a sort of correspondence or a likeness between the prevailing condition and the condition of the collective unconscious.”
Carl Jung developed several techniques for establishing a productive relationship with the unconscious mind. Foremost among them, according to Jung himself, was active imagination. It involves conscious participation in the inner world of imagination or fantasy, and it becomes a means of communication and negotiation between the ego and the unconscious. Active imagination lets our unconscious perspectives and desires be known – to be seen, heard and experienced.
Both Tarot and Jungian psychology take as their central maxim the words of the Oracle at Delphi, “Know Thyself.” The deepest purpose of Tarot, as with Jungian psychology, is to know one’s true self that lies beneath the veneer of family upbringing and social conditioning. To do this, both methods focus on an interpretation and understanding of the projections that both humanity in general and individuals make via images.
The 78 Cards
It follows then that Tarot cards can provide a psychological guide as imaged through 78 symbolic cards: 22 Major Arcana cards, plus 56 cards containing 4 suits of 14 cards each, Ace through King, across the suits of Pentacles, Wands, Cups and Swords.
In more detail, a traditional deck of 78 cards contains:
– 22 Major Arcana (or trump) cards, which are archetypal images representing a rich symbolic pattern along The Fool’s (our) journey in life – a journey that cycles round and round in an upward spiral toward enlightenment. These cards include The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, and The World.
– 40 Minor Arcana numbered cards, numbered ace through 10, and grouped by 10 in each of the 4 elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.
– And 16 Minor Arcana court cards, including the Pages, Princes, Queens and Kings, accompanying each of the 4 elemental groups of Minor Arcana above.
The Suits and Their Elements
– EARTH:
The stable, feminine element Earth represents the material world, health, wealth, tangible goods, and the concrete reality of Mother Earth upon whom we walk. The tarot symbol for Earth is a PENTACLE, disk, or coin.
– FIRE:
The exciting, masculine element Fire represents will, drive, destiny, creativity, and spirit in action. The tarot symbol for Fire is a WAND, blazing with power.
– AIR: The masculine element Air represents the mind, mental activity, communication, intellect, thoughts, and ideas. (Note the Page of Swords on the banner of this internet-based shop.) The tarot symbol for Air is a SWORD that can cut through matter with clarity and swiftness.
– WATER: The element Water is the nurturing, feminine element that represents emotions, intuition, spiritual belief, faith, and love. The tarot symbol for Water is a round CUP that holds water.