The Art of Tarot Cards: Symbolism and Style

The Art of Tarot Cards: Symbolism and Style

Tarot cards fascinate with their rich imagery and hidden messages. These mysterious cards have two purposes. These cards have been used for centuries in Europe as both a game and a tool for spiritual guidance.

The beautiful designs are more than just pretty pictures. Each symbol, color, and number has multiple meanings. This is why tarot is both an art and a practice. It's important to know that the images on the cards have different meanings. It's as important to know what they mean as it is to see them.

History of Tarot

Tarot cards were first introduced in northern Italy around the middle of the 15th century. The first hand-painted decks were made for wealthy families like the Visconti or Sforza. Back then, people only used these decks to play games. At that time, they were only used to play games.

The original cards had suits of coins, batons, and cups. The cards also featured 22 trumps with striking images. As the years passed, card games spread throughout Europe. During this period, tarot cards also became popular and famous. Each region developed its own style and games.

The late 1700s was a time of change. Antoine Court de Gebelin, Jean-Baptiste Alliette and other French occultists began using cards to tell fortunes. They spread stories about the ancient Egyptian origins of the cards. Although most scholars today know that it's not true, the idea stuck. The Marseilles Tarot was the first to be used for readings.

Artists of the early 1900s created new decks for spiritual purposes. Pamela Colman Smith designed the Rider-Waite Deck in 1909. Tarot decks today are available in a variety of artistic styles, you can even find animated tarot cards and try free readings with them on the tarot card reading site Tarotoo. The only thing that has not changed is that many of the new designs still use the old patterns and symbols from centuries ago.

Structure of a Tarot Deck

Tarot decks are divided into two sections. The first section contains 22 Major Arcana Cards that illustrate important life lessons and themes. These cards - from The Fool to The World show a journey of life's most significant experiences. They feature archetypal figures and situations that speak of universal human experiences.

The second part contains the 56 Minor Arcana Cards. These cards are geared towards everyday situations. These cards are available in four different suits, each covering a different aspect of daily life.

Each suit contains ten numbered cards and four people cards, the King, Queen Knight, and Page. They represent different ways people think and act.

The Influence of Numerology on Card Meaning

Tarot interpretation is enhanced by the addition of numbers. Each number has its own
energy.

• Zero (The Fool), represents new beginnings and unlimited potential.
• One (The Magician), stands for creativity and possibilities.
• Two (High Priestess 2) shows balance and duality.
• Three (The Empress), brings growth and creativeness.
• Four (The Emperor), offers stability and structure.

Cards with the same number often have thematic connections. All fours of the Minor Arcana are related to building foundations, which is similar to The Emperor. This numerical system creates an outline of human experience, from beginning to end. The Fool, for example, starts at zero while the path ends with The World at 21.

Astrological and Elemental Associations in Tarot

Many tarot card connections are also directly linked to heavenly bodies or zodiac signs. The Sun card is linked to the Sun. The Moon card is also linked to its name. The Emperor is connected to Aries, the Hierophant to Taurus, and The Lovers to Gemini.

The four suits are also the four classical elements.

• Cups = Water
• Wands = Fire (passion, energy)
• Swords = Air
• Pentacles = Earth, material matters and security

These connections create a bridge that connects tarot and astrology. They give you more ways to interpret what the cards are trying to tell you.

Tarot Card Design: Color Symbolism

The colors in tarot do not appear randomly - they have their own language.

• Red is a color of passion, energy, and danger.
• Blue is a symbol of calm, truth and spiritual insight.
• Yellow is a color of clarity, optimism, and enlightenment.
• Green is a symbol of progress and abundance.
• Black signifies mystery, protection and unknown.
• White is a symbol of purity, new beginnings, and spiritual energy.

You'll notice that The Tower card uses fiery reds for upheaval, but The Star uses cool colors to bring healing and hope. Smart tarot readers are aware of these color cues to gain deeper insight.

Common Symbols in Tarot Art

Tarot art uses universal symbols to speak to our subconscious.

• In many cards, the Sun is shown bringing clarity and light to any situation.
• The suit of Cups is a fluid representation of emotions, as water flows through it.
• Animals have special meanings. Lions represent courage, birds freedom and fish
  abundance.
• Trees and plants are a great way to observe the cycles of nature and how trees and
  plants grow.

Let's take The Hermit as an example. In the classic Rider Waite Deck, the hermit is alone on a hill and holds a lantern. His gray beard is a sign of wisdom gained from age. In the Tarot Illuminati, the same figure appears against a snowy background and with a shower of comets. Both cards convey wisdom and solitude, but the different artistic styles change our feelings about them.

Tarot Styles and Decks that are Personal to You

The artwork of a tarot card can be a major factor in determining the deck that a person chooses. Rider Waite decks are popular with those who love simple images. Tarot Illuminati is loved by those who love detailed and rich art. Thoth deck has abstract symbols.

This personal connection is important. You should feel comfortable holding the deck and it should make intuitive sense to your mind. Many readers claim that their first deck chose them, rather than the opposite. When choosing a deck, trust your gut instinct. The art should grab you and make you curious to learn more about the stories.

Tarot: A Visual and Spiritual Journey

Tarot cards combine art, history, and spiritual wisdom to create a tool of self-discovery. Each card tells a unique tale using colors, artwork and symbols. Tarot readings are more than just a way to predict the future. These images help us to explore our inner thoughts.

Pay attention to the details on each card. Most artists use specific symbols and colors to create meaningful stories. These cards act as mirrors, reflecting our hopes and fears. The artwork can reach us in ways that words simply cannot. Tarot imagery speaks to our emotions and thought directly through its rich visual vocabulary.