In recent years the Tarot has become a tool for many to tap into the deeper meanings life can have, Michelle Walter briefly outlines the history of Tarot.

Tarot has been called the ‘universal key to understanding life’, perhaps because it brings secrets out into the open where they can be seen consciously, talked about and understood. A Tarot deck comprises 78 cards, which are divided into 22 Major Arcana, and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The word “Arcana”from the word Arcane simply means mysteries, secrets, that which is hidden.

The Tarot card names themselves contain links to the wisdom of ancient civilizations, e.g. Egypt, the learned secrets from the Book of Thoth, the Jewish Kabbalah, which has 22 symbols like the 22 major arcana, as well as Chinese and Indian philosophies.

But nobody really knows the historical origins of the Tarot. What we do know is that Tarot has evolved out of people's search for meaning in their lives, and that it embodies many shared truths. The first historically recorded use of Tarot was by King Charles VI, in Paris in 1393. This deck was called the Marseille Deck. In comparison to recorded uses of Astrology, Rune Stones and the I Ching, which go back to ancient and even prehistoric times, the Tarot seems not to have a very long history. There is a widely held assumption though that Tarot cards were being used in secret prior to any recorded use, and for many years when they were actually banned from public use in a number of European countries.

The key in reading the Tarot is to remember that it is not just a set of cards with preconceived meanings you must learn. Rather, Tarot is a medium through which people can communicate their intuitions and insights, about each other, to each other. As you consciously develop your relationship with the Tarot cards, you link in with the lineage of meaning passed down through the network of harmony. Learning to read the Tarot intuitively is the most intelligent way because you are not trying to guess or learn meanings out of a book. Through the Tarot you are learning to harness a natural power you have in your subconscious mind

If you have a set of Tarot cards, try this simple intuition exercise, to begin the process of learning to read the Tarot cards …..

• Firstly, separate out the major arcana cards from the minor arcana.
• Hold the Tarot cards between your hands while you relax and breathe in and out at least three times. Each time you breathe out, feel yourself relaxing down into a more receptive state of consciousness.
• Now think about the question you are seeking guidance from the Tarot on.
• Slowly shuffle the Tarot cards. Place the Tarot deck face down on the table, cut the tarot cards once, place the bottom pile on the top, and then turn over one card.
• Take a few moments to meditate on the tarot card. What are your first impressions? Write these down in a journal. Try not to analyze or filter what you feel or see in this tarot card – it may be a colour, a face, or something in the background which stands out to you. Your first impression of this tarot card may be a saying that comes to you or an understanding about life. It doesn't have to be a definite conclusion about meaning because often our first impressions are quite vague.
• Try doing this every day for a week, and see what you discover for yourself!

Michelle Walter MA is a gifted psychic, clairvoyant and author. Her vast experience in psychic work, coupled with her background in psychology, Michelle offers guidance and support, especially in very difficult emotional situations and heartbreaks. To find more by Michelle, and to find out how she can help you in your relationship, go to www.find-the-right-psychic.com