Hey beautiful souls! So like, I've been getting SO many questions about tarot lately, and honestly? I'm here for it. Whether you're totally new to this whole spiritual world or you've been curious about those pretty cards you keep seeing everywhere, I'm about to spill all the tea on tarot history, why people are literally obsessed with it, and what you can actually expect from a reading.
Where Did These Cards Even Come From?
Okay, so here's the thing tarot has been around for WAY longer than you think. We're talking back to the 1500s, which is honestly wild when you think about it. The origin story is still kind of a mystery (which is very on-brand for tarot, if you ask me), but there are rumors that Leonardo Da Vinci himself introduced these cards to Italian high society. Like, imagine pulling cards with THE Leonardo Da Vinci the energy would be immaculate.
Originally, they weren't even used for readings! They were literally just a parlor game for rich people to play at parties. But then something magical happened in the early 20th century occultism had this huge renaissance moment, and suddenly everyone was like "wait, these cards are actually powerful tools for spiritual connection."
The deck we know today got a major glow-up thanks to Pamela Coleman Smith (we need to give this queen her credit!) and Arthur Edward Waite, who added 22 more cards to enhance the deck's spiritual utility. And get this even Salvador Dali was so obsessed with tarot that he created his own deck. When artists are creating their own versions, you KNOW something is special.
But Like... How Do They Actually Work?
Here's where it gets really interesting. The cards work through archetypal imagery, mythological symbolism, astrology, and numerology basically all the mystical languages rolled into one beautiful package. When you put your energy into a spread, the cards that show up reflect exactly what you need to see in that moment.
I love how one tarot reader put it "The cards show us exactly what we need to see, when we need to see it." It's not about predicting some fixed future it's about reframing your current experiences and helping you gain new perspectives. The magic happens in that interpretive space between what the cards are showing you and your own perception.
Why Are People So Obsessed Right Now?
Honestly, tarot is having such a moment, and I totally get why. In our crazy digital world where everything feels overwhelming, people are craving tools for self-reflection and empowerment. Tarot isn't about some mystical person telling you what to do it's about YOU accessing your own inner wisdom.
Here are the real reasons people are turning to tarot...
Decision Making: When you're stuck between choices, tarot can help break down the energetic climate of each path. You're not being told what's "better," but you're getting the insight you need to make informed decisions.
Feeling Stuck: Tarot is like a mirror, but it can also be that spark you need. It helps you see new life in what feels like the same old routine and shows you paths you might not have considered.
Relationship Guidance: Whether things are amazing or challenging, tarot can help you understand relationship dynamics and how to bring your best self to any partnership.
Connecting with Spirit: For those who feel they have a spiritual team around them, tarot can be a beautiful way to tap into that guidance and feel less alone in the world.
And honestly? They're just FUN!: Sometimes you don't need deep spiritual insight sometimes you just want to have an entertaining, magical experience, and that's totally valid too.
What Actually Happens in a Reading?
So you're probably wondering what would I actually experience if I got a reading? Here's the real breakdown:
A tarot deck has 78 cards split into two sections called Arcanas which literally means "secrets" how perfect is that?. The Major Arcana has 22 cards that represent big life themes and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana has 56 cards split into four suits, just like regular playing cards, but each suit represents different aspects of life:
- Cups (water/emotions)
- Pentacles (earth/physical world)
- Swords (air/mind and thoughts)
- Wands (fire/energy and passion)
During a reading, you'll shuffle the cards and pull them in specific patterns called spreads. Each position has meaning, and the reader interprets the cards through that lens. The most important thing to remember? A reading is always about YOU, not the reader. You might share things you've never told anyone, or discover insights about yourself you didn't even realize.
The Bottom Line
Here's what I want you to remember -> tarot is a storytelling device, a deck of symbols that can spark conversations, inspire ideas, and reveal new perspectives. You don't need to be psychic to use it this practice is open to everyone.
The cards aren't magic in themselves, and they definitely can't solve all your problems. But they can reflect back to you what you're experiencing and offer new angles to consider. When you know yourself better, work on your emotional awareness, and feel empowered, you make better decisions and take better care of yourself and your community.
Whether you're looking for guidance, self-reflection, or just a fun way to tap into your intuition, tarot can be an incredible tool. Trust yourself, follow your intuition, and remember you're not fate's puppet. You have the power to create the reality you want.
