Conventional wisdom traces Tarot cards to medieval Italy, but their roots go back much further in time and draw on a surprisingly rich variety of cultures and spiritual traditions. Combining pioneering scholarship with practical spiritual instruction, Origins of the Tarot is the first book to unveil the full range of the ancient streams of wisdom from which the Tarot emerged.The timeless principles of conscious realization and cosmological unfoldment underlying the Tarot have never been explored in a comparably extensive and detailed way: herein the teachings of a tremendous range of traditions, including Kabbalah, Western esotericism and alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism, yogic disciplines, Sufism, mystical Christianity, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism, are masterfully incorporated and synthesized.Author Dai Léon explores a confluence of philosophical schools from East and West as they relate to the Tarot, giving each its due in the exposition of a universal procession of evolution and the soul’s quest for enlightenment. In the process, the Tarot is seen as a unique exemplification of perennial teachings on the soul and its liberation, as well as a still-unfolding window into concealed currents of human history. The book’s profound learning and unprecedented range of references are sure to attract close study among students both of the world’s most enduring esoteric tradition and of esotericism itself.

"A profusely illustrated history of the occult nature of the tarot from its origins in ancient Persia. The origins of the tarot have been lost in the mists of time. Most scholars have guessed that its origins were in China, Egypt, or India. Huson has expertly tracked each symbol of the Minor Arcana to roots in ancient Persia and the Major Arcana Trump card images to the medieval world of mystery, miracle, and morality plays. A number of tarot historians have questioned the use of the tarot as a divination tool prior to the 18th century. But the author demonstrates that the symbolic meanings of the Major Arcana were evident from the time they were first employed in the mid-15th century in the popular divination practice of sortilege. He also reveals how the identities of the court cards in the Minor Arcana were derived from a blend of pagan and medieval sources that strongly influenced their interpretation in tarot divination."--Publisher marketing.

The enigmatic and richly illustrative tarot deck reveals a host of strange and iconic mages, such as The Tower, The Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man and The Fool: over which loom the terrifying figures of Death and The Devil. The 21 numbered playing cards of tarot have always exerted strong fascination, way beyond their original purpose, and the multiple resonances of the deck are ubiquitous. From T S Eliot and his 'wicked pack of cards' in "The Waste Land" to the psychic divination of Solitaire in Ian Fleming's "Live and Let Die"; and from the satanic novels of Dennis Wheatley to the deck's adoption by New Age practitioners, the cards have in modern times become inseparably connected to the occult. They are now viewed as arguably the foremost medium of prophesying and foretelling. Yet, as the author shows, originally the tarot were used as recreational playing cards by the Italian nobility in the Renaissance. It was only much later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, that the deck became associated with esotericism before evolving finally into a diagnostic tool for mind, body and spirit. This is the first book to explore the remarkably varied ways in which tarot has influenced culture. Tracing the changing patterns of the deck's use, from game to mysterious oracular device, Helen Farley examines tarot's emergence in 15th century Milan and discusses its later associations with astrology, kabbalah and the Age of Aquarius.

"Straight Up Tarot Dating Edition," a book that combines the wisdom of Tarot with practical dating guidance. I am thrilled to guide you on this empowering and insightful journey as an author and expert on Tarot, with a specific focus on dating. Dating can be a complex and sometimes confusing experience. It involves navigating emotions, making choices, and seeking meaningful connections. This book aims to provide you with a unique perspective on dating by incorporating the powerful tool of Tarot. By embracing the Tarot deck and its symbols, you will gain valuable insights and guidance to enhance your dating journey. Tarot has been used for centuries as a means of self-reflection and divination. Its archetypal imagery and profound symbolism provide a mirror through which we can explore our inner selves, our desires, and our relationships. Tarot offers a language of the soul, enabling us to gain clarity and understanding in various aspects of life, including dating and relationships. In this book, we will embark on a journey through the Tarot, specifically tailored to the realm of dating. I will guide you in understanding the meanings and interpretations of Tarot cards as they relate to different stages of dating, relationship challenges, self-awareness, and personal growth. Using Tarot for dating offers numerous benefits. It allows you to tap into your intuition, providing guidance beyond what may be apparent on the surface. Tarot helps you delve into your subconscious, unveiling patterns, desires, and fears that may impact your dating experiences. By harnessing the power of Tarot, you can make more informed decisions, align with your authentic self, and attract fulfilling connections. Throughout this book, I encourage you to approach Tarot with an open mind and heart. Tarot is not a fortune-telling tool but rather a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. It serves as a guide, offering insights and perspectives that empower you to make conscious choices and embrace your dating journey with confidence. Whether you are single, exploring new connections, or navigating a long-term partnership, Tarot can be a trusted companion. It provides a gentle nudge, a moment of reflection, or a spark of inspiration when you need it most. By integrating Tarot into your dating experiences, you open yourself to a world of self-discovery, personal empowerment, and the potential for meaningful connections. In the following chapters, we will explore the Tarot deck, its archetypes, and the significance of each card in the context of dating. We will learn how to perform daily card pulls for dating guidance, navigate different stages of dating, deepen self-awareness, and embrace authenticity. We will also discuss how Tarot can assist in overcoming relationship challenges and heal from heartbreak. Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey through Tarot and dating? Let's delve into the depths of the cards, unravel the mysteries of the heart, and discover the wisdom that Tarot holds for your dating experiences. Together, we will unlock the secrets of the Tarot deck and illuminate the path towards fulfilling connections and personal growth in your romantic journey.

Debunking Tarot Cards: A Christian Critique In this book, Debunking Tarot Cards: Deception and Divination - The New Age Scam, we seek to unpack the many layers of misinformation and emotional entrapment surrounding the tarot. From its humble beginnings as a card game in the 15th century to its resurgence as a tool of the New Age movement, tarot cards have long been misused and misunderstood. Though some claim to use tarot as a form of entertainment or harmless guidance, the underlying implications of believing in such divination tools can have far-reaching psychological and spiritual consequences. Our journey begins by examining the role of tarot cards within the larger framework of divination. We'll explore the psychology behind why people are drawn to such practices, how confirmation bias plays into the readings, and why the allure of tarot continues to thrive despite its lack of real evidence. We'll also critically analyze case studies that demonstrate how tarot readings rely on cold reading techniques, guesswork, and the emotional vulnerability of the individual. This book will not only dismantle the myths and misconceptions surrounding tarot but also confront the more sinister elements: the commercialization of mysticism, the connection between tarot and occult practices, and the potential psychological and spiritual dangers that come with immersing oneself in such belief systems. We will offer a Christian perspective on divination, drawing on biblical teachings that highlight the risks of seeking guidance from false prophets and spiritual deceptions.

The Tarot Revealed has sold over 100,000 copies and is regarded as 'the' book for beginners. This completely revised and updated edition is presented in a simple, straightforward style offering an easy formula for remembering the meanings of the cards both upright and reversed. While its origins are swathed in mystery, the remarkable accuracy of the ancient Tarot has won many followers, because it helps us interpret what is going on in life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By explaining the wisdom contained in the cards, The Tarot Revealed helps you understand more of yourself and your world. The Tarot Revealed shows you how to: * unlock the Tarot's many secrets * clearly interpret each card alone and in combination * learn the many layers of meaning attached to each card * give simple and advanced readings * choose the appropriate layout for each specific situation * understand the deeper significance of the Major and Minor Arcana. Written in a clear and accessible style, and with 32 bonus charts, The Tarot Revealed is a valuable guide for beginners and experienced readers. Using anecdotes to further clarify each card's meaning, Paul Fenton-Smith helps you apply these interpretations to real-life situations. Within a short time, The Tarot Revealed will enable you to penetrate the mystery of the cards by becoming an accomplished Tarot reader. 'Thank you for making the Tarot easy to understand.' K. Black 'Thank you for such an interesting, well-written and easy to follow guide to the Tarot.' A. Asmus 'I am a professional Tarot reader who travels internationally, and this book comes with me everywhere.' Sheena T

With more than 40 illustrations and an entertaining informative text, this elegantly designed book captures the scope, powers, and romance of the Tarot throughout the ages. "Excellently researched, entertainingly and compellingly written".--Booklist.

A classic guide on how to master a Tarot reading that combines self-teaching techniques with personal insight provides revised interpretations for the Minor arcana as well as coverage of topics ranging from crystals and astrology to numerology and occult metaphysics.

The history of tarot cards and card reading has a long and unexpected history. From ancient Egypt to the fashionable salons and backrooms of 1800's Paris. This fascinating book has something for the newcomer to tarot as well as the already initiated. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.