Origins of the Minor Arcana, the first volume in the Learn Authentic Tarot series, presents the true story behind the ancestry of the Tarot's much-neglected Minor Arcana, which is to be found in the symbolism, culture, and gaming traditions of Asia and the Middle East. In doing so, it abolishes the numerous occult myths surrounding the Tarot that have been promulgated from the late 18th century right up to the present day. Origins of the Minor Arcana provides a new foundation by which to understand the development of the Tarot, one grounded in historical scholarship and careful research. Set against the backdrop of humankind as Homo symbolicus (symbolic man) and Homo ludens (playful man), this volume illustrates how the gradual evolution of symbolic expression, together with the integral nature of play in human culture, ultimately led to the invention of playing cards and their transmission across the Eurasian landscape and into Europe. These early ancestors served as the foundation for the creation of all European playing cards, including the Tarot, and are the source of its four-suit system. Lavishly illustrated and beautifully presented, this volume contains a sizable collection of stunning color photos, including a full presentation of the Tarot’s direct ancestors: the Chinese Money cards and the Mamluk deck. Heavily researched, but eminently readable, this scholarly account of the Tarot's Minor Arcana is the definitive work on the early, formative history of the Tarot.

A profusely illustrated history of the occult nature of the tarot from its origins in ancient Persia • Thoroughly examines the original historical source for each tarot card and how the cards’ divinatory meanings evolved from these symbols • Provides authentic 18th- and 19th-century spreads and divination techniques • Reveals the divinatory meanings of the cards as understood by diviners in the Middle Ages and Renaissance 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. In Mystical Origins of the Tarot, Paul 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. Mystical Origins of the Tarot provides a thorough examination of the original historical source for each card and how the cards’ divinatory meanings evolved from these symbols. Huson also provides concise and practical card-reading methods designed by the cartomancers of the 18th and 19th centuries and reveals the origins of the card interpretations promoted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and A. E. Waite.

An introduction to the ancient kabbalistic origins and meanings of the tarot • Reveals the intimate relationship of the tarot to the esoteric teachings of the Torah and the Kabbalah • Provides kabbalistic interpretations for all 78 traditional tarot cards • Includes a detailed kabbalistic reading and interpretation of the Tree of Life spread When the Greeks invaded Israel and forbade study of the Torah, the Jewish people began a secret method of Toranic study that appeared to be merely a simple way to fill time: playing cards. These first tarot decks enabled study of the Torah without detection. Once the Maccabees expelled the Greeks from Israel and Israel once again became a Jewish kingdom, tarot cards dropped from sight. Fifteen hundred years later, in response to Jewish disputations with Catholic theologians, political and religious persecutions, and ultimately the Inquisition, the cards resurfaced as a secret learning tool of the Torah. In Kabbalistic Tarot, Dovid Krafchow details how the true meaning of the tarot is locked within the Kabbalah. He shows the correspondence between the 22 Major Arcana cards and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and how the four suits correspond to the four kabbalistic worlds of Briah, Yitzerah, Asiyah, and Atzilut. He describes the kabbalistic meanings of each of the 78 cards and their relations to the Torah and provides insight into the Tree of Life spread through several kabbalistic readings.

Discover the facts, myth, history, and mystery of the spiritual art of Tarot-reading. Whether you want to learn to read the cards or deepen your Tarot interpretation skills,The Ultimate Guide to Tarot honors the deep heritage of Tarot, while guiding you through practical techniques. Tarot expert Liz Dean offers an overview to all of the important elements of each card from symbols, to links with astrology, kabbala and numerology. The Ultimate Guide to Tarot also includes all the classic tarot spreads – Celtic Cross, Horseshoe, Star and Astrological Year Ahead – plus, a mini-layout to try for each of the 22 major cards. Learn how to combine the three essential ingredients of a great tarot reading: knowing the meaning of the cards, how to lay them out, and trusting the intuitive messages the images often spark within us during a reading. This synthesis is the true magic of tarot. With the authority and confidence this book offers, The Ultimate Guide to Tarot will be the must-have companion for beginner readers and tarot aficionados alike.

Unravel the Mysteries of the Classic Marseille Tarot with This Comprehensive, Full-Color Guide Explore the deep symbolism of a frequently misunderstood deck and use the cards to answer the important questions of life. The Marseille Tarot Revealed explains everything you need to know to start or deepen your Marseille Tarot practice, including history, decks, readings, spreads, symbols, and much more. Yoav Ben-Dov shares the meaning of the Marseille art motifs and specific reading techniques that can be used with any tarot deck to help you tap in to your own intuition. With full-color illustrations and interpretations for each card, this book is a must-have for anyone who's interested in one of the world's most influential decks. Note: This book is comprised of material previously published as Tarot: The Open Reading by Yoav Ben-Dov. Classic Marseille Decks New Marseille Decks The French School The English School Tarot and the New Age Handling the Cards Shuffling the Deck How to Read The Meaning of Cards Basic Spreads Reverse Cards The Symbolic Language

Companion guidebook for the This Might Hurt Tarot deck, containing card descriptions and an introduction to the language of tarot. Drawn, written and published by Isabella Rotman in 2019, funded by the generosity of 743 Kickstarter backers.