Welcome to Tarot Mania. You are about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of Tarot.

Learning to read the Tarot will help you to:

• fine tune your intuitive abilities
• discover your own psychic ability
• become more confident when dealing with others
• feel empowered when reading for others
• understand the importance of tarot in your daily life

HISTORY OF TAROT

The history of tarot has been widely documented over the years, but no one really knows how or where it originated. Reports have been documented that it originated in Italy around 1392. Bringing the Tarot images to life was an unknown Parisian painter who was commissioned by a wealthy Italian aristocratic family who wanted them painted for decoration around their mansion. The wife of the family had overheard talk in the local village about a game that the peasants played called “Le Tarote”. Intrigued, she set out to find out more about “Le Tarote” and subsequently she discovered the hidden meaning behind the cards and was determined to transfer those meanings into images.

Many historical writings about ancient cultures contain hidden references to the tarot, some even dating as early as 2000BC. The term Gypsy, is derived from the word Egypt, where egyptian nomads travelled to Europe and popularised the term “fortune telling”, using tarot cards and crystal balls to see into the future.

Modern society is now accepting and beginning to understand the role of tarot and how it can be used as a tool for self development, self empowerment and the opportunity to discover more about yourself. Sit back, grab your cards, and get ready to learn the secrets of the ancients hidden in the tarot.

 

TAROT TIP FOR THE WEEK For this exercise, write down all the things you love most. Find a quiet spot that you can sit down and reflect on your list. What feelings do these people bring out in you? How do you feel about them? Use this time to feel the immense power of love towards yourself and those you care most about to flow through you. This week we look at the next card in the Tarot Journey – the Lovers.

6 The Lovers – Union, Love, Harmony

The Lovers literally means love. The opportunity to open your heart to another is coming your way. There are many possibilities with the Lovers card. You have a very important choice to make, one which will have a great impact on your life and in your personal relationships. The Lovers card helps you to understand the deeper meaning of bonding and friendship with others. When the Lovers card appears in reading, the universe is telling you someone important is about to enter into your life. If you are alone, be prepared that someone special is going to cross paths with you. If you are in a relationship, the card could be telling you the time has come to reassess your feelings. Maybe you want to take your relationship to a deeper level. It can also denote you are entering a new phase in the relationship with your partner which will strengthen your union.  
 
The Lovers card also heeds a warning that we should be careful about out decisions and the impact it can have on those around us. Have you ever made a decision for love and then realized it not only affected you, but had a strong impact that rippled out to others, forcing you to reevaluate your choice. Don’t forget though, the Lovers card tells you to follow your feelings, your intuition and not your head. Obviously you don’t want to make the wrong decision, yet sometimes logic can overrule emotion. This is a wonderful card to receive, because the universe is telling you to have faith and believe in the power of harmony. 
 
You are ready to experience the magic of love, embracing it into your life. Yet, don’t underestimate yourself and remember that self love is the first key to loving others. Think back to a time when you went into a relationship against your “gut feeling”, even though logic told you that there was nothing apparently wrong. Did you regret going into that relationship? What did it teach you? The key to the Lovers card is about learning from your choices and being encouraged to listen to your inner voice. With choice come responsibility and from responsibility comes accountability.  
 
A popular tarot deck entitled the “The Mythic Tarot” explains the meaning of the lovers through the mythical story of Paris and Helen of Troy. Paris was a young shepherd who was commanded by the god Zeus to judge a beauty contest between three great goddesses, Hera, Athene and Aphrodite. He was offered wealth and power by Hera, intellect and victory in battle by Athene, and love and beauty by Aphrodite. As we know from the fable, he chose Aphrodite who in turn offered him Helen of Troy as his prize, which ended in the great battle of Troy. Paris chose love and beauty, be he did not think about the consequences or responsibilities that came with that choice. The Lovers warns us to carefully consider our options before we dive head first into our desires and to reflect on the true nature of love and what it means. Giving from your heart is a wonderful way to express yourself and to share with those you choose to be with in your life.  
 

TAROT VIBE The energy of the Lovers card role is to help you to connect to your true heart feelings. With the Lovers card, you are not being asked to do anything, you are being asked to feel. The most precious gift that you can give and receive is the one of love.

 

Inpsyche Recommended Reading and Tarot Decks

Books:	The Power of Now – A GUIDE TO SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT   Eckhart Tolle
	Crossing Over – THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES   John Edward
	The Four Agreements – A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PERSONAL FREEDOM   Don Miguel Ruiz

 

Tarot Decks:	The Mythic Tarot
	The Rider Waite Tarot
	Osho Zen Tarot