Remember Me
forgot your password?

Tarot Cards- a Clever Marketing Strategy or an Ancient Mystical Guide?

Tarot cards- a clever marketing strategy or an ancient mystical guide?

There is much mystery surrounding the history of the tarot and countless myths about its origins. Cynics say that this mystery has been manipulated as a marketing tool for tarot card salesmen!

However, by just looking at the evidence and opinions supplied by other tarot enthusiasts we see that the earliest surviving full deck was painted in 1422 by Italian artist Bonifacio Bembo. This is known as the Visconti deck, named after the Duke of Milan, who commissioned them. Although accounts of Ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Indian and earlier Italian links have been suggested, there is no evidence of any earlier decks.

The cards were originally used for a game called Tarocchi or 'Game of Triumphs' which was similar to Bridge. The game was played mainly by the Upper Classes and has continued in some circles.

The tarot's use by the Upper Classes probably saved the game from being banned by the Church even though it was considered to be heresy and was outlawed by the Church. Indeed in the latter half of the fifteenth century some church sermons labelled tarot as the work of the Devil, but the Church had better foes to fight where cards were concerned- mainly games promoting gambling.

It is believed that the cards were used for inspiration for poetry, describing aspects of the human mind and character traits. The cards have obviously evolved according to the culture of the times and attitudes from whence they were used.

Probably the most important manifestations and manipulations of the Tarot deck were by Alistair Crowley and Waite of the Rider-Waite deck. The imagery on this deck is the one with which we are most familiar today. The Rider- Waite deck was introduced into America in the twentieth century and the one most available to the American public.

For more information on tarot cards visit http://www.thetextperts.co.uk/tarot.html

Janet Francis
Janet Francis is currently opening her own business while continuing to freelance as a commercial writer. Check out her new services at http://www.entourageangels.com
Rate this Article: 5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Spirituality Articles
  • More from Janet Francis

YOUR INTUITIVE GUIDE

By: eveline | 12/11/2009
A sixth sense, spiritual insight, instinct; (the ability) to know something without conscious reasoning, immediate apprehension...pure knowledge>> INTUITION...the guiding light from within. The primary force is intuition.

OUR SPIRITUAL NATURE

By: eveline | 12/11/2009
Whether we are aware of it or not, spiritual growth is always happening. Spirituality is our alignment with our higher self; it's our personality lining up with our soul, in harmony.

I Saw His Ghost Walking Down The Hall - Answers From Phil G

By: Afterlife Phil G | 11/11/2009
A lady from the USA writes to Phil asking about an experience that happened years ago - a 'spirit' visit from her (then) Mom's boyfriend. Having moved out, and many years later, how can she re-connect without being in the same house?

Origin of the Universe

By: DreamHealer | 11/11/2009
Humans have always sought to understand the origin of the Universe, and the origin of Consciousness. How did the Universe originate? How did consciousness originate? Was consciousness there from the beginning, or did it evolve out of something else? Ever since man stared at the stars above, these questions have persisted. Discussing the origin of the Universe at first glance may seem like it is quite remote from healing, but in fact the topics are strongly linked.

Harold Holt: An Interview Beyond The Grave with Phil G

By: Afterlife Phil G | 11/11/2009
Recently, the spirit of Harold Holt, a former Prime Minister of Australia, visited and shared some insights with Medium Phil G. Here, some of the interview is presented, and the reason why it is shared. Remember, family and friends who have passed away are still with you. Recognize and verify the signs of contact, yourself.

The Main Reason an Online Psychic May Be Your Best Choice!

By: Danny Fredricks | 10/11/2009
Are Internet psychics real? And how do the actual readings work? Maybe even MORE importantly......how CAN they work? I mean, if you aren't' seeing someone "one on one", psychic abilities seem like an impossibility, right?

The Best Way a Love Psychic Can Help You Find Your Soul Mate - Finally!

By: Danny Fredricks | 10/11/2009
Who else is struggling to find the love of your life? Do you believe in soul mates? I do......and the truth is, most of us who REALLY believe in love do as well. But if soul mates are "true", why do so many people go through life in relationships that are NOT rewarding, and in marriages that are "loveless" and lifeless to boot?

Talk to the Dead - Five Proven Techniques For Contacting Spirits

By: Danny Fredricks | 10/11/2009
Who else is trying to talk to the dead? If you are anything like the vast majority of people who enjoy our articles and comment on our content, the simple truth is that you probably have one BRAVE hand held high, right? It's true... and there is simply NOTHING more exhilarating, more exciting and more life changing than making authentic contact with a deceased loved one, or spiritual being on the "other side".

The Entourage Angels Take Flight

By: Janet Francis | 05/12/2007 | Women's Issues
Textpert Ltd launches Entourage Angels

Tarot Cards- a Clever Marketing Strategy or an Ancient Mystical Guide?

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Spirituality
Tarot cards- a clever marketing strategy or an ancient mystical guide?

Taking Inspiration From the Words of Others

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Self Improvement
A look at how we can take inspiration from motivational and spiritual sayings

Swinging- a New Form of Adultery?

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Sexuality
An insight into how swinging is perceived in todays society- a new niche in the erotic market or simply another form of adultery?

Swinging- Spicing Up a Relationship

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Sexuality
An insight into swinging and why this has become so popular, reasons why people turn to swinging.

The Female Orgasm

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Sexuality
Tips on how to increase or infact achieve your well sought after female orgasm

Sex Education for Adults

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Sexuality
Sex education available for adults these days...It's not just teenagers who need sex education - adults do, too. With the new fad and rise of the ‘Sexpert,’ and greater coverage of sex in mainstream magazines and newspapers, why are we turning to the professionals for help?

Planning your Wedding- Setting the Date

By: Janet Francis | 21/11/2007 | Weddings
Tips on how to pick the perfect date for your wedding

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.69, 6, w1)