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Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tarot Layouts

The Tarot is a deck of cards that originated over 500 years ago in northern Italy. Although the Tarot was first used in a game called Triumphs, it was quickly adopted as a tool for divination, and popularized by occult societies such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The early Tarot symbolism was deeply rooted in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, but over the centuries it has grown to incorporate everything from Astrology and Kabbalah to Runes (which predate the Tarot by 1000 years) and the I Ching (which predates the Tarot by 2500 years). Today, the Tarot is far and away the most popular tool for spiritual introspection in the West.
There are so many different kinds of tarot card layouts around that it can be difficult to decide which to learn and which to use. There are two tarot card spreads that we have found to be both effective and easy to use: Celtic Cross and 12 Card. The Celtic Cross, also called the Gnostic Cross, is a type of Tarot reading that gives you a character sketch or personality profile of the person you are reading. The Celtic Cross is like a photograph or stop action picture of a person, a cross section or slice of their life. This type of reading is useful for people, animals or any kind of animate beings but not for situations. The Celtic Cross does not answer specific questions on situations but is a quick and easy way to get a personality profile on someone. Unlike the Celtic Cross, which can only offer a personality profile, the 12 Card layout is suitable for reading people, situations, businesses, financial issues, relationships and other situations involving multiple people.
While the Celtic Cross is a still picture snapshot of a person, the 12 Card is a moving picture that shows past, present and future. This allows you to track cause and effect chains much more effectively. The 12 Card layout is so flexible that you can use multiple-card signifiers to capture complex situations, expand certain portions of the reading to get more detail or move the reading back and forth in time. In fact, the 12 Card reading is so flexible that you can actually track your history back through all your past lives. You can also use the reading to predict the probable outcome of situations, from personal life situations to global ones.
- Single cards spread
- 3 cards spread
- 6 cards spread
- Crescent spread
- 7 cards spread
- The resultant layout
- Ladder layout
- Bohemlen layout
- Pyramid layout
- Oval layout
- Year ahead layout
- The horoscope spread
- Diagonal cross spread
- The Celtic cross spread
- Annual layout
- Spiritual layout
- Quest layout
- Four-layer layout
- X layout
- Health layout
- 7 chakra layout
- Self-meditation layout
- Life tree layout
- Mind-body-soul layout
- Gypsy layout - 1
- Gypsy layout - 2
Tarot Decks
Tarot decks depict the archetypes of spiritual life. Differences among decks Tarot cards serve many purposes, and this leads to a variety of Tarot deck styles. Traditionally, a variety of styles of Tarot decks and designs have existed. A number of typical regional patterns emerged. Historically, one of the most important designs is now usually known as the Tarot of Marseille. This standard pattern was the one studied by Court de Gabelin, and cards based on this style illustrate his Le Monde primitif. Paul Marteau also popularized the Tarot of Marseille in the 20th century. Some current editions of cards based on the Marseille design go back to a deck of a particular Marseille design that was printed by Nicolas Conver in 1760. Other regional styles include the "Swiss Tarot"; this one substitutes Juno and Jupiter for the Papess and the Pope. In Florence an expanded deck called Minchiate was used; this deck of 96 cards includes astrological symbols and the four elements, as well as traditional Tarot cards.Some decks exist primarily as artwork; and such "art decks" sometimes contain only the 22 cards of the Major Arcana. Esoteric decks are often used in conjunction with the study of the Hermetic Kabala; in these decks the Major Arcana are illustrated in accordance with Kabalistic principles while the numbered suit cards (2 through 10) sometimes bear only stylised renderings of the suit symbol. However, under the influence of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, decks used in the English-speaking world for divination often bear illustrated scenes on the numeric cards to facilitate divination. The more simply illustrated "Marseille" style decks are nevertheless used esoterically, for divination, and previously for game play. The French card game of tarot is now generally played using a relatively modern 19th-century design. Such Tarot decks generally have 22 trumps with genre scenes from 19th-century life, a Fool, and have minor arcana that closely resembles today's French playing cards.
Tarot decks play a significant role in Roger Zelazny's Amber fantasy series, where most major characters carry a magical deck of Tarot cards who's Trumps represent other characters and enable communication with them or locations. An influential deck in English-speaking countries is the Rider-Waite deck (sometimes called simply the Rider deck). In French-speaking countries, the Marseille deck enjoys the equivalent popularity. While the deck is sometimes known as a simple, user-friendly one, its imagery, especially in the Trumps, is complex and replete with occult symbolism. The subjects of the trumps are based on those of the earliest decks, but have been significantly modified to reflect Waite and Smith's view of Tarot. An important difference from 'Marseille'-style decks is that Smith drew scenes on the numeric cards to depict divinatory meanings; those divinatory meanings derive, in great part, from traditional cartomantic divinatory meanings (e.g., Etteilla and others) and from divinatory meanings first espoused by The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, of which both Waite and Smith were members. However, it isn't the first deck to include completely illustrated numeric cards. The first to do so was the 15th-century Sola-Busca deck; however, in this case, the illustrations apparently were not made to facilitate divination.
Different Types of Decks
The Aquatic Tarot is a modern watercolor interpretation of the classic Rider Waite symbolism. It is rapidly becoming one of the most popular decks, due to both its spectacular beauty and its traditional imagery.
Ator Tarot:
The Ator Tarot is a smart and whimsical spin on Rider Waite symbolism. The clunky and adorable characters of the Ator Tarot make it the deck of choice for those seeking a refreshing approach to divination.
Benedetti Tarot:
Cat People Tarot:
The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.
Colman Smith Tarot:
The Colman Smith Tarot is a modern reinvention of the classic Rider Waite deck, infusing the original line drawings by Pamela Colman Smith with colors drawn from the psychedelic digital age.
Curious Tarot:
Golden Tarot:
The Golden Tarot is a modern celebration of late medieval artwork. This deck is the choice of scholars, for it evokes images of elegance amid barbarism, and the light of virtue in dark times.
Haindl Tarot:
The Haindl Tarot weaves a tapestry of haunting beauty from the traditions of Native America, the Holy Grail, the I Ching, Kabbalah and the Norse Runes, and is the deck of choice for mystics and those seeking enlightenment.
International Icon Tarot:
The International Icon Tarot renders traditional occult symbolism in Swiss iconography. It is a humorous and direct approach to divination, and one of our favorite new decks.
Lovecraft Tarot:
The Lovecraft Tarot is a tribute to the gothic writings of the visionary H.P. Lovecraft. It is the deck of choice for explorers of the macabre, and for posing questions that should never be asked.
Marseilles Tarot:
The Marseilles Tarot is an 18th century creation of obscure origins. It predates the occult symbolism of the Rider Waite deck by roughly 200 years, giving the readings a unique and rustic flavor. Many swear by this deck as the true oracle of the common man.
Minchiate Tarot:
The images of the Minchiate Tarot are drawn from a rare surviving 18th century deck of 97 cards - 19 more than the traditional Tarot. It is considered by many to be the single most powerful divination tool on the web, providing deep insight, rich in ancient symbolism, to any question you may pose.
Palladini Tarot:
The Palladini Tarot was created to "bridge the ancient and the future", using elements of Medieval, Egyptian and modern art. It is one of the most popular decks among new students of Tarot.
Phoenix Tarot:
The Phoenix Tarot is one of the most strikingly beautiful decks of the 20th century. Through vibrant colors and stylized images, it breathes new life into the familiar symbology of the Tarot.
Renaissance Tarot:
The Renaissance Tarot is a modern deck, with symbolism drawn from the heroic age and rendered in renaissance style. This deck is an excellent choice for exploring questions of passion, mastery, and the inner workings of human reason.
Rider Waite Tarot:
The Rider Waite Tarot is the most widely recognized Tarot deck, and the first deck published in the 20th century. It was created by members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and is especially suited to questions of a mystical nature.
Saint Petersburg's Tarot (Russian):
The Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg is the final commissioned work of Yuri Shakov, a master in the lost art of Russian miniature painting. The rich, dark images lend themselves to questions regarding the struggle of the human spirit in trying times.
Sola Busca Tarot:
The Sola Busca Tarot is a color embellished reproduction of the only known extant 15th century Tarot deck engraved on metal. It is the choice of purists and those seeking a direct channel with the dawn of Western occultism.
Voodoo Tarot of New Orleans:
The Voodoo Tarot of New Orleans is a deck rich in primal spirituality. It draws on images from the religion Santeria, which weaves Catholic and African beliefs into a vibrant tapestry. This exceptional deck is most often used to ask questions regarding the joy, fury, and spirituality in everyday life.
William Blake Tarot:
The William Blake Tarot explores the mystical vision and artistry of the renowned English painter and poet. Through rich interpretations focused on creative undertakings, it has long been the deck of choice for artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers.
Interpretation: Minor Arcana
Most of the cards in the tarot deck are minor arcana cards. These cards fill out the deck, making it more balanced and complete. The 56 cards of the minor arcana are split into four suits. Each suit represents a different aspect of life. Numerology can be used in conjunction with the minor arcana as the cards are numbered from 1 to 10 or Ace through 10. There are four nobles' cards in each suit as well, the Page, Knight, Queen and King. This makes 14 cards in each suit.
The Suits of the Minor Arcana
Wands, Staves or Spears - The first suit represents a long object, whether it be a staff or wand by name, it usually represents physical labor. This suit is related to the physical body. It encompasses growth, ideas and creativity. It is associated with the element of fire and the season of spring.
The Noble Cards of the Minor Arcana
The Page - The Page is a bearer of messages and the harbinger of communication. This card represents youth and the beginnings of maturity.
The Number of the Minor Arcana
One/Ace - Represents beginnings, action, will, new ideas, creative power, potential, first causes, primary impulses, and positive activities.
Wands:
Ace of Wands - Positive
Two of Wands - Anticipation
Three of Wands - Positive
Four of Wands - Midway
Five of Wands - Negative
Six of Wands - Medium
Seven of Wands - Anticipation
Eight of Wands - Positive
Nine of Wands - Medium
Ten of Wands - Anticipation
Page of Wands - Positive
Knight of Wands - Positive
Queen of Wands - Positive
King of Wands - Positive
Cups:
Ace of Cups - Medium
Two of Cups - Positive
Three of Cups - Positive
Four of Cups - Negative
Five of Cups - Unfortunate / Negative
Six of Cups - Medium
Seven of Cups - Anticipation
Eight of Cups - Negative
Nine of Cups - Anticipation
Ten of Cups - Positive
Page of Cups - Positive
Knight of Cups - Positive
Queen of Cups - Positive
King of Cups - Positive
Swords:
Ace of Swords - Anticipation
Two of Swords - Negative
Three of Swords - Negative
Four of Swords - Anticipation
Five of Swords - Negative
Six of Swords - Negative
Seven of Swords - Negative
Eight of Swords - Medium
Nine of Swords - Unfortunate / Negative
Ten of Swords - Negative
Page of Swords - Positive
Knight of Swords - Positive
Queen of Swords - Medium
King of Swords - Medium
Pentacles:
Ace of Pentacles - Positive
Two of Pentacles - Changeability
Three of Pentacles - Positive
Four of Pentacles - Positive
Five of Pentacles - Medium
Six of Pentacles - Anticipation
Seven of Pentacles - Wait & Watch
Eight of Pentacles - Positive
Nine of Pentacles - Composure
Ten of Pentacles - Positive
Page of Pentacles - Positive
Knight of Pentacles - Positive
Queen of Pentacles - Positive
King of Pentacles - Positive
Interpretation: Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of the first twenty-two cards in the Tarot deck. Representing our karmic destiny, these cards reveal which lessons we must learn in our life. They also explain how events will play themselves out. Each card in the Major Arcana represents one step in the universal journey of human life.
If the letter goes upside, this reflects a man arcane weak, unable to make decisions, mean spirited and dishonest. Also Is the lack of scruples, and the delay in business by indecision.
The High Priestess:
Straight:
The Empress:
Reversed:
When the letter turns out inverted The Empress, you encounter a lack of generosity, indecisions and falsehoods. For naturally, may also be a betrayal, any person who is in your environment or the consultant is defraudaros ready to sample.
The Emperor:
This arcane represents astrologically to Aries. Your planets are Uranus, the Sun and Mars. Also, red symbolizes the Natural Forces.
Straight:
Reversed:
When this letter goes upside is warning of the presence of a person of weak character and sometimes a little cruel to the others. It also indicates that you can face any failure in business or any business.
The Hierophant / The High Priest:
The Lovers:
The more arcane Los Valentine astrologically belongs to Pisces. Your planets are Saturn and Sun and Hebrew letter is Vav. Whenever you leave this letter represent the duality between the good and evil. You know, we will have to choose between two paths.
The Hanged Man / Trolley:
Straight:
Reversed:
The Justice:
Straight:
Reversed:
If the arcane largest Wheel of Fortune appears in the print run of upside we will be announcing failures, losses economic, and even obstacles.
The Strength:
Reversed:
Straight:
Straight:
Straight:
The more arcane the El Diablo shows a great magnetism for sexual attraction and refers to power hidden. He is also representing a materialistic person to tread that he does not care who is getting as long as his goal. If refers to the workplace, be careful!, The person who is behind this letter always want access the best seats in the workplace.
The Tower:
Reversed:



































