The origins of Tarot cards can be traced back to 15th century Italy but, were not believed to be used for mystical or esoteric purposes until around the 18th or 19th centuries. The term tarot is believed to derive from the Egyptian words tar, meaning “royal”, and ro, meaning “road”, and that the Tarot therefore represented a “royal road” to wisdom.
A typically accepted Tarot deck in common use today consists of 78 cards and has two distinct parts:
- The Major Arcana (greater secrets), or trump cards, consists of 22 cards without suits.
- The Minor Arcana (lesser secrets) consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each; ten numbered cards and four court cards.
Tarot card readings are a popular method for divination and spiritual introspection. We supply all popular Tarot cards, decks and sets and can source any others within three to four days.