The cards are traced by some occult writers to ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah but there is no documented evidence of such origins or of the usage of tarot for divination before the 18th century. In much of Europe they are still used in a number of card games, while in most other countries they are now used primarily for divinatory purposes. (Divination - The art or act of foretelling future events or revealing occult knowledge by means of augury or an alleged supernatural agency.)
Each card possesses an image and title that represents a specific concept. The belief of divinity associated with Tarot focuses on the idea that whatever cards are dealt to the individual will be relevant to their current psychological dilemma.
The tarot has four suits Pentacles, Cups, Swords, and finally Wands. Each suit has pip cards numbering from ace to ten and four face cards for a total of 14 cards. Very similar to a regular deck of cards. In addition, the tarot is distinguished by a separate 21 card trump suit and a single card known as the Fool. The trump cards and the Fool are known as the Major Arcana while the ten pip and four court cards in each suit are called Minor Arcana.
Personally I feel the legitimacy of the Tarot card readings is questionable at best as it can be manipulated by the reader based on the individual being read. I do find the subject of the Tarot to be very interesting and have invested in two decks and multiple books on the subject. In the end I suppose there will always be skeptics and believers of the topic and its up to the individual to interpret their personal readings and delve into the ideas behind the cards. -- Are you a believer?
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