While astrology, astronomy and mathematics did travel this route, Green says it appears that Tarot arrived in Europe some centuries later. “Other historians believe Tarot cards originated in northern Italy in the 15th century. Indeed, there is the river Taro in the Province of Parma, which supports this theory,” he adds. 1442 is the earliest documented account of the Tarot and describes the upper classes playing the cards for entertainment while it was European and Asian Gypsies, or nomadic people who are accredited with first understanding the fortune-telling possibilities of the cards.

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What are the best tarot cards for beginners?

For those who are new to the world of tarot, Green recommends using either the Rider-Waite-Smith deck or the Morgan Greer deck. “These are the most ubiquitous, so finding relevant guidance around the images depicted in these decks is the most accessible,” he points out. “I recommend getting one of these two suggested decks to learn the basics and then buying an ‘eye-candy’ deck – one that is more in line with your aesthetic tastes – later on down the line,” he adds.

What is the best way to use the tarot deck as a beginner?

While it can be tempting to use the booklet that comes with the cards or Google the meaning of a particular card, Green suggests trying to tap into your intuitive powers early on. “Constantly checking will only block your intuitive connection with the cards and leave you confused as to what it’s trying to communicate. The Tarot is not meant to be memorised by rote but rather a prompt for your own internal guidance,” he explains.

He suggests three alternative approaches to gain greater understanding of the cards. Either carry each card in turn with you and see how it plays out in your day (see who you meet, or what events happen in your day that reflect the card’s symbolism), place the card under your pillow and record your dreams in the morning or meditate with the card between your hands. “By doing this, your subconscious will present the messages and guidance of the card to you without your rational mind getting in the way,” Green clarifies.

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What is the most valuable tarot card?

To understand what cards hold what value, it’s important to get clear on what makes up the deck of cards. Green explains how the deck is made up of 78 cards which are divided into the Major Arcana (Arcana is the Latin word for secret), of which there are twenty-two and fifty-six Minor Arcana, sometimes known as the pips. “Some people mistake ‘Major’ and ‘Minor’ as indicating that some cards are more important than others but they are all just different aspects and archetypes of life,” he cautions.

“The Major Arcana reveals the spiritual life lessons the Universe is trying to teach us while the Minor Arcana speaks to the who, what, where, and when of everyday life,” he adds. When it comes to the most important cards he highlights the Fool and the World. “The Fool represents the soul and the cards of the Tarot illustrate the people, places and events that happen in The Fool’s life journey. The World shows spiritual enlightenment when The Fool has learned all the lessons it needs to and no longer needs to continue the cycle of death and rebirth,” Green describes.

What is the tarot card for love?

Unfortunately and contrary to much popular thought, the tarot cards aren’t a predictive tool. It’s not as simple as looking into a crystal ball. “Do not ask questions like, ‘When will I meet my ideal partner?’ or ‘Will my ex-partner come back to me?’” Green says. Instead he suggests rephrasing the inquiry to something like ‘What do I need to know about my love life right now?’ or ‘What blocks do I need to address around my love life?’ “When you ask questions like this you are working with the deck in a way which is much more empowering and insightful,” he says.

In terms of cards that offer good omens in this area, Green highlights three: The Two of Cups, the Knight of Cups and The Lovers. “As always, allow your intuition to guide you,” he says. If you are looking for a way to lay out the cards in this scenario, he suggests laying three cards: the first represents you, the second shows what lessons you might need to learn, and the third shows the possible outcome from learning or avoiding these given lessons.

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