The Different Varieties of Tarot Card Decks

Specific Tarot readings will be affected by the Tarot card deck you have chosen. Because of this fundamental reason, it is important to know and understand the differences inherent in different decks. While some decks may be popular and others obscure, all hold power and insight. Knowledge is always important, and knowing the fundamentals about the Tarot decks which are out there will help you interpret your reading.

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is one of the most popular decks in the Americas. This deck was initially published in 1909 by the Rider company. The visionary behind the cards was Arthur Edward Waite. He took the popularized Tarot de Marseille from France and, with the help of the talented illustrator Pamela Colman Smith, enhanced their symbolism and meaning through colorful illustrations. This deck is comprised of 78 cards with four suits of minor arcana as well as the classic major arcana, and is the foundation from which many recent variations have been modeled. The Rider-Waite deck is iconic and has led to many interpretations including Eden Gray's story of the Fool's Journey.

The Thoth Tarot Deck The other major Tarot deck in the Americas is the Thoth deck, which was the product of Aleister Crowley's efforts in the middle of the twentieth century. This deck differs from the Rider-Waite in a variety of ways. For one, the names of many of the cards have been changed. This includes the court cards of the minor arcana as well as many major arcana. In addition to the traditional Latin symbolism of the Rider-Waite deck, Crowley introduced ancient Egyptian and Chinese symbolism in the Thoth. This broadens the mystical tradition which the cards draw upon, and enable more people to connect with them personally. The Thoth deck also has an authoritative text by Crowley which explains the meanings of the cards - the Book of Thoth.

Hermetic Tarot Decks The Hermetic tradition differs from the previous two in that it seeks to use the Tarot cards to explore hidden truths buried within the subconscious and the imagination. The Hermetic deck uses the archetypes within each Tarot to draw upon ancient and modern knowledge to do so.

Oracle Tarot Decks These are more modern Tarot incarnations which draw upon other sources of mysticism for their symbolism and occult power. This includes use of power animals, angels, Greek gods and goddesses, etc.

Pop Culture Decks The latest version of Tarot cards is merely a spin on one of the more established traditions. These decks simply replace the illustrations of Rider-Waite or Thoth cards with images from pop culture like comic book heroes or heroines. This may appeal to a broader audience, but removes much of the thought and symbolism which mystics like Waite and Crowley put into their work.

Edward Dietfried is an armchair intellectual who writes articles about Tarot card [http://tarotcardmeaningsrevealed.com] history and lore. His studies into the occult and the field of divination have extended for many years and have led in many unexpected directions.

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