Tarot cards and tarot readings are taking the world by storm. It seems like everywhere you look, there is someone posting about it on social media, or one of your friends or family members may have brought it up to you. What are these cards all about? Do they hold a magical, mystical meaning? Are any of the stereotypes true? Is your mom right when she says these cards will bring bad juju into your home?

A lot of people, especially from older generations, think that demons and evil spirits are associated with these cards. Is there any truth to their paranoid beliefs? Are there cards in the deck that hold negative power? Can this deck really predict your future, good or bad? There are so many questions associated with the topic of tarot cards and tarot readings because the whole thing does feel a little witchy and or fortune-telly, especially if you don’t know much about it.

There are many stereotypes associated with these cards and used in our media that only build these ideas up. For example, think back to a time when you saw a movie that involved someone using these cards. An image of a witch or gypsy probably just popped into your head. Most movies showcase these cards in the same lighting as dark magic. Why? Because it makes the story more interesting. The main character finds themselves in a dark room with a woman wearing lots of bangles on her arm and sometimes they’re wearing some type of headdress. Dark makeup circles her eyes, making her look mysterious. Is there any truth to this Hollywood picture?

In addition to witches, gypsies, and fortune tellers there is another big stereotype most people think of when they hear any mention of these cards. For many people, especially if they have been to this amazing city, the first thing they think of is voodoo. The city that never sleeps, New Orleans is not only known for its copious amounts of liquor but also its unique shops and stands that showcase some type of voodoo. Mostly, these places are there to bring in money from excited, gullible tourists, but at any point in history, were these cards actually used in voodoo?

There are many mysteries within these cards and what people use them for. Is there more to them than just entertainment at Halloween parties? If they are used for more than just entertainment, how do you ask the deck questions, and more importantly, how do the cards answer?

In the movies you always see people asking the gypsy a question and she places the cards in front of her and reads them. Is that how it works in real life? Or are there other ways to reveal answers from the deck?

If you’re interested in using tarot cards, does it matter what type of deck you buy? Or can you just pick one that speaks to you? A lot of people think you have to be psychic to read tarot cards but that isn’t the case. Anyone can use tarot cards for themselves and can perform readings for others. This book will teach you not only how to read tarot but also how to tap into your intuition which resides within all of us.

In the later chapters, we will also offer insight for beginners on how to perform readings, the different types of spreads, and in-depth detail on all the cards in the deck. For example, did you know that there are family cards within a tarot deck just like any other deck of cards? Instead of diamonds, spades, hearts, and clovers, the tarot families are separated into wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. Sounds a little medieval, doesn’t it?

Have you ever looked at tarot cards and wondered if the pictures held any symbolism? Or if they were there purely for entertainment? This book will go into heavy detail about the Mysteries within each tarot family that lies within The Minor Arcana, and the powerful cards that belong to The Major Arcana. Before we dive into the magical realm it’s important to first learn where these cards came from.

In chapter one we will not only discuss where tarot was first practiced but also what religious and or spiritual purposes it was used for. Did people ever use this deck for playing cards? Or was it strictly used to help people find answers to their many life questions? Are the cards still used today for similar purposes? Many people believe that you have to be special or gifted in some way to read tarot, but that’s not the case. This book is filled with history, knowledge, and tips regarding tarot and how anyone can enjoy adding it to their lives.

Before we dive into this book, it is highly recommended that you get yourself a tarot deck. Learning about these cards is a lot more beneficial if you have your own set to refer to while we learn in each chapter. As you may notice, if you look up a tarot deck online to purchase, there are thousands of options. Don’t get overwhelmed! Simply choose one with artwork that you find beautiful and that relates to you the most. Always read the reviews before purchasing to ensure the quality of the deck. Take your time when deciding on which deck you prefer, and make sure it is a unique representation of yourself. Choose the deck as you would choose a new piece of art to hang in your bedroom.  Now, without further ado, let’s begin!