For a Research Paper on Taro

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sorceress_Jade	19 Apr 2002
I have been assigned a research paper in my college English class. Loving to push the envelope, as I do, I’ve chosen to do it on Tarot and the history of Tarot. I already have an /Excellent/ book (Encyclopedia of Tarot) but I need at least 5 quotable resources. Now more than just wanted good quotes from people, I would really love any ideas all of you have on what should be included in this essay. I intend to put in Tarot’s origins to the best of my ability, but more so it’s uses. I’m thinking of pointing out the different schools of thought on reading, but I know only of two… At any rate, I’d like to know what you think about my plan so far, and any suggestions or helpful information. Thanx! -Jade-

Andryh	19 Apr 2002
Well, I can't give you a specific source, but the famed psychologist Carl Jung made some interesting commentary on the tarot...Not so much regarding its history, but its archytipal meaning. Also, mythology expert Joseph Campbell (Jung's protegee no less) also has correlated mythology and the symbolism in the tarot. I read this years ago in a book of his, but can't remember the title. Wish I could be more specific. Also, you may wish to mention that the T. S. Elliots poem 'The Wasteland' mentions tarot cards. Also William Butler Yeats was an occultist, member of the Golden Dawn, and an ardent student of the tarot. These little tidbits may add a sense of legitimacy to your paper. Especially if your instructor is the type to find tarot a less than serious subject. Rachel Pollack has a wonderful book entitled '78 Degrees of Wisdom', which is an excellent, and profound commentary of the deeper meaning of the cards. I'm currently reading a wonderful book entitled, 'Tarot and the Journey of the Hero' which relates the major arcana to the hero myth, which is a myth ubiquitous through all cultures. Hope this helps! Good luck on your paper.

MystiqueMoonlight	19 Apr 2002
Dare I say it? For a different aspect to the Tarot and how it relates to other cultures, spiritual paths, Hermeticism, Qabala etc you may want to explore some of the works from Alester Crowley, Dion Fortune, Isreal Regardie and Gareth Knight. This will provide you with a wealth of information about the Tarot as a system rather than just a divination tool. I can't add anything here about Rider-Waite because i am unfamiliar with his tarot system. Good luck!

Kiama	20 Apr 2002
It might be good if you write about all the different theories of the origins of Tarot. There are about 3 or 4 that are highly espousped, but they are only theories.. Noine of them ave been provenyet, although some stand up more than others. There's the Italian theory, the Egyptian theory, the Gypsy theory, and the Indian theory. There are many different theories about how the Tarot works. There's a thread around here about it.... Somewhere. Kiama

kayne	20 Apr 2002
Sorceress Jade: You might want to check out the thread What do you use tarot for? There are so many varied responses from people here! Might be useful...

Sorceress_Jade	20 Apr 2002
Thanx, I appreciate all the great responses. They're all very helpful. I've been having trouble pinning down what exactly to include and those ideas give me somewhere to really start. keep em coming ;) -Jade-

cjtarot	20 Apr 2002
Sorceress_Jade your paper sounds verrrry interesting. would you ever consider putting on the net for the rest of us to read. I wish you luck. Tarot study can be complicated or verry simple depending on your outlook and ultimate reason for learning. The book that put it in simple terms for me..history,cards..so on was "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot" by Rachel Pollack. I got it on line at either bn.com or amazon.com (bn.com has buy 2 books get free shipping). PS bn - barnse and noble Good luck. cj

Sorceress_Jade	28 Apr 2002
Ugh, I swear I tried to change the typo on the original subject line but it didn't change in the outer thread :( at any rate... ok, I actually have a good start on that essay finally. Needs a LOT of work, but I have plenty to work with (i think) this is my closing line. It's missing the ooomph in the end part i think, any ideas? 'Out of the darkness of the past, into the light of the present, across the lines of religion and race, into the hands of children and elders, Tarot is used the world over and evolves along with us.' ideas? critisism? When I'm happy with the essay, i'll send y'all a link, but as it is, its mostly a bunch of bs for anyone who has never heard anything but the word Tarot really. :S

The For a Research Paper on Taro thread was originally posted on 19 Apr 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.