What is Tarot?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Nov 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	21 Nov 2003
For the December issue of the 2005 Tarot Conference Newsletter, we thought it would be a good idea to include a largish number of short views as to what Tarot is - instead of the usual two page article, story or interview. We are planning to extract many of these from various books, but thought it would also be wonderful to have other more 'spontaneous' views also included. So the question simply is: What is Tarot? I realise that this question has been asked a number of times, in various ways, before... If you give permission for your post to also be considered for inclusion in the Newsletter, please include a note to the effect... (the link connects to last month's Newsletter, by the way). [edited only to fix link]

jog1118	21 Nov 2003
tarot is a friend you can talk to; a friend who tells you not only the good things in life but also the bad... (permission granted) :smoker:

lunalafey	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is alot of things and it's different for everyone. Besides the obvious- 78 cards with pictures etc. Tarot is a tool & a teacher. Tools are used to fix and build things, the tarot help to fix and build our lives. Tarot teaches us about ourselves and life around us. Tarot gives advise and encouragement, and can warn us of dangers. Tarot can be a connection to the mystical plane like spirits & such. Some hear the voice of the Divine through tarot, for with out tarot, there would be no other way. {forgot to mention- permission granted}

Diana	21 Nov 2003
Tarot shows you the doors to Possibility, and gives you the golden keys to open them. (permission granted)

Umbrae	21 Nov 2003
The Tarot are keys. Keys that allow us passage through the doorway of the mind, and entry into the territory of the spirit – the province of the divine. (granted)

Majecot	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is my guide through the journey of life. My life long quest of soul/self discovery.

mercenary30	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is a focus, on what it is to be human. Tarot is a guide through our conscious allowing us to view the options and chose better paths. Tarot is an ancient gift from our ancestors, and even though we modernize it or view it in different fashions, the basic truth of the human reality is there to be learned from. (Permission granted)

sagitarian	21 Nov 2003
Tarot cards are only pieces of paper with images on it. Images that Tarot readers interperet and relate the symbols into meanings. Tarot readings can provide information about what is known and what is unknown. How it works no one truly knows. Some people believe that Tarot readings work due to spirit guides telling us what the meanings are, other people believe it to be a tool to contact the higher spiritual self (or soul), others who are skeptic believe it be too vague, therefore, any tarot reading would fit anyone. There is no difinitive answer as to what Tarot is, only that it is a tool used to tell someone their fate. I give my permission to use the information that I've stated above to be used.

ros	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is your life at the moment.

Cerulean	21 Nov 2003
For me, modern tarot provides a wonderful structure and expressive means where pictures can be used with symbols in an imaginative way. I find its evolution from beautiful historical minatures to different card games and then 'magical' allegories quite fascinating. There's even historical poems and literary figures associated with it. Permission granted--Mari H.

Moongold	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is a set of images in which, through grace, I see what truly is and what may be. Permission granted

skytwig	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is a living picture book that changes everytime we read it! :) permission granted

Mimers	21 Nov 2003
Tarot is a book without words whose story is rewritten each time we use it. It is a tool for self-growth and self-exploration. Tarot enhances our creativity, our intuition, and our self esteem, each time we use it. Permission granted.

jmd	22 Nov 2003
Thanks for all this wonderful input :) I have duplicated the posts which have given permission for usage. It really makes for wonderful reflection and reading. Thanks again ... I suppose I should attempt an answer at my own question - apart from various other attempts I may have made (Cf, for example, the wonderful thread started by firemaiden: Definition of Tarot in 25 words or less?, or a later one in the History and Iconography section, What is tarot?). Tarot is an iconographic-spiritual, soul-psychological and mathematical book permitting the Imaginative faculty divined insights. [i should also mention that further posts may not be included, as the draft of the newsletter should be completed by tomorrow - this shouldn't stop anyone from posting further reflections, of course :)]

Star Spirit	22 Nov 2003
Tarot is an endless museum of artwork provoking us to look deeper :)

Jewel-ry	23 Nov 2003
Tarot is a complete education! (pemission granted) Jewel-ry

perseph	23 Nov 2003
Tarot is a wise being with a divine intelligence and universal proportions. Its symbols are like beautiful multifaceted gems. The discovery and contemplation of each one may reflect parts of our being previously hidden or lying dormant. So too, our life and world may be reflected back to us in richly woven symbols for our deeper consideration or action.

ros	23 Nov 2003
Tarot is universal knowledge.

mzmystic	23 Nov 2003
I especially like Umbrae's definition. I've seen lots of good definitions here, but I believe it's an aid to tapping into the Universal Consciousness that we all have an ability for but that many are afraid to use. I'm so glad I overcame that fear. (granted)

jmd	24 Nov 2003
...just a brief note to let everyone know that I have run out of room... Please, continue this thread - the statements make for absolutely wonderful reflection - they just won't be able to be included in the Newsletter... And thankyou all for your contributions :):):)

The What is Tarot? thread was originally posted on 21 Nov 2003 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.