As we are uncertain of the actual origin of Tarot or the reasons behind the first pack of Tarot cards created, we have only the symbols on the cards to investigate. Historians state that Tarot began in Italy during the first half of the 15th Century. This explains the Italian influence seen on many of the depictions on the Tarot deck. It would appear that they were created simply for gaming purposes, although this is pure speculation, as we can't categorically prove for what purposes these cards were invented. It is believed however, that the Tarot deck has been used since those early days for fortune telling and the like.
Unfortunately, there is no recorded history behind the creation or early use of Tarot. One of the most popular rumours is that the Gypsies introduced the Tarot to Europe, and this in turn has led to further legends connecting the Tarot with Gypsies!

Anyway, let us stick to what we know!
The Tarot deck consists of 78 cards. Twenty-two of these cards form the "Major Arcana", whilst the other 56 cards form the "Minor Arcana."

The cards of the Major Arcana do not belong to any suit, and can be considered to be "extra" cards, each being numbered, except for the card with the title, "The Fool."

The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles) of fourteen cards per suit. The fourteen cards in each suit comprise of numbered cards (from ace to ten, as in a standard deck of playing cards) and four court cards - Page, Knight, Queen and King

The usual method of "Tarot Card Reading" consists of shuffling, cutting and selecting cards, arranging them in a spread, and by interpreting the symbols and pictures of the cards in relation to their positioning, with relevance to a specific question or general current situations.

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