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The origin of the Tarot is unknown. Being open to speculation it is easy for people to glamorise its origins and in so doing they have to some extent, compromised the authenticity of the cards.
In attempts to seek out the origins much of the focus is taken away from the fact that this deck of seventy eight images has been subjected to the religious and political mores of the times. As the earliest decks discovered thus far date back to the fourteenth century the imagery reflects the political climate and attitudes of that era. Therefore we observe the influences of traditional religion, morals and royal hierarchy depicted upon these early images.
When we take a look at the modern depictions of the cards we observe contemporary ideas imposed upon the old images. This leads me to conclude that the Tarot, by merit of its ability to adapt to social changes, has survived, not through dogma but through its capacity to blend into the mind of the observer by presenting images that resonate, stimulating response through association.
However much we adapt and modernise it is important to remain loyal to the foundation of knowledge and origin. Many Tarot authors and artists choose to neglect or ignore significant symbology essential to the preservation of knowledge depicted within the Tarot. So, although the Tarot may evolve and change, the basic symbols need to be constant in order to preserve the authenticity and to pass it forward uncorrupted by personal whims or fantasies.
When a symbol drops out of an image our understanding of this image becomes flawed by omission. Some artists replace an image with a new one that may relate to the original but in a different way. For example the image of the Pope has been peeled back to reveal an earlier spiritual bridge builder – The Hierophant. The Popess similarly has been pulled back to reveal the High Priestess whose pagan status was similar to that of the nun – that of protecting and preserving traditional doctrine.
In the pursuit of understanding the Tarot the study of History, Mythology, Psychology, Religion, Symbolism, Society, Culture, Politics, Art, Occult, Science, Alchemy, Astrology and Spirituality can be fascinating and all- consuming.
For me the Tarot cards represent doors of enquiry that open into chamber upon chamber of research and discovery. In this way the Tarot is very clever in its ability to inspire and impassion the aspirant to delve into unknown or forgotten realms and arise with new awareness.
STUDY
Study puts the idle mind to work, broadening one’s outlook, educating and honing a disciplined mind, providing food for thought, stimulating and provoking one’s curiosity in diverse ways. Study of different trains of thought, cultures and philosophies promote relationship by broadening one’s horizon presenting new ideas that influence one’s attitude toward present day lifestyles and culture.
Independent study born of a desire to learn can be more constructive than formal study as it appeals to the power of attraction and curiosity. One can experience the joy of study as a mysterious and magical adventure, layered with discovery after discovery. It does not take long to get into the thick of it wherein the job of sorting, categorising, correlating and cross- referencing can become an all-consuming passion as we seek out the truth for ourselves.
Suddenly notebooks, reference pads, art diaries, images and the like take on a life of their own as we become researchers and possessors of an ever expanding library of books. Not only do we develop interests but we become more interesting as a result.
There are many books on the Tarot, some of which can be misleading. In this climate of ‘new age’ philosophy many authors base their ideas on assumption. Such foundations lack support and can be ambiguous. Books used as tools to aid in research can be more helpful. A research library may not even require more than a couple of Tarot books. Factual tomes, biographies and the like will always prove most useful.
Also novels – there is nothing quite like a good story penned by the bold, the romantic, the creative, the imaginative, the clever, embittered, enamoured, funny, love-struck, hate-filled, sorrowful, ecstatic, philosophical, erotic, political, devoted, mad, murderous, humorous, perverse, martyred, bigoted, fanatical, sexy, dispossessed, the deluded; the tragic, mysteriously inspired - fellow human being. The human condition uncensored - willing to divulge all. Voyeurism takes on new meaning.
Looking for and acquiring books is so much fun. The satisfaction one experiences when a good book is found can be profound. I do not suggest that Tarot books should be avoided altogether, rather enhanced and backed up by other schools of thought, history and facts. After all you do not want to be brain-washed at the expense of learning. A quote by the poet Aleister Crowley, who himself was an avid researcher, sums up succinctly the spirit of the Quest when he penned this quote – ‘How Splendid Is The Adventure!’
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