At the Whimsey of Fortune and Fate: The Art of Tarot

Some people will see a sign that says “Tarot Readings” and immediately scoff at the idea of sitting down, having someone shuffle cards in front of them, and reading the cards. The interpretation alone may feel ridiculous and like it’s one big scam. While there is the possibility of that being true and there are definitely people out there who truly just scam people out of their money, I am here to tell you that the art of tarot is alive, and wondrous. A little history:

The “game” of tarot originated in the 15th century, yet the practice of divination and readings with the tarot cards started in France, 1780. The deck holds 78 cards; 22 Major Arcanas and 56 Minor Arcanas split into four categories: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles. Each category holds their own meaning, too. 

Wands for energy, growth, animation

Cups for the subconscious mind, love, and happiness

Swords for aggression, strife, boldness, and courage

Pentacles for money and trade 

Of course, some people have their favorite cards such as The Empress, The Lovers, and The Wheel of Fortune. My personal favorites are The Star, The Tower, the 7 of Wands, and Strength. They all have their own meaning but when you put them together in a spread? Then the real story comes out. 

I could get into the weeds of reading and what every card means but I won’t do that here. Tarot is a form of answers, warnings, and your spiritual guides finally getting a chance to tell you to knock it off or yes, good god, do that thing you wanted to do. Not every reading is clear, lord knows that I have had some muddy ones. But it’s all in how you intend to read the cards. Personally, I have been learning to read cards for about 8 years now and while it’s fun and lovely to learn something like this, it’s still all very serious. One of the most important things to know is that the cards are not set in stone. What they tell you is not a hard future or event, you can still change it as what you are reading is a journey, yours. These are just possible paths you could take. Your intention goes a long way here. YAnd your guides will take it from there.

My personal beliefs and interest in this art form stems from my family and the culture we come from. Tarot’s history is heavily tied to religion and was slowly passed down to traveling Romani peoples. Eventually, in the 19th century, it made its way down to Louisiana. 

One of the most prominent figures in New Orleans history, Marie Laveau, was believed to have used tarot card readings as part of her hoodoo practices for her clients and customers. Marie was born a free woman of color in New Orleans, and a hairdresser that worked with many wealthy people who asked for her advice and help with matters. Then dubbed the Queen of Voodoo, she began performing rituals, creating spiritual charms and protections, and carried the practice for decades.  

Marie passed in 1881, in her sleep, and her story is survived through a shop on Bourbon St, “Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo” that sells many spiritual items, voodoo dolls, and offers readings. Yes, I did pay for a reading while I was there. I was still learning myself and was hoping for some guidance, and what I received was a reading of my possible future I didn’t like. It was the only time I had ever felt duped by the cards.

All this to say, open your mind. For centuries this practice has been taking place and while it is still mysterious and not a widely taught form, it can be a means of focus, and path-finding. And, who are we to turn our nose up to Marie Laveau?