In modern times Tarot cards have become a popular tool that many people use to understand the deeper meaning of life. Here is a brief history of Tarot cards as outlined by Michelle Walter.

The Tarot has been understood as a "universal key" to help us to understand life. Perhaps, this is because the Tarot is a catalyst that brings secrets out into the open to be consciously talked about and understood. Every Tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.

"Arcana" meaning mysteries and hidden secrets comes from the word "Arcane". Tarot cards are not a modern invention and have developed their symbolism from ancient civilisations: the Egyptian Book of Thoth, Chinese and Indian philosophies and particularly the Jewish Kabbalah which has 22 symbols similar to the Major Arcana.

But nobody really knows the historical origins of the Tarot cards. What we do know is that the Tarot cards have evolved out of people's search for meaning in their lives, and that it embodies many shared truths. The first historically recorded use of Tarot was by King Charles VI, in Paris in 1393. This deck was called the Marseille Deck.

In comparison to recorded uses of Astrology, Rune Stones and the I Ching, which go back to ancient and even prehistoric times, the Tarot seems not to have a very long history. There is a widely held assumption though that Tarot cards were being used in secret prior to any recorded use, and for many years when they were actually banned from public use in a number of European countries.

Do not think of the Tarot cards as a list of meanings to be memorised and then regurgitated when learning to do a reading. No, Tarot cards have a symbolic life of their own which we can use as a medium for exploring our intuitions. We need to build a relationship with the cards, immerse ourselves into the symbolism and slowly let their meanings seep into our conscious and subconscious mind.

The most intelligent way to read the Tarot is to use your intuition. When you do this you are not trying to guess or remember the meanings out of a book. You are using the Tarot as a means to harnessing the power of your subconscious mind.

If you have a set of Tarot cards, try this simple intuition exercise, to begin the process of learning to read the Tarot cards ..

Go through your Tarot deck and separate the Major arcana from the Minor arcana. Take the Tarot cards into your hands and breathe in and out three times relaxing down into a receptive state of consciousness.

* Focus now on the question you are wanting the Tarot to give you guidance.

* Shuffle the Tarot cards in a relaxed way. Put the Tarot deck face down and just once cut the cards. Put the bottom pile on the top and just turn one card.

* As you hold the Tarot card in your hand, quietly focus. Have a journal handy and write down your first impressions. Do this directly and without hesitation. Avoid analysing and filtering. No thinking about things. You could see a colour or a face. Some expression or insight about life could come into your mind. Don't at this stage be looking for some definite answer, first impression often don't operate that way.

*Try doing this every day for a week, and see what you discover for yourself!

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Michelle Walter is a gifted tarot card reader. Her vast experience in psychic work, coupled with her background in psychology. Michelle offers guidance and support, especially in very difficult emotional situations and heartbreaks. To find more by Michelle, and to find out how she can help you in your relationship.