Tarot (disambiguation) facts for kids
The tarot refers to a special set of playing cards that people have used since the mid-1400s. Originally, these cards were for playing fun card games. Later, people also started using them for divination, which means trying to understand the future or gain insights using the cards.
Tarot can also mean other things, like:
- Tarot card reading: This is a way of telling fortunes or getting advice using Tarot cards.
- Tarot card games: These are games played with a special deck of Tarot cards, sometimes called Tarock decks.
- French Tarot: A popular card game where players try to win "tricks" (groups of cards).
What Are Tarot Cards?
Tarot cards are a deck of cards that look a bit like regular playing cards but have more cards and different pictures. A standard Tarot deck usually has 78 cards. These cards are divided into two main groups:
- The Major Arcana: This group has 22 cards, each with a unique picture and name, like "The Fool," "The Magician," or "The Star." These cards often represent big life events, lessons, or important ideas.
- The Minor Arcana: This group has 56 cards, similar to a regular deck of playing cards. They are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each suit has cards numbered from Ace to Ten, plus four "court cards": Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These cards often represent everyday events, feelings, and challenges.
How Are Tarot Cards Used?
Tarot cards are used in two main ways:
Playing Games
For hundreds of years, people have played various card games with Tarot decks. These games are popular in many parts of Europe, especially in countries like France, Italy, and Austria. They are often trick-taking games, where players try to win certain cards or combinations of cards. The rules can be quite complex and fun!
Tarot Card Reading
Another popular use for Tarot cards is for readings. This is a practice where a person, often called a "reader," lays out the cards in a specific pattern, called a "spread." Each card's picture and its position in the spread are then interpreted to offer insights or advice. People use Tarot readings for many reasons, such as:
- To think about their problems or choices.
- To get new ideas or perspectives.
- To understand themselves better.
- To explore possible outcomes of different actions.
It's important to remember that Tarot readings are not about predicting a fixed future. Instead, they are seen as a tool for self-reflection and guidance.
Tarot in Pop Culture
The idea of Tarot cards has also inspired many stories, songs, and movies.
Comics and Books
- Tarot (comics): A character who appears in Marvel Comics stories.
- Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose: An American comic book series.
- The Tarot Café: A series of manhwa (Korean comics) by Sang-Sun Park.
- Tarot series: A group of three novels written by Piers Anthony.
Music
- Tarot (album): An album by the heavy metal band Dark Moor.
- Tarot (band): A heavy metal band from Finland.
- "Tarot": A song by Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez from their 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti.
Film and Television
- Tarot: A main character in the old television series Ace of Wands.
- Tarot (1973 film): A movie directed by José María Forqué.
- Tarot (1986 film): A German movie.
- Tarot (2009 film): Another film with this title.
See also
In Spanish: Tarot para niños
