Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What IS the Tarot? . . . Part 2



Yet it wasn't until the late 1700s that Tarot cards became strongly connected to fortune telling, psychic powers, or the occult. The writings of Antoine Court de Gebelin in 1781 were hugely influential on the public image of the Tarot deck. An amateur scholar, Gebelin suggested that the pictures on the Tarot deck were related to occult Egyptian hieroglyphics. As mentioned before though, this was pure romantic history being written.

                Tarot divination really gained popularity during the 19th century, spurred on by a growing interest in psychic spiritualism. Everyone was holding séances, Houdini was busy debunking the Mediums, and ghosts and fairies were everywhere. People became very interested in the Tarot, Runes, Pendulums, Ouija Boards, and everything related to metaphysics.

This is about the time that the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck was produced (created in 1909 to be exact). If you are vaguely aware of this deck, you will notice that I called it “Rider-Waite=Smith” instead of simply “Rider-Waite” as it is commonly known. The reason for this is that Pamela Smith is the lady who produced the artwork for this deck, but because of the culture of the times, only the man involved in the project, A.E. Waite, and the publisher, the Rider Card Company, were credited in the name of the deck. This is now often considered the "standard" deck in the English world. It is certainly the one that most people are familiar with, and can be purchased at any major book store or metaphysical shop, or even on Amazon!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Denver Tarot - What IS the Tarot? Part 1



The Tarot's origins are perhaps as misunderstood as the mystical symbols on the cards themselves. One of the earliest decks of Tarot cards to be documented was a hand-painted set created around 1440 for the Duke of Milan. However, these cards were not used for intuitive or ‘reading’ purposes as the Tarot cards of today are. They were used for a card game similar to bridge, and as a muse to inspire and create entertaining poetry. 

Lots of people through the ages have promoted the images and text on some of the early decks as having really ancient origins or gypsy ancestry. We have all seen the movies about the early gypsies traveling around in their wagons reading peoples fortunes with Tarot cards, and several ‘scholars’ even claimed to have ‘proven’ that the Tarot was developed by the priests in ancient Egypt!  While these tall tales are all very nice, and some are even convincing, they are all romanticized versions of how the cards came to be in the form that we now know them. Most serious sources agree that the roots of these symbolic cards can be traced to traditional playing type cards, developed for traditional card games popular at the time.

The Tarot deck itself is actually made up of two decks, which are called Arcana’s. The “Minor” Arcana has fifty six cards that fall into four suits, and is likely the predecessor of the modern deck of cards that we are familiar with. These cards are numbered one through ten, and the reason that it has fifty six cards instead of fifty two is that each set of court cards has the usual Knight (Jack), King, and Queen, plus an additional card called the ‘Page’, who is the messenger to the court. This deck was used to play games that would be recognizable even today. The ‘Major’ Arcana is a deck of twenty two cards numbered zero through twenty one that carry images such as ‘The Fool’, ‘The Magician’, ‘The Lovers’, etc. This deck was created later and added into the larger deck to be used as trump cards in games that require that.

Now you may ask, if this was a deck of cards used for playing games, when did it turn into a deck of cards used for divination? I will explain that, but be warned, there are a few references coming up to writings and people with very long and possibly funny names, but we’ll get through it quickly!

Divination using playing cards is documented as early as 1540 in a book entitled “The Oracles of Francesco Marcolino da Forli”. Manuscripts from 1735 (The Square of Sevens) and 1750 (Pratesi Cartomancer) document simple divinatory meanings for the cards, as well as a system for laying out the cards. Giacomo Casanova wrote in his diary in 1765 that his Russian mistress frequently used a deck of playing cards for divination; but that tale has far more interest to it than what applies to just the cards!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

"Intoduction to the Tarot" class is now forming!




Intuitive Reading Parlor & Paranormal Events Co.
Serving Denver, Longmont & Boulder, CO


Beginning Tarot Introduction Class now forming!

 "Beginning Tarot Introduction" - Saturday Nov. 3rd 10 A.M. to NOON! 

Mr. Perez and Mr. MacKenzie lead the group through the beginning areas of the Tarot. This includes history, usage, and an introduction to both the cards and a complete system on how to begin using them. There is plenty of one on one time and practice sessions. Everyone receives a course book and study material. Either bring your own favorite deck or one can be purchased or borrowed for the class. This is a fun and educational 2 hour class at only $35 per person and is limited to eight students so that everyone receives the individual attention they deserve. Use the link below to sign up! Arcanus will contact you to confirm!

http://www.arcanusmagickus.com/Classes.html 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Photos From Arcanus - Longmont

Here are some great photos from inside the Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor:

Denver Tarot! Longmont Tarot! Boulder Tarot!

1430 Nelson Road Longmont CO 80501

www.arcanusmagickus.com

David MacKenzie (720) 253-0950

Dennis Perez (303) 803-3219

Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor - Denver Tarot
David MacKenzie's Reading Room
Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor - Denver Tarot
David MacKenzie
Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor - Denver Tarot
David MacKenzie & Dennis Perez
Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor - Denver Tarot
Dennis Perez Reading Room





Monday, August 20, 2012

Announcing the opening of the Arcanus Intuitive Reading Parlor & Events Co in Longmont CO!

The parlor is ready and we are currently taking appointments! If you are in the area please set up a time to come by! Serving Denver, Longmont, Boulder.

Readings are $50 per 30 minutes for Tarot, Runes, and more.

By appointment only. Cash, Check, or Charge.

Presenting Tarot Master David MacKenzie (720) 253-9050
And Tarot consultant Dennis Perez (303) 803-3210

Here's the website for all the info:

http://www.arcanusmagickus.com/

Enjoy!

Everyone has such a great time at the fairs, but I get lots of questions about the services I provide outside of the fairs and what the pricing structure is.

So for your pleasure, here is the menu:



 This is a nice 3 card reading done via email. You provide your birth date and one question that you may have, and receive a nice detailed reading within 48 hours.


This is a 30 minute session over the phone. This is a fairly full reading where we can answer questions and go into a good bit of detail. Phone readings are booked about a week ahead of time. Paid in advance.


Private sessions are where we can meet face to face and go into the best detail. These sessions are $50 per half hour (up to 90 minutes) at the Arcanus Intuitive Tarot Reading Parlor in Longmont. I can also travel to your location (minimum 60 minute reading) in the Boulder / Longmont area, or further with a travel allowance. Usually booked about two weeks ahead of time. $25 Deposit required for office visit.


Invite 6 - 10 of your best friends over. We will do an introduction to the Tarot for the group, and keep the focus of the evening on metaphysical discussions - or it can just be cocktail hour! Everyone will receive a nice 10 minute reading! The fee is only $25 per person for 6 to 10 friends, and the hostess/host gets a FREE reading! Three weeks advance booking. Note: This is a specific themed party. If you are holding a Birthday party, etc, please see the next item . . .


Birthday parties, Bachelorette parties, Halloween parties, you name it! Although I am a serious private reader, I understand the needs and atmosphere of a party or event, and the emphasis is always on ensuring that your guests are amazed and entertained! Make your next event something your guests will remember for a very long time! Standard event fee is $150/hr. Two hour minimum booking for events/parties. Travel allotment applies dependent upon location. Minimum 3 weeks advance booking. Deposit required.

DETAILS! 

To get all the details and find out how to book a service, just visit my website www.privatetarot.com! Always try to book as early as possible, as my calendar for private readings and events stays pretty full! I very much look forward to seeing you in the future!