| Cartomancy is a method of divination that utilizes a | | | | can become heated when discussed. Though they |
| deck of cards. While the practice has been popular for | | | | may agree that various methods are forms of |
| hundreds of years, it has seen a recent surge in | | | | divination, many from the older schools of though |
| commercial popularity with the sale of Tarot cards on | | | | refuse to bestow the title of cartomancy on any |
| the popular market. They have become a party prop | | | | reading that does not involve a standard deck. In other |
| as much as a tool of divination. This is a fact that is | | | | words, they believe that cartomancy does not include |
| met with some consternation amongst true psychics | | | | Tarot readings. There are other types of oracle cards |
| who value the truth in their trade. They value the art in | | | | which they also feel do not meet the standards of true |
| their psychic gifts, and the idea of girls at a slumber | | | | cartomancy. |
| party playing at divination is frowned upon. | | | | The Tarot deck is much different than the regular |
| Initially, cartomancy was done with basic playing cards. | | | | decks of cards that you and I may be familiar with. For |
| In many places it still is done that way today. While the | | | | starters, it has more cards. They are also divided up |
| popularity and mysterious nature of Tarot cards have | | | | differently. The Tarot decks include 22 "major" cards |
| somewhat negated the practice of reading standard | | | | that do not have an equivalent in a standard deck. The |
| playing cards, the principles are much the same. | | | | remaining cards are somewhat similar to your |
| Though different cultures have all managed to create | | | | standard poker cards in that each suit represents |
| unique sets of playing cards, adaptations have been | | | | something significant. Clubs, diamonds, hearts, and |
| made which allow readings to be done using a variety | | | | spades each equate to one of the major elements |
| of decks. When it comes right down to it, cartomancy | | | | that make up the world. They are earth, air, fire and |
| can be done with the poker deck that you have in the | | | | water. |
| junk drawer. Tarot cards can be fun and enlightening, | | | | Of course, there are also the numbers on the cards |
| but you needn't feel like that is the only way to get a | | | | that carry meaning. This is particularly true with the |
| good reading or to get accurate guidance. | | | | face cards. What causes many problems, and likewise |
| There are many superstitions about the cards | | | | many to doubt its relevancy, is the dispute over the |
| themselves that are used for cartomancy. One of the | | | | meaning of cards in identical decks. It can be difficult to |
| most widely held beliefs is that the deck which is used | | | | engage people for an accurate reading if they are |
| for readings should never be used for anything else. | | | | aware of these differences. One possible answer is |
| The act of playing with the cards can ruin the fine | | | | that the cards play themselves out in accordance the |
| edge of their accuracy. Some purists even say that no | | | | way the interpreter will draw them. Could it be the |
| one except the owner of the cards should ever lay a | | | | cards will be played in the right way, no matter how |
| finger on them. They must protect from the aura of | | | | you interpret them. Many cartomancers believe that |
| other people so that the connection between the | | | | this is the case, and thus the reason why disputes |
| cards and the medium is undisturbed and clear. | | | | over interpretation aren't a big deal to them. |
| The argument over what is and is not cartomancy | | | | |