Cartomancy: A Comprehensive Guide to a Deck of Cards

 The word "cartomancy" means fortune-telling done with a standard deck of playing cards. This form of divination was spread across 14th century Europe by the gypsies and can be traced back through the Middle East. The original cards may have been developed in tenth century China, but their true origins are hidden in history. Gypsy travelers and other early practitioners were known as cartomancers or card readers. They have given their readings to "seekers" all over the world. 

When people are playing Bridge, Spades or Poker, they may not understand that playing cards were the original tarot deck. Playing cards were called "Mamluk" in the Middle East. They have four suit designs that in a complex way relate back to Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. These symbols translate to Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts and Spades. There are some pictures of a hierarchy of Kings, Queens and Viceroys (Pages). In a deck of 52 cards, there are fewer images than in the tarot cards that evolved from them....<<<Read More>>>...