Cartomancy is a form of fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards. The practice was observed as early as the 14th century, when playing cards came into use in Europe. Some practioners (readers) claim that the origins of cartomancy date back to the ancient Egyptians, where the art was derived from the wisdom given by the scribe god, Thoth.

The most popular form of card readings during the 18th through the 20th centuries involved a standard deck of cards. Although they are still used for cartomancy, other decks have been designed specifically for use for divination, best known as tarot cards.

Tarot decks differ from the standard decks in that they contain more cards. A tarot deck consists of 22 Major Arcana (hidden things) and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Both decks are popular with cartomancy practitioners today.

Playing Cards and Their Meanings

Aeclectic Tarot