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The earliest
known "book" of Tarot cards still in existence are those from 1840-42, of
which seventeen remain. The first entire deck still in existence was painted
by the Italian Bonifacio Bembo for the Duke of Milan.
Many theories
exist about the origins of the Tarot. During different periods of history,
occult (the word means "hidden") studies were either freely available to all
or deeply secret, depending upon the prevailing authorities of the culture's
attitude toward occult knowledge.
One theory is that in the great library of Alexandria in Egypt, whose female
librarian Hypatia was world-renowned for her wisdom and learning, there
existed scrolls (which was how books were made in those days) containing all
of the wisdom of the ancient world.
One of these
"books" was supposedly based on the legendary Book of Thoth, derived
from the mystery schools of Egypt. The allegorical illustrations on the
Tarot cards are said to contain these secret teachings, which in the Major
Arcana represent a course in personal development. The esoteric teachings
were hidden in the seemingly innocent pictures.
Gypsies are
said to have carried the cards to Europe and "gypsy" is considered a corrupt
form of "Egyptian." Considered by the Church to be "the devil's picture
book", the cards were quickly condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical.
Just to possess them was a dangerous act.
1.Techniques to access or manipulate unseen forces/energy:
Sorcery/magic: Calling on spirits for power; practicing techniques or doing
rituals to gain unseen power and/or to manipulate energy in order to bring
about a desired result. Occultists generally consider these powers to be
natural forces in the universe, not supernatural. The concept is that it is
one’s belief, vision and/or spiritual status which enables one to access &
use these forces.
Divination: Using an esoteric tool or method to access information about the
past, present & future, and/or reading hidden meanings into symbols or
pictures such as tarot cards; crystal balls, skulls; astrology; psychic techniques;
numerology; tea leaf reading; automatic writing; reading the symbols of
Runes or the I Ching; looking for omens.
Spirits: Attempting to contact spirit beings such as angels, demons, the
dead, ascended masters, or others thought to be in a non-physical form.
Tools and techniques include the Ouija Board, channeling, meditation,
visualization, drugs or automatic writing. Some words used in the Old
Testament to describe occult practices translate as “having a familiar
spirit.”
2. A self-induced hypnosis or trance state: Considered desirable or
necessary for many occult practices. This trance state, also called an
altered state of consciousness, is often achieved through meditation, drugs,
chanting, yoga body positions, breathing techniques, repetitive motions or
words, or focus on a divination tool.
3. There is a close connection between drugs (especially hallucinogens
such as LSD) and the occult. Drugs can bring about an altered state
of consciousness or hypnotic trance which is
desired in many occult practices as a way to enhance vision and paranormal
ability or as a way to contact spirits. This state is perceived as a higher
spiritual awareness than normal daily awareness.
4. Sex magic, the use of sexual acts to attain or access power is found
in teachings such as Tantra, an Eastern practice taught as a spiritual and
occult technique. These techniques can easily devolve into sexual perversion
& the proliferation of pornographic images. Pornography is often found in
conjunction with the occult because it misuses and degrades the human body
designed by God.
5. Witchcraft/Wicca & Neopaganism: Neopaganism or paganism is an umbrella
term for a variety of contemporary belief systems, including witchcraft &
Wicca, that revere nature and which practice goddess worship and/or
polytheism. Nature is viewed as sacred and the earth is an organism. All
living things and people are linked by one unseen life force, sometimes
interpreted to be the goddess. Rituals are performed to harmonize one’s self
with nature by observing seasonal changes and moon phases, and occult
practices such as divination and casting spells are common. There is no
belief in sin or Satan, and the goddess is sometimes considered symbolic.
The experiential, subjective aspect has a very strong appeal. The “moral
code” of witchcraft/Wicca is: “If it harms none, do what you
will,” (Scott Cunningham, The Truth About Witchcraft,
[Llewellyn, 1994], p. 46; Teresa Moorey, Witchcraft, A Beginner’s Guide,
[Hodder & Stoughton,1996], p. 6). Neopagan religions are sometimes called
earth religions. There are many variations in practices among the followers
of these beliefs, and the structure varies from very loose to a more
traditional hierarchy of leaders teaching & initiating novices. Beliefs
might incorporate Eastern religions, Native American beliefs, or Celtic
paganism. Beliefs and practices tend to be fluid. Some followers are lone
practitioners, not affiliated with any group.
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