tarocchi
Cartomancy
Cartomancy is the divinatory practice that uses playing cards or specific decks (tarot, Lenormand, Belline, Kipper, Spanish decks, oracle decks) to obtain symbolic answers to questions. It is one of the most widespread forms of divination in the world, with traditions varying from culture to culture.
Types of decks
Historical decks: tarot (78 cards: 22 major arcana + 56 minor), Marseille, Rider-Waite, Lenormand (36 cards), Kipper (36 cards). National decks: Spanish baraja (40-48 cards), poker (52 cards). Contemporary oracle decks: without fixed structure, each author can invent their own symbolic deck.
Status of the practice
In many European countries, professional cartomancy is subject to regulation (in Italy, for example, the law does not punish the practice but prohibits misleading advertising). Cartomancy practiced personally or recreationally is instead free. On Tarotsi it is offered as a symbolic tool for reflection, not as a certain predictive practice.
FAQ
Is it illegal?
No. In Italy it is a lawful practice; only misleading advertising or forms of abuse of popular credulity are illegal.
Is it effective?
As a tool of symbolic reflection, it can be very useful. As a certain prediction, it is not.
Can I learn it?
Yes, with constant practice. Cartomancy is a symbolic alphabet: it is learned like a language, with time and attention.