Pronunciation: [tˈaɹɒt kˈɑːd] (IPA) 
The word "tarot card" is often misspelled as "tarrot" or "tarrot card." This may be due to confusion around the pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the correct pronunciation is /ˈtæroʊ kɑːrd/ or "TA-roh kard." The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a short "a" sound, followed by a slightly elongated "o" sound in the second syllable. The final syllable has a long "a" sound and is pronounced as "card," not "kar."
A tarot card is a rectangular card typically measuring about 2.75 by 4.75 inches, adorned with intricate illustrations and symbols. It is an essential component of a tarot deck, which consists of 78 cards divided into two groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards depict powerful archetypal figures, such as The Magician, The High Priestess, The Fool, and The Devil, each representing universal experiences and life lessons. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, comprises four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each with ten numbered cards and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
Tarot cards are primarily used for divination and gaining insight into one's past, present, and future. During a tarot reading, the querent (the person seeking guidance) shuffles the deck while focusing on their thoughts or questions. The reader then draws a set number of cards from the shuffled deck, strategically placing them in predetermined positions to form a spread. The interpretation of the cards within the spread, based on their imagery, symbolism, and the reader's intuition, aims to provide guidance, clarity, and understanding to the querent.
However, tarot cards are not solely limited to divination. They can also be appreciated as a form of art, spiritual exploration, personal reflection, and even used as a tool for meditation. Tarot cards have a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, originating from various cultural influences including Italian, French, and Egyptian symbolism. Due to their intrigue, versatility, and mysticism, tarot cards continue to capture the fascination of individuals seeking wisdom, self-discovery, or connection to something greater.
The etymology of the word tarot is somewhat uncertain and debated among scholars. It is believed to have originated from the Italian word tarocchi, which was used to refer to playing cards in the 15th century.
Some scholars argue that the word tarocchi itself may have been derived from the Arabic word turuq, meaning ways or paths, which could refer to the various paths or themes depicted on the cards. Others suggest that the word has roots in the Italian word tarocco, which means to play foolishly.
The term tarot card specifically refers to the deck of cards used for divination purposes and has been in use since the 18th century. The origin of the word card can be traced back to the Latin word charta, meaning paper or leaf of paper.
