Deborah Durbin - The Real Gypsy Guide to Fortune Telling

First published by Soul Rocks Books, 2015

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Text copyright: Deborah Durbin 2014

ISBN: 978 1 78279 452 3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014959935

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We all want answers to questions

Although there is no specific date as to when fortune telling and divination first came about, historical evidence has shown that many different forms of fortune telling were practised in China, Egypt and Babylonia around 4000 BC. Were talking a long time ago here. A time when there was no Sky TV, iPads, cell phones or even electricity to power these things, so the only form of entertainment came from the telling of stories and predicting whether or not you would get eaten by a Tyrannosaurus Rex that week.

Throughout history, every human culture has had a need to question life, and all cultures across the world have developed their own way of answering these questions. There are literally hundreds of fortune-telling techniques that have been developed over the years, from astrology to tarot reading: the ancient Greeks would use astrology to predict future heroes. Medieval kings would call upon wizards to decide who they should marry and Romany gypsies have read peoples fortune for years as a way of earning an income. Millions of people today, just like you, turn to fortune telling to help them with questions or problems they might have.

OK, so today its more likely to be questions about whether you should take that job offer or whether the guy youre interested in will be at the party youre going to this weekend, but the basic principles are the same: we all want answers to questions.

This book will take the mystery out of fortune telling and give you an insight into how to use different divination/fortune-telling techniques, in a simple and safe way. This book covers everything from being able to give accurate Tarot card readings, to informing your friends of who to kiss, marry or avoid by using the art of numerology.

This book is designed for anyone interested in learning about fortune telling to do so safely. Regardless of age, there is something for everyone here and you may find that youre drawn to just one or two subjects, or want to try all of them. Thanks to the good ole film industry many think that anything to do with fortune telling is evil or to be wary of. That is just not true. I can assure you that there is nothing relating to black magic, devil worshipping, Ouija boards, or any hocus pocus within this book. All the fortune-telling techniques covered here derive from traditional Romany folklore, historical culture or are scientific based.

The great thing about being able to read fortunes is that whatever the problem, you will usually find a solution yourself. Fortune telling applies as much today as it did in the past. Wonder if that guy at work ignored you because deep down he really does like you and is just very, very shy? Wonder why your friend has unfriended you on Facebook? Worried about your exams, starting a new job, or whether or not you should go to that party where you know your ex is going to be? Whatever the question, youll soon be able to answer it.

Claims have been made for years that Tarot cards originated in China, India, and Egypt, but their true origin remains unknown. Traditional Tarot cards as we see in most films first appeared in Italy and France in the late 14th century. It is thought that Tarot cards were originally used for playing card games, but studies have shown that Romany gypsies have used them for the purpose of telling peoples fortunes for years.

Today there are many different variations of the Tarot deck, from animals to astrology. Regardless of the design and packaging, all Tarot cards will follow the same principles. They all have a total of 78 cards 22 Major cards (also known as the Major Arcana) and 56 Minor cards (also known as the Minor Arcana). The Major cards are the ones of most importance when doing a reading. They are the ones that you should take notice of because they signal big things happening in your life.

The Minor cards are also known as suit cards. Like a regular pack of playing cards, the Minor cards have four suits: Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. Each suit has ten numbered cards, plus four court cards (king, queen, page and knight), and represent the more minor or practical day-to-day things and emotions going on in your life.

Have a read through the following information on Tarot cards and see if you can remember what each one means by looking at the key notes that I have included. If you can get hold of a pack of Tarot cards to study, even better. If you cant, you can make your own, which I will show you how to do at the end of this section.

Were going to look at the 22 Major cards first

THE MAJOR ARCANA

The Major Arcana are not associated with the suit cards (Minor cards). They are answers in their own right and although you will often get Minor cards within a reading, they support any Major cards that you draw.

All Major cards are picture cards, which often give you a clue as to their meaning. They are numbered from zero through to 21 and represent important and big things happening in your life. Listed below are the 22 Major Arcana cards from a traditional Tarot deck and what they mean.

THE FOOL

The Fool card is the first card in the Major Arcana and is often illustrated as a jester who is about to step off a cliff. This doesnt mean you should too, nor does it mean that you should avoid walking near cliff edges, although it does make sense not to. In medieval times, the fool or jester was someone who was a bit of a rule breaker, someone who stood out from the crowd.

You are being reminded that its OK to be unique in fact uniqueness is a very good thing. You will be full of ideas and this card tells you to take chances, be brave and be spontaneous. If that guy still hasnt asked you out, why not make the first move? It might not be the kind of thing you would normally do, but what have you got to lose?

The Fool also tells you to believe in yourself and your abilities. It pays to remember that the majority of other people all have hang ups too. They may have six billion Facebook friends or millions of Twitter followers, but deep down they have insecurities just like you. The Fool is telling you that by making a stand and taking chances, you will be the one to reap the rewards.

Key Notes:

New beginnings. Starting something new. Going on a journey. Be impulsive. Have faith. Stand out from the crowd. Follow your dreams.