Tarot is one of those things I've seen everywhere but couldn't tell what they were or meant even if I tried. It wasn't until my mom went on about how my family on her side has always been fond of them. Which, I'm sure, partially explains my love of trading cards. xD
She is more familiar with the fortune-telling aspect, or divination, while I had nothing nothing but symbolism and vague pop-culture references to go on, meant I was pretty much going in blind. What I found shocked me.
The origins of Tarot began as nothing but simple playing cards that got lost in translation. Not completely, mind you, it became used for fortune-telling intentionally. However, its original purpose now only remains prominent in Europe, while the closest American equivalent to that would be the cards you see in Casinos.
When I told my mom that I wanted to get my own Tarot cards after learning this, she was naturally shocked and total disbelief at their true origins, yet quickly glossed that aside when she understood that I still wanted my own anyway. I don't know what I'll use them for, though. I just like to collect cards. Yet, these aren't technically trading cards. Usually, when I do suddenly predict something, I bet against myself, or, if I do feel marginally confident, I express caution in my wording while hoping for the best.
But! It turns out that the simplicity of the modern fortune-telling versions makes them rather versatile. Because you're simply meant to derive meaning from the cards based on the image and context, they can be used in a lot of creative ways. This actually makes them even more fun! Looking forward to getting them.
But the cards have one more ace up their sleeves.
Soul's Journey
EA released yet another fucking Sims expansion pack, titled "Life and Death." I've been a fan of the franchise since the original. But I was skeptical because this iteration of the game needs to be thrown in the fucking grave as well. Yet, seemingly by coincidence, as if the stars have aligned, the cosmos has shown me that this expansion has a new gameplay mechanic: Tarot reading. Seems like I was going to learn about these cards one way or another.
The rest of the gameplay is also appealing and really leans more into the franchise's gothic roots. Which is refreshing. So, I can't wait to get my hands on that, too!
I don't know what the future holds, but I hope it's bright.
