Sometime during the early half of the 15th century, somebody created the first set of tarot cards (pronounced “tare-oh”). Like the playing cards of the time, the tarot deck included ten numbered cards in four suits; as well as page, knight, and king court cards. But it also contained more: for each of the court cards, a queen joined the ranks; plus 22 special cards not belonging to any suit—the magical arcana—were added. These unique cards bore symbolic pictures with subjects such as The High Priestess, The Moon, Lovers, and Death.

Tarot cards were used to play a revolutionary type of game similar to bridge, but the special 22 arcana served as permanent trumps that outranked all other cards and could be played regardless of what suit led. This “Game of Triumphs,” as it was called, became extraordinarily popular, particularly among the upper classes. As the game spread throughout the world, mystical meanings with respect to the arcane symbolism expanded, and changes were made to the cards.

That was then; this is now. For the first time in history, the tarot has been sent to the kitchen: the heart of the home. Mountains of ready-to-explode pressure cookers now replace age-old images of lightning-struck castle towers. Wooden spoons now assume the role of sorcerers’ magic wands. And “St. Quilta,” the patron saint of kitchens who wears a teacup for a crown, currently holds the 22 keys to a lush, new culinary kingdom of consciousness raising.

When you try The Kitchen Tarot, you’ll meet the contemporary arcana and their relationship to their ancient kin. The classic Fool doesn’t hold water to The Colander. Salt & Pepper adds spice to the classic Magician. Fresh Cream & Sugar goes steady with the old Lovers. The Lazy Susan spins the classic Wheel of Fortune. Today’s Food Scales and old lady Justice weigh out matters.

The medieval Tower takes a steam with the Pressure Cooker . . . and many more.

The Kitchen Tarot operates on the Law of Attraction—that is, what may appear as a random selection of shuffled cards is actually a precise arrangement that’s coinciding to form the answers and insights that address your specific query. Learn how to set the table—in other words, where to place the cards (and why). Use these forecast formats responsibly and wisely . . . or no dessert!