What is the Tarot?
   The Tarot deck is a set of cards which, through the the symbolic interpretation of their pictures, can be used to divine the future. Their precise origin is unknown, going back to ancient times, although they are the basis for our modern-day set of playing cards. (The suits Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades relate directly to the Tarot's Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.)
    The cards themselves have two meanings, one for the upright picture and an opposite meaning if the image is reversed. The significance of a card doesn't rely on its literal meaning, but rather a symbolic one. So, the Death card (which never fails to pop up if someone is using the Tarot deck in a movie) doesn't foretell an actual death, but represents the symbolic meaning of death, which is change and rebirth. Likewise, the Devil card doesn't actually represent Satan coming into one's life, but succumbing to negative actions and forces, when one can easily chose the correct action.
    Neither do the cards predict a determined, non-changeable future, but one which can be altered by the choice of one's actions. I think this is important to stress. Tarot hints at the path that is one is on. If you don't like it, you yourself are responsible for changing your own destiny. (Quite existential, no? ^_^ ) The cards are merely a tool for introspection. And like all means of symbolism, the ultimate interpretation comes from within yourself.
    Also, my knowledge of Tarot is purely as a beginner, so if you notice any glaring mistakes, please feel free to tell me. ^_^

These particular cards are from the tankoubons of Clamp's X series. Each volume is illustrated by a different character as one of the cards from the Major Arcana (Tarot is divided into Major and Minor. The Minor Arcana consists of four suits, while the Major is more powerful in meaning.) The archetypes of the Major Arcana provide a key to understanding the characters of X.
The names are presented in traditional Japanese, with the family name first.