The origin of playing cards is shrouded in the mists of time. Some historians trace them to the ancient Egyptians, others to the Chinese or medieval Italy, still others to the Romany gypsies seen so often in pop culture portrayals of fortune tellers. Wherever they come from, an ordinary deck of 52 playing cards are not mere "playthings" but are instead a mystical link to the great unknown. Anyone can master their use with diligent practice -and being born with supernatural powers is not required!