Tarot Cards

The Tarot is a pack of playing cards (most commonly numbering 78), used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play a group of card games. From the late 18th century until the present time, the Tarot has also found use by mystics and occultists for divination as well as a map of mental and spiritual pathways. The deck consists of 56 Suit cards (Minor Arcana) and 22 Trump Cards (Major Arcana).

Role in the film
In the film's introduction sequence, Tarot cards are used to tell the fateful events on the night of Hallows' Eve, 1881 -- the whole plot which sets the story in motion. Later, when Jim Evers meets up with Madame Leota, the cards are seem floating around the room with the other objects when the table levitates. The cards make a final appearance after the film's end credits.