Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

History Of Tarot Cards: From Medieval Games To Mystical Guidance

The history of tarot cards dates back to the mid-15th century in Europe, where they were initially used as playing cards in games like Italian tarocchi. It wasn't until the late 18th century that tarot cards began to be associated with mysticism and divination, largely due to the work of French occultists like Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) and Antoine Court de Gébelin. These early esoteric interpretations laid the groundwork for the modern use of tarot cards in fortune-telling and spiritual guidance.

Understanding the origins and evolution of tarot cards will deeply enrich your readings, grounding your intuitive practice in a wider historical and cultural context. Here's an overview of the key aspects of tarot's origins, development, and its significance through time.

A History Lesson On The Reading Of Tarot Cards

Origins of Tarot Cards

Tarot cards originated in Europe during the mid-15th century, most likely in northern Italy, where they were first used as a card game called tarocchi or trionfi, rather than for divination. The earliest known tarot deck, the Visconti-Sforza deck, was commissioned by noble families in Milan. Early tarot decks were composed of 78 cards, divided into two groups: 22 trumps, now known as the major arcana, and 56 suit cards, or the minor arcana. These early decks featured elaborate illustrations, reflecting the artistic and cultural sensibilities of the Renaissance, drawing heavily on religious, allegorical, and daily life themes. The imagery of the cards incorporated deep symbolic meaning, which would later become the foundation for their mystical interpretations.

Transition to Divination
The shift of tarot from a card game to a tool for divination occurred in 18th-century France, spurred by the work of scholars such as Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (known as Etteilla). Court de Gébelin, a French clergyman, posited that tarot cards held ancient esoteric wisdom, suggesting a link to ancient Egypt and the Book of Thoth. While his claims lacked historical accuracy, they fueled a new fascination with tarot's mystical potential. Etteilla followed by creating the first tarot deck specifically designed for divination, integrating astrological and elemental associations into the cards. By the 19th century, tarot had become deeply entrenched in occult practices, particularly within groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where it was linked to other mystical systems such as the Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy. Occultists like S.L. MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley were instrumental in shaping tarot’s esoteric evolution.

The Development of the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck
In 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck was published, fundamentally reshaping tarot’s modern use. Designed by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck became the foundation for many modern interpretations of tarot. One of the deck’s key innovations was the detailed illustration of all 78 cards, including the minor arcana, which had previously only been depicted with simple suit symbols. Smith’s artwork incorporated a blend of spiritual and psychological themes, making the deck accessible for both beginners and more seasoned readers. Waite’s deep understanding of the Golden Dawn’s mystical traditions influenced the symbolism of the deck, which blends Christian mysticism, alchemy, and Kabbalistic imagery, allowing for rich, layered readings.

Cultural Significance and Evolution
In the 20th century, tarot gained new dimensions as it began to be viewed as a psychological tool, not just a method of fortune-telling. Psychologist Carl Jung regarded tarot as a means of exploring the subconscious, seeing its images as universal archetypes. His perspective helped recast tarot as a way to engage in deep self-reflection and personal growth. The modern era has seen tarot enjoy a resurgence in popularity, with new decks reflecting diverse cultural, gender, and spiritual perspectives. In addition to its use for divination, tarot is now often seen as a tool for spiritual development and therapy, offering individuals insight into their inner lives. Furthermore, the rise of digital tarot platforms and apps has made the practice more accessible than ever before, broadening its appeal.

Cultural Impact and Mystical Connections
Tarot has always been closely intertwined with Western esoteric traditions, with its links to the Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy enriching the cards with layers of metaphysical meaning. Each tarot card represents more than just a visual image; it embodies complex spiritual concepts. For instance, the journey of the major arcana is often viewed as a representation of the soul’s path toward enlightenment. The tarot’s imagery also resonates with people because it taps into universal archetypes - figures and themes like the Fool, the Magician, or Death - that cross cultures and religions, providing a symbolic roadmap of the human experience. These archetypes represent the stages of spiritual and psychological growth, with the Fool’s Journey, which traces the major arcana from card 0 to 21, acting as a metaphor for the soul's progress. Tarot’s influence has also spread into popular culture, appearing in literature, art, and film, where its archetypal power continues to captivate.

Key Concepts to Deepen Your Understanding
Understanding the major and minor arcana is fundamental to deepening your tarot practice. The major arcana represents significant life events, spiritual lessons, and karmic influences, while the minor arcana reflects everyday challenges and situations. The four suits - Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles - each correspond to different aspects of life: passion, emotion, intellect, and material concerns. Exploring the connections between tarot, astrology, and mystical systems like the Kabbalah will allow you to uncover deeper layers of meaning within each card. While tarot’s symbolism provides structure, its power also lies in the intuitive insights it sparks. As an intuitive reader, you are part of a tradition where the cards act as a bridge between the conscious mind and deeper, spiritual wisdom. By studying the historical and symbolic roots of tarot, you’ll enhance the richness of your readings, combining ancient knowledge with your intuitive abilities.

Suggested Resources for Further Study

Books:

• The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination by Robert M. Place
• Tarot and the Archetypal Journey: The Jungian Path from Darkness to Light by Sallie Nichols
• Tarot: Mirror of the Soul by Gerd Ziegler (for more esoteric approaches)

Decks for Exploration:

• Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: This is the most popular and widely used deck, with detailed symbolism that blends Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and alchemy. It’s a perfect starting point for both beginners and experienced readers alike.
• Thoth Tarot: Created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, this deck incorporates complex occult symbolism, astrology, and the Kabbalah, offering deeper esoteric insights.
• Marseille Tarot: A historically significant deck with simpler imagery, closer to the original European decks, offering a more minimalist approach to the tarot's symbolism.

Wiki - Tarot History