
The Origin of Tarot Cards: Unveiling Their History and Mystical Roots
Tarot cards, with their mystical symbols and intriguing imagery, have fascinated people for centuries. But where did they come from? The story of tarot’s origin is both complex and fascinating, weaving together elements of history, art, and mystery.
Early Beginnings ~ Playing Cards in the 15th Century
The story of tarot begins in Europe during the 15th century. The cards we know today were not originally used for divination or fortune-telling, but as a form of playing cards. Playing cards themselves are believed to have originated in China, around the 9th century, and spread to Europe through trade routes. By the 14th century, playing cards were becoming popular in Italy, France, and Spain.
It was in Italy, during the early 1400s, that tarot cards began to take a distinct shape. The first known tarot deck was created for the Italian nobility and was used to play a game called tarocchi (the Italian word for tarot). This early deck was made up of 78 cards, just like the decks we use today. However, it was not yet associated with fortune-telling or spiritual practices. The game of tarocchi was similar to modern day card games like bridge, where players competed to win tricks.
The Structure of the Tarot Deck
The tarot deck consists of two main parts, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana contains 22 cards that represent larger life themes, such as The Fool, The Magician, and The World. These cards are often seen as symbols of spiritual lessons or milestones in life. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards and is similar to a standard deck of playing cards, with suits like cups, swords, wands, and pentacles. Each suit contains 14 cards, ranging from Ace to King.
Initially, tarot cards were just regular playing cards with no special significance beyond the game. However, over time, the symbolism and imagery on the cards became more complex and took on new meanings.
Tarot’s Transformation ~ From Game to Divination
The transition of tarot cards from a game to a tool for divination (fortune telling) happened gradually during the 18th century. It was during this time that people began to associate tarot cards with mystical and spiritual powers. The earliest records of tarot being used for fortune-telling date back to the 17th century, but the practice became more popular in the 18th century, especially in France.
One of the key figures in this transformation was Jean-Baptiste Alliette, a Frenchman who, under the name Etteilla, published the first book on using tarot for divination in 1783. He believed that the images on the tarot cards had deep, hidden meanings that could reveal information about the future or offer guidance. Etteilla’s work helped popularize tarot as a tool for spiritual insight and fortune-telling.
In 1909, Arthur Edward Waite, along with artist Pamela Colman Smith, created the most famous tarot deck in the world – “The Rider-Waite Tarot deck”. This deck, with its rich symbolism and vivid imagery, is still one of the most popular tarot decks today.
The Tarot in the Modern World
Today, tarot cards are used by people around the world for a variety of purposes. Many people use tarot as a form of self-reflection, seeking guidance or insights into their own lives. Others use tarot as a tool for personal growth or spiritual exploration. While tarot’s association with fortune-telling still exists, it is also seen as a way to connect with one’s intuition and subconscious mind.
Tarot cards have also evolved into a form of art. Countless tarot decks have been created in a wide range of artistic styles, from traditional designs to modern and abstract interpretations. Some tarot enthusiasts collect these decks, each of which reflects the personality and worldview of the artist who created it. Over the centuries, tarot has been shaped by various cultural and spiritual influences, from the games of the nobility to the occult practices of the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, tarot cards continue to be a source of fascination, offering both a rich history and a powerful tool for self-reflection and spiritual exploration.
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