For centuries, the tarot deck has been a source of mystery and fascination, a set of 78 cards rich with symbolism and intrigue. While today we associate them with divination and personal insight, the story of the tarot is a winding path that began not in the world of the occult, but in the realm of games and art.
The Renaissance Origins: A Game of Triumphs
The earliest known tarot decks emerged in 15th-century Italy. Far from being tools for fortune-telling, these hand-painted cards were used to play a popular game called tarocchi or Trionfi, meaning “triumphs.” These decks were similar to modern playing cards but with one key difference: they included a series of special trump cards.
This structure created a deck of two distinct parts. The first was the standard deck of 56 cards, the Minor Arcana, with four suits—swords, wands, cups, and coins—that mirrored the suits of playing cards still used in Spain and Italy today. The second was the Major Arcana, a set of 22 trump cards that depicted allegorical figures and scenes. Images of the Fool, the World, the Sun, and Death weren’t meant to glimpse the future; they were miniature works of art that acted as permanent trump cards in a game of skill and strategy.
The Shift to Divination
For over 300 years, the tarot remained primarily a card game. Its transformation into a tool for divination is one of the great mysteries of its history, a shift that seems to have occurred sometime in the 18th century. This change was heavily influenced by a burgeoning interest in mysticism and esoteric knowledge, particularly in France. As candlelit salons buzzed with discussions of hidden wisdom, the rich symbolism of the tarot cards proved a fertile ground for new interpretations.
A key figure in this evolution was Jean-Baptiste Alliette, a French occultist better known by his pseudonym, Etteilla. He was among the first to popularise the use of tarot for fortune-telling, developing his own unique interpretations and publishing the first deck specifically designed for occult purposes. Etteilla’s work laid the groundwork for cartomancy, the practice of using cards for divination, and helped cement the tarot’s new identity.
The Golden Dawn's Legacy
In the late 19th century, the tarot’s spiritual journey took another significant leap forward in London with the formation of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This secret society, which attracted prominent writers, artists, and intellectuals, synthesized various esoteric traditions—from Kabbalah to astrology and alchemy—into a complex system of magical teachings. The tarot became a central component of this system, with each card assigned specific meanings and correspondences that further deepened its symbolism.
It was within this influential circle that the most widely used and influential tarot deck was born: the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Created in the early 20th century by Golden Dawn member Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck was revolutionary. Unlike previous decks with unillustrated minor suits, every single one of Smith's 78 cards told a clear, accessible story through its imagery. This comprehensive symbolism, combined with its accessibility, made it a cornerstone for modern tarot readers and an undeniable influence on every deck that followed.
Beyond the Veil: A Tool for Life and Creativity
Today, the tarot’s versatility extends far beyond its historical uses. While many still turn to the cards for divination, a growing number of people use them as a tool for self-reflection and creative inspiration.
Self-Reflection: The cards can act as a mirror, helping individuals explore their own inner landscape and gain insights into personal challenges. A reading can provide a new perspective on a difficult situation, guiding a person toward a deeper understanding of themselves.
Creative Inspiration: The tarot’s rich imagery makes it a fantastic tool for writers, artists, and storytellers. A card like the Tower can represent a sudden upheaval in a plot, while the Hermit can symbolize a character’s journey of self-discovery. The cards provide a visual language that can unlock a wellspring of creativity.
The evolution of the tarot from a simple card game to a powerful instrument for self-discovery is a testament to the enduring power of its symbols and stories. It reminds us that sometimes the most profound insights are found not in grand prophecy, but in the quiet act of shuffling a deck and listening to what the cards reveal about ourselves.