Where do tarot cards come from

Core Meaning

The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to mid-15th century Northern Italy, where they were initially known as 'carte da trionfi' and used for playing a card game similar to bridge. These early decks were hand-painted by artisans and were quite expensive, thus primarily owned by the wealthy. The structure of these early decks already contained elements that would become foundational to modern tarot: a suit system (similar to playing cards) and a set of trump cards, which we now know as the Major Arcana.

Evolution into Divination

It wasn't until the late 18th century that tarot cards began to be associated with occultism and divination, largely influenced by writers like Antoine Court de Gébelin. He proposed a connection between tarot and ancient Egyptian wisdom, though this theory is not supported by historical evidence. Later, in the 19th century, figures like Eliphas Lévi and Éliphas Lévi further integrated tarot into esoteric traditions, linking them to Kabbalah and astrology, thus shaping the divinatory decks we use today, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Influence of Key Decks

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, published in 1909, was revolutionary because it depicted scenes on all 78 cards, including the Minor Arcana, making them more intuitive and accessible for divination. This deck, along with others like the Thoth tarot and Marseille tarot, has significantly influenced the way tarot is understood and used globally, each contributing to the rich tapestry of tarot's history and practice.

Modern Usage

Today, tarot cards are used worldwide for self-reflection, guidance, and understanding various aspects of life, including personal growth, love, career, and spiritual development. While their historical journey is complex, their enduring appeal lies in their ability to serve as a symbolic language that can help us navigate our inner and outer worlds.