Join us on a journey through time, as we uncover the fascinating evolution of Tarot! Here, we will explore its development from a single deck of playing cards, to a powerful tool for spiritual and personal discovery.
“Cards of fate, in twilight cast, whisper secrets of the past. Future’s path in symbols shown, ancient wisdom yet unknown.”
The Fascinating evolution of tarot: How it all began.
Alright, so if you’re anything like most, you’ve probably wondered what tarot may have signified for people back in the ancient day. You may have imagined the mystic energy in the air as profits and sages shuffled hand-painted cards under candlelight, seeking to unlock the mysteries of fate and destiny. (Truthfully, that’s just one of the images that comes to mind when you consider this.)
Anyway, it all dates back to the early 15th century in Europe, this is when the first known documented tarot decks were birthed. They first appeared in Italy and were known as Tarocchi, Triumph Cards” or “Carte Da Trionfi”. These early decks were used for playing a game which was similar to Bridge, rather than for divination purposes.
Playing random games with the tarot cards would be interesting, and although not as common now, plenty of people still do, even to this day. 🤷♀️
Surprisingly, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the tarot cards began to be used for occult practices.
It was through the esoteric traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries that this shift began, when the works of a French clergyman named Antoine Court De Gebelin proposed that tarot cards held remnants of ancient Egyptian knowledge, and although his theories were speculative, they still sparked an interest in the tarot as a tool for divination and prophecy.
This became the period where Tarot as we know it was introduced…
A certain occult group by the name of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was one of the first known secret societies to embrace tarot into their rituals and teachings, linking the cards to astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemy. It was during this time that the widely popular Rider-Waite-Smith deck was created.
Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, both members of The Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn, this deck made the rich symbolism of the cards more accessible to the general public. This deck is still one of the most frequently used decks today.
Arguably, The O.G. Of Tarot Decks ⬇️
Here’s an image of several cards from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck.
Tarot in the modern era:
In the 20th century, tarot became more and more widespread, gaining in popularity, and evolving into a tool for self-exploration and personal growth. Even gaining the recognition of certain psychologists, like Carl Jung who recognized the archetypal significance of the tarot, using it to delve into the human psyche and the collective unconscious.
Today, tarot readers across the world use the cards to provide insight, guidance, and healing, interpreting the ancient symbols in ways that resonate with contemporary life.
The decks themselves have also diversified, with artists and creators designing tarot cards that reflect various cultures, spiritual paths, and personal philosophies.
Heck, its common to see tarot cards based off of movies such as Alice in Wonderland, or The Nightmare Before Christmas. Truly, there’s a vast set of options when it comes to getting a deck that suits your fancy.
Conclusion:
The ancient history of tarot is a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and connection. From its mysterious origins and renaissance artistry to its transformation into a mystical and psychological tool, tarot has woven itself into the fabric of our collective consciousness.
So, the next time you shuffle the deck and draw a card, remember that you, my friend is participating in a rich tapestry of history, one that has inspired spiritual seekers for centuries.
Whether you see the tarot as a mirror to the soul, or a gateway to the unknown, its ancient history beckons you to explore, discover, and awaken to the profound mysteries from within.
Here’s a captivating video that involves more Tarot history, which you might find insightful and intriguing.
Do you have any fascinating History topics on the tarot that you would care to add? Tap into the fascinating evolution of tarot and let us know in the comments! 😊