The Tarot is much more than just a deck of cards used for divination. Behind its symbolic imagery and numerical structure lies a fascinating history that spans centuries of cultural, spiritual, and artistic evolution. For those who approach the Tarot with conscious study and practice, understanding its history not only provides context—it also deeply enriches the interpretation of each card.
The Origins of Tarot: Between Myth and History
For many years, theories circulated linking the Tarot to ancient Egyptian wisdom, esoteric knowledge from the Far East, or even to Hebrew mystics and the Kabbalah. While these ideas gained popularity in certain occult circles during the 19th century, historical research now agrees that the Tarot, as we know it today, has its most solid roots in 15th-century Europe.
Tarot as a Card Game
The first documented appearance of Tarot-like cards dates back to the mid-1400s in northern Italy, particularly in cities like Milan, Ferrara, and Bologna. These early decks were known as trionfi (triumphs) and were created for nobles and aristocrats as part of a card game—similar in some ways to modern playing cards.
One of the oldest surviving Tarot decks is the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, commissioned by the powerful Visconti family, Dukes of Milan. These early Tarot cards were not used for divination but were part of a game called Tarocchi, where the Major Arcana served as trump cards that could defeat the others.
The Structure of the Tarot
Even in its earliest forms, the Tarot deck was composed of two main groups:
- Major Arcana (22 cards): Allegorical figures such as The Fool, The Magician, Death, or The World—rich in symbolic meaning.
- Minor Arcana (56 cards): Divided into four suits (Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles/Coins), similar to a standard playing deck, featuring cards numbered from Ace to 10, and court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
This unique structure—more elaborate and meaningful than ordinary playing cards—is one of the reasons the Tarot quickly caught the attention of mystics, philosophers, and spiritual seekers.
From Game to Esoteric Tool
It wasn’t until the 18th century that the Tarot became openly associated with esoteric and mystical traditions. Occult philosophers like Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) claimed that the Tarot preserved ancient Egyptian secrets and hermetic knowledge. While there’s no historical evidence to support these claims, their influence dramatically transformed the use of Tarot into a tool for divination and spiritual insight.
Etteilla was also the first to publish a Tarot deck specifically designed for cartomancy, including meanings for each card in both upright and reversed positions. From that point on, various schools of Tarot interpretation emerged, each with their own symbolic and spiritual perspectives.
The Tarot de Marseille: A Traditional Pillar
One of the most influential and enduring decks is the Tarot de Marseille, which appeared in France during the 17th century. This deck standardized many of the visual designs and symbols that are now considered classic in the Tarot world. It was reproduced by different printers in cities such as Marseille, Lyon, and Paris, and remains the foundation for many modern interpretations.
The Tarot de Marseille is known for:
- A simple, yet colorful and symbol-rich visual style.
- Major Arcana cards with iconic figures that have inspired generations of readers.
- Minor Arcana cards depicted mostly in non-scenic form (especially from Ace to 10), encouraging the reader to rely on numerology, symbolism, layout, and intuition.
Tarot in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Over time, many new variations of Tarot emerged. In 1909, Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith released the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the first widely distributed deck that fully illustrated the Minor Arcana with scenic imagery. This deck became extremely popular and inspired countless modern versions.
Today, the Tarot is experiencing a renaissance. It’s studied from psychological perspectives (as explored by Carl Jung), used as a therapeutic and creative tool, and adapted into a wide range of styles and systems. There are now Tarot decks for every philosophy, aesthetic preference, and reading method imaginable.
Conclusion: Why Understanding the History of Tarot Matters
The history of the Tarot reflects humanity’s ongoing desire to understand itself, to seek answers beyond the visible, and to connect with the symbolic and the sacred. From its humble origins as a Renaissance card game to its current role as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth, the Tarot has evolved over centuries without losing its sense of mystery.
By learning about its origins and transformations, we can honor the richness of the Tarot and recognize that—beyond myths and superstition—it remains a powerful bridge between the seen and unseen, between the external world and the inner self.