Tarot has been around for centuries… I’m not joking the first decks orignate from A Brief History of Tarot: From Card Games to Crystal Balls
Let’s dive into the story of tarot cards—a deck that’s been shuffling through history for over 600 years. Whether you see them as mystical messengers, tools for deep reflection, or just beautiful art, tarot cards have had a curious journey from simple playing cards to spiritual icons.
Tarot actually started out as a straightforward deck of cards! Originating in 14th-century Europe, the first tarot decks (known then as “trionfi” or “triumph” cards) were used for a game called tarocchi. In Italy, this was a fancy card game played by nobility and aristocrats, something like a medieval bridge night. These early tarot decks included four suits like modern playing cards, along with a set of extra “trump” cards (the Major Arcana we know today) that added flair to the game. It was all fun and games—no mysticism, no fortune-telling, just cards, laughter, and probably some competitive banter.
Flash forward to the late 18th century, and things start to get a little… mysterious. Occult scholars in France became fascinated with tarot cards, suggesting they weren’t just for playing games. A writer named Antoine Court de Gébelin even declared that the tarot’s symbols were ancient Egyptian secrets! Gébelin claimed the cards held mystical knowledge, buried in symbols that only the enlightened could decode. (Spoiler: there’s no evidence for this connection, but hey, it sounded exciting!) This theory turned tarot cards from parlor games into spiritual tools, sparking an enduring fascination.
As tarot crossed into the 20th century, it evolved yet again. With the release of the iconic Rider-Waite deck in 1909, designed by artist Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of mystic A.E. Waite, tarot began to look more like the decks we recognize today. This deck’s vivid imagery and rich symbolism became the standard for tarot, especially for divination. People started using tarot not just for fortune-telling, but for introspection. Psychologists like Carl Jung even took an interest, proposing that tarot could connect us with our subconscious through archetypal images.
These days, tarot cards are everywhere, with new designs, diverse voices, and interpretations popping up all the time. Some people still use tarot for divination, while others use it for self-reflection, meditation, or even storytelling. You don’t have to be a mystic or believe in magic to enjoy tarot—it’s just another way of exploring life’s mysteries (and maybe adding a touch of drama!).
So, whether you’re looking for cosmic guidance, a creative spark, or just something to chat about at your next gathering, tarot cards are ready to deal out whatever you’re looking for—mystical or otherwise.
Tarot cards are like a deck of 78 little storytelling prompts, each card representing themes, symbols, or life stages that reflect different aspects of the human experience. They’ve been used in all kinds of ways—from simple card games to elaborate fortune-telling, personal introspection, and even psychological analysis.
Here’s a look at some common ways tarot cards are used today:
This is probably the most famous (and dramatic!) use of tarot. In this approach, tarot readers shuffle the deck and pull cards in a specific spread (like the classic three-card spread or the Celtic Cross) to interpret what’s going on in a person’s life, as well as possible outcomes or paths they could take. The cards are read with the belief that they reveal insights into love, career, challenges, or other areas of life.
Some people use tarot as a tool for self-discovery, drawing cards to help uncover their inner feelings, motivations, or conflicts. The symbolism on the cards can serve as a mirror, reflecting aspects of a person’s inner world that they might not easily see. It’s a little like journaling or meditation, offering a way to look at your life from different angles and spark self-reflection.
Tarot cards are often full of rich imagery, historical references, and archetypes (like The Fool, The Empress, or The Magician) that can fuel creativity. Artists, writers, and storytellers sometimes draw tarot cards to inspire new ideas or help them break through creative blocks. It’s like pulling a random scene, character, or theme from the universe to jumpstart your imagination.
Some people incorporate tarot into their daily routine by pulling a “card of the day.” The idea here isn’t to predict the future but to use the card as a theme or point of reflection for the day. For example, drawing the Strength card might remind someone to approach challenges with resilience, while the Sun card might encourage them to seek joy and optimism.
Tarot cards can also be used as focus points in meditation. Meditating on a specific card allows people to delve into the qualities it represents, like balance (The Temperance card) or transformation (Death card). This can be helpful for exploring personal growth themes or simply bringing a little calm and focus to the day.
Some therapists and counselors use tarot in a Jungian context, as Carl Jung believed that tarot archetypes could connect to the subconscious. In this view, cards like The Emperor or The Hermit represent universal human experiences and personalities, offering ways to explore complex emotions, relationships, and psychological patterns.
In short, tarot cards are a bit like an all-purpose toolkit for life. Whether you’re seeking cosmic guidance, a creative nudge, or a moment of zen, tarot cards can be there to lend a hand (or a spread!). And, since they’re filled with symbols and stories, each reading can feel fresh and personal, whether you believe in a mystical connection or just enjoy the art and introspection.