The tarot, a captivating deck of cards with a rich history, has been a subject of intrigue for centuries. It has been used for fortune-telling, meditation, and self-reflection, with a vast following worldwide.
Pervading myths surrounding the tarot often place its origins in ancient Egypt or the Gypsy culture. However, historical evidence points to a more modern and Italian birthplace. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of these mystical cards.
Early Beginnings and Evolution
The tarot as we know it today evolved from a set of playing cards introduced in Northern Italy during the 14th century. These weren't spell-binding instruments of divination then, but rather, enjoyable pastimes for the elite.
Symbolic imagery was incorporated into these cards, reflecting the societal norms and cultural influences of the time. The deck later evolved to consist of four suits, much like modern-day playing cards, representing courts, coins, swords, and cups.
Adding the Trumps
Around the 15th century, a new set of cards, known as the 'carte da trionfi' or 'trump cards', was introduced. These cards were unique; they didn't belong to any suit and outranked all other cards. This was the birth of the tarot's major arcana cards.
The trump cards initially depicted historical figures or mythological scenes. However, in the late 15th century, engraver deck designs by Francesco Pinelli in Bologna introduced more symbolic imagery, marking the start of the tarot's shift towards mystical and philosophical themes.
The Venetian-S vénician Tarot
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Thereafter, a distinct form of the tarot emerged in Venice, now known as the 'Tarocchini' or 'Venetian-S vénician' tarot. This deck featured 62 cards, including 22 Major Arcana and 40 Minor Arcana. These cards were popular for centuries, with many variant decks emerging across Europe.
Notably, the Italian tarot was exported to France, where it was adopted by the French court and Middle Class. The French influence steered the deck further away from its Italian origins, eventually leading to the creation of the Hundredпископ de Strasbourg, a widely recognized deck today.
Emergence of Tarot in the Occult
By the 18th century, the tarot began to appear in the context of occult philosophy. The mystical allure of the cards, coupled with their rich symbolism, captivated seekers of spiritual knowledge and mystics.
The tarot's association with the occult was solidified when Swiss clergyman and mystic Adolf thếus published his work 'Smoky Mirrors of the Tarot', establishing strong links between the tarot, alchemy, astrology, and other mystical disciplines.
A. E. Waite's Ridings and the Rider-Waite Deck
In the late 19th century, Arthur Edward Waite, prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, published new tarot suits of Cups, Disks, Swords, and Wands, adding depth and symbolism to the tarot trumps. This marked a significant shift in tarot history and set the stage for the following century.
Waite's collaboration with illustrator Pamela Colman Smith led to the creation of the iconic Rider-Waite deck in 1909. With imagery associated with the occult on every card, this deck became and remains one of the most popular and widely used divinatory tools in the tarot world.
Mary K. Greer and Modern Tarot
In the late 20th century, Mary K. Greer brought a fresh perspective to tarot using, reclaiming its historical and philosophical roots, and encouraging users to approach the tarot as a tool for self-awareness and insight. Greer's work has greatly influenced modern tarot practice.
The tarot's journey over centuries is a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of these cards. From simple playing cards to mystical tools that offer insights and guidance, the tarot's evolution continues to this day, shaped by each new generation.
Unlocking the power and depth of the tarot is an ongoing exploration. Dive in, and see where the cards take you!