📖 A Brief History of Tarot: Origin and Evolution
Tarot, a renowned tool for divination and spiritual guidance, boasts a history as rich and mystifying as the symbolic images imprinted on the cards themselves. Despite their current association with the psychic realm, the tarot cards originated with considerably different intentions and evolved dramatically over the centuries. This article delves into the intricate history and evolution of tarot from a mere card game to a profound instrument of intuition.
The exact origin of tarot cards remains a contested issue, shrouded in mystery. The earliest known tarot decks emerged in the mid-15th century in Italy. These cards, known as "Tarocchi" cards, weren't used for divination purposes; instead, they were popular for a game called "Tarocchi Appropriati," a form of bridge. The deck comprised of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards) - a structure that modern tarot decks continue to follow.
Tarot's transformation into a divination tool traces back to the 18th century. Antiquarian and amateur occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette, better known by his pseudonym, Etteilla, became the first person to popularize tarot divination. Etteilla designed a deck specifically for divination and wrote a guidebook on the tarot interpretations and their mystical associations, effectively marking the start of tarot's use as a divination tool.
In the 19th century, the tarot deck's fate intertwined with occult philosophy, largely due to the French occultist Eliphas Levi. He linked the tarot, particularly the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, with the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah. This connection between tarot and esoteric philosophies was further cemented by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the late 19th century. This organization created a tarot deck that incorporated astrological symbols and Egyptian imagery, further enhancing the deck's mystical appeal.
The tarot deck most familiar to modern users, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, appeared in 1909. Created by member of the Golden Dawn, Arthur Edward Waite, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck introduced a significant change: it depicted symbolic imagery on all 78 cards, including the Minor Arcana. This feature made the interpretation of the cards easier, which was instrumental in popularizing tarot reading.
In the 20th century and beyond, tarot cards have seen widespread usage in various forms. They are frequently used in psychic readings for personal guidance and self-reflection. Tarot has also permeated popular culture, with references in books, films, and TV series. Moreover, many new decks have been created, reflecting diverse cultural, spiritual, and artistic perspectives, making tarot a continually evolving field.
From their early inception as a card game in 15th century Italy to their current status as a tool for divination and self-discovery, tarot cards have embarked on a fascinating journey. Their intriguing history is testament to human fascination with mystery and desire to understand the future, weaving a narrative that's as compelling as the stories each spread tells.