The Mysterious Tarot Deck: Unveiling its Journey Through the Ages
Tarot cards have been around for centuries and many believe they provide insight and guidance into our lives and the world around us. But what is it about the Tarot that has kept us enraptured through time? What is its journey? Let’s take a look at the history of the Tarot deck to better understand its power and mystery.
The Birth of Tarot Deception
The exact origins of Tarot are debatable. Many say that Tarot originated in Italy, in the late fourteenth century, though there is no written evidence to support this theory. The earliest record of Tarot cards comes from a 1790 book, “Le Monde Primitif,” by Antoine Court de Gebelin. He suggests that the deck is based on Egyptian hieroglyphs and was brought to Europe by Gypsies.
What we do know is that the deck began to take off and became popular for playing card games in the fifteenth century. This is when many of the modern Tarot deck symbols and suits began to emerge. By the 1700s and 1800s, Tarot became popular connected with divination and occult practices.
The Connection to Spirituality
Tarot cards are most popularly associated with spirituality and divination. In the twentieth century, Tarot cards began to be used for questioning, predicting and understanding the future. This is when the Tarot gained its common association with spirituality and divine guidance.
The power of Tarot exists in its symbolism and structure. The 78 card deck is divided into two sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consist of 22 cards which reflect big life themes and meaning. This section broadly represents the spiritual journey of self-discovery. The second section, the Minor Arcana, is comprised of 56 cards which represent everyday life themes. Together, the deck gives its reader an overview of their path and the choices they make that impact their life journey.
The Influence of Tarot Through the Ages
Tarot has seen a revival in the 21st century, with the emergence of digital and online Tarot decks. But it’s influence in traditional art, pop culture and literature dates back centuries. Here are a few primary examples of how the Tarot has impacted us throughout time:
- 1500s: Influential artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli were inspired by Tarot symbolism in their masterpieces.
- 1800s: tarot cards figure prominently in pieces of European literature, including texts by Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo.
- 1920s: Pop entrepreneur Pamela Colman Smith used the Tarot’s symbolism to created the iconic Rider-Waite deck.
- 1960s: The Tarot became linked to the counterculture and hipster movements, popularly created decks such as the Aquarian Tarot.
- 2020s: The interest in Tarot has reemerged in the digital age, with a range of modern and accessible Tarot decks.
No matter what age we’re from, or when the Tarot was introduced, there’s something timeless and mysterious about the Tarot. It’s been a part of our collective human experience, soothing us with its advice and mysterious symbols for centuries. Truly inspiring, we can better understand ourselves and our journeys by acknowledging the Tarot’s past.
What are the historical and cultural influences which have shaped the tarot deck?
The tarot is a form of divination which has evolved over hundreds of years, and its symbolism and imagery is derived from many different strands of traditional faith, folklore and mysticism. Cultural references such as alchemy and Kabbalah are found in the tarot, demonstrating its roots in European culture. Various Pagan traditions have also left their mark, with ancient gods and goddesses featuring in the cards. Since cultures around the world have influenced the deck, this has resulted in a mix of imagery from different countries, such as Ancient Greek deities, Islamic and Indian hieroglyphs, and Native American creatures. Tarot has also been closely tied to the occult, playing a part in ceremonial magic practices, where cards were used for divination and to invoke spirits.
What is the mystical symbolism behind the imagery in the tarot deck?
The imagery of the tarot deck is full of rich and complex symbolism. It is believed to represent the journey of life and human experience, and each card reflects a particular life experience. The Majors Arcana are believed to represent the fundamental principle of life, while the Minor Arcana reflect more mundane realms such as work and relationships. There is much debate around the interpretation of each card, though many believe that the tarot allows us to tap into our inner wisdom to help us make decisions in challenging situations.
How do different tarot decks differ in terms of the meanings associated with their cards?
Tarot decks can differ greatly in terms of the meanings associated with individual cards. Depending on the deck, the same card can take on very different meanings. Even if the image on the card is the same, the interpretation and context of it, as well as the culture in which it is used, can determine the meaning. For example, a card that might represent healing, security, or protection in one deck might represent duality and balance in another.
How has the tarot deck been used over the centuries?
The tarot deck has been used in various ways over the centuries, from predicting futures in divination to providing spiritual guidance through meditation and interpreting symbols. The tarot was first used in 14th century Italy for game playing and slowly evolved into a tool for spiritual insight, self-discovery and meditation. By the 18th century, tarot decks were being used by mystics and occultists all over Europe to gain insight into their own destiny and the fate of mankind. Today, tarot is used in a variety of ways, from spiritual exploration to personal guidance and decision-making.
What is the origin of Tarot cards?
The exact origin of Tarot cards is unknown, but they are believed to have originated in the Middle East, India, or Egypt around 500-600 CE and slowly spread throughout Europe. The earliest known packs of Tarot cards were created in Italy in the 15th century, when they were used as a game similar to modern playing cards. Over time, these cards were used to foretell the future, with each card attributed a special meaning, and became associated with the occult, mysticism, and divination. Eventually, Tarot decks began to be standardized and the various designs and meanings of the cards became more established.