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The History Of Tarot
From Playing Cards to Spiritual Symbolism
Tarot today is often associated with mystical readings, spiritual insights, and personal growth. Yet its origins are far older and more complex than modern fortune-telling suggests. The story of tarot is one of cultural exchange, artistic innovation, esoteric reinterpretation, and centuries of human curiosity.
Resource: At the end of this article, you will find a Written Guide to Tarot’s Historical Timeline, a printable reference that maps key developments in tarot history from the Middle Ages to today.
Tarot’s Origins: Playing Cards in Medieval Europe
The earliest known playing cards arrived in Europe in the late 14th century... These extra cards would eventually become known as the Major Arcana.
“The tarot’s earliest life was not mystical at all, it was a game. Its transformation into a tool of divination would come centuries later.”
The Visconti-Sforza Decks
Among the most famous surviving tarot decks are the Visconti-Sforza cards... The use of tarot for divination would only emerge in the 18th century.
Tarot and the Rise of Mysticism
During the 18th century, tarot underwent a dramatic reinterpretation...
- Antoine Court de Gébelin (1781): Claimed tarot preserved Egyptian wisdom.
- Etteilla: Designed one of the first decks for divination.
The 19th-Century Occult Revival
Groups such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn... Members like A.E. Waite and Aleister Crowley shaped tarot as we know it today.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (1909)
Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith revolutionised tarot... The deck remains the most widely used in the world.
Aleister Crowley and the Thoth Tarot
Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris created the esoteric Thoth Tarot...
Tarot in the 20th and 21st Centuries
The 20th century saw tarot expand into psychology, self-reflection, and empowerment...
Key Historical Milestones of Tarot
- 14th century: Playing cards arrive in Europe.
- 15th century: Italian nobility commission trionfi decks.
- 1781: Court de Gébelin links tarot to Egyptian wisdom.
- 1909: Rider-Waite-Smith deck published.
- 1969: Thoth Tarot published.
- 20th–21st century: Tarot becomes a tool for psychology and self-growth.
Why the History of Tarot Matters
Understanding tarot’s history deepens your practice by grounding it in cultural context...
Written Guide: Tarot Historical Timeline
Includes:
- Key historical moments in tarot’s development.
- Profiles of influential figures (Court de Gébelin, Etteilla, Waite, Smith, Crowley).
- A visual timeline from medieval Europe to modern spirituality.
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Reflection prompts to connect history with practice.
Conclusion: The Living Tradition of Tarot
Tarot’s story is a testament to human creativity and meaning-making...
Next Steps
Want to explore tarot further? Download the Tarot Historical Timeline Guide and browse our tarot collection at Sorceress Sanctuary.
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