The Secret History of the Tarot Revealed
Origins, Evolution, and Influence
The history of tarot is rooted in 15th-century Italy, where the cards began as a simple card game known as tarocchi, long before gaining their reputation for mystical symbolism and fortune-telling. Over the centuries, tarot evolved from a noble pastime into a tool for divination, with each card gradually accumulating layers of meaning, imagery, and cultural significance.
Much of modern tarot's popularity comes from the iconic Waite-Smith deck, published in 1910, which set the standard for the art and interpretation of tarot cards. Exploring the hidden origins and shifting symbolism of tarot offers insight into how an ordinary game transformed into a global phenomenon, shaping societies' understanding of fate, intuition, and the unknown.
Origins and Early History
Tarot cards first appeared in Europe during the 15th century and were originally created for card games, not for mystical or divinatory purposes. Their structure and symbolism evolved alongside other playing card decks, eventually leading to the unique roles of trumps and court cards.
The Evolution of Tarot Cards
The earliest known tarot decks were produced in Italy, specifically in places like Milan, Ferrara, and Bologna around the 1440s. These early decks, such as the Visconti-Sforza, were hand-painted and commissioned by nobility.
Tarot cards initially consisted of four suits, much like modern playing cards, but featured additional illustrated cards called "trionfi" or trumps. The number of cards per deck varied by region. Early decks often contained between 60 and 78 cards.
The introduction of symbolic imagery on the trump cards set tarot apart from ordinary playing cards. Over time, these images became more standardized, establishing a structure that persists in many modern tarot decks.
From Playing Cards to Divination
Tarot’s origin lies in recreation, not fortune-telling. The decks were used for a trick-taking game called tarocchi. The use of tarot for divination did not emerge until the late 18th century.
In the mid-1700s, writers and occultists in France, such as Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla), began interpreting the imagery of the cards as holding deeper esoteric or mystical meanings. They connected tarot symbolism to ancient Egypt and the Kabbalah, though these claims lacked historical evidence.
This shift from gameplay to divination changed public perception of tarot cards. By the 19th and 20th centuries, this association with fortune-telling became widespread, particularly with decks like the Tarot de Marseille.
The Emergence of Trumps and Court Cards
Tarot decks differ from standard playing cards through the addition of trumps and a distinct set of court cards. Traditional tarot decks feature 21 numbered trumps plus a special unnumbered card known as the Fool. Trumps served as permanent high cards in the original games.
The court cards in tarot decks include four ranks: Page, Knight, Queen, and King, compared to the three found in ordinary playing cards (Jack, Queen, King). Each suit contains these four court cards, contributing to the deck’s expanded structure.
The designs of trumps and court cards became ornate over time, with symbolic and allegorical images reflecting societal values and interests of Renaissance Europe. Their visual complexity and hierarchy laid the foundation for tarot’s later use in symbolic interpretation and divination.
Symbolism and Structure of the Tarot
The tarot deck is a carefully organized system with visual symbolism rooted in history, spirituality, and culture. Its layout has remained consistent for centuries, blending artistry with meaning in both the Major and Minor Arcana.
Major Arcana’s Historical Significance
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each depicting archetypal figures and allegories. Originating in mid-15th century Italy, these cards were not originally used for divination but as part of a trick-taking game called "tarocchi." Over time, interpretations connected these cards to spiritual journeys and personal transformation.
Key cards include The Fool, The Magician, and The World. Each card is distinct, carrying its own set of symbols, such as keys, staffs, and animals. Their order often reflects stages of growth or philosophical lessons. The Major Arcana became central to esoteric traditions, later influencing occultism and fortune-telling practices.
Minor Arcana and the Four Suits
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (sometimes called Coins). Each suit corresponds to a particular aspect of life, traditionally:
Wands: Creativity, work, ambition
Cups: Emotions, relationships, intuition
Swords: Intellect, conflict, decision-making
Pentacles: Material matters, finances, work
Each suit consists of 14 cards: ten numbered cards and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). These cards provide detail and context in readings, representing day-to-day situations and dynamics. The suits have their roots in Italian playing card traditions, with symbolism adapted over time to reflect broader themes.
Iconography and Symbolic Motifs
Tarot card imagery is rich with motifs drawn from religion, mythology, and medieval society. Common symbols include the staff (authority and power), the cup (spiritual fulfillment), the sword (truth or conflict), and the pentacle (earthly matters).
Colors, animals, postures, and objects each add layers of meaning. For example, lions often symbolize strength, while water represents emotion or intuition. Iconography varies by deck style, but the underlying symbolic vocabulary remains surprisingly consistent. This visual language is essential to understanding and interpreting tarot readings.
Tarot and Western Esotericism
The Tarot’s integration into Western esoteric traditions began in the late 19th century, transforming the cards from simple playing objects into tools for spiritual study and esoteric symbolism. Key organizations and individuals contributed to this shift, shaping modern interpretations and practices surrounding the Tarot.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s Influence
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn played a central role in associating the Tarot with Western esotericism. Founded in 1888, the Order systematically reinterpreted each tarot card through the lenses of astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemy.
Their detailed correspondences connected the Major Arcana to the paths of the Tree of Life, while the Minor Arcana were linked to the four elements and zodiacal attributions. This structure influenced nearly every later occult tarot deck.
The Golden Dawn encouraged members to use the Tarot in meditation, visualization, and ritual work. Their teachings directly inspired the development of influential tarot decks, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith and Thoth decks.
Noteworthy Figures in Occult Tarot
Several important individuals of the Golden Dawn left a lasting mark on occult tarot.
A. E. Waite co-created the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, introducing fully illustrated minor arcana and making esoteric symbolism more accessible to the public.
John William Brodie-Innes, a senior Golden Dawn member, contributed to tarot scholarship and helped formalize tarot study within the Order.
These figures and others cemented the tarot’s role in the broader landscape of Western mysticism. Their collaborative and individual efforts established foundational interpretations and inspired countless practitioners and deck creators.
Innovations in Modern Tarot
Significant developments have shaped how tarot is created, interpreted, and viewed today. Key figures and deck designs have become central to tarot’s identity and popular appeal.
Pamela Colman Smith and the Waite-Smith Deck
Pamela Colman Smith illustrated the Waite-Smith tarot, first published in 1910. She collaborated with Arthur Edward Waite to create a 78-card deck that has become the standard reference for countless modern tarot designs.
The Waite-Smith deck is notable for its fully illustrated minor arcana, offering clear narrative scenes that make the cards more accessible to both beginners and experienced readers. This approach set it apart from earlier decks, where minor cards usually featured only symbols or numbers.
Key contributions of the Waite-Smith tarot:
Illustrated Minor Arcana
Easier interpretation
Universal Symbolism
Broader appeal and adaptability
Artistic Style
Inspired numerous later deck designs
Smith’s art and narrative approach continue to influence new tarot artists and readers.
The Rise of Popular Tarot Decks
Following the Waite-Smith deck, the world saw a surge of new tarot decks, each bringing unique artistic, cultural, or thematic perspectives. Decks such as the Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, introduced alternative symbolism and structure.
Modern tarot decks often focus on diversity, inclusive representation, and fresh interpretations of familiar archetypes. Artists reimagine traditional cards, adapting imagery for contemporary audiences and different cultural contexts.
Examples of popular modern tarot trends:
Themed decks inspired by history, world myths, or pop culture
Inclusive representations of gender and ethnicity
Use of digital formats and online readings
Publishers and independent creators continue to produce innovative tarot decks that appeal to collectors, spiritual practitioners, and casual readers alike.
Divination and Meaning
Tarot cards have a long relationship with divination, involving both historical evolution and interpretation methods. Each card in the Tarot deck, whether part of the Major or Minor Arcana, carries individual symbolism that guides its divinatory meanings in practice.
The Role of Tarot in Divinatory Practice
Tarot has served as a tool for divination since at least the 18th century. Its usage expanded from a card game to a structured system for seeking insight, often about the future or one’s internal landscape.
Readers typically use layouts such as the Celtic Cross or three-card spread. These arrangements help clarify specific questions or life situations. The order and position of the cards influence how each is interpreted.
Divination with Tarot isn’t meant to predict events with certainty. Instead, it offers a symbolic framework for reflection, decision-making, and guidance. Many practitioners view the process as a means to access intuitive knowledge rather than simple fortune-telling.
Interpreting Major and Minor Arcana
The Tarot deck is divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).
The Major Arcana features iconic cards such as The Fool, The Magician, and The Tower. Each represents broad themes and significant life transitions. For example, The Tower often points to upheaval, while The Star is linked to hope and renewal.
The Minor Arcana is organized into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. They deal with everyday matters and are further divided into numbered cards and court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
Understanding the distinction between these two groups is essential. Major Arcana cards usually hold more weight in a reading, often indicating significant influences, while Minor Arcana cards reflect daily experiences or short-term events.
Understanding Divinatory Meanings
Divinatory meanings for each card were first systematically recorded in the 18th and 19th centuries. Figures like Court de Gébelin and later occultists contributed to assigning specific interpretations to cards, linking them to personal and collective archetypes.
Interpretations can differ based on the tradition or system used. Some approaches focus on upright and reversed card positions, which affect meanings.
Tarot Cards: Upright and Reversed Meanings
The Empress
Upright Meaning: Abundance, creation
Reversed Meaning: Dependence, stagnation
Nine of Swords
Upright Meaning: Anxiety, worry
Reversed Meaning: Recovery, hope
Modern readers often blend traditional meanings with intuitive impressions. While there are commonly accepted interpretations, context within a spread and personal associations both influence the final reading.
Iconic Tarot Cards in Historical Context
Throughout tarot’s development, certain cards have become highly recognizable not only for their imagery but also for their lasting cultural significance. The history and symbolism embedded in these cards offer insight into evolving meanings and interpretations across centuries.
The Hanged Man: Symbolism and Impact
The Hanged Man is one of the most visually distinctive Major Arcana cards. Traditionally, it depicts a man suspended upside down by one foot from a tree or wooden beam. Despite his situation, his face is calm, sometimes even serene, emphasizing acceptance and surrender.
This card’s origins can be traced back to early Italian tarot decks, where similar imagery represented sacrifice or punishment. Over time, the symbolism shifted. In modern interpretations, The Hanged Man often stands for suspension, waiting, and a voluntary pause or change in perspective.
In influential decks like the Waite-Smith Tarot, the card’s symbolism grew more complex. The halo around the figure’s head indicates enlightenment or insight gained through a period of stasis. Today, readers see The Hanged Man as a sign to pause, reflect, and consider new viewpoints, highlighting the card's historical journey from punishment to transformation.
Tarot’s Continuing Legacy
Tarot cards have maintained a presence well beyond their origins, influencing both personal practices and broader cultural trends. They are referenced in media, incorporated into art, and seen in wellness movements, highlighting their persistent relevance.
The Enduring Appeal of Tarot
Tarot’s appeal persists due to its blend of symbolism, tradition, and personal interpretation. Practitioners appreciate the cards’ rich imagery and the opportunities for reflection they offer. Many use tarot for self-exploration, decision-making, or to gain insight into current situations.
Key reasons people turn to tarot include:
Storytelling and psychological insight
Ritual and meditation practices
Connection to historical traditions
Tarot’s flexibility allows individuals to adapt its use. Some see the cards as tools for introspection, not prediction, which aligns with contemporary wellness trends. Regular events, such as full and new moon spreads, keep tarot integrated into modern routines.
Tarot in Contemporary Culture
Tarot has entered mainstream culture, appearing in movies, books, and even fashion. News outlets and magazines publish articles about tarot’s popularity and its growing acceptance. Social media platforms host communities where users share readings, discuss card symbolism, and critique deck designs.
Many artists release new decks that reflect diverse backgrounds, modern themes, and social issues. Educational platforms and podcasts explore tarot’s history, methods, and role in identity, making the subject accessible to wider audiences.
Tarot’s public profile includes:
Features in news segments
Collaborations with wellness brands
Inclusion in festivals and pop culture events
This ongoing visibility ensures tarot remains a familiar reference point in today’s social and cultural landscape.
