Tarot
A symbolic system of divination using a deck of 78 cards, each rich with archetypal imagery that reflects the human experience and the journey of consciousness.
Historical Development
The earliest known Tarot decks appeared in Northern Italy during the mid-15th century, originally as playing cards called carte da trionfi (triumph cards) used for games like Tarocchi. These early decks were commissioned by noble families and beautifully hand-painted, with the Visconti-Sforza deck being one of the most famous surviving examples.
Playing Cards to Esoteric System (15th-18th centuries)
Initially created for card games, Tarot was not associated with divination until the late 18th century. The first documented connection between Tarot and occult practices was made by Antoine Court de Gébelin in 1781, who claimed the cards contained hidden wisdom from ancient Egypt. Jean-Baptiste Alliette (known as Etteilla) soon after created the first deck specifically designed for divination.
Occult Revival (19th century)
The 19th century saw Tarot integrated into Western esoteric traditions. Éliphas Lévi connected Tarot to Kabbalah and the elements of the tetragrammaton. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn further developed these associations, with members like A.E. Waite and Aleister Crowley eventually creating their own influential decks.
Modern Popularity (20th century-Present)
The publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909 revolutionized Tarot with its fully illustrated Minor Arcana. This deck, created by A.E. Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, became the template for most modern Tarot decks. In the latter half of the 20th century, Tarot experienced renewed popularity through the New Age movement and has continued to evolve with thousands of diverse decks now available.
Structure of the Tarot
The Major Arcana
22 cards representing significant archetypes and spiritual lessons in life's journey. Often called "trump cards," they depict universal experiences and spiritual principles.
Beginning with The Fool (0) and ending with The World (XXI), these cards form what's known as "The Fool's Journey"—a metaphorical path of spiritual development and self-discovery. Major Arcana cards typically indicate significant life events, karmic lessons, or powerful spiritual influences.
The Minor Arcana
56 cards divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), each containing ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
Each suit corresponds to an element and a domain of human experience:
- Wands (Fire): Creativity, passion, energy, and action
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, intuition, and the subconscious
- Swords (Air): Intellect, communication, conflict, and truth
- Pentacles (Earth): Material world, finances, career, and physical health
The Art of Tarot Reading
Reading Tarot involves more than memorizing card meanings—it's a practice that combines knowledge, intuition, and the ability to recognize patterns and connections between cards. The context of a reading is shaped by the question asked, the spread used, and the reader's interpretive approach.
Reading Approaches
- Intuitive: Focusing on personal impressions and feelings evoked by the imagery
- Symbolic: Analyzing the symbols and their traditional meanings
- Narrative: Weaving the cards into a coherent story or journey
- Psychological: Viewing cards as reflections of the unconscious mind
- Predictive: Using cards to forecast potential future outcomes
Advanced Reading Elements
- Reversals: Interpreting cards that appear upside-down
- Dignities: How cards influence each other based on suit relationships
- Timing: Using cards to estimate when events might occur
- Shadow work: Exploring unconscious patterns and repressed aspects
- Progressive readings: Following up on readings to track development
Many readers emphasize that Tarot doesn't predict fixed outcomes but rather reveals energetic patterns and potentials. The cards illuminate possibilities, allowing the querent (person receiving the reading) to make more informed choices. This perspective aligns with the concept of free will, suggesting that understanding current influences helps shape future outcomes rather than merely revealing a predetermined fate.
Notable Tarot Decks
Rider-Waite-Smith (1909)
Created by A.E. Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, this is the most influential modern deck, known for its rich symbolism and fully illustrated Minor Arcana.
Thoth Tarot (1969)
Designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, incorporating complex esoteric symbolism from various mystical traditions.
Marseille Tarot (17th century)
One of the oldest standardized designs, featuring simple woodcut-style illustrations and non-scenic pip cards in the Minor Arcana.
Visconti-Sforza (15th century)
One of the earliest known Tarot decks, hand-painted for the Visconti and Sforza noble families of Milan.
Contemporary Decks
Modern decks like the Wild Unknown, Fountain Tarot, and thousands of others offer diverse cultural perspectives, artistic styles, and thematic approaches.
Common Tarot Spreads
Three-Card Spread
The most versatile and simple spread. Can represent past-present-future, mind-body-spirit, situation-action-outcome, or any three-aspect question. Perfect for beginners or quick readings.
Celtic Cross
A comprehensive 10-card spread examining multiple aspects of a situation: current influences, obstacles, ideals, foundation, past and future influences, self-perception, external influences, hopes/fears, and outcome.
Horseshoe Spread
A seven-card spread arranged in an arc, showing the progression of a situation or challenge. Typically covers past influences, present situation, hidden influences, obstacles, environment, advice, and likely outcome.
"The Tarot is a pictorial representation of the forces of the invisible universe."— A.E. Waite