The origins of tarot: from playing cards to spirituality

Tarot has been around for centuries, and its use has evolved over time. It began as a playing card game in 15th century Italy, but today it is widely used for spiritual guidance and self-reflection. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of tarot and how it has come to be seen as a tool for divination. We’ll also look at how tarot has been used by different cultures throughout the ages, from ancient Egypt to modern times.

Tarot’s origin as playing cards

The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to the 15th century, when they were first used as playing cards. It is believed that the first tarot deck was created in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. The cards were used to play various games such as tarocchi, which is similar to the game of bridge.

The earliest decks consisted of four suits: Swords, Staves, Coins, and Cups. Each suit contained ten numbered cards and four court cards. This arrangement was very similar to the modern day French playing card deck. Over time, many different variations were developed, including those with additional suits, such as Batons or Wands, or with different imagery on the cards.

Tarot cards began to be associated with divination and spirituality in the 18th century, when people began using them for fortune telling. Since then, tarot has been used as a tool for guidance and self-reflection by millions of people around the world.

The first known tarot deck

The earliest known tarot deck is the Tarocco Bolognese, which dates back to 15th century Italy. The deck is composed of 78 cards divided into four suits: swords, cups, coins, and clubs. These suits were based on the traditional Italian playing cards of the time and included a variety of trumps, or special cards with powerful and symbolic meaning.

This deck was unlike any other of its time, as it was used primarily as an occult tool for divination. It was believed to have originated in ancient Egypt as a method of predicting the future, though there is no historical evidence to back this claim up. Some also suggest that it was brought to Europe by the gypsies, who were known for their use of fortune-telling and other occult practices.

The trumps, or triumphs, in the Tarocco Bolognese deck had greater meaning than the typical playing cards of the day. Each card was said to be linked to a specific aspect of life, such as death, love, or fortune. The trump cards were numbered from 0–21 and represented specific archetypes. They also carried messages about life’s triumphs and tribulations.

The Tarocco Bolognese was the first tarot deck widely used for fortune-telling and spiritual purposes. It paved the way for tarot decks that would come later and eventually become a popular tool for divination throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

How tarot evolved into a spiritual tool

The origins of tarot cards are shrouded in mystery, and it’s believed that the use of tarot for divination has been around for centuries. It is generally accepted that the modern deck of 78 cards dates back to 15th-century Italy, although there is some evidence that its roots go back even further. The precise origin of the cards is still debated among scholars, but the most widely accepted theory is that the decks developed from traditional playing cards.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that tarot began to take on a spiritual meaning. In the mid-1700s, an influential French occultist, Antoine Court de Gebelin, wrote about the tarot, claiming that the symbols and images had ancient Egyptian origins. From then on, tarot was seen as a tool to gain insight into the spiritual world and access to the divine knowledge.

The spiritual meaning of tarot has evolved over time and taken on many different forms. For some, it is a way to connect with their intuition and explore their spiritual path. Others use it as a form of divination to explore the deeper truths of life and gain insight into their current situation. However it is used, tarot has become an important tool for personal growth and development.

How tarot is used today

Today, tarot cards are used in a variety of ways, ranging from their traditional role as a tool for divination and spiritual guidance to a way of simply enjoying a game. Many people find that using the cards for divination and spiritual guidance can help to provide insight into their lives, allowing them to make better decisions and reach greater understanding. Tarot is also often used as a form of relaxation and introspection, allowing readers to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.

As with any form of divination, there are many interpretations and opinions about tarot readings. While some use them as part of their religious practice, others see them as a way to gain insight into their lives without any particular religious belief. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how to use tarot. Regardless of the intention behind the reading, the symbolism and archetypes within the cards remain powerful tools that can help provide insight and clarity.