The Mysterious Origins of Tarot
Ancient Origins and Early History
The history of divinatory cards extends back to ancient civilizations of the Far East. While Tarot’s exact origins remain debated among historians, scholars, and occultists, several theories trace its journey to Europe. Some suggest that the Knights Templar brought mystical knowledge from the Holy Land during the Crusades, while others credit nomadic peoples traveling from the East during the medieval period.
European Renaissance and Early Development
The most historically documented theory places Tarot’s European emergence in the early 14th century, initially as playing cards in Italian courts. These early decks, known as “carte da trionfi” (triumph cards), later evolved into what we now recognize as Tarot.
The Enlightenment Period
Antoine Court de Gebelin’s Influence
In the 18th century, French scholar Antoine Court de Gebelin made a significant impact on Tarot’s esoteric interpretation. As a linguist, cleric, occultist, and freemason, he proposed a compelling theory linking Tarot to ancient Egyptian wisdom, specifically the legendary Book of Thoth—attributed to the Egyptian god of wisdom and magic.
Antoine Court de Gebelin, whose work significantly influenced modern Tarot interpretation
Gebelin’s contribution included:
- Creation of a 78-card system (77 cards plus The Fool)
- Structuring of the Major Arcana (21 cards plus The Fool)
- Development of the Minor Arcana’s four suits
- Publication of detailed interpretations in his 1781 work “Le monde primitif”
His systematic approach laid the foundation for many traditional Tarot decks that followed.
The Occult Revival
Nineteenth Century Renaissance
The 19th century witnessed an unprecedented surge in esoteric studies and occult practices. This period marked Tarot’s transformation from a card game to a serious tool for spiritual exploration. The practice spread beyond Europe, reaching North America and other continents, evolving from mere fortune-telling to a sophisticated system of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Golden Dawn’s Contribution
Arthur Edward Waite, creator of the influential Rider-Waite deck
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a influential magical society, significantly shaped modern Tarot through the work of Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith. Their collaboration produced the Rider-Waite deck, which revolutionized Tarot by:
- Introducing fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards
- Incorporating deep symbolic meanings in every image
- Blending various mystical traditions (Egyptian, Kabbalistic, and Christian symbolism)
- Creating accessible imagery that resonates with both beginners and advanced practitioners
This deck remains one of the most widely used and influential Tarot decks globally.
The Crowley-Harris Innovation
Aleister Crowley, whose Thoth deck brought psychological depth to Tarot
In the 1940s, occultist Aleister Crowley and artist Lady Frieda Harris created the Thoth deck, marking another significant evolution in Tarot’s history. Their work:
- Integrated multiple esoteric traditions
- Incorporated modern psychological concepts
- Added layers of astrological and Kabbalistic symbolism
- Introduced a more abstract and psychological approach to interpretation
Modern Understanding
Today, Tarot is recognized as more than a divinatory tool—it’s a comprehensive system for:
- Psychological insight and self-reflection
- Personal growth and development
- Accessing archetypal wisdom
- Understanding universal patterns in human experience
The cards continue to evolve, with contemporary artists and scholars creating new interpretations while honoring the rich historical traditions that shaped this remarkable tool for self-discovery.
