When we think of tarot cards, we often picture mysterious fortune tellers and dark, candlelit rooms. But the history and origins of tarot reading go far beyond these stereotypes, and are actually rooted in centuries of tradition and mysticism.
The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe, where they were first used as playing cards. The earliest known tarot deck, the Tarot de Marseille, was created in the early 16th century and featured 78 cards divided into major and minor arcana. These cards were used for games, much like modern playing cards, and were not initially associated with fortune telling.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination and esoteric purposes. This shift in usage can be attributed to a number of factors, including the growing popularity of spiritualism and the occult during this time period. The French occultist Antoine Court de Gebelin was one of the first to suggest that the tarot had deeper symbolic meanings and could be used for divination.
The tarot as we know it today, with its imagery and symbolism rich in esoteric meaning, was further developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw the creation of several influential tarot decks, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, which has become one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks in the world.
The history of tarot reading is as rich and diverse as the cards themselves. The symbolism and imagery found in tarot decks draw upon a wide range of influences, including astrology, numerology, alchemy, and Kabbalah. Each card in the tarot deck is said to represent a different aspect of the human experience, and can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the context of a reading.
Tarot readers, or tarotists, use the cards to gain insight into the past, present, and future. The reading of tarot cards is a deeply personal and intuitive practice, and no two readings are ever exactly the same. The reader relies on their own intuition and connection to the cards to interpret their meanings and provide guidance to the seeker.
One of the most common spreads used in tarot readings is the Celtic Cross, which is a ten-card spread that provides insight into the various aspects of a situation or problem. Other popular spreads include the Three-card spread, which offers a simple and straightforward interpretation of past, present, and future influences, and the Horseshoe spread, which gives a broader overview of a situation or issue.
Despite its long history and widespread popularity, tarot reading has often been met with skepticism and criticism. Critics argue that tarot reading is little more than a form of entertainment, and that the interpretations of the cards are subjective and open to manipulation.
However, many people who have experienced tarot readings firsthand attest to the powerful and transformative effects of the practice. Tarot readings can provide insight, clarity, and guidance in times of uncertainty or confusion, and can help individuals to navigate life’s challenges with a greater sense of purpose and understanding.
In recent years, the popularity of tarot reading has seen a resurgence, thanks in part to the accessibility of information and resources online. There are countless blogs, websites, and social media accounts dedicated to tarot reading, and numerous books and courses available for those who wish to learn more about the practice.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the enduring appeal and mystique of tarot reading. The history and origins of tarot cards reveal a tradition that is steeped in symbolism, myth, and magic, and continues to captivate and inspire seekers of truth and wisdom to this day.
