The Little Known History of Tarot
Gaia・7 minutes read
Tarot decks have a long history, starting as a card game in Italy and evolving into a mystical tool with themes like death and the empress. The modern tarot deck consists of 78 cards, including minor Trumps, four suits, and major arcana cards, with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck revolutionizing tarot with allegorical images for personal interpretation.
Insights
- The evolution of tarot from a simple card game in Italy to a mystical tool in France infused with Egyptian and hermetic ideas showcases the diverse cultural influences that shaped its development over centuries.
- The Rider-Waite-Smith deck's impact on modern tarot cannot be overstated, as it shifted the focus from historical accuracy to personal interpretation, democratizing divination and influencing the design and symbolism of contemporary tarot decks.
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Recent questions
What is the history of tarot decks?
Tarot decks originated in 15th century Italy as a card game with Trump images, evolving into a mystical tool in southern France with Egyptian and hermetic influences.
How did tarot evolve over time?
Tarot evolved from a parlor game in Italy to a mystical tool in southern France, influenced by Egyptian philosophy and hermetic ideas, shaping the narrative around tarot.
What is the significance of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, created in the early 20th century, revolutionized tarot with allegorical images, making divination accessible and emphasizing personal interpretation.
What does a standard tarot deck consist of?
A standard tarot deck comprises 78 cards, including 56 minor Trumps and four suits (wands, cups, swords, coins), alongside 22 major arcana cards symbolizing the human journey.
How did occultist LFS Levy influence tarot?
Occultist LFS Levy associated tarot with Hebrew letters, Kabbalah, planets, and elements in the mid-19th century, shaping the mystical narrative around tarot without historical basis.
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Summary
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Evolution of Tarot Decks Through History
- Tarot decks offer endless options, with themes ranging from pagan cats to classic Marseilles, originating in early 15th century Italy as a card game with Trump images like death and the empress.
- Tarot evolved from a parlor game in Italy to southern France, where it was infused with Egyptian philosophy and hermetic ideas, leading to Marseille becoming a tarot production hub by the early 1500s.
- In the mid-19th century, occultist LFS Levy associated tarot with Hebrew letters, Kabbalah, planets, and elements, shaping the mystical narrative around tarot without historical basis.
- A standard tarot deck comprises 78 cards, including 56 minor Trumps and four suits (wands, cups, swords, coins), each with numbered cards and court cards, alongside 22 major arcana cards symbolizing the human journey.
- The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, created in the early 20th century, revolutionized tarot with its allegorical images, making divination accessible to all and influencing modern tarot decks, emphasizing personal interpretation over historical accuracy.
