The Cultural Origins of Tarot Reading

Tarot reading has fascinated people for centuries. Some see it as a tool for divination, while others view it as a guide for self-reflection. But where did tarot come from? The history of tarot is complex, filled with cultural influences from different parts of the world.

This article explores the origins of tarot reading, tracing its roots from early playing cards to its role in mysticism and divination. Understanding its history gives deeper insight into how tarot evolved into what it is today.

The Early History of Tarot: Playing Cards and Fortune Telling

Many assume tarot cards were created for fortune telling, but their history suggests otherwise. The first tarot-like decks appeared in Europe in the 14th century, inspired by playing cards that likely came from the Middle East or China. These early cards were not used for divination but for entertainment.

The oldest known tarot deck, the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, was commissioned in the 15th century by an Italian noble family. These beautifully illustrated cards were part of a game called tarocchi, popular among the aristocracy.

It wasn’t until centuries later that tarot became linked to mysticism. The transition from a simple card game to a tool for divination happened gradually, influenced by different spiritual traditions.

The Influence of Egyptian and Kabbalistic Mysticism

In the 18th and 19th centuries, tarot took on a deeper symbolic meaning. Some European scholars believed that tarot held ancient wisdom, possibly connected to Egyptian culture.

Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French writer in the 1780s, argued that tarot originated from the Book of Thoth, an ancient Egyptian text linked to the god of wisdom. Though no historical evidence supported this claim, his ideas greatly influenced how people viewed tarot.

At the same time, occultists in France and England connected tarot with Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism. The 22 cards of the Major Arcana were linked to the 22 paths of the Tree of Life, a key symbol in Kabbalistic teachings. This association gave tarot a spiritual depth it had never had before.

Today, many tarot readers still use these mystical frameworks, showing how older beliefs continue to shape modern practices. According to Sunaree Ko, author and tarot expert at TarotCards.io, “Tarot has always been a bridge between the physical and the mystical. While modern readers might not strictly follow Kabbalistic or Egyptian traditions, these influences remain deeply embedded in how we interpret the cards, giving them a layered and timeless meaning.”

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The Rise of Tarot as a Divination Tool

By the 19th century, tarot was widely associated with fortune telling. One of the key figures in this transformation was Éliphas Lévi, a French occultist who wrote extensively about magic, mysticism, and tarot. He linked tarot to astrology, numerology, and various esoteric traditions, reinforcing its status as a tool for spiritual insight.

His work influenced the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that played a crucial role in modern tarot’s development. The Golden Dawn’s teachings integrated tarot with astrology, alchemy, and other mystical practices.

One of its members, Arthur Edward Waite, later worked with artist Pamela Colman Smith to create the Rider-Waite Tarot deck in 1909. This deck became the most popular tarot deck in the world, still widely used today. Its symbolic artwork helped standardize tarot interpretations, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Certainly! Here’s an expanded version of the “Tarot in Different Cultures” section with more details and depth while maintaining readability and smooth transitions:

Tarot in Different Cultures

Though tarot has deep roots in European mysticism, other cultures have influenced its evolution. Over the centuries, different traditions have shaped how tarot is used and interpreted. From Italian noble courts to Romani fortune tellers and Eastern spiritual philosophies, tarot’s journey reflects a fusion of beliefs, practices, and cultural exchanges.

Italian and French Contributions

Italy and France played a major role in tarot’s early history. The first tarot decks were created in 15th-century Italy, originally designed as luxury playing cards for the wealthy. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot, one of the oldest surviving decks, was commissioned by the ruling families of Milan and remains a significant artifact in tarot history.

In France, tarot took on a more mystical character, particularly in the 18th century, when scholars and occultists began assigning deeper meanings to the cards. The Tarot de Marseille, a deck that emerged in the 17th century, became one of the most influential tarot decks of all time. Unlike the ornate Italian decks, the Tarot de Marseille had simpler but highly symbolic imagery, making it a popular choice for both divination and artistic study.

Even today, traditional readers prefer using the Tarot de Marseille for its historical authenticity and connection to early European esoteric traditions.

Romani (Gypsy) Influence

The Romani people, often called Gypsies, were widely associated with fortune telling, including tarot reading. Although there is no solid historical proof that they introduced tarot to divination, their influence on European mystical traditions is undeniable.

The Romani were known for their nomadic lifestyle, moving across Europe and carrying knowledge of various mystical practices, including palmistry, astrology, and cartomancy (card reading). Many early fortune tellers in Europe were Romani, and they likely adapted tarot as a part of their spiritual toolkit.

Romani tarot readings were often more intuitive and personal, relying less on structured interpretations and more on the reader’s connection to the querent (the person receiving the reading). This fluid and adaptable style of reading continues to inspire many modern tarot practitioners.

Eastern Philosophies and Tarot

In recent decades, tarot has been increasingly influenced by Eastern spiritual philosophies, particularly Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. Many modern tarot readers blend these traditions into their interpretations, adding layers of meaning that go beyond Western esotericism.

• Buddhism and Tarot: Some tarot practitioners view the cards as a reflection of karma—a cycle of cause and effect that influences life’s journey. Concepts like detachment, mindfulness, and the impermanence of situations are sometimes incorporated into tarot readings.
  
• Taoism and Tarot: The philosophy of Taoism, which emphasizes balance, flow, and natural order, aligns well with tarot’s cyclical nature. The Yin-Yang principle, representing duality and harmony, is often compared to the dual forces present in many tarot cards, such as The High Priestess or The Lovers.
  
• Hinduism and Tarot: Some tarot readers draw parallels between the Major Arcana and the chakra system in Hindu philosophy. The Fool’s Journey (the progression through the Major Arcana) can be seen as a spiritual awakening, similar to the kundalini energy rising through the chakras toward enlightenment.
  

Because of these influences, tarot continues to evolve into a universal tool for self-discovery, transcending its European origins and adapting to new spiritual perspectives worldwide.

Tarot in the 20th and 21st Centuries

In the 20th century, tarot reading became more mainstream. It was no longer limited to secret societies and mystics.

Psychological Interpretation

Psychologists like Carl Jung explored tarot’s symbolic nature. Jung saw tarot as a reflection of the collective unconscious, the shared imagery and archetypes found in human psychology. Many modern tarot readers use his theories to interpret the cards, focusing on personal growth rather than fortune telling.

Tarot and Popular Culture

Tarot has also gained attention in movies, TV shows, and literature. From gothic horror films to modern fantasy novels, tarot is often portrayed as a tool of mystery and magic. This exposure has helped keep tarot relevant in the modern world.

Digital Tarot and Online Readings

With the rise of the internet, tarot reading has become more accessible than ever. Online platforms offer virtual readings, allowing people to explore tarot without needing a physical deck. Some websites even use artificial intelligence to generate interpretations.

Despite these technological changes, the essence of tarot remains the same—offering guidance, insight, and reflection.

The Lasting Influence of Tarot

Tarot has come a long way from its origins as a card game in Renaissance Italy. Over the centuries, it has absorbed influences from Egyptian mythology, Kabbalistic mysticism, and psychological theory. Today, tarot is a versatile tool used for spiritual insight, self-reflection, and even therapy.

What makes tarot enduring is its ability to adapt. Whether used for fortune telling, meditation, or personal growth, tarot continues to be relevant across cultures and generations. Its rich history ensures that it will remain a source of fascination for years to come.