Introduction To Tarot

Introduction To Tarot

Introduction to Tarot History and origins of tarot The history and origins of Tarot are both fascinating and somewhat mysterious. While many people associate Tarot cards with fortune-telling, their origins are far more complex and multifaceted. Origins and Early History: The Tarot deck, as we know it today, is believed to have originated in the 15th century in Europe, likely in Italy. Its roots, however, are much older, drawing from a mixture of earlier card games, divinatory practices, and various mystical traditions. 1. Playing Cards and Card Games (14th-15th Century): The earliest Tarot decks were not originally intended for divination but rather as playing cards. Playing cards are thought to have been introduced to Europe in the late 14th century, likely originating from the Islamic world. The deck contained four suits (coins, swords, cups, and clubs), similar to modern-day playing cards. In the 15th century, the Tarot deck evolved to include a fifth suit of "trump" cards (or "major arcana"), which were larger and had more symbolic meanings than the regular suit cards. These trump cards contained 22 symbolic images, such as "The Fool," "The Magician," "Death," and "The Star," which would later become central to Tarot's use in divination.

Updated July 15, 2026