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The Fascinating World of Tarot: History, Future, and Quirky Facts
For centuries, tarot cards have captivated people with their mystique, symbolism, and ability to unlock insights about the past, present, and future. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just beginning your tarot journey, there’s always something new to learn. Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about tarot, its rich history, and where it might be headed.
A Brief History of Tarot
Many people assume tarot was always used for divination, but its origins are quite different. Tarot cards date back to the 15th century, originating in Europe as a card game called "Tarocchi." These early decks were beautifully illustrated but were primarily used for entertainment, not fortune-telling. It was a game played in a similar fashion to what we know today as 500.
The transformation of tarot into a mystical tool began in the 18th century when French occultists, such as Antoine Court de Gébelin, theorized that tarot had ancient Egyptian roots. Although this claim was historically inaccurate, it sparked a new perspective on the cards.
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, released in 1909, became the most recognizable tarot deck, shaping modern interpretations and making tarot more accessible worldwide. Such a shame that Pamela Colman Smith did not receive the recognition she truly deserved in terms of her artistic contribution!
The Future of Tarot
As technology evolves, tarot is also experiencing a digital transformation. Online tarot readings, AI-generated interpretations, and tarot apps are making it easier than ever to connect with the cards. Some practitioners even believe that tarot will integrate with virtual reality, allowing for immersive and interactive readings in digital spaces.
Despite these innovations, traditional tarot reading remains strong. The demand for personalized readings, hand-drawn decks, and intuitive interpretations ensures that tarot will continue to be both an ancient and evolving art form.
Personally, what I find fascinating is the way some of these newer decks are evolving – with additional cards being added to the traditional 78. I am particularly impressed by the additions made by Annie Tarasova and her Dreamy Moons Tarot Deck.
Annie has added two cards.
XXII The Self. Here we see a mirror- truly asking us to go within and have a really good look at ourselves, our journey to date, the way we were bought up and our personality changes (or no changes). This has us – or rather asks us to be peeling back layers in ways that we get to truly connect with ourselves.
XXIII The Flower of Life. This card reminds us to detach from all we know and to reconnect to the source of life itself.
I feel the addition of these two cards complete the journey for the Fool as they include the self-assessment and the return to source as the latest version of the self – potentially ready to start again.
Here Are Some Quirky Tarot Facts
The Oldest Known Tarot Deck: The Visconti-Sforza tarot, created in the mid-15th century, is one of the oldest surviving decks. These hand-painted cards were commissioned by nobility and are now housed in museums and private collections.
Not All Decks Have 78 Cards: While the standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, some variations exist. For example, some historical decks have fewer cards, and modern creators sometimes add extra cards with unique meanings.
The Fool’s Journey: The Major Arcana (22 cards) can be read as a story known as "The Fool’s Journey," symbolizing personal growth and transformation from innocence (The Fool) to enlightenment (The World).
Tarot in Pop Culture: Tarot has appeared in movies, TV shows, and literature, from James Bond’s Live and Let Die to The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The mysterious allure of tarot makes it a favourite storytelling element.
Arcana: The word arcana simply means secret. Big secrets, little secrets and the cards have been known to share those secrets!
Custom Tarot Decks Are on the Rise: More artists and spiritualists are designing their own decks, infusing them with unique cultural, artistic, and philosophical perspectives. There are decks inspired by mythology, astrology, nature, and even modern pop culture themes.
Final Thoughts
From this perspective, Tarot is a blend of art, history, intuition, and mystery. Whether you use it for guidance, self-reflection, or storytelling, tarot remains a powerful and ever-evolving tool. As we move into the future, who knows what new forms tarot will take? One thing is certain: its magic is here to stay.
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