History of Tarot

Follow the mystical journey of tarot that began in medieval Europe. Explore the history of tarot's transformation from game to spiritual tool.

1440s · Birth of Tarot (Northern Italy)

The first tarot cards were created in the courts of Milan and Ferrara. They were called "Trionfi" at the time and used for noble games.

1500s · Spread to France (France)

As tarot spread to France, the name "tarot" became established. The Marseille tarot deck began to be standardized.

1780s · Fusion with Mysticism (Paris, France)

Antoine Court de Gébelin began mystical interpretations of tarot. Tarot transformed from a simple game to a divination tool.

1909 · Birth of Rider-Waite Deck (London, England)

Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith completed the Rider-Waite deck, which became the standard for modern tarot.

Features of Rider-Waite Deck

• 78 cards (22 Major Arcana + 56 Minor Arcana)
• First deck to include symbolic images in Minor Arcana
• Symbolic system forming the basis of modern tarot interpretation

Meaning of Modern Tarot

Today, tarot is viewed more as a tool for self-reflection and inner exploration rather than fortune-telling. It serves as a mirror of wisdom that helps read unconscious messages through card symbols and view current situations from new perspectives.

For deeper tarot history and the stories behind the cards, continue exploring in Tarot Stories. Go to Tarot Stories