Discover the ancient origins of Tarot, how it evolved from a card game to a mystical instrument.

The first recorded Tarot decks appeared in Italy in the mid-1400s, not as a divination instrument but as a card game called Tarocchi (plural of “tarocco”). Nobles and aristocrats played this game for entertainment in a similar way they played bridge.

Over time, some mystics and scholars began noticing something unusual and fascinating about the cards. They understood it was more than just a game. They saw patterns forming about the way certain cards showed up when certain players were involved. It was strange.

In the meantime, Tarocchi cards spread throughout Europe, becoming the basis for various card games like Tarocchini, French Tarot, and German Grosstarok. Soon more and more people realised their divination powers. What a magical time it must have been to be alive, eh!

Tarocchi’s symbolism was inspired by ancient Egyptian mysticism. Some link it to the Kabbalah, alchemy, and early Christian teachings. From there scholars took it so far ahead. Nowadays, we get Indian Mythology Tarot cards as well. I know not why this step in the evolution was necessary, but anyway…

Fast forward to the 18th century, and Tarot took a mystical turn. French occultists like Jean-Baptiste Alliette and Antoine Court de Gébelin believed Tarot contained hidden wisdom from the ancient world. They associated the cards with astrology, numerology, and spiritual insight, transforming Tarot from a mere game into a divination tool.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, Tarot had become a powerful instrument for personal guidance. The famous Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, brought Tarot into the mainstream, with vivid imagery and deep esoteric meanings that remain widely used today.

Is Tarot Still Relevant Today?

In an era of science, technology, and instant answers, why do people still turn to astrologers? The answer is simple: human nature hasn’t changed.

We still seek meaning, clarity, and connection to something greater than ourselves. Tarot provides:

🔮 Clarity in Chaos – When life feels uncertain, Tarot helps us find direction.
🔮 A Mirror to the Soul – The cards reveal our subconscious thoughts, helping us understand ourselves better.
🔮 A Timeless Story – The Fool’s Journey (the Tarot’s Major Arcana) mirrors the challenges and growth we all experience.
🔮 A Spiritual Anchor – In a fast-paced world, Tarot encourages mindfulness and deep reflection.

From ancient Italy to modern-day seekers, Tarot has stood the test of time. It continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern intuition, proving that some wisdom is truly eternal.

So the next time you see a Tarot deck shuffled before you, remember—you’re not just looking at pieces of cardstock. You’re looking at centuries of human curiosity, wisdom, and magick.

Ready to experience the magick for yourself?