A Brief History of Tarot Cards

Tarot cards have a long and mysterious history that dates back centuries. Originally used as divination tools, Tarot cards have also been used to communicate with the spiritual world. Today, people use Tarot cards for guidance in many ways.

The Origins of Tarot Card

Tarot cards, also known as tarocchi, originated in Italy in the late 15th century. Wealthy nobles and merchants commissioned artists to create unique tarot decks, which were used for fortunetelling and other religious purposes. The tarot cards themselves were initially just plain wooden or vellum cards, but over time, various symbols and images were added to make them more interesting and appealing to users.

The earliest known tarot deck is the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, which was commissioned by Duke Francesco I Visconti and Duke Alessandro Sforza in Milan in 1479. The tarot deck remained popular throughout Europe for centuries, and variant decks such as the Rider-Waite tarot deck were created in the early 1900s. Today, there are many tarot cards available on the market, each with its own unique design and symbolism.

The Major Figures in Tarot History

The history of tarot cards is full of intriguing and colorful characters. From the early days of playing with simple cards to the very popular decks we use today, tarot had been used for centuries to help people navigate their lives. Here are some of the major figures in tarot history:

1) The tarot deck as we know it today was invented in the late 15th century by Italian scholar and printer Giovanni Boccaccio. He called his deck the ‘Tarocchi’ (meaning ‘tarots’), after a set of cards that had previously been popular in Italy.

2) In the early 16th century, French cardmaker Jean Tarot developed an elaborate version of the Tarocchi, which he named the ‘Le Jeu de Tarot’. The Le Jeu de Tarot became very popular throughout Europe and was used by many famous people, including Queen Elizabeth I.

3) In 1786, British occultist Aleister Crowley published his book The Book of Thoth, which described a new tarot deck he had created, known as the ‘Thoth deck’. Crowley’s version of the Thoth deck became very popular.

The Major Types of Tarot Cards

There are many types of tarot cards, and they can be used

Tarot cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different meanings for each. The most common type is the traditional 78-card deck, which has been used for centuries to read fortunes. Other popular decks include the Celtic Cross Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the I Ching Tarot.

There are also tarot decks designed specifically for spiritual readings. These decks often have artwork that is more symbolic than literal and may feature deities or concepts from different religions. There are even tarot decks designed to help people learn about themselves and their personal relationships.

Whatever your preference, there’s a tarot deck out there that’s perfect for you!

For a variety of purposes, the major types of tarot cards are the traditional tarot deck, the tarot spread, and the tarot game.

The traditional tarot deck includes 78 cards, each with a different meaning and purpose. These cards are typically used to read fortunes or to provide guidance during spiritual readings.

The tarot spread is a more versatile version of the traditional deck. Instead of using just one card at a time, a tarot spread uses two or more cards together to provide deeper insight into a situation or question.

Finally, the tarot game is a fun way to learn about tarot cards and use them for divination. In this type of game, players draw cards from a deck and try to make as much sense as possible out of the information on the cards.

How to Play Tarot Card Games

Tarot card games, also called tarot reading, are a popular way to use the cards for divination. Games can be played with two or more players, and the rules vary depending on the game. Tarot card games are sometimes used as tools for self-exploration and can help you better understand your own mind and emotions.

The Future of Tarot Card Reading

Tarot cards have a long and varied history, but what does their future looks like? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities for tarot card reading in the coming years.