A Short Overview of the Tarot
The Rider Waite Tarot Deck of 1909
A Brief Overview of the Tarot
Tarot cards, with their intricate imagery and mystical allure, have a rich and multifaceted history. Today, they are most commonly used for divination and introspection, but their origins lie in a very different context. Spanning centuries and continents, tarot’s evolution reflects humanity's enduring fascination with symbolism, storytelling, and the search for meaning.
The Early History of Tarot Cards
The first recorded tarot decks appeared in 15th-century Italy, specifically in the courts of Milan, Ferrara, and Florence. Known as "carte da trionfi" (cards of triumph), these early decks were lavishly decorated and commissioned by noble families, such as the Visconti-Sforza, who created some of the most famous early examples. These cards were used for a trick-taking card game called tarocchi, which bore similarities to modern bridge. There was no evidence in this period that tarot cards were used for fortune-telling or spiritual purposes.
The imagery on these early cards was deeply symbolic, influenced by the art and culture of the Italian Renaissance. For example, the "triumph" cards depicted allegorical figures such as Justice, Temperance, and Death—concepts drawn from medieval Christian teachings and humanist philosophy.
The Evolution into Divination Tools
Tarot's association with mysticism and divination began much later, around the 18th century, when scholars and mystics in France began to reinterpret the cards' imagery. Key figures like Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French clergyman and occultist, claimed that the tarot was much older than previously thought. In his work, Le Monde Primitif (1781), he argued—without historical evidence—that the tarot originated in ancient Egypt and contained the wisdom of the Egyptian Book of Thoth. This theory, though widely debunked, laid the foundation for tarot's use as a mystical tool.
Shortly thereafter, Jean-Baptiste Alliette (known as Etteilla) became one of the first to publish a tarot deck specifically designed for divination. His deck, created in the late 18th century, included esoteric meanings for each card, blending astrology, alchemy, and Hermetic philosophy.
By the 19th century, tarot had become firmly entrenched in the world of the occult. Organizations such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society devoted to mystical and magical practices, incorporated tarot into their teachings. Members like Arthur Edward Waite and Aleister Crowley played significant roles in creating modern tarot decks, including the widely-used Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot and the esoteric Thoth Tarot.
Theories on Tarot’s Origins Around the World
The history of tarot is also intertwined with a variety of speculative theories about its origins, some of which stretch beyond its documented European roots. While these theories are not substantiated by historical evidence, they highlight the global fascination with tarot’s mystical allure.
Ancient Egypt
One of the most enduring theories links tarot to ancient Egyptian wisdom. Proponents suggest that the tarot cards are a codified form of the Book of Thoth, a legendary text said to contain the secrets of the universe. This connection was popularized by Court de Gébelin but lacks archaeological support. Despite its dubious authenticity, the Egyptian theory contributed to the exotic and mystical reputation of tarot in Western esotericism.India and Asia
Some researchers theorize that tarot cards may have evolved from early playing cards introduced to Europe via trade routes with Asia. Playing cards, believed to have originated in China during the Tang dynasty, made their way to the Middle East and eventually Europe through merchants and travelers. The Mamluk cards from the Islamic world, with their elaborate suits and designs, are often cited as precursors to European playing cards and, by extension, the tarot.Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah
In the 19th century, occultists like Éliphas Lévi connected tarot to Kabbalah, the mystical branch of Judaism. They aligned the 22 cards of the Major Arcana with the 22 paths of the Tree of Life, a key symbol in Kabbalistic teachings. This association gave tarot a new layer of symbolic depth, tying it to concepts of spiritual enlightenment and the journey of the soul.Romani Mystics
Another popular but largely mythological theory ties tarot to the Romani people, who were often associated with fortune-telling in European folklore. This theory suggests that the Romani brought tarot with them from their travels through India and the Middle East, infusing it with their own spiritual and cultural practices. While the historical accuracy of this claim is debated, the connection between tarot and Romani traditions remains a part of popular culture.
Tarot’s Modern Revival
In the 20th century, tarot experienced a renaissance as interest in mysticism and New Age spirituality grew. The publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot in 1909, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith, revolutionized the art of tarot. This deck emphasized symbolic imagery for every card, making it easier for readers to interpret meanings intuitively. Today, it remains one of the most popular decks in the world.
The modern era has also seen tarot transcend its occult origins to become a tool for personal growth and reflection. Contemporary tarot readers often use the cards for therapeutic purposes, treating them as mirrors of the subconscious mind rather than instruments of fortune-telling. Meanwhile, the diversity of tarot decks has exploded, with designs inspired by cultures, themes, and philosophies from around the globe.
Separate to tarot, oracle cards vary greatly with the number of cards in a deck, card names and meanings. They are often considered a ‘simpler’ version of a full tarot deck.
Thoughts For Wiccan and Pagan Practitioners
What is tarot, and how does it relate to Wicca and Paganism?
For Wiccans and Pagans, tarot serves as a bridge to the Divine, offering a way to commune with the energies of the universe, the elements, and deities. Many practitioners use tarot to enhance their rituals, meditate on the cycles of the moon or Sabbats, and deepen their understanding of the spiritual journey.
The Major Arcana often reflects the spiritual truths central to Pagan paths, such as transformation (Death), balance (Temperance), and connection to nature and the divine (The Empress). The Minor Arcana, with its ties to the four elements, resonates strongly with Wiccan and Pagan practices.
How does tarot work in a spiritual sense?
In Wiccan and Pagan traditions, tarot is often seen as a tool to access the collective unconscious, the spiritual realm, or the wisdom of the Divine. When you shuffle and draw cards, you are aligning your energy with the universe, allowing the cards to reflect the energies, patterns, and guidance surrounding you. Many Pagans view this as working in harmony with the natural flow of energy, akin to casting a circle or invoking elemental powers.
Tarot readings can also be enhanced by ritual practices, such as lighting candles, using crystals, or calling upon deities or spirits for guidance. For example, invoking the Goddess or the God during a reading can infuse it with sacred energy.
How is tarot connected to the elements?
In Wiccan and Pagan practices, the Minor Arcana aligns with the four classical elements:
Cups (Water): Emotions, intuition, and the sacred flow of life. These cards connect to the element of Water and often resonate with the energy of the West, feelings, and relationships.
Wands (Fire): Creativity, passion, and the spark of transformation. Linked to the element of Fire and the South, these cards are about action, ambition, and the spiritual drive.
Swords (Air): Intellect, communication, and the power of thought. Representing the element of Air and the East, Swords signify clarity, challenges, and the winds of change.
Pentacles (Earth): Abundance, stability, and the material world. Rooted in the element of Earth and the North, these cards reflect physical health, wealth, and grounding energy.
Many Wiccan and Pagan practitioners use the suits to align their readings with elemental magic, such as combining a Pentacles card with Earth-centered rituals for financial stability or grounding.
Does tarot predict the future in magical practice?
In Wicca and Paganism, tarot is less about predicting a fixed future and more about offering insights into potential paths and outcomes. The cards reflect the energies at play and provide a window into possible futures based on your current trajectory. Much like casting a spell, tarot readings empower you to shape your destiny by making conscious choices and aligning with your intent.
For example, if you draw The Tower, it may signal upcoming upheaval. As a Pagan, one might use this knowledge to prepare, cast protection spells, or embrace the transformative energy of the card.
How do I prepare for a tarot reading in a Wiccan or Pagan ritual?
Preparing for a tarot reading can be incorporated into your magical practice. Here’s how you can infuse Wiccan or Pagan energy into the process:
Cleanse Your Deck: Use smoke from sage, palo santo, or incense to clear any residual energy. Alternatively, place the deck on an altar with a crystal like clear quartz or selenite.
Set Sacred Space: Cast a circle or call the quarters to create a protective and focused environment for your reading.
Call Upon Deities or Spirits: Invoke your patron deity, spirit guides, or ancestors for guidance. For example, you might call upon Hecate for insights into crossroads or Freyja for matters of the heart.
Align with Intent: State your question or intention clearly, focusing your energy on the cards.
This ritualized approach makes the reading an extension of your spiritual practice.
What role does the moon play in tarot readings?
For Wiccans and Pagans, the phases of the moon can significantly influence tarot readings. Many practitioners align their readings with the lunar cycle to enhance their magical potency:
New Moon: A time for beginnings and setting intentions. Readings might focus on opportunities, potential, and planting seeds for the future.
Waxing Moon: Ideal for exploring growth, momentum, and building energy.
Full Moon: A time of illumination and clarity. Use tarot to gain insights or celebrate accomplishments.
Waning Moon: Perfect for releasing, letting go, and banishing negative influences. Draw cards to identify what no longer serves you.
Incorporating moon phases into your readings can deepen their connection to natural rhythms and amplify their power.
What if I draw a challenging card like Death or The Tower?
In Wiccan and Pagan traditions, challenging cards are often viewed as opportunities for transformation and growth. For example:
Death: Represents the end of a cycle and the promise of rebirth. This card aligns with the natural cycles of life, like the turning of the Wheel of the Year, and invites you to embrace transformation.
The Tower: Signals upheaval and the tearing down of false foundations. Pagans might see this as a chance to clear away old structures to rebuild something stronger.
The Devil: Highlights attachments or behaviors that limit your spiritual growth. It invites shadow work and the exploration of inner truths.
These cards are not negative but transformative, much like the cycles of nature and the seasons.
Can I use tarot in spellwork?
Yes, tarot can be a powerful addition to spellwork in Wicca and Paganism. Specific cards can be used to amplify your intent or represent energies in a spell. For example:
The Magician: Use this card in spells for manifestation and harnessing your personal power.
The Lovers: Ideal for love spells or rituals focusing on harmony and relationships.
The Sun: A powerful symbol for success, joy, and vitality, often used in solar magic or Sabbat rituals like Litha.
Place the card on your altar, meditate on its energy, or use it as a focus for candle magic to strengthen your intent.
How can I choose a tarot deck as a Wiccan or Pagan?
When choosing a deck, many Wiccans and Pagans prefer designs that reflect their spiritual path. Here are some tips:
Elemental and Nature Themes: Look for decks with imagery that highlights nature, the elements, or Pagan deities, such as the Wildwood Tarot or DruidCraft Tarot.
Symbolism That Resonates: Select a deck whose artwork and symbolism align with your practice. For example, decks featuring lunar imagery might appeal to moon-centric Wiccans, while others might prefer a deck honoring the Wheel of the Year.
Intuitive Connection: Trust your intuition. If a deck "calls" to you, it’s likely the right one for your practice.
Is tarot tied to specific Pagan pantheons or traditions?
Tarot is not inherently tied to any one pantheon or Pagan tradition, but its archetypal imagery can be adapted to fit different spiritual paths. For example:
The High Priestess might represent Hecate, Persephone, or Cerridwen, depending on your tradition.
The Empress could embody Freyja, Gaia, or Demeter.
The Wheel of Fortune aligns well with the concept of the Wheel of the Year and the cycles of life.
Many practitioners personalize their tarot readings by connecting the cards to their chosen deities or spiritual frameworks.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on various ancient belief systems and is intended for educational and spiritual exploration purposes. It is not definitive or universally accepted and should be interpreted in the context of personal beliefs and practices.