How Tarot Evolved From Playing Cards?

Tarot cards, a set of 78 cards, were first created in the 15th century as a variation of playing cards. They were first used in Italy as a game, with the Visconti-Sforza deck being the first known deck. As they spread across Europe, their designs began to incorporate symbolic elements and meanings. The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to 15th-century Italy, where they were initially used for a fun card game called tarocchi, or tarot playing cards.

The cards evolved from simple playing cards to divination tools with intricate designs and symbolism. The Major Arcana, an esoteric image, imbued the cards with deeper meanings. The true history of tarot cards is tied to European nobility, the church, and the fortunes of politics. Over time, they have evolved from simple playing cards to complex divination tools with intricate designs and symbolism.

Tarot decks are believed to have originated in Italy and spread through much of Europe. The first known tarot cards appeared in early 15th-century Italy (Milan), based on playing cards that had come to Europe in the 1370s. Playing cards first appeared in Europe in the 1370s, probably in Italy or Spain, and likely as imports or possessions of merchants from the Islamic Mamlūk.

The Tarot Cards variant of playing cards were created in Italy in either the late 14th or early 15th centuries. Inspired by the colors and symbols of the cards, they were originally intended for playing a trick-taking card game with the Major Arcana as a fixed trump suit. Through the lens of a tarot card deck, this article explores how we read ourselves into images and how visual artworks can facilitate ethereal experiences.


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What is the science behind tarot cards?

Tarot cards have been found to have psychological influences, but they can still have beneficial effects on a person’s mental health when used in a therapeutic context. A 2009 study found that regular users of Tarot cards used them as a tool for self-reflection, providing insight into their current life situations and providing comfort during difficult times. They also used Tarot cards as a tool for positive reinforcement, drawing cards intentionally and randomly to provide insights about their own lives.

Some co-researchers kept a card with them until their goals were resolved, claiming that Tarot does not reveal new information but can provide a new perspective on an issue that can influence a plan for a possible course of action.

This study highlights the potential of Tarot as an effective therapeutic tool, despite the foundational psychological effects behind its mainstream use. Further research on the beneficial impacts of Tarot in a therapeutic setting would involve examining a larger number of participants from a wider variety of backgrounds. Regardless of the reason behind a person’s use of Tarot cards, they have maintained a strong presence in society and have the potential to do more than just predict the future.

What is the origin of the playing cards?

The game of cards, invented by the Chinese prior to 1000 A. D., reached Europe around 1360. Its origins can be traced back to the Mamluk Empire of Egypt, which demonstrates the intricate relationship between words, shapes, and concepts.

Is it OK to shuffle tarot cards?

When acquiring a new tarot deck, it is essential to thoroughly shuffle the cards to ensure they are in order. The most common method is to place the deck on the floor and smoosh them around, then pick them up and start shuffling. Some experts suggest keeping the cards with you for a week to tune them into your energy and vibration, while others prefer spending extra time shuffling them. One common technique is the overhand shuffle, where you place the deck in one hand and release a section of cards at a time into the opposite hand until the cards are mixed up.

What is the origin of the Tarot card game?
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What is the origin of the Tarot card game?

Tarot games originated in Italy and spread to most parts of Europe, with notable exceptions being the British Isles, the Iberian peninsula, and the Balkans. The earliest detailed description of rules for a tarot game in any language was published by the Abbé de Marolles in Nevers in 1637. Princess Louise-Marie of Gonzague-Nevers introduced some rule variations from the normal game. Tarot card games are played with decks having four ordinary suits and one additional, longer suit of tarots, always trumps.

They are characterized by the rule that a player who cannot follow a trick with a card of the suit led must play a trump to the trick if possible. Tarot games have introduced the concept of trumps to card games, and more recent tarot games borrowed features from other games like bidding from Ombre and winning the last trick with the lowest trump from Trappola.

Is it OK to pull tarot cards for yourself?
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Is it OK to pull tarot cards for yourself?

Tarot readings can be done by beginners, providing insight into current situations, honoring intuition, and forecasting potential outcomes. To begin, clean the energy of your space by burning herbs, ringing bells or chimes, taking a bath, or using crystals. A Selenite wand is a popular energy refresher that aids clarity.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes, focusing on the protective energy surrounding you. Take deep breaths, think about your question or needing guidance, and keep your mind and heart open to the answers that may come through the cards. Shuffle the deck, focusing on your desired query, and shuffle the cards in front of you. The pattern laid out is called a “spread”, and the meaning of each card in combinations builds up to the overall answer to your query.

Before beginning to shuffle, know which spread you will be working with. As answers come through, it’s important to draw additional cards for further clarity or start with a new question from a different perspective. Tarot readings can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding.

Can you turn playing cards into tarot cards?

This article elucidates the process of converting a standard poker deck into a Tarot deck, emphasizing the parallels between the two decks. The process entails the utilisation of a standard poker deck, white paper, glue, tape, or adhesive back white labels, a pen, and information pertaining to Tarot cards. The cards should be separated by suit and arranged in order from Ace to King. It is recommended that Joker cards be kept in close proximity to facilitate convenient access.

What religion do tarot cards come from?

This literature review examines the relationship between Tarot cards and New Age religion, emphasizing their function in the contemporary study of the New Age movement.

What religion is Tarot cards from?

This literature review examines the interconnection between Tarot cards and New Age religion, with a particular emphasis on their function within the context of the twenty-first-century New Age movement and their utilization by practitioners. It elucidates the religious import of Tarot cards and delineates the various methods through which they can be employed.

What is the origin of the playing card?

The game of cards, invented by the Chinese prior to 1000 A. D., reached Europe around 1360. Its origins can be traced back to the Mamluk Empire of Egypt, which demonstrates the intricate relationship between words, shapes, and concepts.

How were tarot cards created?
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How were tarot cards created?

Tarot decks were invented in Italy in the 1430s, adding a fifth suit of 21 specially illustrated cards called trionfi (“triumphs”) and an odd card called il matto (“the fool”). These cards bore Italian suitmarks and belonged to an experimental period of card design when queens were often added to the series of court cards previously consisting of only a king and two male figures. In standard cards, the four figures were subsequently reduced to three again by suppressing the queen, except in French cards, which suppressed the cavalier (knight).

The trionfi each bore a different allegorical illustration instead of a common suitmark, possibly representing characters in medieval reenactments of Roman triumphal processions. They were originally unnumbered, so it was necessary to remember their order. When added to the pack, trionfi functioned as a suit superior in power to the other four, acting as a suit of triumphs or “trumps”.

Did playing cards come from tarot cards?
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Did playing cards come from tarot cards?

In 1938, George Coffin wrote an article in Games Digest titled “Taro: Ancestor of Whist”, explaining the struggle he faced while researching divination cards, which were originally used for games. He found someone from Italy to talk to and learned not only about il tarocchi cards still used for games but how to play a game with them that was not too different from Whist.

Playing cards have four suits: Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, each made up of numbers 1 (ace) to 10, then the “Court” cards of the Jack, Queen, and King. Tarot cards in the Minor Arcana also have their four suits with ace to ten as well, then the Page, the Cavalier, the Queen, and the King. S. R. Kaplan in Tarot Cards for Fun and Fortune Telling states that the ordinary pack of playing cards is a direct descendent from the fourteenth century tarot deck.

The exact origin of tarot cards is often debated, but there is plenty of written evidence dating the use of tarot cards from well before the 15th century. Historians generally refer to the 1440s and the Italian cities of Venice, Milan, Florence, and Urbino when providing a starting point. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot Cards, believed to be the earliest surviving tarot cards, date back around 1442 and are believed to be the strongest historical analytical evidence.

The original game, now usually referred to as ill tarocchi, involved bidding, melding of points, and taking of tricks. Although tarot games have varied through the centuries and are still played in some parts of Europe, the rules always vary depending on who is playing.


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How Tarot Evolved From Playing Cards
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Pramod Shastri

I am Astrologer Pramod Shastri, dedicated to helping people unlock their potential through the ancient wisdom of astrology. Over the years, I have guided clients on career, relationships, and life paths, offering personalized solutions for each individual. With my expertise and profound knowledge, I provide unique insights to help you achieve harmony and success in life.

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6 comments

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  • I did the same thing. I’ve read tarot now for 6 years. I switched to playing cards because it’s different and unique in its own system. Plus, I had a few tarot decks that were those minimal tarot cards. My very first card reading I did for myself was when I was 15 and I used poker cards. I wish I would have stuck with it, but I felt guilty because I was Christian, and tarot was of the devil. But now that I’m married, I’ve been reading consistently. I got board of tarot, and I learned every other system out there like runes, astrology, I ching, all that stuff. It’s been really fun, but not as fun as learning divination through the playing cards. It’s given me scarily accurate information. I’ve never been able to get timing to save my life in readings. But I’ve been able to give dates and hours with the playing cards because its biased off of our Calander system. It’s THE most accurate system I’ve ever touched. I feel that playing cards are my new language. They read differently than the tarot because some suits are changed. But the change makes sense. I think its easier because you don’t have to look at images and feel into the story of the image. It’s baised off of numerology rather than anything else. Its easier because you don’t have reversals as well. The suits actually tell you if its Good or Bad.

  • Thanks so much for the article and I downloaded the pdf. I read tarot but I’m no expert and I must say over the years I have tried spreads and have always felt too restricted in my readings. I always end up just talking to the cards and seeing what they have to say. I feel my intuition works much better when it isn’t confined in a spread.🥰

  • Please make more of these! Thank you! My grandma raised me, may she rest in peace, in the old ways but the rest of the family/clan was super religious and so my grandma taught me how to do readings with regular playing cards. She had to teach me the old ways while “hiding in plain sight” so to speak. Blessings

  • Man, after perusal actual tarot cards readers for a few months, today I picked up an ordinary deck of cards and laid out a spread and it made perfect sense, and it ended beautifully. Then I pulled three questions and got my answers, and it matches perfectly to what ALL the other tarot articles confirmed afterwards. This is crazy

  • Whatever speaks to you is the best, isn’t it? I read so much and was frustrated until I found Cory’s work. Cory had his system printed into a lovely book too- 54 Devils. He built his system off of Dawn Jackson’s (Hedgwwytchery), Chita St.Lawrence’s mother’s system (It’s All in the Cards) and his years of experience. FWIW- Chita’s mother learned it from the last living great-great granddaughter of a Russian Gypsy dancer, who came up with hers in 1830. I also came across Deborah Lee’s The Message, (her grandmother taught her), and which is very much like Chita’s work. I used Deborah’s system and method of learning (great for empaths) blended a little with Chita’s. I learned it in 2 days. laughing… One of the most used systems by many cartomancers is Dawn Jackson’s. It is considered the easiest to learn, but did not speak the way Deborah and Chita’s did for me. ;D

  • Please allow me to enlighten you. The only way you can read cards is connecting to your higher self. I’m perusal for awhile those buffoons that are pretending to read tarot and I’m infuriated. Especially those to pretend to read coffe cups. I can tell you that your interpretation is coming from above and not from the actual cards. I know this very well. My mom who past away in 2012 was BY FAR the best reader, both in cards and coffee, and I’ve learn that her interpretation was from above, not below. I wish I had her gift. It’s a shame and a crime what those pretend readers are doing.

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