What Is The Background To Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards, a set of cards used in tarot games and fortune-telling, were invented in Italy in the 1430s. The origin of tarot cards is uncertain, with some placing it in ancient Egypt and others in Kabbalistic traditions. The ancestors of what we today know as Tarot cards can be traced back to around the late fourteenth century. Artists in Europe created the first playing cards, which were used for games and featured a fifth suit of 21 specially illustrated cards called trionfi.

The 78 cards of the “Waite-Smith” deck, published in 1910, have become synonymous with tarot. The general consensus seems to be that tarot originated in 14th century Europe (most likely Italy) as a card game. The adaptation of tarots to occult and fortune-telling purposes first occurred in France about 1780. For fortune-telling, each tarot card is ascribed a meaning.

The idea that tarot came from Egypt and was transmitted to Europe by wandering Romani people can be attributed to a French author by the name of Jacquemin Gringonneur. Tarot decks are believed to have originated in Italy and spread through much of Europe. As they spread, the decks were often modified by the different regions.

The history of tarot is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in Italy during the 15th century. The first known Tarot deck was created in the late 1300s by Jacquemin Gringonneur to entertain people.

Is Tarot ok for Christians?

The notion that tarot cards can exert control over one’s life is a pervasive one, yet there is a paucity of empirical evidence to substantiate this claim.

What mythology are tarot cards from?

In English-speaking countries, cartomantic tarot cards are available for novelty and divination. Early French occultists claimed tarot cards had esoteric links to ancient Egypt, Kabbalah, the Indic Tantra, or I Ching. However, scholarly research shows that tarot cards were invented in northern Italy in the mid-15th century and no significant use of tarot cards for divination until the late 18th century. Historians describe western views of the Tarot pack as a “successful propaganda campaign”.

The earliest evidence of a tarot deck used for cartomancy comes from an anonymous manuscript from around 1750. The popularization of esoteric tarot started with Antoine Court and Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) in Paris during the 1780s, using the Tarot of Marseilles. French tarot players abandoned the Marseilles tarot in favor of the Tarot Nouveau around 1900, and the Marseilles pattern is now mostly used by cartomancers. Etteilla was the first to produce a bespoke tarot deck specifically designed for occult purposes around 1789, containing themes related to ancient Egypt.

How did tarot become spiritual?

Tarots were first used for occult and fortune-telling in France around 1780. Each card in the major arcana has a specific meaning, with the minor arcana focusing on business and career ambitions. The tarot deck is shuffled by the questioner, and a fortune-teller then lays out a few cards in a spread pattern. The meaning of a card is modified based on its position in the spread, its orientation, and the meaning of adjacent cards.

What is tarot based on?

The modern tarot deck, based on the Venetian or Piedmontese tarot, consists of 78 cards divided into two groups: the major arcana (22 trumps) and the minor arcana (56 cards). The major arcana features pictures representing various forces, characters, virtues, and vices, numbered I through XXI. The cards are arranged in a series of order, from juggler to papess, empress to emperor, pope to lovers, chariot to justice, hermit to wheel of fortune, strength to death, temperance to devil, lightning-struck tower to star, moon to sun, last judgment to world, and the fool.

The minor arcana consists of four suits of 14 cards each, similar to modern playing cards. Each suit has 4 court cards (king, queen, knight, and jack) and 10 numbered cards, with the value progression in ascending order from ace to 10, then jack, knight, queen, and king.

Why do people believe in tarot?

The tarot, a divinatory tool, has been associated with occult properties, a belief prevalent in early modern Europe. Originating in 18th-century France, the tarot has been used in various practices, including hermeneutic, magical, mystical, semiotic, and psychological aspects. Romani people used it to tell fortunes, while Jungian psychologists used it to tap into “absolute knowledge in the unconscious”, for archetypal analysis, and to facilitate the Jungian process of individuation.

Many occult and divinatory practitioners trace the tarot to ancient Egypt, divine hermetic wisdom, and the mysteries of Isis. Many believe that the tarot’s divinatory meaning is closely linked to its occult properties.

What is the purpose of tarot cards?

The tarot is a storytelling tool that can spark conversations, inspire ideas, and reveal new perspectives. It’s open to everyone, and readers Jen Cownie and Fiona Lensvelt introduce each card, drawing on literature, pop culture, and personal experiences. Wild Card encourages readers to contribute to this centuries-old tradition, whether they’re learning to read, refreshing knowledge, or curious about the tarot’s potential to add magic to life.

What was the original purpose of tarot cards?

Tarot cards were initially used for entertainment and diversion, but their use evolved over time. In the 18th century, Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Alliette wrote a book linking tarot cards to divination, assigning meaning to each card based on astronomy, elements, and the Egyptian Book of Thoth. He also assigned a specific order and spread to the cards, now known as Etteilla, which is associated with the origin of tarot card readings for divination. This shift in style and usage of tarot cards has influenced the modern interpretation of divination readings.

Is tarot card reading true?

Early French occultists claimed that tarot cards had esoteric links to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, Indic Tantra, or the I Ching. However, scholarly research reveals that tarot cards were invented in Italy in the early 15th century for playing games, and there is no evidence of significant use of them for divination until the late 18th century. The belief in the divinatory meaning of the cards is closely associated with a belief in their occult properties, which was propagated by prominent Protestant Christian clerics and Freemasons.

From its uptake as an instrument of divination in 18th-century France, the tarot went on to be used in hermeneutic, magical, mystical, semiotic, and psychological practices. It was used by Romani people when telling fortunes and as a Jungian psychological apparatus for tapping into “absolute knowledge in the unconscious”, a tool for archetypal analysis, and even a tool for facilitating the Jungian process of individuation.

Do tarot cards really work?

Tarot readings can be an empowering and insightful tool for self-discovery and future direction. A professional tarot reader can help you understand your goals and desires, providing insight into your situation and guiding you towards the best actions for your love life, career, or other questions. They can also reveal the motivations of others and predict potential outcomes of decisions. A good tarot reading can provide clarity and help heal anxiety.

However, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for your first reading to fully benefit from the experience. A good tarot reading can provide valuable insights into your future and help you make informed decisions.

Are tarot cards against Christianity?

The Bible warns against sorceries, divination, soothsaying, fortunetelling, mediums, and spiritists. Tarot cards can be used for divination and fortunetelling, but they can also be used for meditation or exploring archetypes. The modern Tarot began as tarocchi, sets of playing cards and learning devices, and fortunetelling was not involved. Early Biblical mentions against such practices include not eating pork, trimming beards, getting tattoos, cutting hair, eating oysters, going to church within 40 days of giving birth, working on the Sabbath, eating fat, touching a goat, or selling land permanently. Some scholars believe these rules were put in place to prevent women from having an active role in spiritual leadership.

In modern American churches, an attitude against astrology is common. Genesis 1:14 indicates that God’s people are meant to use heavenly bodies as signs, guides, and portents. The practice of astrology involves using stars as signs, as the three wise men used this practice to follow the Star in the East.

What is the concept behind tarot cards?

Tarot cards are a symbolic language that reflects the energies, experiences, and emotions that shape our lives. They offer insights into our subconscious mind and guide us through the mysteries of the universe. Each zodiac sign can be seen in the Major Arcana cards, with each sign having its own unique meaning. Some of the most accurate discoveries in professional readings include Aries as the Emperor, The Fool, Taurus as the Hierophant, Gemini as the Lovers, Cancer as Temperance, Leo as Strength, Virgo as the Hermit, Libra as Justice, Scorpio as Death, Sagittarius as Judgment, Capricorn as The Devil, Aquarius as The Star, and Pisces as the Moon.