The History and Origins of Tarot: Myths vs. Reality

Tarot cards have been linked to secret societies, lost civilizations, and even ancient magic. Some believe they hold the wisdom of the Egyptians, while others say they were passed down by mystical travelers. But where did they actually come from? The truth is far more interesting than the myths.

The origins of Tarot aren’t as shrouded in secrecy as people think. They didn’t start as a magical tool, nor were they designed for fortune-telling. They were playing cards—yes, like a regular deck of cards used for games. Over time, they evolved, picking up layers of symbolism, mystery, and meaning along the way.

So, if Tarot wasn’t originally a mystical divination tool, where did the myth come from? And how did these cards transform from entertainment into something deeply spiritual?

The True Origins of Tarot

The first Tarot decks didn’t come from ancient Egypt or a hidden mystical order. They came from Europe.

Tarot’s Birthplace: Renaissance Italy

The earliest known Tarot cards appeared in 15th-century Italy. They were called “carte da trionfi” or “cards of triumph” and were created for a card game called Tarocchi. Wealthy families commissioned beautifully painted decks, often featuring religious and classical imagery.

These early Tarot decks had:

• Four standard suits (similar to modern playing cards)
• A special set of trump cards with elaborate artwork
• No direct connection to divination or mysticism

How Tarot Became Linked to the Occult

For nearly 300 years, Tarot remained a game. There was no talk of fortune-telling or secret wisdom. That changed in the 18th century when a French writer, Antoine Court de Gébelin, made a bold claim: Tarot held hidden Egyptian wisdom.

Without evidence, he wrote that the cards contained secrets from the lost Book of Thoth, an ancient text of knowledge from the Egyptian god of wisdom. His ideas were fascinating but completely made up.

Then came Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla), a Parisian fortune-teller who created the first deck specifically designed for divination. He assigned meanings to the cards, connecting them to astrology and the elements. This was the turning point. From then on, Tarot became a tool for insight rather than just a game.

The Evolution of Tarot Symbolism

While Tarot didn’t start as a mystical tool, its symbolism grew over time. Many of the images used in traditional decks weren’t created for divination, but they carried deep meaning that later readers interpreted in a spiritual way.

Influence of Christian and Classical Imagery

Renaissance Tarot decks reflected the culture of their time. The trump cards (now called the Major Arcana) featured themes from:

• Catholicism (The Pope, The Devil, The Last Judgment)
• Classical mythology (The Chariot, The Wheel of Fortune)
• Medieval life (The Magician, The Fool, The Emperor)

These images weren’t mystical in origin, but their symbolism made them easy to adapt for spiritual readings.

The Occult Connection: Kabbalah and Alchemy

By the 19th century, secret societies like The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn saw Tarot as a system of hidden knowledge. They linked it to:

• The Kabbalistic Tree of Life, assigning deep esoteric meanings to each card
• Alchemy, using the suits to represent transformation and spiritual growth
• Astrology, giving each card a zodiac or planetary connection

This mystical interpretation shaped modern Tarot decks, especially the famous Rider-Waite-Smith deck, which became the foundation for today’s readings.

How Tarot Became a Spiritual Tool

Tarot took a long journey from a game to a tool for insight. Its evolution happened in stages, with different cultures adding layers of meaning.

From Fortune-Telling to Personal Reflection

While Tarot was once seen as fortune-telling, many modern readers use it differently. It’s less about predicting the future and more about:

• Self-reflection and personal growth
• Understanding subconscious thoughts
• Exploring possibilities rather than fixed outcomes

The Psychological Perspective

In the 20th century, Swiss psychologist Carl Jung suggested that Tarot tapped into the collective unconscious—a shared human experience that appears in symbols and archetypes. This idea helped move Tarot from superstition into psychology, making it a tool for introspection rather than fate.

Misconceptions About Tarot

Despite its rich history, Tarot is often misunderstood. Some of the biggest myths still shape how people see it.

Myth: Tarot Has Fixed Meanings

Many believe each card has one strict meaning. In reality, interpretations change based on:

• The question being asked
• The position of the card in a spread
• The personal intuition of the reader

Myth: You Need to Be Psychic to Read Tarot

Tarot isn’t about supernatural powers. Anyone can read the cards. It’s a skill that involves symbolism, intuition, and personal reflection—not magic.

Myth: Tarot Predicts the Future

Tarot doesn’t tell you exactly what will happen. It highlights possibilities, patterns, and insights that help guide decisions. Think of it as a mirror, not a crystal ball.

The Modern Role of Tarot

Tarot has come a long way from its origins as a Renaissance card game. Today, it’s used in different ways, from spirituality to psychology and even artistic inspiration.

Tarot in Pop Culture

Tarot has made its way into movies, TV, and literature, often with dramatic flair. While it’s not always accurate, it has kept the cards in the public eye.

Tarot as a Personal Practice

Many people now use Tarot for:

• Journaling – Writing reflections based on card pulls
• Meditation – Using the imagery to focus thoughts
• Decision-making – Gaining perspective on challenges

Final Thoughts

Tarot started as a game, became a mystical tool, and now serves as a way for people to reflect on their lives. It wasn’t born from ancient secrets, but its journey through history has given it a powerful role in modern spirituality.

The real magic of Tarot isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about exploring thoughts, emotions, and choices in a way that makes sense for the person using it. Whether for fun, insight, or personal growth, the cards continue to evolve—just as they always have.