The history of tarot cards explained

While professional psychics and tarot card readers make hay while the sun shines, historians and scholars are still grappling with the evidence to reveal the true origins and history of tarot cards. The truth is that the evidence related to the origin of tarot cards has never been found or proven, but is based on various theories and beliefs. Some of the theories circulating in the fraternity of scholars and researchers conclude that the term ‘tarot’ evolved from the ancient Egyptian god of magic called ‘Thoth’, or was attributed to a military order established in 1188 entitled ‘Order of Knights’ . Templar.

The period and person responsible for the conceptual creation of tarot cards is still unknown, although it is widely believed that the first version was created during the first half of the 15th century, when a person produced the first tarot deck somewhere in the north of Italy. Some European historians and researchers believe that, over time, the use of cards spread rapidly in northern Italy and in various areas of France. The history of tarot cards also includes the belief among some researchers that tarot cards existed in Italy as early as the 13th century.

What seems historically correct to some scholars is that Eliphas Levi, a Catholic priest, teacher, and writer, created the foundation from which today’s popular playing cards evolved. They believed that Levi accomplished this between the late 1700s and early 1800s. Levi can be credited with incorporating the elements of nature (air, earth, fire, water) into the tarot deck he created which is represented by symbols to this day. As evidence related to the history of tarot cards reveals, Levi claimed at the time that the cards he created were simply to act as a tool to teach his students self-awareness, spiritual enlightenment, and self-improvement.

Further historical evidence reveals that in the late 19th century, AE Waite envisioned that the cards created by Eliphas Levi could be used to predict future events. In 1896, Waite created the Rider-Waite tarot deck which became the most popular and widely used version still in existence. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that tarot cards made their presence felt in Western culture. During World War I, tarot was extremely popular. Despite conflicting theories, beliefs, and evidence about the history of tarot cards, tarot cards closely resemble the modern deck of playing cards. However, a fact widely accepted by scholars is that the first playing cards originated in Korea and China as early as the 11th century. This reinforces the legend, believed by some researchers, that the tarot had its origin in the East.

It was natural for the tarot to have different variations in the pictorial representation of each card as the tarot spread to different countries and took root in their respective cultures. However, its core goals and principles have remained the same since ancient times. The history of tarot cards is as challenging to scholars, historians, and researchers as it is exciting and intriguing to millions of people around the world today. Whatever the truth, as far as its historical origins are concerned, the fact is that the tarot is here to stay.