A Brief History Of Tarot Card Readings

By Christopher Hill


While tarot cards first appeared in Italy in the mid-1400s, it is often believed that decks existed in ancient Egypt even earlier. In either case, the Italian decks which first appeared were 22 cards known as the Visconti Trumps, what is now called the Major Arcana. For, tarot card readings today are often performed with decks which feature the Major Arcana and four suits of cards known as the Minor Arcana.

Rumor has it that these cards were originally designed and created for Nobles. Whereas, it was centuries later in which the cards once again became popular. It was at this point and time when tarot cards were first used as tools of divination.

It was long after the cards had become standardized in France during the eighteenth century that the cards once began became popular. For, before that time, those whom played the Trumps could often decide to substitute, exclude or discard cards as needed. As such, the Tower, Death and Devil cards were often thrown out because of rumors the cards allowed the Devil to steal the souls of the people who played with them.

It was not so much the implied meaning of the cards but the imagery which led to this belief among religious zealots and leaders. In fact, at one point religious leaders attempted to banish the Trumps. A sermon provided by a Friar sometime in the mid-1400s suggested that the Trump cards were tied to the Devil and that the cards were created and named by the demon.

Even when using the cards for a simple game, the Friar suggested the devil was using the cards to win the souls of the people who played games with the Trump cards. As such, the sermon condemned the use of the cards whether for games or other purposes.

The use of decks in divination, magic and witchcraft are attributed to Antoine Court de Gebelin in the late 1700s during what is considered a rebirth of tarot. For, de Gabelin believed the cards were of Egyptian origin and contained mystical knowledge. In addition, Antoine also believed the symbols were intentionally placed and included on various cards, especially the Trumps.

De Gebelin, at least in theory believed the cards were keys to the lost knowledge and wisdom of the Egyptians. It was much later when the Major Arcana began to evolve into decks revised and distributed by a number of secret societies that hopes of revealing this knowledge came to pass. Most likely, this led to modern decks which come with guidebooks which define the artwork and provide the meaning of each and every card.

In the beginning of tarot, regular playing cards were often used as a means of separating the suits. Whereas, later there were several decks which only used the Trumps or Major Arcana. Whereas, there are so many different creators and decks available now that it can often be difficult for readers to know which one to choose. While this is the case, as most readers believe cards should be a gift rather than purchased, the decision is often made by someone other than the reader.




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