📜 History of Tarot
A journey through time in the history of tarot
The Origins of Tarot
Tarot was born in northern Italy in the 15th century, probably at the Este court in Ferrara or in Milan under the Sforza family. The earliest tarot cards were elegant board games, hand-painted for noble families.
The name "tarot" comes from the Italian word "trionfi" (triumphs), which referred to a card game with special trump cards. Later it was called "tarocco" and finally "tarot".
📅 Tarot Timeline
1440-1450 - The First Decks
The first tarot decks are created in Italy. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is one of the most famous and complete from this era.
16th Century - Expansion in Europe
Tarot spreads throughout Europe. In France "tarocchi" develops as entertainment for the nobility.
1781 - Tarot Becomes Esoteric
Antoine Court de Gebelin proposes that tarot has Egyptian origins. Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) creates the first tarot deck intended for divination.
1870 - The Golden Dawn
The Order of the Golden Dawn in England associates tarot with Kabbalah, astrology and Western occultism. A revolutionary connection between tarot and esotericism.
1909 - The Rider Waite
A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith create the Rider Waite deck, the most influential and best-selling in history. First deck with complete illustrations on the Minor Arcana.
1960s-70s - Renaissance
The hippie movement and counterculture rediscover tarot as a spiritual tool. Explosion of new decks and approaches.
Today - Digital Era
Tarot is democratized with online applications, digital decks and global communities. Millions of people consult the tarot daily.
🔄 Evolution of Tarot
Card Game
Originally tarot was a board game for Italian nobility. The cards were used to play "trionfi", similar to bridge today.
Esoteric Tool
In the 18th century tarot transformed into a divination tool. French occultists gave it esoteric meaning.
Spiritual Map
The Golden Dawn linked tarot to Kabbalah, planets and zodiac signs. It became a map of the spiritual journey.
Digital Platform
Today tarot is available online, as apps and as a self-knowledge tool accessible to everyone.
🃏 Famous Decks
Marseille Tarot
The most classic and traditional tarot. Known for its direct and powerful graphic style. The reference for centuries.
Rider Waite Smith
The most influential deck in the world. Created in 1909, it was the first with complete illustrations on all Arcana.
Osho Zen Tarot
A meditation deck that combines tarot with Zen philosophy. Ideal for introspection and personal growth.
Runic Tarot
Combines tarot arcana with Norse runes. A powerful fusion of two divination traditions.