History and tradition of Tarot cards

The history and tradition of tarot cards is a rich and fascinating subject, dating back to the 15th century. The exact origin of the tarot cards is still debated among scholars, but they are believed to have originated in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main categories: Great Arcana and Small Arcana. The Great Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent the most important themes and symbols in life, such as the Fool, the Mage, the High Priestess and the World. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four colours, similar to a deck of playing cards, but with additional court cards.
In the early years of tarot, the cards were used for a variety of purposes, including playing games and divination. Over time, the use of tarot cards for divination became more widespread, and the practice of reading tarot cards for insight and guidance evolved into a distinct form of divination known as tarot reading. One of the earliest written references to tarot reading dates from the late 16th century, when a French nobleman wrote about a group of gypsies who used tarot cards to foretell the future. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the use of tarot cards for divination became increasingly popular and different schools of tarot interpretation emerged, each with their own unique approach and symbolism. One of the most well-known schools of tarot interpretation is the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society of mystics and magicians that was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Golden Birch system of tarot interpretation is still widely used by tarot readers today and has had a major influence on the development of modern tarot. In the early 20th century, artist and mystic Pamela Colman Smith, in collaboration with mystic AE Waite, developed a new style of tarot deck. This deck, known as the Rider-Waite tarot, became one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks of all time and remains so today. The Rider-Waite tarot deck was distinguished by its use of vivid symbolic imagery and its focus on spiritual and mystical themes. The deck was highly influential and was used as the basis for many other tarot decks, including the Crowley-Harris Thot tarot and the Robin Wood tarot. Today, tarot cards are still widely used for divination and self-discovery and are considered by many to be a valuable tool for exploring the unconscious mind, understanding the energies and influences that affect our lives and gaining insight and guidance into personal and spiritual matters. Whether you are an experienced tarot card user or just beginning to explore the world of tarot, the rich history and tradition of tarot cards is sure to captivate and inspire you. With its fascinating symbolism, rich imagery and deep spiritual meaning, tarot is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth that has been revered for centuries and continues to be valued and appreciated.