Origins of Tarot
Origins of Tarot
Tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy as a card game called tarocchi, not as a tool for divination. The earliest decks, like the Visconti-Sforza deck, were hand-painted for wealthy families and featured 78 cards: 56 in four suits (swords, batons, coins, and cups) and 22 trump cards. These trumps were later called the Major Arcana, and the four suits became the Minor Arcana. The practice of using tarot for divination developed much later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, with occultists and esoteric groups.
Early Origins
- The earliest tarot cards appeared in northern Italy, specifically in Milan and Ferrara, around the 1420s.
- These cards were designed to be used in the trick-taking game "tarocchi," a predecessor to modern card games like bridge.
- The Visconti-Sforza deck, one of the oldest surviving decks, was commissioned by the Visconti family of Milan and features hand-painted cards with Christian symbolism.
- Early tarot decks included 21 trumps (later the Major Arcana) and 56 cards in the four suits (swords, coins, cups, and batons).
- The game of tarocchi is still played in some parts of Europe today.
Development of Divinatory Practices
- By the 18th and 19th centuries, occultists and esoteric groups began to view tarot cards as more than just a game.
- These groups, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, attributed symbolic and mystical meanings to the cards, associating them with ancient wisdom, astrology, and Kabbalah.
- The Golden Dawn member A.E. Waite, along with artist Pamela Colman Smith, created the Rider-Waite tarot deck, which became a standard template for many modern decks due to its illustrated minor arcana.
- Modern tarot decks and practices are heavily influenced by the Waite-Smith deck, with many decks incorporating similar imagery and symbolism.
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, a widely used tarot deck, was created by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. Waite, a scholar of the occult, envisioned the deck as a tool for mystical exploration, while Smith, an artist, brought his vision to life with her distinctive illustrations. The deck is notable for its detailed, narrative imagery in the Minor Arcana, which was a departure from earlier tarot decks.- Arthur Edward Waite:
A prominent figure in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Waite was a scholar of the occult, alchemy, and mysticism. He believed the tarot could be a mystical tool for accessing hidden knowledge.
- Pamela Colman Smith:
An artist and illustrator, Smith was known for her unique style and her ability to translate complex ideas into visual form. She was also a member of the Golden Dawn and had a fascination with folklore, particularly Jamaican folklore, which influenced her art.
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The Rider-Waite-Smith Deck:
The deck features 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. Waite provided the symbolic framework, and Smith created the artwork, including the detailed scenes for the Minor Arcana. The deck was published by William Rider & Son, hence the name "Rider-Waite-Smith".
- Impact:
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck has become the most popular and widely used tarot deck, influencing countless other decks and tarot practices. Its detailed imagery and accessible symbolism have made it a favorite among both beginners and experienced tarot readers.
- Smith's Recognition:
While Waite's name is prominently associated with the deck, Smith's artistic contribution is increasingly recognized and celebrated within the tarot community, with some referring to the deck as the Rider-Waite-Smith or Waite-Smith deck.
