⧗The History of Tarot Cards

Many theories have been put forward about the origins of tarot cards, but the truth is still not known for certain.

The cards considered to be the ancestor of both playing cards and tarot cards are the "Mamluk cards," produced sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries and now housed in the Topkapı Palace Museum in Turkey.

The oldest record we currently have that mentions tarot cards is a 1442 document from the Italian House of Este noting the purchase of a "pack of trionfi cards." Trionfi was simply the word for playing cards at the time, and the accepted theory is that tarot cards were originally used for games, much like an ordinary deck of playing cards.

The oldest surviving tarot deck itself is the "Visconti-Sforza deck," created in 15th-century Italy.

Incidentally, the name "tarot" didn't become common until the 16th century, and the imagery and artwork we would recognize today weren't established until the 17th-century "Jean Noblet deck" and after. The Jean Noblet deck is said to be the prototype for the "Tarot de Marseille," and from this point on cards began to be produced all across Europe.

Two developments are usually credited with spreading cards across Europe: the printing press, invented by Gutenberg around 1450, and the Italian Wars, which broke out in 1494.

The printing press in particular made mass production of cards possible, and gambling and card games became popular not just among the nobility but among ordinary people as well.

So when did cards that had been used purely for games start being used for fortune-telling?

Tarot reading as we picture it today first appeared in 1770.

That year, a professional fortune-teller named Etteilla published A Way to Entertain Yourself with a Pack of Cards. The book explained that each individual card carried a divinatory meaning, and laid out a method for interpreting a reading based on the meanings of the cards drawn.

This is taken completely for granted in tarot reading today, but before this book was published, card divination worked more like reading a fortune-telling slip — a fixed message tied to each card, nothing more.

Etteilla was later influenced by the scholar Antoine Court de Gébelin's theory that tarot originated in ancient Egypt, and starting in 1783 he spent two years regularly publishing installments of A Way to Entertain Yourself with a Pack of Cards Called Tarot.

In 1789, Etteilla went on to release the "Egyptian Tarot," presenting a more modern interpretation that folded the four classical elements and astrology into the cards.

In the 19th century, the French occultist Éliphas Lévi connected tarot with Kabbalistic thought.

Building on Lévi's influence, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn pushed this fusion of tarot and Kabbalah even further.

Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, who created the Rider-Waite deck released in 1909, were also members of the Golden Dawn.

Aleister Crowley, another Golden Dawn member, announced his "Thoth Tarot" in 1944. The actual deck wasn't published until 1969, though — 22 years after Crowley's death.

Tarot reading has a history of roughly 200 years, and the beloved Rider-Waite deck itself has only been around for about a century.

Even so, the imagery woven into tarot cards draws on patterns shared across humanity, and every card is rich with insight.

Young as its history may be, tarot is packed with wisdom that reaches toward the future, and it is sure to keep captivating us for years to come.

✦Introducing Beautiful Tarot Decks

Tarot decks come in an enormous range of styles, and many of them are wonderfully intricate and beautiful.

Beyond a basic working deck, simply having a beautiful one you love nearby seems to open up the whole world of tarot even further.

Here are five gorgeous decks worth starting a collection over.

Tarot Illuminati

The Tarot Illuminati's intricate beauty is enough to catch anyone's eye.

Based on the Rider-Waite deck, it is designed so that the meaning of each card is easy to picture.

Many readers say its messages come through even more clearly than a standard deck's, which makes it a great choice for beginners too.

Tarot of the Golden Wheel

As its name suggests, the Tarot of the Golden Wheel is a gorgeous deck with touches of gold scattered throughout.

Each card feels bold and assertive, as if it is determined to make its message heard.

The bright, cheerful artwork gives you a genuine push toward positivity.

Tarot of Oppositions

The Tarot of Oppositions is an unusual deck in which each card shows two separate illustrations — one for the upright meaning and one for the reversed.

Not only is the artwork beautiful, it also gives you a handy reference for interpreting reversed cards.

It's genuinely useful for explaining a reading clearly during an actual session, too.

Steampunk Tarot

The Steampunk Tarot is a stylish, beautiful deck that keeps the Victorian-era atmosphere so central to steampunk.

Each card is said to depict a fusion of humanity and machinery, nature and technology, science and alchemy, romance and fashion.

Because it follows the Rider-Waite structure, you can keep your reading grounded in the basics while still enjoying the extra inspiration the artwork provides.

Spiral Tarot

The Spiral Tarot is known for its vivid, striking color palette.

The deep and pale blues used in the card backgrounds give it a calm, settled atmosphere.

When reading with it, paying attention to the symbols illustrated on each card will help you dig even deeper into its meaning.

✧Types of Tarot Decks — What Kinds of Artwork Are There?

Before we get into card types, let's talk about tarot artwork itself.

Even under the single umbrella of "tarot cards," you'll find decks referred to as the "so-and-so deck" or the "such-and-such version." Think of it like the difference between Windows and Mac in the world of computers — really, it comes down to differences in artwork and version.

The two most representative styles are as follows.

The Rider-Waite Deck

The Rider-Waite deck is essentially the standard of tarot. It's sometimes called the "Waite deck" or the "Waite-Smith deck," but these all refer to the same cards.

The only difference is whether it's named after Rider, the publisher that sold it, or after Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, the pair who designed the artwork.

Decks with original artwork — including many designed by well-known illustrators — are, more often than not, built on the Rider-Waite structure, which is why it's fair to call it the foundation of tarot.

The Marseille Deck

This is the umbrella term for tarot decks produced across Europe from roughly the 16th through the 18th century. The artwork is quite different from the Rider-Waite deck, and the order of the Major Arcana differs as well.

Cards that follow this same artwork and ordering are collectively known as the Marseille deck.

There are other versions out there, but the Rider-Waite and Marseille decks are tarot's two major traditions. If you're just starting to study tarot, it's best to base your learning on one of these two. Since most tarot books and original-artwork decks on the market are built on the Rider-Waite structure, we'd recommend picking up a Rider-Waite deck first.

⚖The Full List of Tarot Card Types — Major and Minor Arcana Meanings

As mentioned earlier, tarot cards are divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

Every card can appear upright or reversed (upside down), and each orientation carries a different meaning — in other words, a single card actually holds two meanings.

The Major Arcana — Tarot's 22 Core Cards

Here we'll briefly walk through the upright and reversed meanings and key points of all 22 Major Arcana cards, using the Rider-Waite artwork as our reference.

0. THE FOOL

Keywords: innocence, freedom, optimism, immaturity, whimsy

The Fool represents a free spirit and a sense of adventure. It speaks to a situation where you are carving out your own destiny. The figure gazing up at the sky feels brimming with hope.

That said, you may stumble along the way. Sometimes it's important to pause and watch your step.

1. THE MAGICIAN

Keywords: creation, skill, talent, confidence, immaturity

Above the Magician's head floats the infinity symbol, representing limitless, ever-expanding possibility.

You're brimming with talent and confidence, and whatever is in front of you right now looks likely to succeed. Still, precisely because things are going well, it may help to be careful not to get carried away.

2. THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Keywords: intellect, mystery, cleverness, wisdom, coldness

Robed in ceremonial vestments, the High Priestess conveys a sense of intellect, suggesting that calm judgment and mentally demanding work or study are likely to bring good results.

It's also a good time to turn your attention inward. Take things slowly and carefully rather than rushing.

3. THE EMPRESS

Keywords: abundance, warmth, love, motherhood, dependency

The Empress represents a state of fulfillment, both material and spiritual, and is also a symbol of deep love and motherhood.

If the High Priestess symbolizes the inner world, the Empress represents a state of outward, material satisfaction.

As a symbol of femininity, it can also point to a woman's charming selfishness or possessiveness.

4. THE EMPEROR

Keywords: success, power, authority, stability, one-man rule

The Emperor, a figure of leadership, represents success in the real, material world — hinting at rising income or a promotion at work.

Where the Empress symbolizes motherhood, the Emperor symbolizes fatherhood. He has both warmth and financial strength, but it may be wise to watch out for acting too much like a one-man show.

5. THE HIEROPHANT

Keywords: mercy, kindness, respect for rules, generosity, stubbornness

The Hierophant represents a generous spirit toward those in a weaker position. It points to fairness and spiritual largeness, with mercy and kindness held quietly within.

This is also someone who values rules and structure, but it's worth remembering that having the courage to step outside the lines every so often matters too.

6. THE LOVERS

Keywords: romance, marriage, passion, harmony, temptation

The Lovers card, showing Adam and Eve gazing at each other in paradise, symbolizes romantic feeling.

It hints that bonds and connections with others — your relationships in general — are going well. Whether in love or at work, the key to success is respecting the other person's values.

7. THE CHARIOT

Keywords: victory, forward motion, strong will, drive, jumping to conclusions

The Chariot, ridden by a young, dignified prince, is a powerful card representing forward momentum driven by strong will, and ultimately victory.

Something may occasionally get in the chariot's way, but that obstacle is exactly what you need to take the next step up. Don't give up — hold your ground.

8. STRENGTH

Keywords: fortitude, capability, following through, reason, indecision

The Strength card represents facing things head-on with an unbreakable spirit, using strong will and reason to keep emotion and instinct in check, and seeing things through to the end.

When things aren't going the way you want, it's important to observe calmly rather than force the issue.

Note: in the Marseille deck, card 8 is Justice.

9. THE HERMIT

Keywords: thoughtfulness, caution, silence, introspection, secrecy

The Hermit represents a calm, thoughtful ability to see to the heart of things. The lantern he holds illuminates his own heart — he faces his inner self and thinks things through carefully.

That said, it's sometimes important not to get too caught up in the details, and to allow yourself some ease.

10. WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Keywords: fate, balance, arriving opportunity, major change, accident

The Wheel of Fortune shows things beginning to move.

It represents an improving situation, change, and problems heading toward resolution — but whether or not you accept that change is up to you. Stay prepared so a sudden shift doesn't catch you off guard.

11. JUSTICE

Keywords: equality, fairness, balance, rightness, instability

The figure holding scales in her left hand represents fairness and equality. It means balance is being maintained and things will continue steadily. That said, scales are inherently unstable — if you find yourself leaning too far one way, make an effort to restore balance.

Note: in the Marseille deck, card 11 is Strength.

12. THE HANGED MAN

Keywords: trial, devotion, hard work paying off, being in limbo

The man hanging upside down has chosen this difficulty of his own will. The smile on his face is there because he knows this suffering will surely be rewarded. Until that time comes, it's important to stay grounded and keep reading the situation carefully.

13. DEATH

Keywords: ending, breakup, conclusion, halt, fresh start

Everything eventually comes to an end. This card speaks especially to the end of a relationship, or a bond being severed.

But without an ending, there can be no beginning. It represents cutting ties with something old — an old relationship — and starting fresh.

14. TEMPERANCE

Keywords: smooth progress, circulation, calm, flow, awkwardness

This card, depicting water flowing endlessly from cup to cup, represents things naturally falling into place the way water flows. Just be careful — placing too much importance on "going with the flow," to the point where it stops you from acting, would be missing the point.

15. THE DEVIL

Keywords: temptation, corruption, betrayal, ruin, liberation, reset

The Devil card represents temptation — including romantic temptation between two people — and warns that you might give in to a desire. If you don't give in, though, it points toward positive developments, like a new encounter.

16. THE TOWER

Keywords: disaster, calamity, collapse, tension

Unfortunately, the Tower doesn't carry a particularly good meaning. It represents everything you've built up until now suddenly crumbling in the face of unexpected disaster.

That said, it's also a chance to grow. Looking back later, you'll likely realize it was a trial that pushed you forward.

17. THE STAR

Keywords: intuition, inspiration, longing, unreachable ideals

The star shining in the night sky represents receiving inspiration — intuition and a heart full of ideals.

But if your ideals are set too high, they'll be hard to reach. Every so often, take a moment to reassess your goals.

18. THE MOON

Keywords: anxiety, premonition, uncertainty, breaking free, hope for the future

The Moon card shows the moon waning from full. It represents a growing loss of confidence and anxiety — but a waning moon is always heading back toward full again, meaning that anxiety will resolve and things will gradually recover.

19. THE SUN

Keywords: joy, glory, success, a bright future

As the sun rises and its light spreads, this card signals the arrival of a bright future. Its brightness leans more toward success on a spiritual level than success in purely material terms.

The sun that rises also sets when night falls. While the sun is hidden, it isn't the right time to start something new — wait for dawn.

20. JUDGEMENT

Keywords: resurrection, blessing, rebirth, trying again, warning

The scene of the archangel Gabriel sounding his trumpet to raise the dead represents rebirth and giving something another try.

It's a good time to revisit something you'd once given up on. For anyone carrying guilt over a past mistake, it also signals that forgiveness is possible.

21. THE WORLD

Keywords: completion, perfection, ideal, fulfillment, slump, incompleteness

Of all 78 cards, the World holds the most positive outcome.

It represents your ideals coming true — a moment of real accomplishment has arrived. Since you're finally getting what you wished for, make sure to see it through to completion.

The Minor Arcana — 56 Cards Similar to a Deck of Playing Cards

The Minor Arcana is made up of four suits (categories), each containing 14 cards, and just like the Major Arcana, every card has both an upright and a reversed meaning.

Memorizing every Minor Arcana meaning is a lot to take on, so here we will just cover the basic structure.

Once you're comfortable with the Major Arcana, give the Minor Arcana meanings a try too.

The Four Suits

The four suits correspond to the four elements — fire, earth, air, and water. Each suit carries meaning tied to its element, so understanding that imagery makes the card meanings easier to remember.

• Wands — Symbolizing fire, wands represent being active and full of passion.
• Pentacles (or Coins) — Symbolizing earth, pentacles represent the material, tangible world.
• Swords — Symbolizing air, sword cards represent power and intellect.
• Cups — Symbolizing water, cups represent emotion.

Card Composition

• Numbered cards — Ace (1) through 10.
• Court cards — Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

The court cards are similar to the face cards in a standard playing card deck. Each number and each figure carries its own meaning — for example, the number 1 (the Ace) tends to symbolize a beginning. Once you have a general grasp of these meanings, the individual cards become much easier to remember.

☀Let's Actually Try a Tarot Reading — How to Read the Cards

There are many ways to do a tarot reading. You may have seen a spread where the cards are laid out in a cross shape and turned over one at a time.

Diving straight in and using all 78 cards for a reading is a pretty high bar for a beginner. You can do a reading using just the 22 Major Arcana cards, so it might be a good idea to start there.

It's also an easy way to learn the card meanings: draw just one or two cards and read your near-term fortune from them.

Here's a simple method to try.

• Shuffle the cards clockwise.
• While holding the question you want answered in your mind, choose one card.

The key is to keep your question simple. Try everyday questions that don't require a complicated reading — things like "Will tomorrow's test go well?" or "Should I start a new hobby tomorrow?"

Once you get more comfortable, you can move on to using multiple cards to read your present situation and your future.

What matters most is simply getting used to the cards first.

♡In Closing — Enjoy the Cards Without Overthinking It

Fortune-telling might sound like something that requires a special gift, but that's really not the case.

Plenty of people pick up tarot simply because they love how the artwork looks, or because a favorite illustrator has designed a deck.

Tarot is perfectly suited to reading on everyday, familiar matters too.

Sometimes you'll draw a reversed card and the result won't look great.

But don't let it weigh on you too much. Try thinking of it instead as, "Lucky me, now I know ahead of time what to watch out for!"

A difficult result isn't a guarantee that something will happen — it's there to tell you that something might happen, and that it's worth being a little careful.

Getting to know the meaning of all 78 cards, one by one, is a great next step on your tarot journey.

☾Summary

We covered the world of tarot cards — the different types of decks and the meanings behind the cards. We hope you found it useful as you continue exploring tarot for yourself.