Origin of the Tarot: how did the cards appear and their meanings?

The origin of the Tarot has always fascinated people, with its intriguing images and enigmatic symbolism. With each reading, new layers of meaning unfold, offering a unique path of introspection and guidance.

As a tarot reader, I believe that the true magic of the Tarot goes beyond a simple game or divination practice. Today, the Tarot is a powerful divinatory tool, capable of revealing profound aspects of life and the human psyche.

But to understand this power and mystery, it's essential to explore the origins of the cards and how their interpretation has evolved over the centuries. And that's what we're going to talk about now!

The origin of the Tarot: a game of triumph in Medieval Europe

One view of the origin of the Tarot says that the first Tarot cards appeared in northern Italy around the 15th century. In the beginning, the Tarot was used in a game called tarocchi, popular among the Italian nobility.

The Visconti-Sforza deck, one of the oldest known decks, was commissioned by influential families and served, in addition to entertainment, as a status symbol. The cards were not seen with the divinatory meaning we know today, but rather as a form of entertainment and social expression.

These first decks, known as “triumph cards”, had a similar structure to the traditional deck, but with the addition of the trumps, or major arcana.

Although many theories have emerged linking the Tarot to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, its confirmed roots are firmly linked to Medieval Europe. The idea that the Tarot contained esoteric meanings would only begin to gain traction later on.

Evolution and symbolism of the Tarot

Over time, the Tarot has undergone a transformation that has broadened its scope of use. One of the pillars of this change was the emergence of the Major Arcana - 22 cards that encapsulate profound and universal themes, from new beginnings, represented by the Fool, to the fullness and completeness seen in the World.

These cards reflect archetypes that transcend cultures and eras, addressing spiritual, emotional and psychological issues that are part of the human Journey.

In addition, the Minor Arcana, divided into the suits of Clubs, Hearts, Spades and Diamonds, deal with everyday and practical issues. Each suit is associated with a natural element (fire, water, air and earth) and reflects different aspects of daily life, such as relationships, finances and personal challenges.

The Tarot thus offers, through the Minor Arcana and Major Arcana, a complete system of symbols, capable of addressing both life's big questions and everyday dilemas.

From cartomancy to personal growth: the transformation of the Tarot

The origin of the Tarot as a cartomancy tool, i.e. divination through cards, dates back to the end of the 18th century. Figures such as Jean-Baptiste Alliette were crucial in this process, publishing guides that associated the Tarot with divination and Egyptian mysticism.

It was at this time that the Tarot came to be associated with predicting the future, although this approach has evolved significantly. Today, the Tarot is much more understood as a divinatory tool.

The difference is important: instead of seeking to predict future events, divination focuses on accessing the unconscious, bringing clarity and promoting self-knowledge.

The Tarot, from this new perspective, is not about “ fortune-telling”, but about interpreting the signs, energies and patterns that shape our lives and our choices.

In this context, the Tarot helps us to understand the forces that act in the present and that can influence our future path.

The Tarot in the Modern Age: popularization and online communities

In recent decades, the Tarot has experienced a real renaissance. Today, it is more accessible than ever, with hundreds of decks available and an immense amount of online resources, from tutorials to entire communities dedicated to studying and practicing the Tarot.

Social networks such as Instagram and TikTok have enabled people from all over the world to connect, share readings and support each other on their spiritual journeys.

This democratization of the Tarot has also freed it from old prejudices. Once seen as something mystical or reserved for the few, today it is a practice that is open and accessible to all who wish to explore their spirituality and personal development.

Modern Tarot is inclusive and adaptable, offering each practitioner a personalized approach.

The art of Tarot reading: intuition and interpretation

A successful Tarot reading goes far beyond simply interpreting the cards literally. Each reading is a unique web of meanings, which unfolds as the Tarot reader uses their intuition to capture the energies and narratives that emerge from the interaction between the client and the cards.

Tarot is, above all, a practice of deep listening - a way of connecting with the stories hidden in the unconscious, revealed by the cards.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the Tarot suggests paths, points out trends and invites reflection.

Therefore, when reading the Tarot, the Tarot reader must have the sensitivity to interpret the cards in the context of the client's life, combining traditional symbolism with intuition.

Selecting your Tarot deck: personal and symbolic connection

With the vast range of Tarot decks available today, selecting a deck can be a journey in itself. Each deck carries a particular energy, with images and symbols that can resonate in different ways for each person.

The important thing when selecting is to look for a deck that creates a personal connection - a deck whose images speak to you intuitively.

The classical decks offer a solid basis for study, while others, more contemporary, bring artistic and symbolic innovations.

In my work with the Tarot, which I call “Tarot: The Journey of Life”, I use the Mythological Tarot, a deck that resonates deeply with my reading style. It combines traditional symbolism with modern touches, creating a narrative that adapts perfectly to the personal issues and energies that my clients bring with them.

I especially like this deck because it allows me - with ease and resourcefulness - to take an approach centered on the journey of self-knowledge, helping people to connect with hidden aspects of their lives and discover new paths.

I believe that the Tarot should be a tool that inspires confidence and personal resonance, allowing the client to feel guided by the images and meanings that most touch their soul.

Tarot and personal growth: a path of self-Discovery

More than a divination tool, the Tarot is a mirror of our inner journey, a tool for self-discovery. It invites us to look inwards, confront fears, recognize our patterns and see new possibilities. Each reading offers a unique opportunity for growth and self-knowledge, helping to uncover hidden aspects of ourselves.

Rather than providing ready-made answers, the Tarot opens a window into our unconscious. It challenges us to ask questions, explore the emotions behind the cards and seek solutions that promote personal transformation.

The fascination with oracles, in general, is the result of a deep certainty: life has a future, and it is this future that we seek to understand. Reading an oracle is, by its very nature, a gift. When used and interpreted well, it can be a valuable tool for dealing with problems, clarifying doubts and making importante decisions.

Carl Gustav Jung, Swiss psychoanalyst and creator of Analytical Psychology, had a unique approach to studying the role of mysticism in the functioning of the psyche.

For Jung, the oracles - and especially the Tarot - were not just predictive tools, but gateways to the unconscious. He believed that, rather than communicating with spirits or supernatural forces, oracles enabled an honest and profound dialog with the hidden parts of our mind.

For him, the Tarot was an excellent tool for the process of self-knowledge, helping us to better understand our own desires, internal conflicts and the dynamics of our psyche.

In my work as a Tarot reader, I interpret the cards according to their traditional meanings, but I also connect with my intuition with the help of my spirit guides.

Tarot reading, therefore, is not just a card game, but an interactive experience that involves the wisdom of the symbols and the messages we receive from the spiritual plane.

This dialogue between what is represented in the cards and the intuitions received is essential in order to offer guidance that is truly personalized and enriching for those who seek the Reading.

The timeless magic of the Tarot: why take a consultation?

Over the centuries, Tarot has maintained its fascination and relevance, adapting to the beliefs and needs of each time period.

What was once seen as a fortune-telling practice is now recognized as a powerful divinatory tool, aimed at self-knowledge and spiritual guidance. Its cards offer a gateway to exploring our lives in a deep and meaningful way, whether as a means of personal reflection or as a spiritual practice.

In times of great change and uncertainty, when the world is confusing and even threatening, the Tarot becomes even more essential. It helps us understand our life's purpose and navigate the journey of personal Evolution.

Instead of providing ready-made answers, the Tarot reveals our patterns, desires and fears, challenging us to ask questions and seek solutions that promote inner transformation.

When we handle a deck of cards, we're not just interpreting symbols, we're accessing the inner wisdom that has always been inside us, waiting to be discovered. The Tarot is an invitation to introspection, to the discovery of our inner strength and a deep understanding of the path we need to follow.

The magic of the Tarot is timeless and available to all who seek self-knowledge and clarity.

If you feel it's time to take a step on your journey of personal and spiritual growth, schedule a Tarot Reading session with me, Angelo Piovesan.

With over 40 years' experience in holistic and esoteric subjects, and a solid career in communication and education, I offer personalized Tarot readings, also using techniques such as the Radionic Table, the Maha Leela and other spiritual practices.

Now that you know a little more about the origins of the Tarot, let's explore its paths together and discover the power that resides within you!

May the Light of Love be the guide of all paths, at all times, in all circumstances, with all the people. And may Love foster Peace!

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