Tarot Card History

No one is positive where the Tarot deck originated or exactly how it cam to be.

Legend has it that the Tarot deck started first as a card game using what we now call the Minor arcana four suites of cards, each having fourteen cards. Supposedly, our common deck of playing cards with fifty-two cards was derived from the original Minor arcane. Many different countries claim to have originated the cards. They were known in China as early as the tenth century and in Morocco in 1200.

The name Tarot is said to be derived from the Egyptian, Hebrew or Latin, depending on whom is making the claim. Richard Cavendish, a prolific author on the Tarot, suggests that the cards came from the valley of the Taro River, a tributary of the Po River in Italy. The Italian word Tarrochi and the French Tarot could have easily been derived fro the name of the river.

Tapestries illustrating the Tarot and castle walls found with images of the Major arcane itched on them can still be viewed to this day. Some are on display in major museums around the world.

Because of the uncertain creation of the cards, the original meanings are vague as well. However, the basic meaning has been maintained since the beginning. Most readers learn the secrets of the cards with one-on-one talks with their teachers and enhanced by books and other sources of knowledge and experiences.

Like most metaphysical subjects, it is important to understand that the information you receive with your querant will be the most appropriate for you and your client.

Many books have been written just on the history of the ancient Tarot cards, but few with the accuracy of the encyclopedias offered by Stan Kaplan or research books by Richard Cavendish. Your foundation should include reading at least one of these.

Keep in mind that you are learning from both Eastern and Western philosophies when you study the Tarot cards. They have become a “melting pot” for both philosophies.

The Tarot cards allow us to examine our inner being as well as to teach others how to listen to theirs.