Tarot History - Mystical Curiosity Shop
Web site copyright: Runes and Readings 2005.
The origins of Tarot began in a medieval Italian card game called 'Tarrochi', from which it is believed the Tarot developed. It began as a game of ethics during the renaissance, a game in which the querent was always to be directed to concepts of a spiritual nature.
The renaissance was a time of broad study and discovery, and many elements of classical mythology as well as Christian mysticism were reflected in the design of Tarot decks. In 1463 Marsilio Ficino translated a manuscript which at the time was attributed to Hermes. This work was very influential and proposed that the universe and man were identical as macrocosm and microcosm, and as such the human body was seen as having direct correspondence to the universe. During the 15th century there was strong interest in trying to reconcile spiritual theories to the sciences, as scientific knowledge was developing rapidly and presenting challenging new information in areas such as astronomy and anatomy. The cards reflect the development of a theoretical model or paradigm of spiritual 'laws' to connect human life to the cosmos.
The renaissance was a time of broad study and discovery, and many elements of classical mythology as well as Christian mysticism were reflected in the design of Tarot decks. In 1463 Marsilio Ficino translated a manuscript which at the time was attributed to Hermes. This work was very influential and proposed that the universe and man were identical as macrocosm and microcosm, and as such the human body was seen as having direct correspondence to the universe. During the 15th century there was strong interest in trying to reconcile spiritual theories to the sciences, as scientific knowledge was developing rapidly and presenting challenging new information in areas such as astronomy and anatomy. The cards reflect the development of a theoretical model or paradigm of spiritual 'laws' to connect human life to the cosmos.
Origins of the Tarot
Before modern printing techniques cards were hand painted and/ or block printed using a block like the one pictured above.
The Tarot Deck
The structure of the deck itself came from both Italian and Arabic origins. Of the 78 cards 56 are numerical, having Arabic origins in the attribution of four suits. The 22 trumps appeared later, in the early 15th century, having Italian origins and relating to the concept of a hierarchical order of principles (or forces) acting on mankind. The notion of a hierarchy of spiritual forces is commonly illustrated in renaissance imagery. A cosmic order is suggested. God, Christ, the Virgin Mary and/ or Heaven are usually represented near to the top of the canvass/ picture as are other deities or gods. Around or below them come the angels, and below the angels is mankind. Hell is commomly depicted as below the earth. The Tarot reflects hierarchical order in both material and spiritual domains to which mankind is subject, having Emperor and Empress, Pope and Popess, Magus, Hermit and Fool. Celestial influences are also represented in the Tarot with sun, moon and stars. Because the Tarot has been redesigned and reconsidered many times over its history there are variations in the composition of Tarot decks, even in the number of cards used.
Occult Developments
It was only in later times that Tarot became associated with fortune telling and occult practices. New interpretations of the Tarot were created by French occultist groups. The 'Tree of Life' of the Kabbalah presents us with a hierarchical order of spiritual principles and relationships. Connections between the Tarot and the pathways of the tree of life have been postulated by some Tarot scholars and developed by some practitioners, most famously perhaps by Alistaire Crowley in his 'Book of Thoth'. The Rider Waite Tarot was created in 1909. A.E. Waite belonged to the Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn. The symbolism used in the Waite Tarot deck differs again from that used by earlier French occultists. Hence There are many variations between Tarot decks and there is no difinitive Tarot deck or set of interpretations.
The structure of the deck itself came from both Italian and Arabic origins. Of the 78 cards 56 are numerical, having Arabic origins in the attribution of four suits. The 22 trumps appeared later, in the early 15th century, having Italian origins and relating to the concept of a hierarchical order of principles (or forces) acting on mankind. The notion of a hierarchy of spiritual forces is commonly illustrated in renaissance imagery. A cosmic order is suggested. God, Christ, the Virgin Mary and/ or Heaven are usually represented near to the top of the canvass/ picture as are other deities or gods. Around or below them come the angels, and below the angels is mankind. Hell is commomly depicted as below the earth. The Tarot reflects hierarchical order in both material and spiritual domains to which mankind is subject, having Emperor and Empress, Pope and Popess, Magus, Hermit and Fool. Celestial influences are also represented in the Tarot with sun, moon and stars. Because the Tarot has been redesigned and reconsidered many times over its history there are variations in the composition of Tarot decks, even in the number of cards used.
Occult Developments
It was only in later times that Tarot became associated with fortune telling and occult practices. New interpretations of the Tarot were created by French occultist groups. The 'Tree of Life' of the Kabbalah presents us with a hierarchical order of spiritual principles and relationships. Connections between the Tarot and the pathways of the tree of life have been postulated by some Tarot scholars and developed by some practitioners, most famously perhaps by Alistaire Crowley in his 'Book of Thoth'. The Rider Waite Tarot was created in 1909. A.E. Waite belonged to the Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn. The symbolism used in the Waite Tarot deck differs again from that used by earlier French occultists. Hence There are many variations between Tarot decks and there is no difinitive Tarot deck or set of interpretations.
Illustration:
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life
'Grand Jeu de Societe'. M.LLe Lenormand.
(Pub: B. P.Grimaud, 1864)
(Pub: B. P.Grimaud, 1864)
Spirit of the Flowers Tarot
The 'Thoth Tarot' was created by Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). The deck was painted by Lady Frieda Harris (1877-1962) with instruction from Crowley. (Pub: 1969)
