Unlock the Secrets of Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to Its History and Structure
Explore the rich history of Tarot cards, from Renaissance games to modern divination. Understand the Tarot deck structure: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles), and Court Cards. Discover Tarot as a tool for self-discovery.
Hello, knowledge seekers and travelers on the unexplored paths of the soul! I am delighted to welcome you to ezoteric.net. Today, I want to invite you on an exciting journey into a world full of symbols, archetypes, and profound wisdom. We will delve into the universe of Tarot cards. Perhaps you have held them in your hands, feeling a mystical tremor, or seen them in movies as a tool for predicting fate. But have you ever wondered where they came from? What is their true history, hidden behind a veil of legends? And what exactly is this deck of 78 cards, each of which is like a window into another dimension?
For me, the Tarot is not just a set of pictures. It's the language of the soul, a universal key to the subconscious, a mirror reflecting our deepest fears, hopes, and potential. It's a tool for self-discovery that helps us understand complex life situations, find answers within ourselves, and hear the quiet whisper of intuition. And to truly understand this language, we need to start from the very beginning—from the history and structure of the deck. So, make yourself comfortable, and let's begin our journey.
Section 1: Where Did Tarot Cards Come From? The Intricate Paths of History
Ah, the history of the Tarot! It's as multi-layered and mysterious as the cards themselves. There are many myths and legends about their origin. Some associate them with ancient Egyptian priests and the Book of Thoth, which contained all the wisdom of the world. Others say that the Tarot was brought to Europe by Gypsies or even the Knights Templar, who preserved the secret knowledge of the East. Sounds incredibly intriguing, doesn't it?
However, if we discard the romantic legends and turn to historical facts, a somewhat different but no less interesting picture emerges. The oldest decks resembling the Tarot appeared in Northern Italy around the mid-15th century, during the Renaissance. These were luxurious, hand-painted cards known as "carte da trionfi" (cards of triumphs or trumps). They were used by noble families such as the Visconti and Sforza (the famous Visconti-Sforza deck has survived to this day!) for a game called "Tarocchi." This game resembled bridge and was a popular pastime of the aristocracy.
These early decks already had a structure similar to the modern one: four standard suits (similar to playing cards) plus additional trump cards ("triumphs") with allegorical images—those we know today as the Major Arcana. But at that time, they had no deep esoteric or occult meaning. They were just cards for playing, albeit very beautiful and symbolic, like all Renaissance art.
Transformation into a Tool of Prophecy
How did playing cards transform into a mystical tool? This transformation began much later, around the 18th century in France. A key figure here was Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French scholar and Freemason. In his multi-volume work "The Primitive World" (Le Monde Primitif, 1781), he proposed a theory (which is now considered historically inaccurate but had a huge impact) that Tarot cards are an encrypted legacy of ancient Egyptian wisdom, the same legendary Book of Thoth. It was de Gébelin who first linked the symbolism of the Tarot with Egyptian hieroglyphs and mystical traditions.
His ideas were picked up and developed by the hairdresser and occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette, better known by the pseudonym Etteilla. He was probably the first professional Tarot fortune-teller. Etteilla "corrected" the deck according to his ideas about Egyptian wisdom, created his own system of card interpretation, and popularized the use of the Tarot specifically for divination.
The Golden Age of Occultism and the Birth of the Modern Tarot
The real flourishing of the Tarot as an esoteric system occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era of interest in occultism, magic, and secret societies. The French occultist Eliphas Lévi linked the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and the paths on the Tree of Life of Kabbalah, adding another deep symbolic layer.
These ideas were developed by members of the influential Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in Great Britain. It was within this order that the most famous and influential Tarot deck in the world was born—the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
Arthur Edward Waite, a prominent mystic and member of the Order, developed the concept of a new deck, aiming to make it more accessible and understandable, but at the same time deeply symbolic. He entrusted the creation of illustrations to the talented artist Pamela Colman Smith, who was also a member of the Order. Published in 1909 by the London publishing house Rider & Company (hence the name "Rider-Waite"), this deck revolutionized the Tarot. Its main innovation was that Pamela Colman Smith created narrative drawings not only for the Major Arcana but also for all the Minor Arcana (numbered cards from Ace to Ten). Previously, in most decks (such as the Tarot of Marseilles), the Minor Arcana depicted only the symbols of the suits (swords, cups, etc.). The illustrated Minor Arcana greatly facilitated the intuitive reading of card meanings and made the Waite-Smith deck incredibly popular. It became the de facto standard and the basis for many modern decks.
Of course, there are other iconic decks, such as the Tarot of Marseilles (a classic design preserved from the 17th-18th centuries and valued for its authenticity) or the Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and artist Frieda Harris (a very complex, symbolism-rich deck reflecting Crowley's philosophy). But it was the Rider-Waite-Smith deck that opened the door to the world of Tarot for millions of people.
The history of the Tarot is not a linear narrative but rather a fascinating detective story where facts intertwine with myths, and playing cards are gradually filled with deep esoteric meaning. It's a journey from a parlor game to a powerful tool of self-discovery.
Section 2: Anatomy of the Tarot Deck: A Journey Through 78 Cards
Now that we have a little understanding of the history, let's look inside the deck itself. What are these 78 cards? At first glance, it may seem complicated, but in reality, the structure of the deck is very logical and harmonious. Imagine it as a book of wisdom consisting of two main parts: the Major and Minor Arcana.
A standard Tarot deck contains 78 cards:
22 Major Arcana
56 Minor Arcana
Let's look at each part in more detail.
Subsection 2.1: Major Arcana - The Archetypal Path of the Soul
The Major Arcana (from Latin arcanum - mystery) is the heart of the Tarot deck. These are 22 cards, usually numbered from 0 (The Fool) to XXI (The World). They are often called the "trump cards" of the deck. Each Major Arcana represents a powerful archetype, a universal symbol, or a significant life lesson, a stage of spiritual development.
Think of them as major milestones on the path of our lives, the fundamental forces acting in the Universe and within us. They symbolize key events, deep psychological states, spiritual trials, and revelations. When many Major Arcana appear in a reading, it usually indicates that the situation is of great significance, touches on the deep aspects of a person's life, and that powerful, often uncontrollable forces are at play.
"The Fool's Journey"
There is a concept known as "The Fool's Journey," which views the Major Arcana as successive stages of a spiritual path. It all begins with the Fool (0)—an innocent soul standing on the threshold of a great adventure, full of trust and openness to the world. Next, he meets the Magician (I)—a symbol of will, mastery, and manifestation; the High Priestess (II)—an embodiment of intuition, mystery, and the subconscious; the Empress (III) and the Emperor (IV)—archetypes of motherhood/creativity and fatherhood/structure, respectively.
The journey continues through trials and lessons: the Hierophant (V) speaks of tradition and learning, the Lovers (VI)—of choice and relationships, the Chariot (VII)—of the victory of will and movement forward. Then come the trials: Strength (VIII)—inner courage, the Hermit (IX)—the search for inner wisdom, the Wheel of Fortune (X)—cycles of fate and change. Justice (XI) demands honesty and balance, the Hanged Man (XII) teaches sacrifice and looking at the world from a different angle, Death (XIII) symbolizes inevitable transformations and the end of the old, Temperance (XIV)—harmony and integration.
Further, the path leads through darker aspects: the Devil (XV)—material dependencies and shadow sides, the Tower (XVI)—sudden destruction of illusions and liberation. But darkness is always followed by light: the Star (XVII)—hope and inspiration, the Moon (XVIII)—illusions, fears, and depths of the subconscious, the Sun (XIX)—joy, clarity, and success. Finally, Judgment (XX) calls for awakening and summing up, and the World (XXI) symbolizes the completion of the cycle, wholeness, and achievement of the goal.
Each Arcana is an entire universe of symbols and meanings, a profound lesson that can be meditated on for months.
Subsection 2.2: Minor Arcana - A Mirror of Everyday Life
If the Major Arcana are big themes and spiritual lessons, the 56 Minor Arcana describe more mundane, everyday aspects of our lives. They speak of our thoughts, feelings, actions, circumstances, challenges, and opportunities that we face every day. Don't underestimate their importance—our lives are made up of these "little things."
The Minor Arcana, in turn, are divided into two groups:
40 numbered cards (from Ace to Ten in each of the four suits)
16 Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King in each of the four suits)
Subsection 2.2.1: Four Suits - The Elements of Our Being
The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits, similar to ordinary playing cards. Each suit is associated with one of the four elements and represents a specific area of life and energy:
Wands: Element - Fire. This suit is associated with energy, action, passion, inspiration, creativity, ambition, career, projects, and beginnings. Wands are the spark that ignites us, encourages us to move forward, take risks, and realize our potential. When there are many Wands in a reading, it may indicate a period of activity, new beginnings, or a need for courage and determination.
Cups: Element - Water. This suit governs the world of emotions, feelings, relationships (romantic, friendly, familial), intuition, love, joy, sadness, compassion, and spiritual connections. Cups reflect our inner world, what we feel with our hearts. The predominance of Cups in a reading often speaks of the importance of the emotional sphere, relationships, or the need to listen to one's intuition.
Swords: Element - Air. Swords symbolize our mind, intellect, thoughts, communication, ideas, logic, truth, clarity, as well as conflicts, struggles, challenges, losses, and decision-making. This suit can be sharp and painful, as it highlights the mental processes, doubts, and difficulties we face. A large number of Swords may indicate a period of mental stress, the need to make a difficult decision, or the experience of conflict.
Pentacles / Disks: Element - Earth. This suit is associated with the material world, the body, health, finances, work, property, practicality, stability, nature, and the results of our work. Pentacles speak of what we create in the physical world, our safety, comfort, and connection with the earth. Many Pentacles in a reading often indicate issues related to work, money, health, or the need for stability and grounding.
Understanding these four areas helps to quickly grasp the overall energy of the reading.
Subsection 2.2.2: From Ace to Ten - Numbers of Destiny
In each suit, there are ten numbered cards, from Ace to Ten. They show the development of the energy of the corresponding element/suit from the initial impulse to the completion of the cycle.
Ace: Beginning, potential, new impulse, gift of the element. Ace of Wands - a new idea, Ace of Cups - a new feeling, Ace of Swords - a new thought/clarity, Ace of Pentacles - a new material opportunity.
Two: Partnership, duality, choice, balance, first steps.
Three: First results, cooperation, expansion, growth.
Four: Stability, structure, sometimes stagnation, need for a pause.
Five: Conflict, crisis, loss, challenge, instability. Often considered a difficult number.
Six: Harmony, help, success after difficulties, giving/receiving.
Seven: Challenge, re-evaluation, need to make a choice, sometimes illusions.
Eight: Movement, change, rapid development, sometimes limitations (as in 8 of Swords).
Nine: Culmination, almost completion, achievement, sometimes anxiety before the finale.
Ten: Completion of the cycle, result (positive or negative), transition to a new level. Ten of Wands - burden, Ten of Cups - emotional happiness, Ten of Swords - painful completion, Ten of Pentacles - material stability, inheritance.
Each numbered card has its unique meaning, combining the energy of the suit and the symbolism of the number.
Subsection 2.2.3: Court Cards - People and Roles in Our Lives
Finally, in each suit, there are four Court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These are perhaps the most difficult cards to interpret, as they can mean:
Specific people in your life (or yourself) whose character traits or role correspond to the energy of the card.
Aspects of your personality that you need to develop or manifest.
Roles or approaches to the situation.
Level of skill or maturity in mastering the energy of the suit (Page - student, Knight - actor, Queen - master of the inner world, King - master of external manifestation).
Pages: Symbolize apprenticeship, new messages, curiosity, beginning to study something, childlike spontaneity. They carry the potential of the suit.
Knights: Embody action, movement, often an extreme manifestation of the suit's energy (sometimes excessive). They are purposeful and active. Knight of Wands - risky, Knight of Cups - romantic, Knight of Swords - decisive (or aggressive), Knight of Pentacles - hardworking (or slow).
Queens: Represent internal mastery of the suit's energy, intuitive understanding, maturity, care, influence. They rule the "inner kingdom" of their element.
Kings: Symbolize external mastery of the suit's energy, authority, control, responsibility, leadership, skill. They rule the "outer kingdom" of their element.
Court cards add depth to the spreads, indicating the human factor, psychological aspects, and dynamics of relationships.
Section 3: Tarot - Not Just Fortune-Telling, but a Tool for Self-Discovery
Now that we have an idea of the history and structure of the deck, it's important to talk about how to use the Tarot. Traditionally, the cards are associated with fortune-telling, predicting the future. And, of course, the Tarot can give amazing insights into possible developments. However, I want to emphasize that its potential is much broader.
For me, the Tarot is primarily a powerful tool for self-discovery and psychological work. The cards act as a mirror, reflecting what is happening in our subconscious—our hidden desires, fears, beliefs, unconscious patterns of behavior. They help bring this to light, realize it, and work through it.
How does it work? When we ask a question and draw cards, we don't get a ready-made answer from the future. We get a set of symbols and archetypes that resonate with our situation and inner state. Interpreting the cards is a process of dialogue between our consciousness, subconscious, and the universal language of symbols. The cards suggest what to pay attention to, what energies are acting in the situation, what resources we have, and what obstacles stand in the way.
Tarot can help:
Understand the root of the problem: Why do I constantly get into the same situations? What are my internal blocks?
Understand complex life situations: The cards can highlight different aspects of the choice, show the possible consequences of each path, help find a balance between logic and intuition.
Improve relationships: Tarot helps to understand the dynamics of relationships, the needs of the partner, and one's own emotional patterns.
Develop intuition: Regular work with the cards trains our ability to perceive subtle energies and symbols, to hear the inner voice.
Find inspiration: The cards can be a great source of ideas for creativity, meditation, and writing texts.
Analyze dreams: The archetypes of the Tarot often resonate with the symbols of our dreams.
Of course, the element of "prediction" is also present. The cards can show the most likely course of events if everything continues as it is now. But it's important to remember: the future is not set in stone. We have freedom of will. Tarot shows trends, opportunities, and potential results, giving us information to think about and the opportunity to adjust our course if necessary. This is not a verdict, but a navigation map.
Conclusion: Discover Your Deck of Wisdom
So, we have made a small journey into the world of the Tarot, touching on its rich history—from Italian playing cards to the modern esoteric tool. We have analyzed its harmonious structure, consisting of the deep archetypes of the Major Arcana and the multifaceted situations of the Minor Arcana, divided into four elemental suits and populated by a variety of characters from the Court cards.
I hope this article has helped you see the Tarot not only as a tool for fortune-telling but as a deep symbolic system, the language of the soul, a key to self-discovery and the development of intuition. It's a world full of wisdom, beauty, and endless opportunities for exploring yourself and the Universe.
If you feel a call to the Tarot, don't be afraid to start. Pick up a deck that resonates with you (the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a great choice for beginners), look at the cards, feel their energy, read about their meanings, but most importantly—trust your intuition. Start with simple one- or three-card spreads for yourself, keep a Tarot journal, meditate on the Arcana.
Remember, the Tarot is not an external oracle dictating your destiny. It's your inner advisor, a mirror of your soul. It's a journey that can last a lifetime, and each step on this path will reveal new facets of yourself and the world around you.
May your journey with the world of Tarot be exciting and fruitful! And remember, at ezoteric.net we are always happy to share knowledge and support you on your path.
