The Confusing History of Tarot Cards

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating history of tarot cards, from their origins as an Italian card game in the 15th century to their transformation into a tool for divination in the 18th century, influenced by French occultists. It explores the role of the Golden Dawn and the creation of the Rider-Waite deck, as well as Aleister Crowley’s Thoth deck. The script emphasizes that tarot is not about predicting the future, but about self-reflection, tapping into the subconscious, and fostering community through introspective practices. With a lighthearted approach, the video reflects on tarot's significance today and in popular culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tarot cards originally were a card game, not meant for divination. Their association with fortune-telling was popularized by 18th-century occultists.
• 😀 The first tarot cards were created in Italy around the 14th century and were based on the Egyptian Mamluk card decks, evolving into a game with 56 cards, which later expanded with a 'trump' suit into 78 cards.
• 😀 Tarot's major arcana (trump cards) were added later, with 22 symbolic cards that went beyond the original card game structure.
• 😀 The first documented use of tarot for divination was in 1750, and the practice gained prominence in the 18th century, largely due to French occultists.
• 😀 French occultists invented a mythical ancient Egyptian backstory for tarot, claiming it was tied to ancient mystical traditions, although this was a fabrication.
• 😀 The Rider-Waite tarot deck, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909, became the most influential deck in modern tarot, marking a significant shift in how tarot cards were perceived and used.
• 😀 Pamela Colman Smith's art on the Rider-Waite deck, especially her detailed minor arcana, is widely regarded as the foundation of modern tarot symbolism.
• 😀 The Golden Dawn, a secret society, played a major role in popularizing tarot as a tool for metaphysical study and divination.
• 😀 Alistair Crowley’s Thoth tarot deck (1938) was a more esoteric and complex deck, heavily influenced by Kabbalah, Egyptian mythology, and geometry.
• 😀 Tarot cards are seen as a psychological tool to tap into the subconscious and help individuals gain clarity on current life situations, but they do not predict the future definitively.
• 😀 Tarot readings are not about giving yes or no answers but are meant to spark introspection and guide individuals in understanding their own emotions and thoughts.

Q & A

Did tarot cards originally start as a form of divination?

No, tarot cards were originally created in 15th-century Italy as a traditional card game, not as a tool for fortune-telling or spiritual practices.

What influenced the design of the earliest tarot decks?

The earliest tarot decks were inspired by the Mamluk playing cards from the 14th century, which featured four suits and served as a foundation for many European card games.

What makes tarot decks different from regular playing cards?

Tarot decks include an additional fifth suit of 22 cards, known as trump cards or the Major Arcana, which sets them apart from standard playing card decks.

When were tarot cards first documented as being used for divination?

The first documentation of tarot cards being used for divination appeared around 1750, marking a shift from their original gaming purpose.

How did French occultists influence tarot’s reputation?

French occultists in the 18th century rebranded tarot as an ancient mystical tool, falsely linking it to Egypt, Kabbalah, and other esoteric traditions to give it historical and spiritual legitimacy.

What is the significance of the Rider-Waite tarot deck?

The Rider-Waite deck, published in 1909, became the most influential tarot deck due to its detailed symbolism and illustrated Minor Arcana, shaping modern tarot interpretations.

Who illustrated the Rider-Waite tarot deck and why is she important?

Pamela Colman Smith illustrated the deck. Her artwork defined the imagery and symbolism of modern tarot, though she historically received less recognition than Arthur Edward Waite.

What role did the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn play in tarot history?

The Golden Dawn heavily promoted tarot for occult study and divination, developing structured interpretations and influencing many later tarot traditions.

How does Aleister Crowley’s Thoth deck differ from the Rider-Waite deck?

The Thoth deck incorporates deeper Kabbalistic, scientific, and philosophical symbolism, renames some cards, and uses more abstract and esoteric imagery.

Who illustrated the Thoth tarot deck?

Lady Frieda Harris illustrated the Thoth deck, contributing complex artistic and symbolic elements that shaped its distinctive style.

What is the primary purpose of tarot readings according to the script?

Tarot readings focus on gaining insight into present situations, emotions, and subconscious thoughts rather than predicting fixed future outcomes.

Why do some psychologists consider tarot a useful tool?

Some psychologists believe tarot functions as a reflective or psychological tool, similar to an inkblot test, helping individuals access subconscious thoughts and perspectives.

Does the script claim tarot has real magical power?

The script suggests tarot can be meaningful and helpful but emphasizes it should not be treated as absolute truth, viewing it mainly as a personal or psychological tool.

What social or emotional benefits can tarot offer?

Tarot can promote self-reflection, communication, community bonding, and emotional insight by encouraging open discussion and introspection.