Various theories about the origin of the cards exist, ranging from ancient Egypt to the European monarchies of the Middle Ages. Nobody really knows for sure. The 56 cards that make up what is called the “Minor Arcana” of the Tarot are functionally identical (with the exception of four additional court cards) to a current deck of 52 regular playing cards. Historians disagree somewhat as to which came first, regular playing cards or Tarot cards. The oldest existing Tarot cards date back to the early 1400’s.1 In the early 1700’s the cards began gaining ground in esoteric/occult circles, with some occult experts claiming that the cards were actually of ancient Egyptian origin.2
The Sun card, from the Universal Rider-Waite deck. The Rider-Waite decks are the most popular Tarot decks, and are available in bookstores everywhere.
(U.S. Games Systems, Publisher)
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Some esoteric interpretations of the Tarot conclude it is a pictorial representation of the “Tree of Life” outlined in the study of Kaballah. Some attribute certain cards of the Tarot with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This may strike a chord with readers of the works of Fred Alan Wolf - quantum physicist, and one of the stars of What the Bleep Do We Know. In some of his books Fred discusses the Hebrew alphabet and how the letters and their meanings correspond to a working model of our universe.3 Tarot provides a visual extension of this correspondence, and thus can provide a great source of almost endless study, research, and contemplation.
One very intriguing aspect of the cards involves a story outlined within 22 cards of the 78 card deck. The “Journey of the Hero” story is presented within these 22 cards, which are collectively called the “Major Arcana.” It is the story of one person’s journey into the underworld and back again, and parallels the journey of the sun from sunrise through sunset, and back again. It is a timeless story, written into countless myths and stories throughout history. The inclusion of the Hero’s journey in the Tarot seems to point to a history that is much older than the oldest existing deck.
Take the Leap
There are hundreds of decks to choose from, and the proper one to choose is whichever deck seems to resonate with you the most. There are decks which use modern imagery, medieval imagery, and even quantum imagery! Some decks are meant for serious study, and some are frivolous and fun. Most decks try to remain at least somewhat faithful to the accepted card symbols and meanings that have evolved throughout the centuries. Every deck comes with a LWB (Little White Book) which gives basic card meanings and a few sample card spreads to try. Next > 1 2 3 4
