Tarot Symbols

Tarot cards are used as a version of fortune telling and are usually composed of 78 cards with 4 different suits; 14 cards in each suit; and 22 picture cards. In most parts of Europe, Tarot cards are used for recreational activities and the prediction of imminent events. It was believed that the word ‘tarot’ first derived from the Arab word “turug” which literally means ‘four ways’. Tarot history dates back to the 14th century when they were used in some parts of Europe.

It has been suggested that current card games are the modern version of those tarot cards used many centuries ago. There is also some speculation, according to Tarot history, that the first tarot cards were created in Milan, Italy, and during that same era, additional trump cards were introduced. Tarot history also tells us that the added cards in the deck were known, famously, as the triumph cards, which are now used as the play cards. From the first time it was introduced and used by Europeans, the cards have undergone several changes, with the pictures and symbols that were illustrated on the face of the cards changing as well.

In around 15th century, Tarot became popular in most parts of Italy and even the rulers of Milan used tarot cards for their amusement. Tarot history indicates that people who believed in occult practices for divination used tarot cards. Even the French became fascinated by the magical and spiritual imagery that the tarot cards depict. Through this fascination the use of tarot cards for fortune telling and divination has become popular among fortunetellers. During the 15th century though, the government had forbidden the use of any playing cards, with the exception of the tarot cards. This piece of Tarot history only cements the idea that tarot cards have been widely accepted in high society.

Since mass production of tarot cards then was not possible, the images in the cards had to be hand painted and it is only since the invention of the printing press that there has been large-scale production of tarot cards.

It is said that the first person to have used, and interpreted the pictures and symbolisms of, tarot cards for divination, was Antoine Court – a former Protestant preacher.

According to tarot history, one of the groups of people who used tarot cards for prediction and fortune telling are the gypsies and this continues today. There were also several French people who gave different interpretations of tarot cards. One of them was Alliete, a firm believer of occult faith, who designed his own mysterious deck of tarot cards. In his design, the use of new astrological symbols and an Egyptian theme was very prominent. He then included the divine interpretation and meaning of each image depicted on the tarot cards. In this way, Tarot history progressed to include set meanings for each of the cards.