Card reading is an ancient art that has fascinated people for centuries. The practice of divination through cards dates back to ancient Egypt and has evolved over time to include various decks and styles. One of the most well-known and popular decks is the tarot, which originated in medieval Europe as a game but eventually gained a reputation as a powerful tool for divination. Throughout history, several tarot decks have been created, each with its own unique symbolism and system of interpretation. In this article, we’ll explore the history of some of the most popular tarot decks such as the Etteilla Tarot, the Marseille Tarot and the Rider-Waite Tarot.
Tracing the History of Tarot: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Italy
Tarot reading has been a popular method of divination for centuries. It is believed that the tarot originated in Europe during the XV century, when it was first used as a game in Italy. Even though it was very popular as a game in the Modern Age, many scholars believe that the origins of the tarot can be traced back to Ancient Egypt.
According to some historians, the tarot was used in Ancient Egypt as a tool for divination and spiritual guidance. The first written account of the tarot’s origins can be found in Antoine Court Gébelin’s book “Le monde primitif”, which was published in 1781. Gébelin suggested that the tarot was a remnant of the ancient Egyptian Book of Thoth, a book of wisdom that was said to contain all the knowledge of the universe.
The Legacy of Pitois: The Tarot Deck’s Division into Major and Minor Arcana
Gébelin theory was further developed by another Frenchman, Jean-Baptiste Pitois, also known as “Paul Christian“, who wrote “Histoire de la magie” in 1870. This occultist claimed that the tarot was a system of symbolism that was designed to represent the principles of ancient Egyptian religion. He believed that the images on the cards represented the different stages of initiation into the mysteries of the Egyptian gods.
In his groundbreaking work, Pitois explored the history and practice of magic. He delved into topics such as alchemy, astrology, and divination. But one of his most significant contributions was the division of the tarot deck into two series: the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. Pitois’s legacy continues to inform our tarot practice to this day since this division is now a fundamental aspect of tarot reading.
Exploring the Diversity of Tarot Decks: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Etteilla Tarot: A French Occultist’s Unique Approach to Tarot Reading
Today, there are many different types of tarot cards, each with its own unique symbolism and interpretation. One of the earliest systems of tarot reading was developed by Jean-Baptiste Alliette, a French occultist who created his own deck of tarot cards in the late XVIII century. The deck was named after his pseudonym, Etteilla.
Etteilla’s system was based on the idea that the cards represented the different stages of spiritual development, from ignorance to enlightenment. The deck included only 32 cards, with the addition of the special card Etteilla. This card indicated the querent, meaning the person who was asking the question to the diviner. These cards were also the first tarot that was designed for the sole purpose of divination. Their meaning changed according to the orientation of the card.
In addition to his tarot deck, Etteilla also wrote several books on tarot reading, including “Etteilla, ou la seule manière de tirer les cartes” and “Manière de se recréer avec le jeu de cartes nommé tarots”. These books outlined his system of tarot reading and provided guidance on how to interpret the cards.
Marseille Tarot: The Timeless Classic of Tarot Decks
Another popular system of tarot reading is the Marseille Tarot, which originated in the city of Marseille in the XVIII century. This deck made up of 78 cards was designed according to Pitois’s system. The Major Arcana depicted archetypical figures and symbolic scenes, while the Minor Arcana cards represented the everyday events and experiences of life.
This system is still widely used today for divination and spiritual guidance. The Marseille Tarot is known for its straightforward and no-nonsense interpretation. The cards are interpreted based on their position in the spread and their relationship to other cards in the spread. This system of interpretation is often referred to as “reading the Marseille way”.
Oswald Wirth Tarot: A Modern Interpretation of Tarot Reading
In 1889, a new type of tarot deck was created by British occultist Oswald Wirth. This was a deck made up of major triumphs only. It was a 22-card deck based on cabalistic symbols. Wirth’s deck quickly became popular among practitioners of the occult.
The Rider-Waite Tarot: The Most Popular Tarot Deck in the Modern World
The Rider-Waite Tarot is the most popular tarot deck in the modern world, and it is often the deck that people first encounter when they begin learning about tarot reading. It was first published in 1909 and was created by the occultist A. E. Waite and the artist Pamela Colman Smith.
The Rider Waite Tarot consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. One of the reasons why it has become so popular is because of its vivid and easily recognizable symbolism. The illustrations on the cards are packed with meaning and symbolism: for example, The Fool depicts a figure walking off a cliff, indicating the beginning of a journey into the unknown.
Summing Up
The ancient practice of card reading has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. From its roots in ancient Egypt to its evolution in medieval Europe, the art of divination through cards has captured the imaginations of many people. Today, there are countless decks available for those who seek to explore this mystical tradition, from the classic Etteilla and Marseille decks to the more modern designs of the Rider-Waite and beyond. Ultimately, the diversity of tarot decks reflects the richness and complexity of human existence. No matter what type of deck you choose to use, the power and wisdom of tarot reading can help you to unlock your own inner potential and make the best choice to create a better future.
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