When Were Tarot Cards Invented? A Look at the Ancient History and Mythology Behind Tarot Card Origins

Introduction

Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a form of divination and self-reflection. But when were tarot cards first invented? This is a question that has long intrigued historians, occultists, and tarot enthusiasts alike. To understand the origins of tarot cards, it’s important to look at the history and mythology surrounding their invention. In this article, we will explore the ancient history and mythology behind tarot cards and uncover the secrets of when they were first invented.

A Historical Look at the Origins of Tarot Cards

The exact origins of tarot cards remain unclear, but there are several historical and mythological theories about their invention. Let’s take a look at some of the possible influences on the creation of tarot cards.

Ancient Egyptian Mythology

One popular theory suggests that tarot cards originated in ancient Egypt. According to this theory, the first tarot decks were inspired by hieroglyphics and other symbols found on Egyptian artifacts. For example, the Major Arcana cards are thought to be based on gods and goddesses from Egyptian mythology, such as Isis and Osiris.

Ancient Greek and Roman Use

Another theory suggests that tarot cards were developed in ancient Greece or Rome. During this time, people used various forms of divination to predict the future and gain insight into their lives. It’s possible that tarot cards were derived from these practices, though there’s no clear evidence to support this theory.

Islamic Influence

It’s also possible that tarot cards were influenced by Islamic culture. In fact, some scholars believe that the earliest tarot decks were created in Islamic countries. This theory is based on the similarities between tarot cards and Islamic art, which often features intricate geometric patterns and symbols.

Unraveling the Mystery: When Were Tarot Cards Invented?

Now that we’ve explored some of the possible influences on tarot cards, let’s take a closer look at when they were actually invented. There are several theories about the invention of tarot cards, but the exact date remains a mystery.

Early 14th Century Italy

The earliest written records of tarot cards date back to the early 14th century in Italy. According to these records, tarot cards were used as a game similar to modern card games. It’s possible that tarot cards were used for divination during this time, though there is no clear evidence to support this theory.

French Occultists in the 18th Century

By the 18th century, tarot cards had become popular amongst French occultists. These occultists believed that tarot cards could be used for divination and self-reflection. They began to develop their own decks and spread their ideas about tarot throughout Europe.

German Occultists in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, German occultists began to further explore the possibilities of tarot cards. They developed new methods of reading the cards and introduced new symbols and meanings. By the end of the 19th century, tarot cards had become popular throughout Europe and the United States.

The Ancient History of Tarot: How Far Back Does it Go?

Although the earliest written records of tarot cards date back to the 14th century, some scholars believe that tarot cards may have existed much earlier than that. Let’s explore some of the possible origin stories of tarot cards.

Possible Origin Stories

Some scholars believe that tarot cards may have originated in ancient China or India. Others suggest that tarot cards were developed by the Celts or Druids. While these theories are interesting, there is no clear evidence to support them.

Connections to Ancient Religions

It’s also possible that tarot cards were inspired by ancient religious beliefs. For example, some scholars believe that tarot cards may have been influenced by Kabbalah, an ancient form of Jewish mysticism. Others suggest that tarot cards were inspired by ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman mythology.

Exploring the Mythology Behind the Invention of Tarot Cards

To better understand the origins of tarot cards, it’s important to look at the mythology behind their invention. Let’s explore some of the possible influences on the invention of tarot cards.

Ancient Egyptian Mythology

As mentioned earlier, some scholars believe that tarot cards were inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology. According to this theory, the Major Arcana cards represent gods and goddesses from Egyptian mythology, such as Isis and Osiris.

Ancient Greek and Roman Myths

Another popular theory suggests that tarot cards were inspired by ancient Greek and Roman myths. This theory is based on the similarities between tarot cards and ancient Greek and Roman art, which often featured gods and goddesses.

Islamic Influences

It’s also possible that tarot cards were influenced by Islamic culture. This theory is based on the similarities between tarot cards and Islamic art, which often features intricate geometric patterns and symbols.

Examining the Evolution of Tarot Through Time

Now that we’ve explored the possible influences on the invention of tarot cards, let’s take a look at how tarot cards evolved over time.

Early Card Games

As mentioned earlier, the earliest written records of tarot cards date back to the early 14th century in Italy. At this time, tarot cards were used as a game similar to modern card games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination.

From Religious Symbolism to Divination Tool

In the 18th century, French occultists began to explore the possibilities of tarot cards. They developed their own decks and spread their ideas about tarot throughout Europe. By the end of the 19th century, tarot cards had become popular throughout Europe and the United States. Tarot cards were no longer just a game; they had become a tool for divination and self-reflection.

Revealing the Secrets of When Tarot Cards First Appeared

We now know that tarot cards were invented sometime in the 14th century in Italy. However, the exact date remains a mystery. Let’s take a closer look at the earliest known written records of tarot cards.

Earliest Known Written Records

The earliest written records of tarot cards date back to the early 14th century in Italy. These records describe tarot cards as a game similar to modern card games. It’s possible that tarot cards were used for divination during this time, though there is no clear evidence to support this theory.

Popularity Amongst Occultists

By the 18th century, tarot cards had become popular amongst French occultists. These occultists believed that tarot cards could be used for divination and self-reflection. They began to develop their own decks and spread their ideas about tarot throughout Europe.

Tracing the Beginnings of Tarot Card Reading

Now that we’ve explored the history and mythology behind the invention of tarot cards, let’s take a look at how tarot card reading has evolved over time.

From Divination to Self-Reflection

Tarot cards were originally used for divination, but over time they have become more focused on self-reflection. Today, tarot cards are used as a tool to gain insight into one’s life and make decisions.

Different Types of Tarot Readings

There are many different types of tarot readings, from traditional readings to modern interpretations. Depending on the type of reading, tarot cards can be used to answer questions, explore relationships, and gain insight into the future.

Conclusion

The exact origins of tarot cards remain unknown, but there are several theories about their invention. From ancient Egyptian mythology to Islamic influences, there are many possible influences on the invention of tarot cards. We can trace the evolution of tarot cards from religious symbolism to divination tool, and we can see how tarot card reading has evolved over time. Although the exact date when tarot cards were invented remains a mystery, we can be certain that tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for divination and self-reflection.