Tarot cards: the history, arcana and meaning of symbols in a mysterious deck
Tarot cards have been one of the most famous symbols of esoteric culture for several centuries. Originally created as a type of playing cards, over time they turned into a tool for fortune-telling practices and a symbol system where each card received its own meaning. How the Tarot deck appeared, what the Senior and Junior Arcana are and why different suits are associated with certain spheres of life — in the material of Izvestia.
From a game of aristocrats to a fortune-telling tool: how Tarot cards appeared
The history of Tarot cards does not begin with mysticism, but with an ordinary card game. The first mentions of such maps date back to the 14th century: they originally appeared in Europe and were used as entertainment. It is believed that Italy, or rather Florence, became the birthplace of the first decks.
The first Tarot variants were very different from modern ones: they were created manually, decorated with complex images and expensive materials, so such decks were available mainly to representatives of the aristocracy. At an early stage, the cards were called "triumph cards" — from the Italian designation of trumps. Later, the name "tarocchi" was assigned to them.
It wasn't until several centuries later that cards began to be used not only for gaming. Since the end of the 18th century, Tarot has been associated with predictive practices: images on cards have been perceived as a system of symbols that can be interpreted. It was then that the current idea of Tarot as a method of fortune-telling was formed.
78 cards and two worlds: what a Tarot deck consists of
A modern Tarot deck usually includes 78 cards. They are divided into two large groups — the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The name "arcanum" comes from a word that translates as "mystery". Therefore, each card in this part of the deck is perceived not just as an image, but as a symbol with several levels of interpretation.
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. They are often perceived as the most significant symbols of the deck: each card is associated with a certain way, stage of the path or a life situation. In the traditional interpretation, they reflect important events, changes and inner trials of a person.
The Minor Arcana includes 56 cards and is divided into four suits: Cups (Bowls), Swords, Wands, and Pentacles (Coins). Each suit is also associated with a specific element: Cups refer to water, Swords to air, Wands to fire, and Pentacles to earth.
From Fool to Death: the most famous Major Arcana of the Tarot
The Major Arcana is considered one of the main parts of the Tarot deck. There are 22 cards in the classical system, and each card has its own image and symbolic meaning. In the traditional system, they represent a sequence of images that describe different stages of the life path: some of them are associated with the beginning of a new path, others with changes, trials or important life decisions.
It is important to keep in mind that the interpretation of the cards may vary depending on the tradition and the specific layout. In the Tarot tradition, the meaning of each card can vary depending on the situation, the neighboring cards, and the layout itself. The most common character values are listed below.
Fool (0) — the beginning of the path
One of the most recognizable Tarot cards. The jester symbolizes a new stage, openness to the unknown and willingness to take the first step. In the traditional interpretation, this card is associated with change, travel and unexpected opportunities.
Magician (I) — action and possibilities
A magician is often associated with initiative, confidence, and the ability to use their own resources. This card symbolizes a person who is ready to act and independently influence the development of events.
The High Priestess (II) — Secrets and Intuition
This card is associated with hidden knowledge, an inner voice, and attention to what remains unnoticed. The High Priestess is considered one of the most mysterious images of the deck.
Empress (III) — creation and development
The Empress is associated with growth, creativity and the creation of new things. In the traditional interpretation, her image is associated with caring, fertility and the development of ideas.
The Emperor (IV) — order and power
The card symbolizes structure, stability, and control. The Emperor is associated with responsibility, rules, and the desire to create a solid foundation.
Hierophant (V) — knowledge and traditions
This card is associated with learning, spiritual quest, and experience transfer. The hierophant symbolizes the connection with traditions, mentoring and the desire to understand important principles.
Lovers (VI) — Choice and relationships
Despite the name, the card is not only associated with romantic feelings. Its traditional meaning is an important choice, partnership, and the need to make a decision.
Chariot (VII) — moving towards the goal
The card symbolizes striving forward, willpower and overcoming obstacles. The chariot is associated with active actions and the desire to achieve results.
Force (VIII) — internal balance
This card reflects not only physical strength, but also the ability to control emotions, stay calm, and cope with difficulties.
The Hermit (IX) — Self-search
The hermit is associated with reflection, inner search, and the pursuit of wisdom. The card symbolizes a period of solitude and exploring one's own experiences.
Wheel of Fortune (X) — changes and new stages
One of the most famous Tarot symbols. The map is associated with changes, unexpected turns and situations that can change the usual course of events.
Justice (XI) — Balance and consequences
This card is associated with honesty, balance, and responsibility for decisions made. It symbolizes the need to assess the situation objectively.
The Hanged Man (XII) — Reinterpretation
The map is associated with stopping, waiting, and taking a new look at familiar circumstances. The hanged man symbolizes the need to change the approach to the situation.
Death (XIII) — completion and Transformation
One of the most famous and often misunderstood Tarot cards. In the traditional interpretation, it does not mean literal death, but symbolizes the end of one stage and the beginning of another.
Moderation (XIV) — harmony and balance
This card is associated with the search for balance, calmness and the ability to connect different sides of life. Moderation symbolizes gradual development and inner harmony.
The Devil (XV) — Temptations and attachments
The card is associated with strong desires, addictions, and situations where a person may be limited by their own fears or habits.
The Tower (XVI) — the destruction of the old
The tower symbolizes drastic changes, unexpected events and the destruction of previous ideas. In the traditional interpretation, it is associated with the need to build something new after the changes.
Zvezda (XVII) — hope and inspiration
This card is considered a symbol of renewal, faith in the future and recovery after difficult periods. The star is associated with dreams and new opportunities.
The Moon (XVIII) — secrets and illusions
The moon is associated with the subconscious, emotions, and situations where not everything is as it seems. The card symbolizes the hidden sides of what is happening.
The Sun (XIX) — joy and success
One of the most positively perceived cards of the deck. The sun symbolizes clarity, energy, achievement of goals and favorable development of events.
The Court (XX) — renewal and changes
The map is associated with a reassessment of the past, important decisions and the transition to a new stage. The trial symbolizes awakening and liberation from old experiences.
The World (XXI) — completion of the path
The last Major Arcana is associated with the completion of the cycle, harmony and the achievement of integrity. The card symbolizes the outcome of the completed path and the transition to the next stage.
Minor Arcana: four suits and symbols of everyday life
If the Older Arcana are associated with large images and important life stages, the Younger Arcana reflect more specific situations and events. There are 56 cards in the classic Tarot deck — they are divided into four suits, each of which has its own symbols.
The Minor Arcana consists of numerical cards from Ace to Ten and figure cards — Page, Knight, Queen and King. In the traditional interpretation, they help to consider the details of the situation: emotions, actions, thoughts and the material side of life.
Cups (Bowls) — emotions and relationships
The suit of Cups is associated with the sphere of feelings, experiences and human relationships. These cards are often associated with love, friendship, affection and the inner world of a person.
Cups belong to the element of water, therefore, in a symbolic sense, they are associated with emotionality, intuition and the ability to feel.
The most famous cards of the suit:
The Ace of Cups is the beginning of new feelings, an emotional renewal.
Deuce of Cups — partnership, alliance and mutual understanding.
Ten Cups — harmony, family happiness and emotional stability.
Swords — Thoughts, Solutions, and Conflicts
The Suit of Swords is associated with the intellectual sphere: analysis, choice, struggle and overcoming difficulties. These cards are often seen as symbols of reason and the power of decision. The element of Swords is air, which is traditionally associated with thoughts, logic and communication.
The most famous cards of the suit:
Ace of Swords — clarity, new understanding of the situation.
The Three Swords are worries, disappointments, and emotional pain.
Ten Swords is the end of a difficult period.
Wands (Staffs) — energy and movement
Wands symbolize activity, development, striving for goals and creativity. This suit is associated with actions and the desire to move forward. The element of Wands is fire, which is associated with energy, initiative and inspiration.
The most famous cards of the suit:
The Ace of Wands is the beginning of a new business or idea.
Three of Wands — plans and expectation of results.
Six of Wands — success and recognition.
Pentacles (Coins) — the material world
Pentacles are associated with the practical side of life: work, finances, resources, and stability. They are often seen as symbols of material well-being and work. This suit belongs to the element of earth, which is associated with stability and real results.
The most famous cards of the suit:
Ace of Pentacles — new opportunities in the material sphere.
The Eight of Pentacles is learning, working, and improving skills.
Ten Pentacles — prosperity and stability.
From classics to author's versions: what are Tarot decks?
Over the centuries of the Tarot's existence, many deck variants have appeared. Despite the differences in images and styles, most of them retain the basic structure: 78 cards, divided into Major and Minor Arcana and four suits.
The Rider—Waite Tarot is the most famous modern system
One of the most popular is the Rider—Waite deck, created at the beginning of the 20th century. It was her images that became the basis for many modern ideas about the Tarot.
The main feature of this deck is the detailed symbolism of not only the Senior, but also the Minor Arcana. This makes maps easier to interpret: the images on them tell small stories, rather than just showing individual characters.
Today, this version is considered one of the most common among beginners to study Tarot.
The Tarot of Marseille is one of the oldest traditions
The Marseille deck belongs to the classic European Tarot variants. It appeared in France and is considered one of the most important historical varieties of maps.
Unlike the Rider—Waite deck, the images of Minor Arcana in it are more often symbols of suits without complex plot scenes. Therefore, a more traditional approach is usually used to interpret them.
That Tarot is a symbolic and complex system
The Thoth deck was created in the 20th century by artist Frida Harris based on the concept of Aleister Crowley. It is characterized by complex images and a large number of symbolic details.
This version is considered one of the most unusual: it combines various cultural and philosophical images, so it is often chosen by people who study the Tarot system in depth.
Author's Tarot decks in the modern world
Today, there are thousands of Tarot variants created by artists from all over the world. Many modern decks retain their classic structure, but they change their visual style: images can be made in the style of fantasy, minimalism, art from different cultures, or modern illustration.
At the same time, the basis remains the same — 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.
Why Tarot cards remain popular centuries later
Despite the centuries-old history, Tarot cards continue to attract the attention of people all over the world. Over the centuries, they have gone from a card game for the European nobility to one of the most recognizable symbols of esoteric culture.
One of the reasons for the popularity of Tarot remains their complex symbol system. Each card contains images, images, and details that can be interpreted in different ways. It is this ambiguity that has made the deck not only a tool for fortune-telling practices, but also a kind of symbolic language that people use to reflect on events, feelings, and life situations.
The interest in Tarot is also supported by the variety of modern decks. Today, there are classic versions based on old traditions, as well as original versions with unusual designs. At the same time, most of them retain the usual structure — 78 cards divided into Major and Minor Arcana.
For some people, Tarot cards remain a part of cultural tradition and a way of studying symbolism, for others they are an element of spiritual practices or a tool of self—discovery. It is the combination of history, mystery and a rich system of images that allows Tarot cards to remain popular hundreds of years after the appearance of the first decks.
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