Tarot Foundations: History, Structure, and First Steps

The Origins and History of Tarot

Tarot cards first appeared in Europe in the late 14th century as playing cards, originally used for games rather than divination. The oldest surviving Tarot cards are from the 15 hand-painted decks commissioned by the Duke of Milan in the 1450s. It wasn't until the 18th century that Tarot began to be widely used for divination and spiritual guidance.

While many myths suggest connections to ancient Egypt or other esoteric origins, historians generally agree that Tarot evolved from playing cards in Renaissance Italy. Over the centuries, the symbolism and interpretations have been enriched by various spiritual traditions, including Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and Western mystery schools.

Structure of the Tarot Deck

A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections:

The Major Arcana (22 cards)

These cards represent major life themes and spiritual lessons. Numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World), they depict archetypal figures and situations that represent the journey of spiritual growth, often called "The Fool's Journey." Major Arcana cards typically indicate significant life events, karmic lessons, or spiritual milestones.

The Minor Arcana (56 cards)

These cards deal with daily situations and challenges, divided into four suits:

• Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition
• Pentacles (Earth): Material matters, work, finances, and physical health
• Swords (Air): Intellect, communication, challenges, and conflict
• Wands (Fire): Energy, passion, inspiration, and spirituality

Each suit contains cards numbered Ace through 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

Choosing Your First Deck

When selecting your first Tarot deck, trust your intuition. Many practitioners suggest that your first deck should be gifted to you, but finding a deck with imagery that resonates with you is most important. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck (created in 1909) is often recommended for beginners due to its clear symbolism and wide influence on modern Tarot decks.

Connecting With Your Deck

Building a relationship with your Tarot cards is essential for meaningful readings. Here are some practices to help you connect:

• Cleansing: When you first receive your deck, you may want to cleanse it of previous energies. This can be done by placing the deck in moonlight, surrounding it with crystals, or fanning the cards and wafting incense smoke over them.
• Card Interview: Ask your deck questions about your future relationship, such as "What can you teach me?" or "How can we best work together?"
• Daily Card: Draw one card each morning and reflect on its message throughout the day.
• Physical Contact: Simply spending time handling your cards helps transfer your energy to the deck. Try shuffling them while meditating or watching television.