Ah, Tarot. Those mystical little pieces of cardboard that have you wondering if your true love is just around the corner or if you’re going to wind up eating ramen for another week. But here’s the thing: Tarot cards are so much more than a party trick or something that comes out at brunch after the third mimosa. Behind every card in that deck is a story steeped in history, drama, mystery, and yes — a bit of scandal. So, buckle up, because we’re going to go deep into the world of Tarot: where it came from, why we love it, and what in the name of all things metaphysical are the Major and Minor Arcana anyway? Get ready to shuffle up and deal!
A (Quick-ish) History Lesson on Tarot: From Medieval Europe to Your Local Crystal Shop
Let’s take it back to 15th-century Europe. Picture it: there were no iPhones, no Twitter, and definitely no Tinder — so how did people entertain themselves? Well, they played cards! Now, Tarot didn’t start off as a mystical tool for fortune-telling; it was originally used as a card game known as Tarocchi. And trust me, it wasn’t just for the peasants. Nobles were throwing down cards like they were hot potatoes. In fact, many of the oldest decks we still have today were commissioned by fancy Italian families who’d probably sip on wine, play Tarot, and gossip about each other. Sounds like the Renaissance version of “Real Housewives,” doesn’t it?
But here’s where it gets interesting: somewhere along the line, people started looking at these cards and thinking, Wait a minute…these symbols, these images, they could mean something more. The origins of Tarot reading as a tool for divination are a bit murky, but by the 18th century, a Frenchman named Jean-Baptiste Alliette — better known as Etteilla — got the bright idea to create a deck specifically for fortune-telling. Voilà! Tarot as we know it was born. By the time the 20th century rolled around, the now-iconic Rider-Waite-Smith deck had been published, designed by the artist Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of mystic A. E. Waite. And guess what? We’re still using it today.
The Many Flavors of Tarot: Decks Galore!
Now, just like coffee comes in espresso, latte, macchiato, and that monstrosity known as pumpkin spice, Tarot has its own range of flavors. You’ve got the classics, the weirdos, and the downright spooky decks. Let’s break it down:
-
Rider-Waite-Smith Deck
This is the gold standard, the Coca-Cola Classic of Tarot decks. If you’re even remotely familiar with Tarot, you’ve probably seen these cards, with their iconic imagery. You know, The Fool with his little bindle, walking off a cliff like he’s auditioning for a Chaplin film. The images are clear, and every card in this deck tells a story. Rider-Waite is straightforward, and for a reason — it was designed to be accessible to readers of all skill levels. -
Thoth Tarot Deck
Now, if the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the safe, reliable best friend, the Thoth deck is the mysterious goth kid who never talks to anyone in high school. Created by Aleister Crowley (yes, the infamous occultist) and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, this deck is complex, visually intense, and loaded with enough occult symbolism to keep you up at night Googling. -
Marseille Tarot
This is the European classic, originating from — you guessed it — Marseille. The Marseille deck is a bit more stripped-down than the Rider-Waite; it’s all medieval woodcut images and primary colors. It’s not as flashy, but it’s got that old-world mystique. -
Oracle Cards
Alright, technically, they’re not Tarot. But Oracle cards are like the sassy little sister who still gets invited to the party. They’re more freestyle, with each deck having its own theme. Think animals, angels, crystals, and whatever else New Age influencers are posting about on Instagram. -
Novelty Decks
Want a Game of Thrones deck? Done. Or maybe a deck with cats? There are about a thousand! There’s even a Tarot of the Silicon Valley if you want your future told through computer chips and pixels. Novelty decks might not have the gravitas of a Rider-Waite, but they’re fun and sometimes give surprisingly spot-on readings.
Meet the Tarot Family: Major Arcana vs. Minor Arcana
Every Tarot deck is split into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. It’s a bit like the cast of a TV show: the Major Arcana are the main characters — the ones you love, hate, and probably can’t stop thinking about. Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana is the supporting cast, dealing with the day-to-day drama.
The Major Arcana: The Headliners
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each loaded with symbolism and packed with personality. If you draw one of these in a reading, honey, pay attention — these cards don’t mess around. Here are some of the top players:
- The Fool (0): The Fool is the card. It’s all about beginnings, leaps of faith, and that moment you jump and pray you don’t end up face-planting. Think of it as the Universe’s way of saying, “Go for it, you’ll figure it out later.”
- The Magician (I): Picture someone who can sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves. This card’s all about action, confidence, and making things happen.
- The High Priestess (II): This card is basically your spiritual bestie. She’s about intuition, mystery, and knowledge. If you’re getting this card, you might need to tap into your inner witchy self.
- The Lovers (VI): This isn’t just about romance; it’s about choices, duality, and yes, maybe some steamy energy. When The Lovers show up, it might be time to make a decision that aligns with your heart.
- The Devil (XV): No, it doesn’t mean you’re cursed (well, not usually). The Devil represents temptations, restrictions, and sometimes the things we refuse to let go of — like that ex who just keeps texting “Hey” at 2 a.m.
- The Tower (XVI): This card is like getting hit with an unexpected breakup, job loss, or realizing you’re out of toilet paper mid-squat. It’s chaos, upheaval, and yes, it’s uncomfortable. But hey, sometimes we need the mess to get to the miracle.
- The World (XXI): You made it! The World is completion, achievement, and a sense of fulfillment. Think of it as the universe giving you a standing ovation.
The Minor Arcana: The Spice of Life
The Minor Arcana consists of four suits — Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands — and they’re like the little details that color in your day-to-day life. Each suit has 14 cards, numbered Ace through Ten, plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). Here’s a quick rundown:
- Cups: Think emotions, relationships, and feelings. If you’re seeing a lot of Cups, your love life or friendships might be in the spotlight.
- Pentacles: These cards are all about the material world — money, career, and stability. Pentacles in a reading mean it’s time to talk dollars, sense, and perhaps your Amazon Prime addiction.
- Swords: These are the intellectual cards, dealing with thoughts, conflict, and maybe even a little mental turbulence. Swords might bring some heavy topics, but sometimes you need to face the tough stuff to grow.
- Wands: Wands are the fire suit, representing passion, energy, and creativity. Think action, inspiration, and maybe even a little bit of that “new project” thrill.
So…What’s the Point of Tarot?
Alright, here’s the real tea: Tarot isn’t a crystal ball; it’s not going to lay out your whole life plan or tell you what’s for lunch tomorrow. But it’s an amazing tool for reflection, self-awareness, and maybe even a bit of guidance. A Tarot reading won’t change your life — but it might just help you understand it a bit better. The cards give you a mirror, a chance to see yourself and your situations from a different angle.
At the end of the day, Tarot is what you make of it. Whether it’s your daily dose of advice or something you only pull out when you’re one glass of wine deep and feeling philosophical, Tarot is here for you. So, grab a deck, ask a question, and take a dive into the mystery — because life’s too short not to add a little magic into the mix.