The way of Tarot Cards

In a modern Tarot deck, there are 78 cards divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The term "Arcana" comes from the Greek word meaning secret and mystery. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, while the Minor Arcana has 56 cards. The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits: the Wands, representing the fire of creation and human desires; the Pentacles, symbolizing earth, stability, and human needs; the Cups, representing water, emotions, and flow in a person’s life; and the Swords, symbolizing air and logical thinking. Each suit also includes four Court Cards: the Page, representing youth and inexperience; the Knight, symbolizing a stage of maturation; the Queen, representing action; and the King, who acts primarily under pressure.

Tarot cards, which began to be used in various parts of Europe in the mid-15th century for games like Italian "Tarocchini" and Austrian "Königrufen," are still played today. Originally called "trionfi" or "tarocchi" and later "tarock," these cards began to serve spiritual purposes, and specially designed decks were created for this purpose. The designs and sizes of Tarot decks evolved across Europe, crafted by many artists. Modern Tarot decks are still used for card games in parts of Europe, such as Italian Tarocchini and French Tarot. In English-speaking countries, Tarot cards are almost exclusively used for divination and guidance.

The origin of the term "Tarot" and the German "Tarock" is unclear, but it is believed to derive from the Italian "tarocchi," which, by the late 15th century, was synonymous with foolishness. The name first appeared in Brescia around 1502 as "tarocchi."

Part of the mystery surrounding Tarot cards is their origin. It is claimed that they originated from ancient Egypt and were deeply rooted in the knowledge of Egyptian priests. Antoine Court de Gébelin believed that Tarot cards were based on a sacred book written by ancient Egyptian priests and brought to Europe by gypsies. This theory lent Tarot cards an aura of ancient esoteric knowledge, though there is no historical evidence connecting gypsies to Africa. Others link Tarot cards to Jewish Kabbalah, an ancient mystical and secret tradition dating back to the 12th century in France, Spain, and the East. Kabbalah focuses on the human aspiration to unite with the divine and reduce the gap between divinity and the material world. Tarot cards are also associated with the Chinese I Ching and Indian Tantra.

Another possible origin of Tarot cards is a game similar to modern bridge. Wealthy Italian families commissioned artists to create hand-painted decks known as "Carte Da Trionfi" or "Victory Cards." These were made to commemorate significant births of royalty, victories in battles, or other important events. Among the renowned artists who painted Tarot cards was Leonardo da Vinci.

The earliest known Tarot deck was created in the 15th century, with dates ranging between 1440 and 1450 in Milan, Ferrara, Florence, and Bologna. The earliest recorded mention of Tarot cards is a written declaration in the Florence court records from 1440.