Over 20 years ago, while living in Dublin, I bought my very first tarot deck. Honestly, I didn’t buy it because of any mystical calling — I simply fell in love with the artworks by Ferenc Pinter “Tarot of Imagination” . That was the start of a fascination that has stayed with me ever since. Later, I wrote my degree thesis on tarot, which I mentioned in my previous blog, “Unveiling Dreams and the Unconscious: The Moon Tarot Card.”
My approach has always been more psychological than mystical. I’ve been fascinated by how the Major Arcana mirrors the human life journey — each card reflecting a stage, a challenge, or a turning point we can all relate to. For me, tarot has never been about rigid predictions. I see it more like a book you can open again and again, each time finding new meaning or insight.
But before tarot became associated with fortune-telling or occult traditions, it was simply a game.
A Short History of Tarot
Tarot first appeared in northern Italy during the 15th century as a card game called trionfi, or “triumphs.” The 78-card deck was played in a trick-taking style, much like modern bridge. The beautifully illustrated trump cards — what we now call the Major Arcana — were originally created to add variety and artistry to the game, not to tell fortunes.
For centuries, tarot remained entertainment. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that French writers such as Antoine Court de Gébelin claimed the cards held hidden wisdom, even linking them to ancient Egypt. Around the same time, Etteilla began publishing decks and manuals specifically for divination. This is when tarot shifted from parlour game to mystical tool.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, occult groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn developed elaborate systems that tied tarot to astrology, Kabbalah, and ceremonial magic. These associations fuelled both fascination and fear. Some saw tarot as a powerful key to spiritual insight, while others warned it was cursed or dangerous. In reality, these fears reflected social anxieties more than the cards themselves.
Tarot: Assumptions vs. Alternatives
Myth: Tarot is cursed or dangerous.
Fact: Tarot began as a simple card game in 15th-century Italy. The “mystical” reputation only came centuries later.
Myth: Using tarot means you’re summoning spirits.
Fact: Tarot is a deck of illustrated cards. Any meaning comes from the way we interpret the symbols — much like reading poetry or art.
Myth: You must be a psychic to read tarot.
Fact: Anyone can use tarot. It’s often used today as a tool for reflection, storytelling, or even creative writing.
Myth: Tarot always predicts the future.
Fact: Many readers (myself included) see tarot as a guide — a way to explore your life, choices, and inner journey — not as fixed destiny.
My Take
For me, tarot has always been a guide, not a threat. It’s a mirror for the psyche, a creative lens to explore our own stories and decisions. I believe — as with many things in life — the meaning we give tarot depends on our intentions. Used with curiosity and openness, it’s not something to be feared, but a tool that encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of our journey.
✨ Your Turn
Have you ever picked up a tarot deck — maybe drawn to the artwork like I was, or out of simple curiosity? How do you see tarot: a game, a guide, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments — I’d love to hear your perspective.
Leave a Reply