The Origin and Historical Background of Tarot Cards: Cultural Interpretation and Philosophical Exploration

As an ancient and mysterious divination tool, Tarot cards are not only well-known in the divination world, but also have a profound influence in the fields of culture and philosophy. This article will study the origin and historical background of Tarot cards, explore its interpretation in different cultures, and analyze its philosophical roots and evolution.

Origin and Historical Background of Tarot Cards

The origin of Tarot cards can be traced back to medieval Europe, but its specific place and time of origin are still controversial. Many scholars believe that Tarot cards originated in Italy, and the earliest Tarot decks were called "Visconti-Sforza" decks, which appeared around the 15th century. However, some scholars believe that the origin of Tarot cards can be traced back to earlier Egypt or China, and even have connections with the Jewish Kabbalah doctrine.

Origin of Tarot Cards in Italy

Visconti-Sforza Tarot: This deck is considered to be one of the earliest extant Tarot cards, made by the Visconti and Sforza families in Milan, Italy in the 15th century. They are not only a game tool, but also used for divination and symbolic rituals.
Tarot Design: These early tarot cards were colorful, beautifully designed, and contained many religious and occult symbols, reflecting the culture and beliefs of medieval Italy.

The spread of tarot cards in France

Tarot de Marseille: In the 17th century, tarot cards were widely spread in France, and the Marseille Tarot became one of the most famous tarot decks. Its imagery and structure had a profound impact on the subsequent development of tarot cards.
Kabbalah and occultism: In France, tarot cards were combined with occult doctrines such as the Jewish Kabbalah, alchemy, and astrology to form a unique system of tarot interpretation.

Tarot tradition in Britain

Rider-Waite Tarot: In the early 20th century, British occultist Arthur Edward Waite and painter Pamela Colman Smith collaborated to design the Rider-Waite Tarot. The deck became popular for its intuitive and symbolic images and became one of the standards of modern tarot cards.
Occult Association: Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which has a significant influence on the occult and philosophical interpretation of Tarot cards.

Interpretation of Tarot Cards in Different Cultures

Tarot cards are interpreted differently in different cultures, which not only reflect their respective cultural backgrounds, but also reveal the multi-layered symbolic meaning of Tarot cards.

Tarot Cards in European Culture

Symbolism and Allegory: In Europe, Tarot cards are seen as a tool of symbolism and allegory, conveying profound philosophical and moral teachings through images and symbols.
Divination and Prediction: Tarot cards are widely used for divination and prediction, revealing personal destiny and future trends by interpreting the symbols on the cards.

Tarot Cards in Jewish Kabbalah

Tree of Life: Tarot cards correspond to the Tree of Life in Kabbalah, and each card symbolizes a path or position on the Tree of Life, revealing the mysterious structure of the universe and the spiritual journey of mankind.
Occultism and Meditation: In Kabbalah, Tarot cards are used in occult practices and meditation to help individuals understand the mysteries of the universe and their own inner spirituality.

Tarot in Chinese Culture

Yin Yang and the Five Elements: Although Tarot cards did not originate from China, their symbolism has similarities to the Chinese Yin Yang and Five Elements. For example, the four elements in Tarot cards (fire, earth, air, and water) have common symbolism with the five elements in China (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).
Divination Tradition: China has a rich tradition of divination, such as the I Ching and Feng Shui, which are similar in some ways to the divination methods of Tarot cards, both of which reveal fate and the future through symbols and images.

Philosophical Roots and Evolution of Tarot Cards

The philosophical roots of Tarot cards are deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and mystical doctrines, and their evolution reflects the ideological trends of different cultures and times.

Ancient Wisdom and Tarot Cards

Greek Philosophy: Many of the symbols in Tarot cards can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, such as the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle. The Major Arcana in Tarot cards, in particular, embodies the wisdom and moral teachings of ancient Greece.
Egyptian Mysticism: Some scholars believe that the symbolism of Tarot cards is related to the mystical doctrines of ancient Egypt, such as Egyptian mythology and religious rituals.

Medieval Mysticism and Tarot Cards

Alchemy and Astrology: In the Middle Ages, Tarot cards were combined with mystical doctrines such as alchemy and astrology to form a complex symbolic system that revealed the secrets of the universe and the fate of mankind.
Religious and Moral Teachings: Medieval Tarot cards also embodied the religious doctrines and moral concepts of Christianity, conveying philosophical thinking on faith and morality through images.

Modern Philosophy and Tarot Cards

Psychology and Inner Exploration: In modern times, Tarot cards are widely used in psychology and inner exploration. Psychologist Carl Jung regarded Tarot cards as a symbolic tool of the collective unconscious, helping individuals understand the psychological structure and subconsciousness deep in their hearts.
New Age Movement and Spiritual Exploration: In the New Age Movement, Tarot cards are regarded as a tool for spiritual exploration, revealing the mysteries of spirituality and the inner journey of individuals through the symbols and meditation of the cards.

Conclusion

As an ancient and mysterious tool, the origin and historical background of Tarot cards reflect the ideological trends of different cultures and times. By studying the origin and history of Tarot cards, we can have a deeper understanding of its symbolic meaning and philosophical roots, so as to better apply Tarot cards for introspection, divination and spiritual exploration in modern life. I hope this article can provide readers with profound inspiration and help them discover more wisdom and truth under the guidance of Tarot cards.