Tarot cards have a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. Originating in Europe, particularly in Italy, they were initially created as playing cards for a game called "tarocchi." These early decks, known as the Visconti-Sforza tarot, were hand-painted and used primarily by the nobility.
By the late 18th century, tarot cards began to take on a more mystical and divinatory role, largely due to the work of French occultists like Jean-Baptiste Alliette (known as Etteilla) and Antoine Court de Gébelin. They believed the cards held ancient, esoteric wisdom and could be used to gain insights into the future and the human psyche.
In the 20th century, the tarot experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly with the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909. Created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck became the standard for modern tarot readings.
Today, tarot cards are used worldwide for both divination and personal reflection, with countless decks available that reflect a wide range of artistic styles and cultural influences.
1. **Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (1909)**
- **Artistic Style**: Early 20th-century illustrative art
- **Cultural Influences**: Western esotericism, Christian symbolism
- **Notes**: Created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck is the most widely used and recognized.
2. **Thoth Tarot (1944)**
- **Artistic Style**: Abstract, surrealist
- **Cultural Influences**: Egyptian mythology, Kabbalah, astrology
- **Notes**: Designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, it incorporates complex symbolism and occult references.
3. **Marseille Tarot (circa 17th century)**
- **Artistic Style**: Woodcut prints, medieval art
- **Cultural Influences**: European medieval and Renaissance symbolism
- **Notes**: One of the oldest and most traditional Tarot decks, popular in France and known for its historical significance.
4. **Wild Unknown Tarot (2012)**
- **Artistic Style**: Hand-drawn, minimalistic, nature-inspired
- **Cultural Influences**: Modern spirituality, nature
- **Notes**: Created by Kim Krans, this deck is known for its striking, black-and-white illustrations with occasional splashes of color.
5. **DruidCraft Tarot (2004)**
- **Artistic Style**: Realistic, nature-themed
- **Cultural Influences**: Druidry, Wicca, Celtic mythology
- **Notes**: Created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, with illustrations by Will Worthington, it blends Druidic and Wiccan traditions.
6. **Golden Tarot (2003)**
- **Artistic Style**: Collage, medieval and Renaissance art
- **Cultural Influences**: Christian iconography, medieval Europe
- **Notes**: Created by Kat Black, this deck features digitally collaged images from medieval and Renaissance paintings.
7. **Shadowscapes Tarot (2010)**
- **Artistic Style**: Watercolor, fantasy
- **Cultural Influences**: Mythology, fairy tales, Asian motifs
- **Notes**: Illustrated by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, this deck is known for its intricate and dreamy watercolor art.
8. **Modern Witch Tarot (2019)**
- **Artistic Style**: Contemporary, inclusive
- **Cultural Influences**: Modern feminism, diverse representation
- **Notes**: Created by Lisa Sterle, this deck updates the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery with modern, diverse, and inclusive characters.
These decks showcase the wide range of artistic styles and cultural influences that have shaped the evolution of Tarot cards over the centuries.
