Journalism of Courage
Tarot’s true history: The 15th-Century roots you didn’t expect
In 15th-century Italy, the cards were known as tarocchi. They were used for a trick-taking game similar to Bridge, played by the aristocracy.
April 10, 2026 09:29 IST
1 / 7Today, tarot cards are synonymous with mysticism and fortune-telling, but their origins are far more surprising. What began as a simple card game in Renaissance Europe evolved over centuries of cultural shifts into a profound symbolic and spiritual tool. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
2 / 7Early Decks Were Luxury Items: The earliest tarot decks were hand painted and highly ornate, often commissioned by elite families, making them expensive works of art. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
3 / 7Mysticism Came Much Later: In the 18th century, French writers and occultists began linking tarot to ancient wisdom and hidden meanings, transforming it into a mystical tool. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
4 / 7Tarot Started as a Game: Tarot cards were originally created in 15th century Italy as part of a game called tarocchi, played by wealthy aristocrats for entertainment, not divination. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
5 / 7The Egyptian Myth Was Invented: Some early theorists falsely claimed tarot originated in ancient Egypt. This idea helped boost its mystical appeal, even though it wasn’t historically accurate. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
6 / 7They Had Nothing to Do With Fortune Telling: For centuries, tarot cards were used purely for gameplay. Their association with predicting the future only came much later. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
7 / 7Tarot Keeps Reinventing Itself: Over time, tarot has adapted to cultural trends, from a game to an occult practice to a modern tool for self reflection and personal insight. (Source: Photo by unsplash)
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