| The history of Tarot cards goes back several | | | | mystical depictions, lending to the decks becoming |
| hundred years. While the history of Tarot cards | | | | associated more deeply with the occult. In turn, |
| becomes difficult to follow earlier than the 1700's, | | | | these changes have affected the symbolism used in |
| they have been in documented use since the late | | | | interpreting readings, to maintain the authenticity and |
| 14th century. The earliest records regarding the | | | | spiritual value of the readings. |
| history of Tarot cards shows that they were first | | | | What we do know about the history of Tarot cards |
| introduced to European nobility somewhere in | | | | is that most of the depictions are medieval in nature. |
| northern Italy. Later, the cards would take a turn | | | | This lends credence to the commonly accepted belief |
| towards the mystical, but the original history of tarot | | | | that they are European in origin. This is affirmed by |
| cards depicted them as decks used for gaming | | | | noting that artwork found on early decks is |
| pleasure. | | | | essentially based within feudal Christendom, and such |
| Some have asserted that the history began much | | | | representations cannot be found in the art of other |
| earlier, and that the decks traveled into Italy from | | | | cultures. |
| Egypt. These discussions of the Tarot are the origin | | | | One questionable facet of the history of Tarot cards |
| of the decks being referred to as the Royal Road. | | | | is the legend, widely accepted by some, that they |
| This is based on assertions that the word Tarot | | | | were introduced to European society by gypsies. |
| derives from two Egyptian words; "tar" which | | | | Evidence suggests that they only became widely |
| translates to "royal", and "ot" is an Egyptian word for | | | | used by this subculture in the twentieth century. Prior |
| "road". In time, the deck became popularly recognized | | | | to that, gypsies preferred palmistry and the use of |
| as the royal road to wisdom, or spiritual | | | | regular playing decks for divination purposes. |
| understanding. Most modern accounts disagree with | | | | Further complicating the history of Tarot cards was |
| this, but it is still an interesting facet of the cards' | | | | the introduction of the Thoth Tarot by Alleister |
| history. | | | | Crowley in the twentieth century. Based on the |
| Throughout the history of Tarot cards, many | | | | traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, |
| changes have been made. Additions have been | | | | Crowley embellished and expanded the designs, then |
| made, and the depictions on the deck have morphed | | | | commissioned the artwork for his cards. These are |
| from staunchly Christian aspects into being associated | | | | widely used today, owing in part to their lavish design |
| with pagan symbols. Christian symbols from the | | | | and occult overtones. |
| earlier decks have been substituted with more | | | | |