The Magical History of Tarot: From Mystics to Modern Insights

I’ve got a confession: I am obsessed with history. 

Whether it’s uncovering ancient mysteries or discovering the story behind everyday tools, history lights me up. 

And tarot? It has one of the most fascinating backstories of all.

The Fascinating History of Tarot Cards

(You know me—I LOVE history, so I’ll try to keep this quick so we can dive into the good stuff. There are so many stories about the origins of tarot, but this one is my favorite.)

The oldest known tarot cards date back to 1392, when three decks were commissioned for King Charles VI of France.

These weren’t your typical playing cards—they were luxurious, hand-painted works of art created by Jacques Gringonneur, an artist, astrologer, and cabalist.

Tarot cards, interestingly enough, predate modern playing cards and were initially designed not for divination but for entertainment, education, and games. 

Think of them as a fancy version of flashcards depicting the order of the universe.

Card-playing itself was widespread in Europe by the late 14th century. 

Germany banned gambling with cards as early as 1378, but by 1379, card games were already a hit at festivals in Brussels. 

Even the Duke of Brabant kept records that year of payments for a set of cards.

By 1380, the Code of Nuremberg (if you know anything about World War II then that'll ring a bell) legalized card-playing, but the rules weren’t consistent. 

In 1397, Paris’s working-class citizens were prohibited from playing cards on workdays. 

And this is why I love this story—the royal family banned card-playing on workdays. Que eye roll.

Where Tarot Began

Fast forward a few centuries, and the structure of the tarot deck hasn’t changed much since the 15th century.

A standard deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana, which represent significant life themes and spiritual lessons, and 56 Minor Arcana, which dive into everyday experiences and emotions.

But here’s the twist: the tarot as we know it didn’t fully come together until the early 20th century, thanks to the visionary work of Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith.

The Rider-Waite Revolution

The deck I first learned on—and still adore—is the Rider-Waite Tarot.

Published in 1910 by the British company Rider, this deck revolutionized how we use and understand tarot.

Arthur Edward Waite developed the deck’s concepts, drawing on deep esoteric knowledge as a member of The Order of the Golden Dawn—a mystical society dedicated to spiritual enlightenment. 

But let’s give credit where it’s due: Pamela Colman Smith, the deck’s illustrator, added her artistic genius to Waite’s ideas.

What makes the Rider-Waite deck so special is the way it transformed the Minor Arcana. 

Before this, the Minor Arcana cards often featured plain geometric patterns, making them more abstract and harder to interpret. 

Smith’s richly detailed illustrations brought these cards to life, making tarot more accessible and relatable for readers.

The Beauty of Tarot Today

Fast forward to now, and tarot is more popular than ever. But let’s get one thing straight: tarot isn’t just about predicting the future. 

It’s so much deeper than that.

Tarot is a mirror to the soul.

It helps us reflect on where we are, uncover obstacles in our path, and navigate life’s twists and turns with insight and clarity. 

It’s a tool for self-discovery, a way to connect with your inner wisdom, and even a spiritual practice.

One of my favorite tips for working with tarot? Instead of asking yes-or-no questions like “Will I get the job?” or “Does this person like me?” shift to more introspective questions. 

For example, “What energy do I need to embody to find my dream job?” or “What should I know about this relationship right now?”

These open-ended questions tap into the symbolic richness of the cards, helping you uncover answers that might surprise you.

Bonus Tip: Deepen Your Tarot Practice

Want to take your tarot readings to the next level? 

Try journaling after each reading! 

Write down the cards you pulled, what they mean to you, and how you feel they apply to your life right now.

Not only does this help you better understand the cards, but it also creates a beautiful record of your journey that you can look back on. 

Over time, you’ll see patterns, recurring themes, and growth in ways that might blow your mind.

Pro Tip: Pull a card each morning and ask, “What lesson should I focus on today?” Then, revisit the card in the evening to reflect on how its energy played out in your day.

How to Start Your Tarot Journey

If you’re new to tarot, here’s my advice: relax, have fun, and trust your intuition. 

What no one ever tells you, is that there’s no wrong way to read Tarot. It’s not about being “right” or “perfect.” 

It’s about connection—connecting with the cards, with your higher self, and with the wisdom that already lives inside you.

Take your time learning the deck. I had a wonderful mentor who made sure that I diligently learned tarot and it took a year!

Start with a Beginner Rider-Waite deck if you’re unsure where to begin—it’s a classic for a reason. 

Spend time with each card, notice what feelings or thoughts they bring up, and let the imagery speak to you.

And don’t overthink it, there is no wrong way to read tarot. 

Tarot is a journey, not a destination.

Final Thoughts

Tarot has an incredible history that stretches back centuries, but its true magic lies in how it helps us today. 

Whether you’re looking for clarity in a tough situation, exploring your spiritual side, or simply having fun, tarot offers a powerful way to connect with yourself and the universe.

So, set scared space, light a candle, shuffle your deck, and see what the cards have to say. 

The answers are already within you—tarot just helps you bring them to the surface.

Enjoy the journey, my friend. You’ve got this! 💫

About Me

Hey love! I’m Kate Putnam—a Medical Intuitive, Quantum Energy Healer, and Spiritual Awakening Coach—and I’m here to help you step into your power and create the life you’ve always known you’re meant to live.

I left a successful corporate career to follow my calling: guiding spiritual women like you to heal, align, and unlock your divine path.

Whether it’s uncovering the secrets of your past lives, connecting with passed-over loved ones, or breaking free from blocks keeping you stuck, I combine intuitive insight with powerful energy work to help you shift your reality.

I believe in manifesting miracles, aligning with your truth, and fully embodying the abundance and freedom you deserve.

So, if you’ve been waiting for permission to dream bigger and go all in on your transformation—here it is.

The next level version of you is already within you. Let’s bring her to life.