Blessed Be! Our next sabbat of Imbolc will be on February 2nd, 2026!
Introduction to Tarot
The exact origins of tarot cards are shrouded in mystery, and there is no definitive historical record pinpointing their creation. However, historians and scholars have pieced together various theories based on available evidence. Tarot cards likely originated in the 15th century in Europe, possibly in northern Italy. The earliest known decks were created for playing a game similar to modern-day tarot card games, known as tarocchi or tarock. These early cards were used for gaming and entertainment, featuring suits such as swords, cups, coins, and sticks. It's believed that these playing cards eventually evolved into tarot cards, which are commonly used as a divination tool. This would happen hundreds of years later, around the 18th century.
The region of northern Italy, particularly cities like Milan, Florence, and Bologna, is often cited as the birthplace of tarot cards. The earliest documented reference to tarot-like cards comes from the court records of Ferrara in 1442, where a deck of "triumph cards" was mentioned. The term "triumph cards" or "trionfi" referred to a special set of playing cards that featured additional trump cards beyond the standard suits. These trump cards depicted allegorical scenes, including figures such as the Fool, the Emperor, the Empress, and other symbolic images. Trionfi decks gradually evolved into what we now recognize as tarot decks.
As you can see, there are near endless different forms and styles of tarot cards out there.
One of the oldest surviving tarot decks is the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, created in the mid-15th century for the Visconti and Sforza families of Milan. This luxurious deck features intricately painted cards with gold leaf accents, depicting courtly scenes, allegorical figures, and heraldic symbols.
While tarot cards initially served as playing cards for games, their use for divination likely emerged later. The transition from gaming to divination may have occurred gradually over the centuries as people attributed deeper symbolic meanings to the cards and sought spiritual insights from them. Whichever the case may be, tarot cards have been in no short supply today - you can find them in just about any bookstore, metaphysical shop and online stores.
During the Renaissance, there was a revival of interest in Hermeticism, alchemy, and other esoteric traditions. Tarot cards became associated with mystical and occult practices, with some scholars suggesting that the imagery and symbolism of the cards were influenced by Hermetic and Kabbalistic teachings. I believe this is why this practice has found its way to be adopted by witches all over the world in the modern day and has been included in modern Wiccan practices, as well as solitary witches. They're practically a standard on my own altar.
I believe that at the end of the day, the cards hold the meanings of your intentions. I won't go out on a limb and say that there are implied magical qualities to any deck, as that would be a falsehood, but I do think that they are a way in providing clarification and guidance into everyday decision making. They are a tool, much like any other object that you have in your kitchen, your bedroom, or your altar space, should you have one.
Typically, the most standard deck today would be called the Rider-Waite deck. It's been around since 1909 and is the one I have the most experience with. I still have my grandmother's deck that she gifted to me in my late teens, which were printed in 1945. You can find all sorts of variants, with a large variety of these decks practically anywhere, as I mentioned. If you are interested in tarot, you should pick a deck that you are comfortable with and speaks to you. It could be something that you like or is visually pleasing. Always remember that the important thing is the intentions that you set into this deck and understanding what you desire from it.
The standard deck is comprised of 78 cards. 22 of these cards are major arcana while 56 of them are minor arcana cards. (cups, wands, swords, and pentacles)
Below there are buttons to each of the different cards. Click one one of them if you want to see what they mean. Included will be a graphical card of what one of these cards will look like. Most of the ones you will see in the links come directly from the Modern Witch Tarot Deck, a personal favorite that I have on my own altar at the office. Other cards you may see will be from the The Llewellyn Tarot Companion or The Goddess. I do have many decks of tarot cards I have collected over the years in my practice and just for personal interest. Some of them, I have never even used. I am also in possession of a deck called the The Tarot of the Old Path, which was a deck created by witches around the world: three of these cards in the deck were designed by Patricia Crowther! (If you know, you know on this one... :))