Tarot: History and Practice

The Tarot's origins lie in 15th-century Italian playing cards (tarocchi), but its occult associations began in the 18th century with Antoine Court de Gébelin and were cemented by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The 78-card deck comprises 22 Major Arcana (the Fool's journey through archetypal experiences) and 56 Minor Arcana (four suits reflecting daily life). Modern tarot is a tool for self-reflection, divination, and psychological insight.