Healing Light

10 Key Figures in the Evolution of Tarot Reading

Tarot cards hold a deep fascination for many. But where did this enigmatic system of divination come from? The truth is, the origins of Tarot are shrouded in mystery. There’s no single “creator” but rather a rich tapestry woven by different cultures and figures over centuries.

Today, we’ll meet 10 fascinating people who played a role in shaping the Tarot we know today:

1. Gypsies (14th-15th centuries): While the stereotype of Tarot being invented by Gypsies persists, there’s no evidence to support it. They may have helped popularize it in Europe, but the origins lie elsewhere.
2. Ibn Khallikan (1211-1284): This biographer documented Mamluk Egyptian games using ” ورق (wurq)” which some believe could be an early reference to Tarot cards.
3. Jacques Gringonneur (fl. 1500): Possibly the first to mention Tarot in print around 1500, though details are scarce.
4. Jean-Baptiste Alliette, also known as Etteilla (Alliette spelled backwards) (1738-1791): A Parisian occultist who developed a complex divination system using Tarot, incorporating astrology. He may also be the first to connect Tarot with Hermeticism and Kabbalah.
5. Alphonse Louis Constant (Eliphas Lévi) (1810-1875): This French occultist’s ideas heavily influenced the symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, a popular choice today.
6. Oswald Wirth (1860-1943): A Swiss occultist who believed Tarot was an ancient Egyptian wisdom book. He even designed a deck based on this belief.
7. Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942): A British mystic who collaborated with Pamela Colman Smith to create the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
8. Pamela Colman Smith (1878-1951): The artist behind the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Her vivid imagery significantly shaped modern interpretations of Tarot.
9. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947): This controversial figure designed the Thoth Tarot deck, still popular today, especially among followers of his religion, Thelema.
10. Mary Greer (1931-2021) An influential tarot author and scholar who helped bridge the gap between tarot’s occult roots and its growing popularity in a more mainstream, psychological context. Her book “Tarot for Beginners” is a classic, and her work continues to be a valuable resource for tarot enthusiasts.

These are just a few of the many figures who have helped shape the Tarot we know and love today. As you explore the rich history of Tarot, you’ll encounter even more fascinating characters and ideas! Follow along with us as we explore these figures further in future blog posts.

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