captured and imported into the Roman Empire from Greece and Egypt. These may have led to esoteric meanings for the cards, but the first known symbolism was deeply based in the emerging Christian culture of the time.
The first occult discussions of Tarot were by the writer Court de Gebelin and the Comte de Mellet about 1781. Previously, the card decks were not included in books on occult or magical philosophies. In the late 16th Century to early 17th Century, growing interest in occult subject integrated the Tarot into Occult Philosophy. While the original intention of the deck designers is unknown, their use of the Trumps was also molded into the Occult Philosophy.
The most well-known creation, The Waite-Smith deck was created in 1909. Although many people believe this to be the original deck, it arrived 600 years later to known Tarot history. A prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, A. E. Waite commissioned artist, Pamela Coleman Smith to assist him in creating his own deck. She contributed her visionary skills for the creations of the Minor Arcana Cards. The Celtic Cross Spread is also attributed to A. E. Waite.
While the true origins of Tarot remain obscured in history, its popularity grows. Over 1000 decks are printed around the world and off-shoots of the industry have led to the creation of Oracle Decks, used in a similar manner. We no longer have to rely on the laborious task of hand painting each card. However, standardization decreases as card meanings are created to fit the various themes of the new decks. From gaming to the mystical, the history of Tarot is as colorful as its cards.
A 5th generation Psychic/Medium LILLIE RUBY has been a professional clairvoyant for over 30 years. LILLIE provides Intuitive and Spiritual Consultations to people and corporations around the globe. To find out more go to: http://www.lillieruby.org