Origins of Tarot The origins and development of the tarot are not entirely clear, and it remains a subject of debate among historians and scholars. The tarot is a deck of playing cards commonly used for divination, but its history is intertwined with various cultural, spiritual, and artistic influences. The tarot is believed to have originated in the 15th century in Italy, where it was initially used as a simple card game. The earliest known tarot decks were hand-painted and used for leisure and entertainment among the nobility. Over time, the tarot evolved, and its symbolism and use expanded to include esoteric and occult practices. In the 18th and 19th centuries, various occultists and mystics, such as Antoine Court de Gébelin and Eliphas Levi, began associating the tarot with mystical and spiritual concepts, connecting the cards to Kabbalah, astrology, and other mystical systems. In the 20th century, the tarot experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially with the publication of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck in 1910, which became one of the most influential and widely used tarot decks. While the tarot's exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, its development is a fascinating amalgamation of historical playing cards, artistic influences, and the integration of esoteric and occult interpretations by various scholars and practitioners throughout the centuries. Today, the tarot is used for various purposes, including divination, self-reflection, and spiritual exploration.