For the first few centuries, tarot was mostly a game. But by the 18th century, things began to change. Occultists, mystics, and scholars started reading the cards as more than just playthings - they saw symbols, hidden meanings, and a path to guidance.
Figures like Etteilla in France pioneered the first “tarot for divination” systems, assigning meanings to the cards and publishing guides for fortune-telling. Soon after, the mystical associations grew: correspondences with astrology, numerology, and the Kabbalah began creeping into card interpretations. Tarot wasn’t just a game anymore; it became a tool for insight, reflection, and even spiritual exploration.
This transformation gave us the tarot we recognise today - a blend of artistry, symbolism, and intuition. Without this mystical turn, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck might have been just another fancy card game, and we wouldn’t be shuffling for guidance over coffee at our cozy winter tables.
Have you ever used tarot just for fun, or do you always approach it with a divinatory mindset? Share your style in the comments!
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