Tarots de Marseille has a long and fascinating history with its roots going back centuries. It is believed to have been around since the 15th century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the Tarots de Marseille was developed in Marseille, France. Today, it is one of the most popular tarot decks in the world. My first deck was given to me when I was 16 as part of my cultural heritage. I still have it, I use to read it for guidance, and to me, it is surrounded by positivity. Even if I haven’t read it for a while, it is still very precious to me. So I thought I would write an article about the famous Tarots de Marseille.
The Origin of the Tarot
The Tarot, one of the oldest known card games in history, has a long and mysterious origin story. Historians have not been able to definitively determine when the Tarot was created or where it came from.
The earliest surviving deck of Tarot cards was created by an Italian artist named Bonifacio Bembo in 1441. It is thought that he drew inspiration from earlier European card games like Mamluk and Latin suits.
The traditional Tarot deck is composed of 78 cards divided into four suits: the Wands (or Staves), the Swords, the Cups, and the Coins (or Pentacles). Each suit contains 14 cards, numbered from Ace to 10, plus four court cards (the Page, the Knight, the Queen, and the King). In addition to these 56 cards, there are 22 “Major Arcana” cards depicting allegorical figures.
The traditional meaning of each card can vary depending on its context and interpretation, but it generally speaks to a common universal experience or emotion. I will write a separate article on the significance of the 22 “Major Arcana” cards.
Although historians still debate the original purpose of the Tarot, it has become widely associated with divination and fortune-telling. Over the centuries, many spiritual traditions have adopted the use of Tarot cards to divine past, present and future events.
Tarots de Marseille and Kabbalah
The Tarot de Marseille has been linked to the mystical Kabbalah tradition of Judaism. The connection is thought to stem from the concept of correspondence, a belief held by some kabbalists that the world of physical reality is connected to a higher spiritual reality. This connection is seen in the tarot’s four suits, which correspond to the four letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Additionally, some experts believe that the tarot was developed from the Book of Thoth, a mysterious book that contains knowledge of occult truths and is often associated with the Kabbalah.
The tarot also contains 22 Major Arcana cards, which are said to symbolically represent the 22 paths on the Tree of Life, a fundamental component of the Kabbalah. This symbolism further reinforces the strong link between tarot and kabbalah. Although there is no concrete evidence that tarot was initially developed as a tool of kabbalistic study, its strong connections to the practice make it an important component of its history.
How the Tarot Spread to Europe
The Tarot first began to appear in Europe in the late 15th century. It is believed that it was brought from Italy to France by soldiers and merchants, and it eventually spread throughout Europe. The first references to Tarot cards appeared in books published in Germany and Switzerland during the 16th century.
At first, the Tarot was used mainly for card games, but slowly it began to be used for divination and occult practices. By the 18th century, the Tarot was widely used for fortunetelling and spiritual development. In addition to the traditional four suits of swords, cups, coins, and batons, which were found in most decks of the period, the Tarot had its own set of unique 22 trump cards. These cards became known as the Major Arcana and were used to tell fortunes and explain life events.
The popularity of Tarot cards grew throughout Europe, especially in England and France, where they were used by many well-known occultists such as Eliphas Levi and Arthur Edward Waite. As a result of this increased popularity, a variety of new decks emerged throughout Europe, all with their own unique symbolism and interpretation. The best-known deck is the Tarot de Marseille was created in France in the 18th century.
Today, the Tarot continues to be used for spiritual guidance and self-exploration around the world. Its popularity shows no sign of waning, and it has become an essential part of many cultures and belief systems.
How the Tarot Was Used in Italy
The tarot has a long and complex history in Italy, dating back to the 15th century. The earliest tarot decks were created in Milan and Florence and were used for various purposes, from gaming and gambling to fortune-telling and divination. In the late 16th century, Tarot cards began to be used in more serious occult practices, particularly in astrological circles. It was during this time that certain symbols, such as the four suits of the Minor Arcana, were given their traditional meanings.
As the centuries progressed, the use of the Tarot in Italy spread and evolved. By the 19th century, it had become popular among spiritualists, who sought to use it as a tool for self-reflection and inner exploration. This idea was further popularized in the early 20th century by the Italian occultist and author Papus, who wrote several books on the topic.
Today, Tarot is still popular in Italy, with many decks available in shops, websites, and even mobile apps. It is often used as a way to gain insight into one’s past, present, and future. Many people also use it as a form of meditation, allowing them to gain clarity and focus on important issues. With its rich history and various applications, the Tarot has been an important part of Italian culture for centuries.
How the Tarot Was Used in France
The Tarot has had a long and varied history in France, spanning from its early origins in the 15th century to its current widespread use. The cards first appeared in France around 1450 and quickly gained popularity with French nobility and the upper classes. It was believed that the Tarot held great prophetic power, and many people consulted the cards for advice and guidance.
In the late 17th century, the Tarot began to take on an even more important role in French culture. During this time, occultists and mystics developed elaborate theories surrounding the cards and their meanings, giving rise to what is now known as the Marseilles-style Tarot. This system was based on the earlier Italian Tarot de Mantegna, but with its unique interpretations and symbols.
The Tarot also played a role in the French Revolution. During the revolution, secret societies emerged who used the Tarot to communicate in code and further their political goals. After the revolution, the Tarot became increasingly popular in France, especially among those who were interested in studying the occult and mysticism.
Today, the Tarot is still widely used in France, both as a divination tool and as a form of self-reflection. Many people consult Tarot readers for spiritual guidance, while others use the cards to explore their own inner depths. No matter how it is used, the Tarot remains a powerful tool for self-discovery and unlocking hidden truths.
The French Revolution and the Tarot
The French Revolution of the late 18th century had a profound impact on the Tarot. Both sides of the revolution used the cards to promote their own agendas. Supporters of the monarchy were particularly active in circulating decks with images related to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. At the same time, revolutionaries and anti-monarchists sought to spread their message of freedom and justice by printing decks with symbols of liberty such as the Liberty Tree and tricolor flag.
The most influential deck produced during this period was the Tarot de Marseille, which featured 78 cards with iconic images associated with the revolution. This included images such as the Marseillais, a figurehead of the revolutionary cause, and the allegorical figures of ‘Liberté’, ‘Egalité’ and ‘Fraternité’ (Freedom, Equality, and Brotherhood).
The Tarot de Marseille became an enduring symbol of the French Revolution and its influence is still felt today in many modern tarot decks. It also continues to be used in France as a form of divination and spiritual guidance, as it has been for centuries.
The Revival of the Tarot in the 20th Century
The Tarot has experienced a resurgence in popularity since the 20th century. This can largely be attributed to French occultist Paul Marteau, who republished the original Tarot de Marseille in 1909. He further explored the connection between the Tarot and the Kabbalah, which added to its mystical appeal.
In 1970, Mary Greer began working on her influential book “Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation” which further helped to popularize the Tarot. She developed the concept of “questions” to Tarot readings and created a format which is still used today.
Various tarot decks have been being designed, with the Rider-Waite deck created by artist Pamela Colman Smith and published by Arthur Edward Waite in 1910. This was followed by Aleister Crowley’s Thoth deck in 1944, which has become particularly popular in recent years.
In the late 20th century, there was a surge of interest in alternative spirituality and new-age philosophy, and this further contributed to the Tarot’s revival. In more recent years, there has been an increase in demand for tarot readings and tarot decks, both physical and digital. As a result, there are now many different tarot decks available, from traditional to modern interpretations.
Today, the Tarot is widely recognized as a powerful tool for personal growth and development, allowing us to gain insight into our lives and our innermost thoughts. It is also seen as an important symbol of culture and history, having stood the test of time over hundreds of years.
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References:
Jean-Pierre Bayard,”La pratique du Tarot, symbolisme, tirage et interpretations”, Editions Dangles, 1987