The Mystical Evolution of Tarot: From Ancient Symbols to Modern Divination

Throughout history, tarot has served as a gateway to the mysteries of the soul and the subconscious. From the courts of Renaissance Italy to the esoteric chambers of 18th-century occultists, the cards have transcended their origins as a simple parlor game.

Today, tarot is embraced not only as a tool of divination but as a mirror reflecting our inner journeys.

At Collective Intentions, we believe in exploring the symbolic wisdom encoded within the cards to illuminate pathways of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

The Roots of Tarot: Archetypes and Symbolism

Long before tarot was associated with fortune-telling, it was a deck of symbolic images reflecting universal human experiences.

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana symbolize life’s pivotal moments, while the Minor Arcana captures the day-to-day energies we navigate.

Figures like The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess are not merely characters but manifestations of archetypes that Carl Jung later identified as part of the collective unconscious.

Jung saw tarot as a representation of the inner world, with each card serving as a vessel for symbolic understanding.

The Major Arcana, in particular, embodies the transformative stages of the human experience—a soul’s journey toward enlightenment.

Interestingly, despite tarot’s mystical reputation, it is far from taboo. Many people, including those in spiritual and religious roles, turn to tarot privately.

Priests, pastors, and spiritual leaders are often known to seek guidance from the cards in their quiet moments of reflection. Tarot is not about predicting the future—it’s about understanding the present, making intentional decisions, and gaining clarity through symbolic wisdom.

Enter the Occultists: Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) and the Rise of Divination

While tarot's symbolic origins date back to the Renaissance, it was Jean-Baptiste Alliette, better known as Etteilla, who first popularized its use for divination.

In the 18th century, influenced by the mystical theories of Court de Gébelin, Etteilla declared that tarot contained ancient Egyptian wisdom.

Though modern scholars have debunked the Egyptian origins of tarot, the spiritual significance attributed to the cards endured.

Etteilla created one of the first decks specifically designed for cartomancy, known as the Grand Etteilla Tarot. He introduced the concept of reading cards in both upright and reversed positions, adding depth and nuance to interpretations.

His work established tarot as a legitimate tool for spiritual insight, inspiring the development of countless modern decks.

The Tarot of Marseille: A Legacy of Sacred Art

While Etteilla’s tarot flourished within the realms of the occult, the Tarot of Marseille maintained its status as one of the most iconic and influential decks.

Originating in the 17th century, its bold lines and vibrant colors are steeped in European symbolism. For many tarot readers, the Marseille deck remains a profound connection to the traditional roots of the art.

Carl Jung, though not explicitly aligned with a specific deck, would have likely admired the Marseille deck’s archetypal imagery.

Its stark simplicity allows for intuitive interpretation, encouraging readers to uncover the deeper psychological and spiritual meanings hidden within its cards.

Biblical Parallels and Spiritual Reflections

While tarot is often misunderstood, it shares many similarities with biblical symbolism. Just as tarot's Major Arcana represents the journey of the soul, biblical stories are filled with symbolic journeys of growth and transformation.

The Fool may resemble the path of a seeker like Jonah who resisted his divine calling before finding his purpose.

The Tower echoes the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, symbolizing the collapse of false pride and the necessity of divine humility.

The act of seeking guidance through tarot mirrors the ancient practice of turning to divine signs for insight. Many prophets and biblical figures sought understanding through dreams, visions, and symbolic interpretations.

Tarot, when approached with reverence and intention, is not an act of fortune-telling but a practice of inner reflection and spiritual discernment.

Bridging the Ancient and the Modern

Today, tarot has evolved into an expansive field, with countless decks reflecting diverse spiritual traditions, cultural narratives, and personal philosophies.

Whether you resonate with the ancient elegance of the Tarot of Marseille, the mystical innovation of the Grand Etteilla, or the widely recognized Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the cards offer a timeless invitation to explore your own inner landscape.

At Collective Intentions, we believe that tarot is not merely a means of predicting the future but a sacred dialogue with the soul.

Each card pulled is a reflection of our subconscious, an opportunity to gain clarity and align with our highest intentions.

By engaging with tarot, we empower ourselves to shape our own destinies and walk our soul’s chosen path.

Awaken Your Wisdom

As you shuffle your deck and draw the cards, remember that each symbol speaks to you in its own divine language. Trust your intuition, reflect on the imagery, and allow the cards to reveal the truths that lie within. Tarot is an ally on your journey of self-mastery, a compass pointing toward your purpose and power.

May your readings be filled with insight, growth, and collective intention.

Until next time, keep tuning to the frequency of truth, walking the path of light, and remembering: you are not lost ~ you are simply becoming!

Rose Luma | Wayfinder of the Light