The Dark and Mysterious History of Tarot Cards

The true origins of tarot cards are indeed mysterious, and no one knows their exact origin with complete certainty. Most historians agree that tarot cards first appeared in Europe in the 15th century, likely in Italy, where they were initially used for a card game called "tarocchi." However, there’s no historical evidence tying them directly to ancient Egypt or other ancient civilizations, as some myths suggest.

Written by Tre Spears

The tarot, a deck shrouded in centuries of intrigue, has captivated the world for its supposed mystical powers and the mysteries surrounding its history. Though today it’s often viewed as a tool for divination, the tarot's origins, myths, and cultural evolution tell a story just as compelling as the cards themselves.

Believed to have originated in 15th-century Europe, tarot cards were initially designed for a game called "tarocchi." However, the elaborate illustrations, often rich in symbolic imagery, soon inspired mystics to use the cards for spiritual and esoteric purposes. By the 18th century, French occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette, known as “Etteilla,” created one of the first documented systems of tarot divination, introducing ideas about the cards’ connection to ancient Egyptian lore and cosmic mysteries.

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One legend claims that the tarot was a secret device of communication for the persecuted Templar Knights, designed to pass on hidden knowledge. Another popular tale attributes tarot origins to Egyptian priests, who supposedly encoded the secrets of the universe in the deck, ensuring their wisdom would survive the ages.

Famous personalities have contributed to the tarot’s allure. Occultist Aleister Crowley and artist Pamela Colman Smith, who illustrated the iconic Rider-Waite deck, were instrumental in popularizing the tarot’s mystical interpretations. Crowley, a notorious figure known for his fascination with the occult, practiced Satanism and even wrote what he called the Satanic Bible. He regarded tarot as a path to hidden realms and a bridge to powerful forces, sparking widespread fear and fascination among those who followed his teachings.

Throughout history, the tarot has sparked controversy and fear. Many Christian groups condemned the cards, labeling them tools of the devil. The Church associated tarot with witchcraft, prompting centuries of debate over their use in society. Verses from the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-12, strongly warn against divination and sorcery: “Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery... For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.” In Leviticus 19:31, it also cautions against seeking mediums, stating, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.”

Legends also tell of ill-fated users. In one story, a man who sought out the "Death" card during a reading in the 1800s reportedly passed away the following day. Others claim that tarot readings have sometimes cursed recipients, leaving them haunted by the fates foretold in their sessions.

Before tarot became a mystical tool, it was primarily used as a simple parlor game. By the late 15th century, aristocratic families in Italy played "tarocchi appropriati," a game where each player was assigned cards that represented personal characteristics. Over time, the game simplified, with tarot decks evolving into collectible items or even educational tools for children. Though it may seem odd today, this was a common shift that eventually helped the tarot gain wider acceptance, even among those skeptical of its mystical connotations.

In the 20th century, tarot cards moved from the shadows to the spotlight, becoming a staple in pop culture. Famous individuals like Salvador Dalí and David Bowie used tarot as a source of inspiration, further entwining the cards with art and creativity. This rise in popularity brought tarot into the mainstream, where it thrives as both a mystical practice and a game, transcending generations.

The tarot’s legacy is a fascinating blend of mysticism, art, and lore, embodying humanity’s endless curiosity about the unknown. Whether feared, revered, or simply played for fun, the tarot deck remains one of the world’s most enduring mysteries, a mirror that reflects the complexities of those

Opinion from the editor, Anthony Puyo:

The transformation of tarot cards and the Ouija board into children's games marked a troubling shift, subtly weaving occultism into the fabric of mainstream culture—a shift whose effects we continue to witness today. Tools once regarded as channels for spiritual or even demonic forces have been rebranded as harmless novelties, finding their way into the hands of impressionable children and unsuspecting families.

Originally steeped in mysticism, tarot cards, and the Ouija board—intended for spiritualist communication—now sit on store shelves alongside classic toys, with little regard for their historically dark associations. The introduction of these occult tools into young lives can be seen as an early step toward normalizing engagement with forces beyond our understanding, potentially exposing children and society at large to dangerous influences.

In my view, this integration reflects an orchestrated effort, initiated back then, to divert people from their faith and reliance on Christ at a time when society was more religiously rooted. This shift has replaced faith with a growing fascination for the esoteric and occult.

The subtle introduction of these tools represents more than mere entertainment; it reveals cracks in our society’s foundation, allowing occultism and even satanic principles to edge into daily life under the guise of "fun" and "curiosity." This tolerance, and even fascination, for the mystical over the spiritual may act as a gateway that has paved the way for a more permissive, morally loose society—one where values of faith and righteousness are gradually eroded.

Ultimately, the drift from a God-centered living toward a curiosity about the occult, among other immoralities, was the impact of dark influences in my opinion. It was another swing of the hammer that fractured some Christians from their roots, and we can see the impact today as there are less people who pass on the Christian faith to their children because it wasn't passed on to them.