Tarot cards often evoke images of fortune-tellers in dark tents, mysterious predictions, and magical symbolism. But tarot is much more than a tool for glimpsing the future: it’s an age-old system filled with archetypes, psychology, and spiritual depth.
Here are 12 surprising facts about tarot cards that will broaden your view of this mysterious deck.
1. Tarot began as a card game in Italy
Tarot cards were used in the 15th century as a social game called tarocchi, with the oldest known decks dating from around 1440–1450 in Northern Italy.
At the time, the term tarocchi referred only to the trump cards within the game. The cards were richly illustrated and used for entertainment in noble courts, long before they were associated with mysticism or fortune-telling.
2. Not every tarot deck has 78 cards
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 from the Major Arcana and 56 from the Minor Arcana. But earlier versions also existed with 56 or 70 cards.
Some modern decks still deviate, with added cards, new names, or a rearranged Major Arcana.
3. The Major Arcana depicts the journey of life
The 22 Major Arcana cards symbolize major themes like love, transformation, loss, or enlightenment. They are often seen as phases in the Fool’s journey — a metaphor for personal growth.
This journey starts with The Fool (card 0) and ends with The World (card 21), with each card representing an inner challenge or learning process.
4. Tarot doesn’t predict the future – it helps you reflect
Contrary to popular myth, tarot cards don’t predict a fixed future. They mirror themes, unconscious drives, and possible scenarios. The cards help you ask questions, see patterns, and explore perspectives — and the interpretation always depends on the context and the reader.
5. Carl Jung inspired a psychological approach
Although Carl Jung was not an active tarot reader, he saw great value in symbolism and archetypes. His work on the collective unconscious and the meaning of images in dreams closely aligns with tarot themes. Jungian therapists later adopted tarot cards as tools for introspection, thanks to their layered symbolism.
6. The Rider-Waite deck is famous, but not the only one
The most widely used deck in the world is the Rider-Waite Tarot from 1909, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. But there are other iconic decks too, such as the mystical and esoteric Thoth deck by Aleister Crowley, or the classic Tarot de Marseille, which is one of the oldest preserved styles.
7. Symbolism is found in every detail
Each card is full of visual clues: colors, objects, postures, and animals all carry meaning.
Take The Moon, for instance, where a lobster crawls from the water between two wolves — a scene symbolizing instinct, illusion, and inner struggle.
Or consider The Emperor, seated on a throne with ram heads — a symbol of leadership and fiery action.
8. Tarot is often combined with astrology and numerology
In many modern (especially New Age) traditions, tarot cards are linked to astrological signs, elements, and numerological meanings.
For example, The Emperor is associated with the zodiac sign Aries and the number 4. Traditional readings don’t always use these connections.
9. Not everyone reads ‘reversed’ cards
Some tarot readers use the position of the card to deepen its meaning: a card drawn upside down (a reversal) might represent a block or the opposite of its usual meaning.
But not all readers use reversed interpretations. Some spread types don’t account for reversals, and many people choose to read only upright cards.
10. Tarot as a tool for self-development
Today, tarot cards are often used in coaching, journaling, and personal growth. A popular practice is the daily “card of the day,” where you draw one card in the morning and reflect on how it relates to your mood, challenges, or goals. Some use tarot in combination with meditation or therapy.
11. Tarot was once banned or restricted
In the 18th and 19th centuries, tarot cards were banned in parts of Southern Europe by Catholic authorities who viewed them as pagan or occult. In other areas, they were classified under gambling laws, limiting their ownership or use.
Still, the deck survived in secret circles — and later experienced a revival.
12. You don’t need a gift — but you do need dedication
Anyone can learn to read tarot. It’s all about symbolism, intuition, and practice. There are countless courses, workshops, and study books to guide you step-by-step. For those serious about learning, study is often more important than any so-called paranormal gift.
Tarot cards are not a crystal ball or a magic trick, but a powerful system of imagery and meaning. They invite self-insight, reflection, and exploration of the unconscious. Whether you’re spiritual or skeptical, the cards are what you make of them — a mirror, a guide, or a playful ritual. What you do with them is entirely in your hands.
