Tarot History · 7 min · 2026-07-14
If tarot is a mirror, it not only reflects individual inner feelings, but also the cultural imagination of an entire era. From the card game of Medieval Europe, to the fortune-telling and astrology tools of occultists, and into literature, art, film and fashion — tarot has become a timeless cultural icon.
If the tarot is a mirror, it reflects not only the deep layers of the individual's soul, but also the cultural imagination of an entire era.
Originally, tarot was born from card games in Medieval Europe. Later, through the interpretation of occultists, it became a tool for divination and astrology. Today, tarot has permeated literature, art, cinema, fashion, even popular music — becoming a kind of cultural icon.
Let's follow this path: from occultism, to popular culture, how has tarot transcended the ages and influenced human artistic creativity?
From the 18th and 19th centuries, in Europe, tarot was gradually considered by occult organizations (such as the Golden Dawn Society) as a symbolic system, connecting astrology, Kabalah, alchemy and Jungian archetypes.
For occultists, tarot is not a game. It is a "cosmic language", each card is a symbol corresponding to spiritual or cosmic laws.
This interpretation of the symbol provided an endless source of inspiration for later artists and writers. Tarot images are no longer just symbols on the betting table, but cultural assets carrying "archetypal power". In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer.
Tarot attracts literary creators primarily because of its natural "storytelling" properties.
The Fool's Journey is like an epic: starting with innocence, going through trials, death and rebirth, and finally reaching perfection. This journey has influenced the narrative structure of countless novels.
Italian poet Italo Calvino in his work _The Castle of Crossed Destinies_ (The Castle of Crossed Destinies) created characters who lost the ability to speak, and could only tell stories through tarot. This novel is like a giant collage, each card is both a piece of the story and a metaphor for the character's soul.
In modern literature, many works of fantasy use tarot or similar "fate cards" as important elements, symbolizing people's desires and fears about the future. They are not just predictive tools, but reflections of the character's psychological struggles.
It can be said that in literature, tarot is a dialectical stage between "fate" and "free will". A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
The tarot cards themselves are works of art. From the hand-painted cards of ancient courts, to the countless versions of modern times, each tarot deck carries the aesthetic vision of its creator.
Artists love the tarot because it combines both "structure" and "openness": the 22 Major Arcana cards provide a rigid framework, while the interpretation of the symbols remains free.
Surrealism and Symbolism: 20th century artists (such as Salvador Dalí) created their own tarot decks, projecting dreamy and subconscious images onto the cards. This makes tarot another door to explore human spirituality.
In modern art, many exhibitions have taken the tarot as inspiration, translating the meaning of the Major Arcana into installation art, photography and fashion design. For example, "Death" became a symbol of transformation, and "Lovers" an exploration of gender and identity.
In artistic creations, tarot is a "symbolic language that can be infinitely reproduced". When several cards repeat a theme, treat the pattern as emphasis rather than certainty.
Along with the development of popular culture, tarot gradually moved from the ivory tower of occultism to the big screen and fashion catwalks. Its appeal lies in the fact that it is at once mysterious, graphic, and full of dramatic tension.
Cinema: In the James Bond movie Live and Let Die (1973), tarot is used to refer to fate and conspiracy. Many horror and fantasy films also often use tarot to create atmosphere, as it naturally carries with it a sense of mystery and the unknown.
Music: Contemporary singers (e.g. Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey) quote tarot imagery in album covers and lyrics, to symbolize love, destiny or the soul's journey.
Fashion and Design: Brands such as Gucci and Dior have launched collections inspired by tarot, printing images such as The Fool, The Star, The Tall Tower on clothes and accessories. These symbols go beyond occultism, becoming a cultural aesthetic.
In popular culture, the tarot is an "instantly readable symbol" that is both mysterious and trendy.
Why can tarot move beyond occultism into literature, art and popular culture?
Because it carries on its body the common archetypes of humanity. The Fool represents adventure, the Lovers represent choice, the High Tower represents collapse, Death represents transformation... These experiences do not belong to any particular era, but are a psychological journey that everyone must go through.
Writers use it to metaphorize fate; Artists use it to depict the subconscious; Popular culture sees it as a symbol of its time. The power of tarot lies in its ability to dialogue with different contexts. If the card feels abstract, ask what it changes in the next small decision.
From the secret rituals of occultism, to dazzling metaphors on the big screen, tarot is no longer just a "tool of divination". It is a "treasure trove of semiotics", a visualization of humanity's collective subconscious archetypes.
Perhaps, that is the reason why tarot has existed for so long: it not only answers "what the future will be like", but also walks with us and asks: "How do we see ourselves? How do we see our destiny?"
Next time you see a symbol on the tarot, don't rush to look for its "card meaning". Try asking yourself: "What feelings does this symbol evoke in me? What stories do I recall?"
Because, it is there that tarot from occultism enters art and literature, and leaves resonances in our hearts.
Read deeper
Reference source: tarotdrift.com — From mystery to popular culture: tarot in literature and art
Source: tarotdrift.com
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