Tarot, a profound system of symbolism and philosophy, is a deck of 78 cards that mirrors the structure of traditional playing cards while carrying the weight of universal wisdom. Born in 15th-century northern Italy, Tarot began as a game called Tarocchi, with the earliest surviving decks, like the Visconti-Sforza, crafted for Milan’s ruling families by artists such as Bonifacio Bembo. These decks blended the Minor Arcana’s suits—Swords, Wands, Pentacles, and Cups—with the Major Arcana’s evocative imagery, combining traditional Christian allegory with artistic license. For instance, the World card depicted St. Augustine’s “Heavenly City,” and the skeletal Death card emerged post-Black Death, reflecting the era’s cultural consciousness. Initially free of occult associations, Tarot transformed in the 18th and 19th centuries through figures like Antoine Court de Gébelin and Eliphas Levi, who linked it to esoteric traditions like the Kabbalah and alchemy. Despite myths tying Tarot to ancient Egypt or other mystical origins, its roots are firmly in Renaissance Italy, evolving from carnival parade imagery into a tool for divination, meditation, and spiritual exploration. Later decks, like the Rider-Waite-Smith of 1910, popularized Tarot’s universal symbolism, making it a global medium for insight.
To me, Tarot is a sacred instrument, crafted by our ancestors to decode the laws of the universe and commune with the divine. It is not merely a deck of cards but a bridge between the macrocosmic and microcosmic, distilling eternal principles into 78 archetypes. The 22 Major Arcana cards embody the grand, universal forces—spiritual milestones like The Fool’s leap into faith or The Hierophant’s pursuit of divine truth. The 56 Minor Arcana, across the suits of Cups (water, soul), Pentacles (earth, body), Swords (air, mind), and Wands (fire, spirit), translate these cosmic currents into the elemental details of human experience, offering nuanced guidance for life’s complexities. Far from a tool for predicting mundane matters like relationships or daily decisions, Tarot is a spiritual compass, most potent for those committed to a path of inner awakening. It demands an alignment with the ancient wisdom our ancestors encoded, serving as a guide for those who seek to understand their place in the cosmic order.
My decade-long journey with Tarot has revealed its true power lies in pathworking—a disciplined practice rooted in hermetic and Kabbalistic traditions, where the cards become a map for spiritual initiation. Unlike casual divination, pathworking is a lifelong process, often called the Great Work, where the practitioner uses Tarot to navigate their soul’s evolution, confronting archetypes and integrating their lessons. Decks like Thoth, Hermetic Tarot, and Rider-Waite, steeped in esoteric symbolism, are ideal for this work, as they preserve the profound connections to occult disciplines like astrology, alchemy, and Qabalah. For instance, the Thoth deck, designed by Aleister Crowley & Lady Harris, layers astrological and elemental correspondences into each card, requiring deep study to unlock its meanings. The Rider-Waite, while more accessible, retains Kabbalistic roots, mapping the suits to the four worlds of creation. Engaging with these decks is not a casual endeavor; it demands initiation into the mysteries, a commitment to unraveling the archetypal language that speaks to the soul. In contrast, many modern decks—often mass-produced for quick consumption—strip away this depth, offering simplified imagery that serves only basic divination. These “junk suits” cater to those seeking easy answers, but they lack the transformative power of authentic occult decks, which challenge the practitioner to grow through study and introspection.
At Gnostic Serpent, I invite you to experience Tarot’s sacred potential. With over ten years of practice, I offer personalized Tarot readings that transcend surface-level predictions, delving into the spiritual currents shaping your journey. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your purpose or navigating life’s deeper questions, my readings draw on the cards’ universal wisdom to provide profound insights. For those ready to embrace Tarot as a lifelong practice, my “Path of the Serpent” mentorship program guides you in weaving the cards into your daily spiritual life. Through one-on-one instruction, you’ll learn to read Tarot’s esoteric symbols, explore its connections to astrology and hermetic philosophy, and use pathworking to foster your awakening. My mission is to empower you to connect with Tarot’s ancient wisdom, whether through a single transformative reading or a journey of mastery. Visit Gnostic Serpent to book a session or join the “Path of the Serpent” program, and let’s walk this sacred path together.