Tarot History: From 15th-Century Card Games to Modern Mirrors
Explore tarot history from 15th-century Italy to today. Learn how the Visconti-Sforza deck and tarocchi evolved from Renaissance card games into modern mirrors.
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The 'secrets' of tarot aren't hidden in some ancient Egyptian book—they’re hidden in your own lived experience. The cards just give you the vocabulary to talk about those experiences with yourself.
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Tarot history began in the 1440s in Italian cities like Milan and Ferrara. During this time, tarot cards were not used as mystical tools but served as a luxury pastime for the ultra-wealthy. Known as tarocchi, these cards were used for trick-taking games similar to modern Bridge or Poker. These early decks were hand-painted, gilded masterpieces commissioned by the elite, such as the Duke of Milan, rather than being mass-produced items for spiritual use.
The Visconti-Sforza deck is one of the oldest surviving examples of tarot cards, created around 1450. It was commissioned by Francesco Sforza, a legendary mercenary commander who became the Duke of Milan after marrying into the Visconti family. These cards were true masterpieces of the Renaissance, crafted from pasteboard and decorated with opaque paint and gold. They represent the high status and massive wealth associated with the history of tarot cards in the Italian courts.
While many people today view tarot cards as ancient keys to the universe or spiritual tools for predicting the future, their original purpose was purely recreational. In the 15th century, players used them for Renaissance card games rather than seeking soulmates or career advice. This shift from a competitive game played by the inner circle of the Duke of Milan to a modern mirror for reflection highlights a massive transformation in how we interact with these historic objects.
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Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
