These essays on the historical development of the individual cards were prepared for the Comparative Tarot mailing list. They were written with two purposes in mind: first, to document the changes each card has gone through over the centuries, and second, to speculate on what meanings might have been attached to the card in pre-occult times. It is hoped that these musings will be helpful to people using historic decks for divination or meditation, not just students of tarot history.
This is still a work in progress. Check back every few weeks for new installments.
The History of the Magician Card
The History of the High Priestess (Papess) Card
The History of the Empress Card
The History of the Emperor Card
The History of the Hierophant (Pope) Card
The History of the Lovers (Love) Card
The History of the Chariot Card
The History of the Justice Card
The History of the Hermit (Old Man) Card
The History of the Wheel of Fortune Card
The History of the Strength (Fortitude) Card
The History of the Hanged Man (Traitor) Card
The History of the Death Card
The History of the Temperance Card
The History of the Devil Card
The History of the Tower (Fire) Card
The History of the Star Card
The History of the Sun Card
The History of the Judgment (Angel) Card
The History of the World Card