Tarot is a deck of cards with roots in Renaissance-era Europe, initially used for playing card games.

Over time, it evolved into a tool for divination, self-reflection, and storytelling. 

Each card in the Tarot deck carries symbolic imagery representing various aspects of human experience and archetypal patterns. 

While historically associated with mysticism and esoteric practices, many modern users approach Tarot from a secular perspective, viewing it as a psychological and creative tool for personal exploration and growth.

The Tarot has a rich and enigmatic history that dates back to the mid-15th century in Europe. Initially, Tarot cards were not used for divination but as playing cards for games such as Tarocchi in Italy. These early decks, known as "Tarocchi" decks, were lavishly illustrated and often commissioned by wealthy families.

It wasn't until the late 18th century that Tarot began to be associated with mysticism and the occult. This shift was largely influenced by Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French clergyman who published a study claiming that the Tarot was derived from the ancient Egyptian Book of Thoth. Though this theory has been debunked by modern scholars, it sparked a widespread interest in the Tarot as a tool for divination and esoteric knowledge.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Tarot's occult associations were further cemented by influential figures such as Eliphas Levi and the members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. These occultists developed complex systems of symbolism and interpretation, linking the Tarot to astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemy.

The most iconic and widely recognized Tarot deck, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, was created in 1909 by artist Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, a member of the Golden Dawn. This deck introduced imagery that emphasized symbolic storytelling and has since become a standard for Tarot readers worldwide.

Today, Tarot is used by many as a tool for introspection, guidance, and personal growth. It continues to evolve, with countless new decks and interpretations enriching this centuries-old tradition.