Introduction: The Ever-Evolving World of Tarot

When I first started reading Tarot, I assumed all decks worked the same way. Sure, the artwork might change, but the meanings? Those had to be universal… right?

Then I bought a new deck, excited to shuffle and pull a card—only to open the box, stare at the unfamiliar imagery, and think, What the heck is this!? For a second, I genuinely wondered if I had been sent the wrong product. Naturally, I did what anyone would do in a moment of confusion: I Googled it. That’s when I was hit with a flood of information about different Tarot systems: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Tarot de Marseille, Thoth Tarot, each with its structure, symbolism, and approach to reading. Suddenly, I realized Tarot wasn’t just one system. It was an entire world of evolving traditions, each offering unique insights.

If you’ve ever felt confused when switching between decks or are curious about what makes one Tarot system different, this series is for you. Exploring multiple systems isn’t about choosing the “right” one; it’s about expanding your intuitive language and discovering what resonates most with you.

A Brief (But Not-So-Brief) History of Tarot Systems

The history of the Tarot is anything but simple, yet that complexity is exactly why so much confusion and speculation surrounds its origins. The tarot wasn’t created in a single moment or place; it traveled, was reinterpreted, and evolved over centuries, picking up new meanings and influences along the way.

What we do know is that Tarot began as a card game in 15th-century Italy, known as Tarocchi. But as the deck spread across Europe, different cultures attached new significance to the cards. By the 18th century, mystics and scholars began linking Tarot to ancient wisdom traditions, numerology, and the occult. Some claimed it held hidden knowledge from Egypt, Kabbalah, or even lost civilizations—an idea that still fuels conspiracy theories today.

As Tarot evolved, so did the way people structured and interpreted the cards. This led to the development of different systems, each shaped by the time, place, and philosophies of its creators. Today, we recognize three major systems:

• Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS)Tarot – Created in 1909, this is the most widely used system, known for its fully illustrated Minor Arcana and approachable symbolism.
• Tarot de Marseille – Dating back to the 17th century, this system relies on traditional pip-style Minor Arcana, making numerology and intuition key to interpretation.
• Thoth Tarot – Designed in the 1940s, this system is rich in esoteric symbolism, blending astrology, Kabbalah, and Crowley’s unique vision.

Tarot has never been static; it has constantly shifted, adapted, and reinvented itself. These Tarot systems serve as stepping stones in its evolution, offering us new ways to explore meaning, intuition, and symbolism through the cards.

Researching Tarot: The More You Learn, the More There Is to Learn

As I do with most things I’m curious about, I researched to better understand. What started as a simple question, “Why does this deck look so different?” quickly turned into a deep dive into the vast world of Tarot systems. The deeper I went, the more I realized that tarot isn’t just one thing. It’s a layered, evolving tradition with multiple interpretations, structures, and philosophies.

At first, I thought switching decks would be like switching between different editions of the same book, maybe a few artistic changes, but the core meanings should stay the same. Instead, I stared at unfamiliar symbols, reordered card sequences, and had completely different interpretations. That’s when I realized: each Tarot system has its own language. Learning a new deck isn’t just about recognizing the artwork; it’s about understanding the framework that shaped it.

This research led me to three fascinating Tarot traditions that often get overlooked in mainstream discussions:

• Etteilla Tarot – A system built specifically for divination, structured with astrological and esoteric influences.
• Le Monde & Oracle Decks – Freeform systems that break away from the rigid structure of traditional Tarot.
• Sola-Busca Tarot – A historical deck that laid the foundation for modern illustrated Tarot.

Understanding these systems helped me see Tarot in a whole new light. It wasn’t about memorizing meanings—it was about learning how different perspectives shaped the way we read the cards today.

Why Understanding Multiple Tarot Systems Enhances Your Practice

Have you ever pulled the same Tarot card from two different decks and felt like you were looking at two completely different messages? I remember pulling the Strength card from one deck and seeing a calm woman gently taming a lion. Then I pulled it from another, and suddenly it was this wild, fiery scene filled with raw passion and intensity. Same card, totally different vibe.

That’s when it really hit me differently. Tarot systems don’t just change the artwork; they change the entire energy and meaning of the cards. Learning multiple systems isn’t just about knowing different decks; it’s about expanding your thinking, deepening your intuition, and understanding how symbolism shifts across traditions.

Here’s why exploring different Tarot systems can seriously level up your readings:

• Different Symbolism, Different Insights – A Strength card in one system doesn’t always mean the same thing in another. RWS Tarot, Thoth Tarot, and Tarot de Marseille all interpret it in their own way, and that shift in meaning can completely change a reading.
• A Broader Interpretive Lens – The more systems you learn, the less you rely on memorized meanings. Instead, you start reading more intuitively, using symbolism, storytelling, and context to shape your interpretations.
• Historical & Esoteric Depth – Tarot has been influenced by philosophy, numerology, mysticism, and cultural shifts. Learning different systems helps you see the layers beneath the cards instead of just reading them at surface level.
• Practical Benefits – If you read for others, knowing multiple systems means you can confidently work with a variety of decks, traditions, and perspectives—because not every querent will use (or resonate with) the same system.

Tarot isn’t one fixed language; it’s a collection of dialects, each with its own tone, history, and depth. The more you explore, the more fluent you become in reading the cards in a way that feels personal, insightful, and truly connected.

What to Expect from This Series

Now that we’ve explored why different Tarot systems matter, let’s dive deeper into the traditions and history of Tarot that have shaped Tarot as we know it today.

This series’ll explore the three central Tarot systems: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Tarot de Marseille, and Thoth. We will also look at lesser-known but equally fascinating traditions that have influenced Tarot’s history and evolution. Whether you’re new to these Tarot systems or want to deepen your understanding, this series will help. You will see Tarot from multiple perspectives.

Here’s what’s coming up:

The Three Main Tarot Systems (The Foundations of Modern Tarot)

• Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS): The Standard for Modern Readings – The most widely used system today, known for its fully illustrated Minor Arcana and symbolic depth. We’ll explore why it became the go-to deck for readers and how to work with it intuitively.
• Marseille Tarot: The Art of Reading with Pips – Unlike RWS Tarot, the Tarot de Marseille deck doesn’t have illustrated Minor Arcana, which means it relies more on numerology and suits. We’ll break down how to read this historical system without getting overwhelmed.
• Thoth Tarot: A Deep Dive into Esotericism – Designed by Aleister Crowley, the Thoth deck is rich with astrology, Kabbalah, and deep esoteric symbolism. We’ll explore its unique take on Tarot and how it differs from the others.

The Lesser-Known (but Powerful) Tarot Traditions

• Etteilla Tarot: The First Deck Designed for Divination – Long before RWS, Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) created a Tarot deck specifically for fortune-telling, infused with astrology and esoteric teachings. We’ll explore its structure and interpretations.
• Le Monde & Oracle Systems: Tarot’s Freeform Cousins – Oracle decks break away from Tarot’s rigid structure, offering a more fluid and intuitive reading style. We’ll look at Le Monde and other Oracle traditions to see how they compare.
• Sola-Busca Tarot: The Hidden Influence on Modern Decks – The Sola-Busca is the oldest fully illustrated Tarot deck, and its influence on Rider-Waite-Smith is undeniable. We’ll explore its rich symbolism and unique historical significance.

Blending, Adapting, and Making It Your Own

• Bridging the Gap Between Tarot Systems – How to transition between different Tarot traditions without confusion.
• Creating a Personalized Tarot Practice – Here are tips for blending elements from multiple systems. Create a reading style that feels uniquely you.

By the end of this series, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Tarot’s history. You’ll also understand its symbolism and structure. You can choose to stick to one system or experiment with different traditions.

Closing Thoughts & Tarot Talk

Tarot is a living, evolving tradition; there’s no one way to read the cards, which makes it so powerful. By exploring different Tarot systems, you open yourself up to new layers of meaning. You gain a more profound intuition. You also build a richer connection with the cards.

So, what about you? Have you worked with multiple Tarot systems, or have you mostly stuck with one? Have you ever opened a new deck and thought, What the heck is this?! Let’s talk in the comments. I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorite decks. You can also tell us about the systems you’ve struggled with.

In the next post, we’ll start with a deep dive into Rider-Waite-Smith. We will break down what makes it the most widely used system. You will also learn how you can work with it intuitively. Stay tuned!