Before They Were Divination Tools, Tarot Cards Were Playing Cards

"In the English-speaking world, the word ‘tarot’ is most commonly associated with the occult and divination. It is one of the oldest forms of fortune telling, although its origins are somewhat obscure. Now, tarot reader is making a comeback as millennials are increasingly turning to tarot in a bid to help them navigate through the pressures of social media and technology. Tarot is known by various other similar names, including Tarock, Tarokk, Taroky, Taroc, Tarok, Tarocchi. The origins of this word are unknown, though one speculation is that it derives from the Arabic word taraha, which means 'he rejected, put aside' ..." (read more)