Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla): The Pioneer of Tarot Divination

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In the very colorful tapestry of occult history, very few figures stand out as prominently as Jean-Baptiste Alliette, better known by his pseudonym (an anagram of his name) Etteilla. Born in 1738 in Paris, he would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the historical development of tarot cards as a tool for divination and spiritual insight.

Etteilla’s significance in the history of tarot and cartomancy (fortune-telling with cards ) cannot be overstated. He was the first to publish a deck of tarot cards specifically designed for divinatory purposes, breaking away from the traditional playing card format and introducing esoteric symbolism that would shape the future of tarot reading. His innovative approach to cartomancy laid the groundwork for many of the tarot practices we see  and use today.

As a professional seed merchant turned occultist, Etteilla’s journey into the world of divination was as unconventional as it was impactful. His work not only popularized tarot reading among the general public but also established a systematic approach to interpreting the cards, blending elements of astrology, alchemy, and ancient Egyptian lore.

In this article, we’ll explore the life and contributions of this mysterious figure, tracing his influence from 18th century Paris to the modern world of tarot and beyond. Join us as we uncover the legacy of the man who helped transform tarot from a simple card game into a revered tool for spiritual guidance and self-discovery and future aspects. 

Early Life and Background

Jean-Baptiste Alliette was born in 1738 in Paris, France. His early life was relatively unremarkable for the time, he was born into a working-class family during the reign of Louis XV. As a young man, he made his living as a seed merchant and purveyor of prints, a profession that would seem far removed from the world of occult studies and divination.

However, at the time  18th century Paris was a hotbed of intellectual and mystical esoteric exploration. The Age of Enlightenment was in full swing, and alongside the rational pursuits of science and philosophy, there was a growing interest in mysticism and the occult. This cultural climate would prove very fertile ground for Alliette’s growing fascination with the metaphysical.

It’s unclear exactly when or how Alliette first became interested in cartomancy and the occult. Some sources suggest that he may have been introduced to card reading by Romani fortune-tellers, who were known to practice cartomancy in Europe at the time. Others speculate that he might have encountered occult teachings through Freemasonry or other esoteric societies active in Paris.

What is known is that by his early 30s, Alliette had begun to study and practice cartomancy seriously. He adopted the pseudonym “Etteilla” (an anagram of his surname) around this time, likely to separate his occult pursuits from his merchant business and perhaps to add an air of mystery to his new persona.

Etteilla’s transition from seed merchant to occultist was gradual. He began by offering card readings and astrological consultations, slowly building a reputation as a skilled diviner. His clientele grew, and he started to develop his own theories and systems of divination, blending traditional cartomancy with elements of astrology, alchemy, and what he believed to be ancient Egyptian wisdom.

This period of study and practice laid the groundwork for Etteilla’s later innovations in tarot. His unique background—combining practical business experience with a self-taught passion for esoteric knowledge—would prove extremely instrumental in his approach to systematizing and popularizing tarot divination.

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Etteilla’s Contributions to Tarot

Jean-Baptiste Alliette, known as Etteilla, made several groundbreaking contributions to the world of tarot, fundamentally changing how these cards were perceived and used. His work laid the foundation for modern tarot practices and helped establish tarot as a tool for divination and self-discovery.

1. The First Tarot Deck for Divination

Etteilla’s most significant contribution was the creation of the first known tarot deck that was specifically designed for divinatory purposes. Prior to his work, tarot cards were primarily used for playing card games. In 1789, Etteilla published his deck, known as the “Grand Etteilla” or “Book of Thoth,” which deviated from traditional tarot imagery to incorporate more esoteric symbolism.

This deck consisted of 78 cards, like traditional tarot decks, but with significant modifications:

Each card included divinatory meanings printed directly on them, making the deck more accessible to novice readers.

2. Systematic Approach to Cartomancy

Etteilla developed a comprehensive system for reading and interpreting tarot cards. He assigned specific divinatory meanings to each card, both upright and reversed, and created spreads for laying out the cards in meaningful patterns. This systematic approach made tarot reading more structured and repeatable, paving the way for its wider adoption.

3. Integration of Astrology and Alchemy

Etteilla incorporated elements of astrology and alchemy into his tarot system, associating cards with zodiac signs, planets, and alchemical principles. This synthesis of various esoteric traditions would become a hallmark of later occult tarot interpretations.

4. Popularization of Tarot Reading

Through his writings, teachings, and public readings, Etteilla played a crucial role in popularizing tarot as a divinatory tool. He helped shift the perception of tarot from a mere card game to a respected and accurate method of fortune-telling and spiritual insight.

5. Egyptian Connection

Etteilla claimed that tarot had its origins in ancient Egypt, specifically linking it to the mythical Book of Thoth. While this theory is not supported by historical evidence, it has significantly influenced the esoteric narrative surrounding tarot and contributed to its mystique.

6. Professional Tarot Reading

Etteilla was one of the first to establish tarot reading as a professional occupation. He offered paid readings and taught his system to students, helping to create a community of tarot practitioners.

These contributions collectively transformed tarot from a niche interest into a widely recognized divinatory system. Etteilla’s innovations continue to influence tarot practice and interpretation to this day, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in tarot history.

The Etteilla Tarot Deck

Etteilla’s tarot deck, often referred to as the “Grand Etteilla” or “Book of Thoth,” was groundbreaking in its design and purpose. Published in 1789, it was the first tarot deck created explicitly for divination.

Structure

  1. 78 cards, maintaining the traditional tarot deck size
  2. 22 Major Arcana (called “Grands Arcanes”)
  3. 56 Minor Arcana (called “Petits Arcanes”)

Major Arcana

Etteilla significantly altered the traditional Major Arcana:

  • Reordered the cards, with “The Fool” (renamed “Etteilla” or “The Questioner”) as the first card rather than the last or unnumbered
  • Renamed many cards to align with his esoteric interpretations
  • Examples of renamed cards:
    • “The Magician” became “The Male Querent”
    • “The High Priestess” became “The Female Querent”
    • “The Emperor” became “Support”

Minor Arcana

Etteilla made notable changes to the Minor Arcana as well:

  • Illustrated all 56 cards with symbolic scenes, a departure from the pip cards of traditional decks
  • Divided the Minor Arcana into four suits, but with different associations:
    • Batons (Wands) associated with nobility and country folk
    • Coupes (Cups) associated with military and ecclesiastics
    • Epées (Swords) associated with lawyers and officials
    • Coins associated with merchants and traders

Imagery and Symbolism

  • Incorporated astrological symbols, alchemical imagery, and what Etteilla believed to be Egyptian hieroglyphs
  • Each card included keywords for divinatory meanings in both upright and reversed positions
  • The imagery was more allegorical and less literal than traditional tarot decks

Card Backs

  • The backs of the cards featured a complex design that Etteilla claimed could be used for additional divination
  • This design included stars, planetary symbols, and geometric shapes

Innovations

  1. Printed divinatory meanings directly on the cards, making them more accessible to novice readers
  2. Included reversible designs, emphasizing the importance of reversed card meanings in readings
  3. Used a larger card size than traditional playing cards, allowing for more detailed imagery

Editions and Variations

  • The deck went through several editions during Etteilla’s lifetime and after his death
  • Later versions, such as the “Grand Etteilla III,” incorporated even more esoteric symbolism

Etteilla’s deck represented a significant departure from earlier tarot designs. Its focus on symbolism and divination set the stage for many later esoteric tarot decks, including the widely influential Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Although it may appear unusual to modern tarot readers accustomed to more recent designs, the Etteilla deck played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of tarot as a divinatory and spiritual tool.

He  was a prolific writer who published several influential works on cartomancy, astrology, and the occult. His publications were instrumental in popularizing his methods and establishing his reputation as a leading figure in divination.

Impact of Etteilla’s Publications:

  • Established tarot as a serious tool for divination and self-discovery
  • Popularized the idea of tarot’s alleged Egyptian origins
  • Introduced systematic approaches to card reading that influenced later tarot practitioners
  • Helped create a market for books on tarot and cartomancy
  • Sparked debates and controversies within occult circles, leading to further development of tarot theory

Etteilla’s works were not without criticism. Some contemporaries and later scholars questioned his historical claims and the validity of his system. Nevertheless, his publications were widely read and played a crucial role in shaping modern tarot practice. They laid the foundation for the explosion of tarot literature that would follow in the 19th and 20th centuries.