Is the word Tarot as in tarot cards Torah spelled backwards as in Jewish Kabbalah?

Answer 1

No evidence of a Tarot/Torah connectionThe association of Tarot with Kabbalah is a synchretism dating from more recent times about three centuries after the 15th century appearance of Tarot cards. The association of Kabbalah with Tarot is based on a mapping of the 22 "Major Arcana" cards with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and it first appeared in Antoine Court de Gébelin's "Monde Primitif" of 1781. The traditional Tarot trump images reflect a Catholic cultural background and there's no evidence of Kabbalah or of any form of Jewish practice influencing the creation of Tarot.

In 15th century Italy, the Tarot cards were called "Trionfi" or trumps as this set of 22 extra cards was the decks main distinguishing feature. The card game for which these cards were originally designed is credited for introducing the concept of a trump suit in card games. The origins of the French word "Tarot" or of related words such as "Tarocchi" or "Tarock" remain unknown, but there is no evidence they are related to the word "Torah."

Answer

The Tarot/Torah thing does have one other source.

There is no etymological connection between tarot/torah, however, in Aleister Crowley's Book of Thoth (his interpretation of the tarot qabalistically) there is one relation drawn between them: The Qabalah, functionally, is designed to reveal the divine presence in everything (not to be confused with pantheism). We rejoice in God by appreciating his creation, and use creation to try to understand God. Therefore, ALL aspects of existence (good or bad, spiritual or physical) can be considered a call to us from God.

It could then be inferred that Tarot was deliberately called that to draw our attention to the Torah (A stretch to some, but the qabalist will understand).

Also, on the back cover (at least of the paper back) of the same Book, there is a picture of Thoth (Egyptian/Coptic god of language, magic, and wisdom) with:

T- A

R- O

On his hand. An essay in the book explains that this is a glyph to be meditated on since it reveals TARO (the book of thoth) which can be used to help interpret TORA (the book of Jewish law) to help us all escape the ROTA (meaning 'wheel') of fate.

People can spend the rest of their lives debating the validity of anything Crowley's ever said, so I won't make any claim that this is right, but does make for interesting brain food. Although, one is left wondering why the other anagrams (RATO, OATR, ORTA) are ignored. Perhaps there is secret wisdom to be found here.

Answer 2

Although there are some people who claim that Tarot has its origins in Judaism, the word 'tarot' and the word 'Torah' are unrelated.

Answer 3

Tarot-readings are forbidden in Judaism, so any putative association would have to be from non-Torah sources.