Via de' Cerretani 18R, Florence

The Art of the Ciompi - The Craftsmanship of Florence

The Art of the Ciompi Craftsmanship of Florence

°

TERMS OF SALE, RETURNS AND PRIVACY

© 2020 L'Arte de' Ciompi di Susanna Capigatti - L' Arte de' Ciompi - Via de' Cerretani 18r - 50123 - Florence - IT - VAT 06925450485 - rea FI-666720
Tel: +39 339 8910460 - Mail: arteciompi@gmail.com - © L'Arte de' Ciompi 2020

THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE

The Marseille Tarot: the Major Arcana, their History and their Meaning

THE STORY OF THE EDMOND DANTES TAROT

An old book full of notes was found in an attic in the center of Florence, thus allowing the birth of the Edmond Dantès Tarot.

We know very little about this book and its owner, who kept it and enriched it with annotations. From its structure, it can be supposed that it was study material for a secret lodge. Leafing through its pages, images were found that made it possible to create the Edmond Dantès Tarot, which owes its name to the person who found, restored, and finally printed them.

In structure, they belong to the Pantheon of the so-called Tarot of Marseille, although within them there are particularities that make them unique.

Among the most significant, we can point out the Fool Arcana, which is accompanied by a tiger instead of the traditional dog. Also, on the card in the two lower corners we find the traditional number zero, which many Tarot representations assign to the Fool, but at the top is written in Roman numerals the number 22, as if to remind us that this Arcana carries within it the potential energy of all 21 Arcana, while simultaneously maintaining its undisputed essence. To better understand this concept, one must think of the playing card of the Joker, which maintains its value but can replace any other card.

Another particular aspect is found in the path enclosed between the X Arcana, The Wheel of Fortune, and the XIX Arcana, The Sun. On these cards appears a box containing a progressive number that increases by ten each time. At first glance, it may seem like an artist's whim, or even a strange secret code. Its explanation is actually very simple, as these numbers are meant to highlight and give greater importance to an aspect hidden within the symbolism of the Arcana in question.

The same aspect is found in the Judgement Arcana, where the number two hundred appears, and finally in the Fool Arcana, which is assigned the number three hundred.

In this short text, attention has been drawn only to some details that make this deck unique; therefore, despite the brief explanations, which will be provided later, it is always recommended to pay attention to what is depicted within the cards. One must also pay attention to where their gaze is directed. When we find a character depicted looking to the left, there is undoubtedly a connection with the past. If, on the other hand, they look to the right, they invite us to move forward.

twitter
facebook
instagram
pinterest
linkedin
youtube

Privacy PolicyGeneral ConditionsTerms of Sale

THE MARSEILLE TAROT

DIVINATION OF THE MARSEILLE TAROT

or MAJOR ARCANA: A SIMPLE METHOD

Numbered Reading Method

The Tarot reader or Cartomancer can use the Tarot for themselves or for anyone who wishes. The questions asked must be clear and preferably posed in the present tense. The clearer the question, the more understandable the answer will be.
Remember that the Tarot was created as an introspective tool and therefore does not offer specific answers; its message must always be interpreted. The Arcana offer us moral, logical, and emotional guidance to show us the way,

by their nature they do not offer answers related to: health, illnesses, births, and legal issues.

The querent states the question aloud and fixes it in their mind. The reader shuffles the Tarot and invites the Querent to cut the deck by choosing a number from 1 to 22 inclusive.

The reader must then count from the covered deck the number expressed by the Querent until reaching the corresponding card. As soon as it is revealed, they will note on a sheet the Roman numeral present at the top of the image (The Magician is I, The High Priestess is II, and so on. Please note that The Fool is marked with zero and is worth 22 - XXII; Death is worth 13, that is XIII).

The first card drawn will represent The Affirmation: it will indicate the favorable elements of the present situation, the quality or behavior that should be maintained. Let's imagine that the number 18 is chosen, consequently the reader will select the eighteenth card from the deck, which, in our example, could be Strength, numbered 11, and the number 11 will be noted.

The card is then put back into the deck, which is shuffled again. At this point, another number is chosen (even the same one) and the chosen card is revealed. The one that comes out represents The Negation: it will indicate the unfavorable elements of the present situation, the quality or behavior that oppose those of the affirmation.

The action is repeated by shuffling the deck and performing the operations again. The card that comes out this time represents The Mediator: it will indicate the behavior or quality that must intervene between the affirmation and the negation in order to obtain what was asked for.

The last card to be revealed will be The Solution and will give the Tarot's response to the situation for which, until now, the cards have only given advice. It is linked to the first three cards through a mathematical operation instead of the method used so far: the numbers of the images of the three previously chosen cards must be added together. If the sum is greater than 22, the two digits of the resulting number must be added together.

Example: Strength 11 + The Wheel 10 + The Empress 3 = 24, so 2 + 4 = 6

Identify the card corresponding to the number obtained (6 = The Lovers), and consider it as the general opinion on the whole situation.

Example: How to overcome the current crisis at work?

Affirmation: The Emperor (IV)

Negation: The Hanged Man (XII)

Mediator: The Wheel of Fortune (X).

(Operation: 4+12+10= 26; 2+6=8, Arcana of Justice)

Response:

“The Emperor invites you to carefully analyze the current situation and not to waste resources. You must manage your assets in the best way; it is not the time to invest but to consolidate. The Hanged Man invites you not to bury your head in the sand. It is time not to delegate to others and you will have to take responsibility. If you don't, others will choose for you! The Mediator, represented by the Wheel of Fortune, reminds you that difficulties never arrive by chance. If you want to attract a positive change, now is the time to ask yourself what brought you to this situation and what you need to learn. The solution is represented by the Arcana of Justice, which supports you and asks you not to get distracted, you will have to find your center in the here and now, make use of all your knowledge and skills, and not be afraid to confront those around you or to ask advice from someone with more experience than you.”

MEANING OF THE MAJOR ARCANA

There are many ways to divine with Tarot cards, some of which include the possibility that the cards may come out reversed, acquiring different, opposite readings.

The Fool:

“A young man, supported by his staff and with a bundle on his shoulders, walks briskly accompanied by a Tiger.”

Indicates the path to knowledge, the Fool is the archetype of the mystic.

Upright card: Free spirit; rejection of all social conventions.

Reversed card: Neurosis; loss of contact with reality; personality disorders.

Advice: Every madness must be controlled by rationality. Set yourself a goal but be ready to change it.

Keywords: Dreams. Extravagances. Revelations. Discovery. Invention. Delirium.

Number 300: Symbolizes growth. It invites you to prepare to welcome a positive change.

I. The Magician

“A young man with the Sun behind him raises a wand to the sky. In front of him on the table, the four elements are represented by the suits of the minor arcana. Cups, Wands, Coins, and Swords.”

Indicates a new beginning. Its achievement is rapid, neither talent nor cunning is lacking and one must simply act.

Upright card: Beginning, youth, a talent that needs to be expressed.

Reversed card: Need for help, poor self-awareness.

Advice: Do not be afraid to embark on something new, in latency there is the opportunity for victory.

Keywords: Cunning. Initiation. Malice. Achievement. Fear. Trickster. Distraction. The child.

II. The High Priestess

“A woman seated on a throne wears a large headdress depicting the lunar phases. Her dress is adorned with a cross and the symbol of the Tao, and in her hands she holds a book.”

The High Priestess depicts the essence of the feminine energy of creativity, and also expresses the importance of study and knowledge.

Upright card: Loyalty. Purity. Serenity. Conscious waiting. Knowledge.

Reversed card: Mystery. Secrets to be revealed. Solitude. Need for warmth.

Advice: Do not base your decisions only on what you desire, ask yourself who you are, and what you can do to achieve your dream.

Keywords: Waiting. Perseverance. Serenity. Awareness. Mystery. Secrets. Knowledge. The grandmother.

III. The Empress

“A woman is seated on her throne, at her feet a Moon appears and behind her two wings open as a sign of protection. In the background, the rays of the sun can be seen enveloping her. In her right hand she holds her scepter and in her left an escutcheon.”

The Empress evokes an energy as fresh as spring, instinctive as a teenager, but at the same time she is aware of who she is and her role.

Upright card: Fertility. Creativity. Seduction. Charm. Lover.

Reversed card: Manipulator. Abuse of power. Illusion. Sterility. Closure.

Card advice: Carefully evaluate the opportunities before you, then do not be afraid to open up and dare.

Keywords: Fertility. Destruction. Illusion. Lover. Charm. Creativity. The mother. Spring.

IV. The Emperor

“A man is absorbed in his thoughts. With one hand he holds his belt tightly and with the other he holds his scepter. He seems almost ready to rise from his throne and next to him is his shield caressed by his foot.”

The Emperor is the symbol of stability on the material plane, it means 'being able to establish one's goals and support the sacrifices necessary to achieve them.'

Upright card: Stability. Awareness. Power. Responsibility. Order. Balance.

Reversed card: Abuse of power. Tyranny. Waste of energy. Greed.

Card advice: Stability is born from awareness of who we are, good discipline is the basis of success.

Keywords: Stability. Perseverance. Discipline. Ego. Uncertainties. The Father.

V. The Pope
“In the center, a man with a long beard holds the papal staff in his left hand, with his right he points his followers in a direction, and behind him a five-pointed star can be glimpsed.”
The Pope represents knowledge. He is a guide who shows us the way. We can define him as a bridge to tomorrow.
Upright card: Guide. Wisdom. Teacher. Bridge to tomorrow. Knowledge. Spirituality.
Reversed card: Bond. Traitor. Liar. Manipulator.
Card advice: Every road can be your path, reflect and communicate with wisdom what you truly desire.
Keywords: Communication. Teacher. Teaching. Betrayal. Hidden knowledge. The grandfather.

VI. The Lovers
“A young man in the center reflects while embracing two women. The lady on the right seems to point him in a direction, and the one on the left rests a hand on his heart. Above them shines the sun, partly obscured by Cupid ready to shoot an arrow.”
The Lovers Arcana speaks of conscious choices that must be made in order to fulfill a dream.
Upright card: Union. Choice. Social life. Cheerfulness. Love for what you do.
Reversed card: Love triangle. Separation. Inner conflict.
Card advice: Leaving the old path for the new is not always the best thing to do.
Keywords: Choice. Love. Cheerfulness. Separation. Change. Siblings.

VII. The Chariot
“A young prince on his chariot wears a crown of stars. In one hand he holds a sword and in the other his scepter. A canopy above him is studded with stars. The two horses have human faces and between them is the symbol of the Tao.”
The Chariot Arcana, like the Great Chariot in the sky, shows us the way, victory is near but there is still a little way to go.
Upright card: Action. Conquest. News. Abundance. Journey. Lover.
Reversed card: Loss. Uncertainties. Sterility. Distractions.
Card advice: When things are going well, it's not the time to get distracted. It takes little to lose your way.
Keywords. Action. News. Loss. Journey. Cinema. Acting. New Lover.

VIII. Justice
“A woman seated on her throne holds a scale in one hand and a sword in the other, her eyes are obscured.”
The Justice Arcana is associated in many ways with the Roman goddess Fortuna, who invites us to find our own balance to draw on her power.
Upright card: Decide. Balance. Values. Rebalance. Clarity.
Reversed card: Forbid. Limit. Judge. Trap.
Card advice: Perfection by its nature is diabolical, it is imperfection that is divine, embrace your differences because they are your true wealth.
Keywords: Balance. Clarity. Mind. Limit. Judge. Criticize. Values. Uncles and aunts.

IX. The Hermit
“An old gentleman walks in the woods at night illuminated by a lantern and supported by a staff.”
The Hermit invites us to put our lives in order. A profound change must be faced.
Upright card: Wisdom. Experience. Change. Guide. Altruism.
Reversed card: Doubt. Solitude. Withdrawal. Silence.
Card advice: Do not be afraid to listen to the silence that springs from within you. Take time to meditate and everything will become clear.
Keywords: Experience. Retreat. Wisdom. Illuminating the past. Old age. Winter.

X. The Wheel of Fortune
“This Arcana is represented in a chaotic style, rich in a thousand elements. The first things that catch the eye are the sphinx that sits atop the wheel holding a sword and a face in the center of the circle.”
The Arcana number X is a card of balances, it invites us to pause for a moment and reflect.
Upright card: Wealth. Solutions. Cyclicity. Beginning and end. New start.
Reversed card: Block. Doubts. Uncertainty. Repetition of events. Escape.
Card advice: Well begun is half done, so don't be afraid to close with what you no longer need.
Keywords: End or beginning of a cycle. Providence. Renewal. Block. Enigma.
Number 10: Symbolizes perfection, also as the annulment of all things. It is a symbol of cyclicity. It represents the eternal restart.

XI. Strength
“A lady wears a strange headdress in the shape of an eight. Beside her, a lion with whom she seems to be playing, holding its mouth open.”
Strength does not refer to physical might, but rather to knowledge, to the cunning that allows one to leverage the right situations.
Upright card: Awareness. Cunning. Knowledge. Creativity. Instinct. Passion.
Reversed card: Wrath. Ferocity. Aggressiveness. Suffering.
Card advice: Let your soul express itself freely; not indulging it will lead to unhappiness and sadness.
Keywords: Courage. Passion. Discipline. Sexuality. Impulses. Cunning. Wrath. Aggressiveness.
Number 20: Symbolizes intelligence and small tricks, especially in the professional field.

XII The Hanged Man
“A man hangs upside down, supported by a wooden structure. He seems to be holding two flowers in his hand.”
The Hanged Man represents a moment of stillness, a time we need to regenerate, meditate, and observe things from new points of view.
Upright card: Tranquility. New perspectives. Rest. Depth.
Reversed card: Limits. Uncertainties. Blocks. Difficulty in making choices.
Card advice: Don't rush, take all the time you need to understand.
Keywords: Tranquility. New awareness. Meditation. Block. Loss of power. Family. Uncertainty.
Number 30: Symbolizes emotions. It speaks of a situation that comes to pass, overturning current circumstances.

XIII. Death
“A skeletal body walks holding a scythe. On the grass, body parts are laid out in random order as if they were strange flowers.”
Arcana number XIII speaks of deep restructuring taking place within us.
Upright card: Change. Revolution. Cleansing. Moving forward. End of an illusion.
Reversed card: Breakup. Wrath. Destroy. Hatred.
Card advice: Change is inevitable. Embrace it with open arms because you have all the means to face this challenge.
Keywords: Change. Putting the pieces together. Cleansing. Moving forward. Wrath. Hatred. Inheritance.
Number 40: Indicates the trial begun, the passage that allows a rebirth is the transition to a new life.

XIV. Temperance
“An angel pours a liquid from one jug to another with extreme care. His forehead is adorned with a huge flower.”
Temperance represents inner serenity, recognizing oneself within what we are experiencing. It is also a symbol of acceptance towards those around us.
Upright card: Harmony. Protection. Prudence. Positive communication. Change.
Reversed card: Greed. Excessive dogma. Superstition. Hiding.
Card advice: Go beyond appearances or first impressions, and always ask yourself what you want, don't worry about the judgment of others.
Keywords: Protection. Angel. Journey. Dream. Harmony. Greed. Superstition.
Number 50: Represents multiplicity, change. It is the energy that urges us to break out of old sterile patterns.

XV. The Devil
“A winged demon wears the flame of knowledge as a headdress. With both hands he points to the two quarters of the moon. From his belly two snakes intertwine, creating Mercury's caduceus, a symbol of knowledge.”
The Devil Arcana invites us not to be afraid to face our fears. He, like the star of Venus, guides us in the darkness of the night, also showing us the way to the new day.
Upright card: Desire. Depth. Drives. Knowledge. Ardor. Sex. Money.
Reversed card: Attachment. Darkness. Fear. Cruelty. Insensitive. Dark side.
Card advice: Whether the candle is lit or not, the room does not change; the only difference is what you are able to see. Light the flame, open your eyes, everything will be clear to you.
Keywords: Desire. Unconscious. Awareness. Acceptance. Darkness. Ardor. Sex. Money.
Number 60: Represents the search for balance and harmony in its entirety, body, mind, and soul.

XVI. The Tower
“Lightning strikes the tower, destroying it. Two men walk on their hands.”
The Tower Arcana makes us reflect on the importance of our communication, wanting to remind us that our fortune, as much as our misfortunes, depend solely on the causes we set in motion.
Upright card: Home. Building. Expression. Language. Openness. Moving house. Relocation.
Reversed card: Destruction. Misfortune. Quarrel. Shock. Closure. Loss of money.
Card advice: Don't worry about your neighbor's abundant harvest, focus on your own garden, otherwise weeds will invade it.
Keywords: Construction. Abundance. Language. Fall. Destruction. Loss. Closure.
Number 70: This number is the symbol par excellence of the spirit of research. It represents, in fact, every form of discovery or knowledge.

XVII. The Stars
“A naked woman is kneeling, intent on pouring water into a lake. Behind her, a bird rests on a tree.”
The Arcana of the Stars represents the achievement of a dream. Everything that was not possible is now reality.
Upright card: Luck. Abundance. Nurturing. Gift. Inspiration. Ecology. Nature. Respect.
Reversed card: Pollution. Feeling inadequate. Waste. Nostalgia. Uncertainties.
Advice from the card: Recognize your worth, nurture your deepest desires, don't be afraid to show yourself for who you are because everything is possible.
Keywords: Abundance. Famine. Dream. Nightmare. Certainties. Luck. Misfortune. Ecology. Pollution.
Number 80: The number eighty is a symbol of the ability to achieve lasting results.

XVIII. The Moon
“Two dogs on the shore of a lake howl at the Moon shining in the sky. Behind them two towers enrich the landscape. From the waters a lobster emerges in search of shelter.”
The Arcana of the Moon represents the most intimate and deepest part of us, the part that we hardly have the courage to show.
Upright card: Intuitions. Receptivity. Attraction. Poetry. Romanticism. Family. Love that unites.
Reversed card: Madness. Hidden secret. Superstition. Terror. Uncertainty. Divorce.
Advice from the card: Listen to your intuition, it will not disappoint you.
Keywords: Madness. Secret. Divorce. Attraction. Romanticism. Family.
Number 90: It is a symbol of completeness and fulfillment. It is an energy full of compassion.

XIX. The Sun
“Two children hold a lyre in their hands, behind them a wall protects them. The sun shines powerfully in the sky, even though drops of water are falling.”
The Arcana of the Sun is a symbol of sharing and building. It is vitality and pure love.
Upright card: Sharing. Building. Warmth. Pure love. Success. Evolution. Music.
Reversed card: Dazzle. Fragility. Distortion of reality. Negative transition.
Advice from the card: Let yourself be enveloped by unconditional love, do not create resistance, allow yourself to choose otherwise others will choose for you!
Keywords: Sharing. Abundant harvest. Association. Pure love. Dazzle. Discussions.
Number 100: Indicates infinite potential and is a symbol of self-determination and independence.

XX. Judgment
“A naked man and woman come out. They are inside a pool observing a child in front of them who emerges from a hole. Behind them an angel plays a trumpet.”
The Arcana of Judgment represents the warrior's final test in which he can show all his worth and choose the direction to give to his future.
Upright card: Rebirth. Test. Union. Calling. Celebrations. Triumph. Fame.
Reversed card: Loss. Violation. Negative judgment. Shame. Tempting devil.
Advice from the card: If you have come this far, nothing can scare you anymore. You are finally about to reap the rewards you have sown.
Keywords: Union. Serenity. Victory. Laurels. Good news. Awareness. Loss. Tempting devil.
Number 200: Represents successful relationships and collaborations. It is a number of balance, harmony, and stability.

XXI. The World
“A woman covered by a single veil holds two wands in her hands as she walks on water. Her image is surrounded by a crown of laurels. At her feet we find an ox and a lion in the sky. An eagle flies toward the sphinx.”
The Arcana of the World reminds us of the fragility of balance and how difficult it is to maintain it. Furthermore, with its two wands, it wants to remind us that every victory is only an arrival for a new departure.
Upright card: Arrival. Success. Heroism. Fulfillment. Totality. Reunion. Perfect agreement.
Reversed card: False securities. Situations to review. Sense of failure.
Advice from the card: Rejoice for what there is to rejoice, celebrate with serenity, but do not overdo it, this is only a stop, between one journey and another you still have much to discover.
Keywords: Arrival. Victory. Celebration. Goal. Reunion. Meeting. New beginning. Serenity. Sense of failure. Insecurity. Wrong evaluations.

LOOKING FOR CONSULTING?

Federico Jeantet is our trusted Tarology and Numerology Consultant, the right person to turn to if you are looking for a moment of reflection, advice, or a point of contact with yourself