Tarot de Marseille Archieven

Tag: Tarot de Marseille

The Marseille Tarot is one of the oldest and most traditional tarot decks used for Divination. The oldest Marseille deck known dates back to the 17th century and has its origins in France, specifically in the region around Marseille.

The Marseille Tarot is known for its characteristic images and symbolism, and it has had a significant influence on many other tarot decks that have been issued later.

Because the first decks were printed using woodcuts, the images are simply stylized. Also, only primary colors were used. Each ‘publisher’ had his own characteristic deck; Some well-known publishers were: Jean Noblet, Jean-Pierre Payen and Pierre Madenié.

The Marseille Tarot does not know illustrations for the Minor Arcana as in the Waite-Smith deck; Instead, every suit show simply the number of elements (e.g. Swords, Cups)

Tarot Card 'The Hermit' from a Marseille Tarot deck

When you search Google for the meaning of Two of Swords, you will see that there are generally limited interpretations that predominate; The most commonly mentioned meanings are ‘Blocking out emotions’ and ‘conflicts or doubt’. The ‘most peculiar’ I found: “Someone who adapts to the precepts of those in power”…

I do not agree with these simple interpretations; In addition to being particularly colored, they are also one-sided and detract from the value of this card; That’s why I’d like to show another side here, where the Marseille Tarot will come to the rescue later.