AA001: Exploring the Unique Expression of Tarot de Marseille: A Comparative Analysis

Marseille Vintage Tarot

AA001

The article “The Superiority of the Tarot de Marseille” is translated and annotated based on the essay “The Excellence of the Marseilles Tarot” by Enrique Enriquez, a renowned Tarot de Marseille researcher. He is also the author of the book and documentary of the same name, “Tarologa”.

1. Distinguishing Between Tarot de Marseille and Fantasy Decks:
   • Enriquez asserts the importance of clearly distinguishing between the Tarot de Marseille (TdM) and “fantasy decks”. Fantasy decks are tarot sets that are the product of an author’s imagination. TdM is not about being “real” or “unreal”, but it is entirely different in its logic of expression compared to fantasy decks.
   • TdM uses an optical language of expression to create fresh and different implications each time one looks at the cards. This narrows the symbolic capacity of the images, reducing the Symbolic Level of the card.
2. Tirage en Croix (Cross Spread of the Tarot de Marseille):
   • Tirage en Croix is one of the popular methods of drawing cards in Tarot. It consists of 5 cards placed in the shape of an “X”:
     • Card 1: The Present: Represents the current situation of the querent and how they perceive the circumstances.
     • Card 2: The Challenge: Represents the problem or challenge the querent is facing. Even if a “positive” card is in this position, it is still a challenge.
     • Card 3: The Past: Represents events that have led to the current situation.
     • Card 4: The Future: Represents what may happen in the coming weeks or months.
     • Card 5: The Objective: Represents the goal or the best possible outcome the querent wishes to achieve.

more info:

https://cheminatraverslesbois.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/su-uu-viet-cua-tarot-de-marseille/