AA016:Etteilla: The Pioneer of Tarot Interpretation and Cartomancy

 Le Grand Etteilla

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Etteilla, the pseudonym of Jean-Baptiste Alliette (March 1, 1738 - December 12, 1791), was a French psychic and tarot researcher. He was the first person to develop a system for interpreting tarot cards and made significant contributions to popularizing tarot mysteries among a wider audience (starting around 1783). Etteilla is also known as the first professional tarot reader in history, earning a living by predicting fortunes through tarot cards .

His work influenced Marie Anne Lenormand, a French female psychic. Between 1783 and 1785, Etteilla published “Manière de se récréer avec le jeu de cartes nommées tarots” (“How to Amuse Yourself with the Deck of Cards Called Tarot”), which remains a standard reference for tarot cartomancy. He introduced the idea of correspondences between tarot, astrology, and the classical four elements and four human temperaments. In 1789, he also published his own tarot deck, which significantly differed in structure and card names from classic decks like the Tarot de Marseille .

Although little is known about Jean-Baptiste Alliette’s early life beyond his birth in Paris in 1738, he was the son of a butcher father and a seed merchant mother. After marrying Jeanne Vattier in 1763, he worked as a seed merchant before publishing his first book, “Etteilla, ou manière de se récréer avec un jeu de cartes” (“Etteilla, or How to Amuse Yourself with a Deck of Cards”), in 1770 .

more info:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etteilla

BB038: The Fool no.12

THE FOOL no.12

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BB036: The Fool no.11

THE FOOL no.11

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BB035: The Vibrant Path of Divination: Exploring the Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck no.1

  Tarot Oswald Wirth no.1

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Oswald Wirth, a Swiss occultist and author born on August 5, 1860, in Brienz, Switzerland, is a notable figure in the history of tarot and esoteric symbolism. His journey into the mystical began under the mentorship of Stanislas de Guaita, with whom he created a tarot deck that focused solely on the twenty-two Major Arcana. This deck, known as “Les 22 Arcanes du Tarot Kabbalistique,” was a pioneering work that closely followed the designs of the Tarot de Marseille but also introduced significant esoteric symbols into the imagery.

Wirth’s contributions to the field of esotericism were not limited to tarot. He was deeply involved in Freemasonry and astrology, writing extensively on these subjects. His works, particularly in French, explored the philosophical and symbolic aspects of Freemasonry, making complex ideas more accessible to the initiates. His three-volume set on the first three degrees of Freemasonry is considered a significant contribution to Masonic literature.

Perhaps Wirth’s most enduring legacy is his book “Le Tarot des imagiers du Moyen Âge” (The Tarot of the Magicians), published in 1927. This work delved into the symbolism of the tarot cards, offering interpretations and insights that have influenced tarot studies to this day. His approach to tarot was not just as a divinatory tool but as a profound system of symbols that could be used for personal and spiritual development.

Wirth’s life was a testament to his dedication to the study of esoteric knowledge. He passed away on March 9, 1943, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and educate those interested in the symbolic and occult traditions. His tarot deck and writings remain a touchstone for students of tarot and esotericism, reflecting a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of symbols, mythology, and the human psyche.

More info

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Wirth

BB034: Deciphering the Arcana: Oswald Wirth’s ‘Tarot of the Medieval Iconographers no.1

TAROT DES IMAGIERS DU MOYEN AGE no.1

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Unveiling the Medieval Mystique: Oswald Wirth’s Tarot Legacy

In the realm of esoteric knowledge and divinatory arts, few texts are as revered as Oswald Wirth’s “Le Tarot des imagiers du Moyen Age.” This seminal work, which translates to “The Tarot of the Medieval Image Makers,” serves as a comprehensive guide to the rich symbolism and profound wisdom encapsulated within the Tarot.

Oswald Wirth, a Swiss occultist and a pioneer in the study of Tarot, presents a compelling exploration of the Tarot’s origins and its intricate connection to medieval artistry and symbolism. His book delves into the heart of Tarot’s mystique, examining the 22 Major Arcana cards, or “clefs,” as he refers to them, which are considered the keys to unlocking the secrets of wisdom from the Middle Ages.

Wirth’s approach to the Tarot is not merely predictive; it is deeply interpretative and reflective. He views the Tarot as a symbolic language, one that transcends the barriers of time and culture to speak directly to the human soul. Through his detailed analysis of each card, Wirth invites readers to consider the Tarot as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

The book is divided into two parts: the first provides an overview of the Tarot, including its kabbalistic, astronomical, and numerological correlations. The second part offers an in-depth look at the symbolism of the “22 keys of the secret Sapience of the Middle Ages,” guiding the reader through a journey of esoteric enlightenment.

“Le Tarot des imagiers du Moyen Age” is more than a guide to Tarot reading; it is a testament to the enduring power of symbols and their ability to reflect the deepest truths of our existence. Wirth’s work remains a cornerstone for anyone seeking to understand the Tarot’s historical and spiritual significance.

More info

https://www.babelio.com/livres/Wirth-Le-Tarot-des-imagiers-du-Moyen-Age/288823

 

BB033: The Fool no.10

THE FOOL no.10

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