LE MAT(The Fool)
Certainly! Let’s delve into the analysis of “The Hierophant” from the Tarot de Marseille, specifically focusing on the Paul Marteau 1930 version.
The Hierophant (Le Pape):
- The Hierophant is the card that follows the Emperor in the Tarot sequence. After moving from common people (the Magician), to wisdom (the High Priestess), and approaching worldly power (the Empress and Emperor), we now encounter the grand spiritual authority represented by the Hierophant.
- The Hierophant wears a triple-tiered crown, a long blue robe, and a red cloak. Their gray hair and beard exude wisdom. Both sleeves of their white garment are visible, and they hold a staff adorned with a golden glove featuring a cross. The other hand is raised as if in teaching or bestowing blessings.
- Two figures stand before the Hierophant, awaiting guidance. The one on the right wears a round pink cap, a red cloak, and a yellow sash. They raise their hand to receive. The figure on the left dons a yellow cap with a golden peak, a blue cloak with a red collar, and lowers their hand gracefully.
- The Hierophant’s serene expression contrasts with the Emperor’s stern demeanor. Both share a color scheme: powerful red overlaying spiritual blue. Compared to the High Priestess, the Hierophant exudes confidence and broader knowledge. The red dominance signifies authority, as the Hierophant wields the highest power in medieval beliefs. The High Priestess (II), in contrast, remains more humble, concealing her wisdom.
Tarot de Nicolas Conver:
- The Tarot de Nicolas Conver plays a crucial role in the Tarot de Marseille system. It is the only deck directly inherited by later publishers. Other decks, such as the Camoin Jodorowsky 1997, Tarot de Milleminium 2000, and Tarot de Frornoy, have been analyzed primarily in specialized studies. However, the Conver deck is extensively discussed in foundational and widely circulated texts.
Ancien Tarot de Marseille (1930):
- The standard 1930 version, known as the “Ancien Tarot de Marseille,” holds particular significance. It has been a cornerstone for subsequent interpretations and reproductions.
Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl
The Mlle Lenormand Blue Owl deck (also known as Baralho Cigano da Coruja Azul) is the English version of the famous divination deck used by Mlle Lenormand. Let’s explore more about this deck:
- Manufacturer: AGM-Urania (Germany)
- Number of Cards: 36 cards
- Size: 56mm x 87mm
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand (1772–1843) was a renowned French professional fortune-teller during the Napoleonic era. In France, Lenormand was considered the most famous card reader of all time and had a significant influence on the French cartomancy wave that began in the late 18th century. Lenormand claimed to have read cards for many famous individuals, including leaders of the French Revolution (such as Marat, Robespierre, and St-Just), Empress Josephine, and Emperor Alexander I. She practiced her craft for over 40 years.
After Lenormand’s passing, her name was associated with several cartomancy decks, including the 36-card deck known as Petit Lenormand, or simply Lenormand, which is still widely used today. This deck is the “younger sibling” of the Grand Lenormand (see the link at the end of the page), but Petit Lenormand is not a subset of the Grand Lenormand—there are no overlapping cards between the two decks.
The imagery on the Grand Lenormand deck appears classical and mythological, while the images on the Petit Lenormand focus more on everyday life. The popular Blue Owl deck (named after its back design) by AGM-Urania is displayed here. According to their advertising materials, this design is believed to originate from the 19th century. The displayed version includes regular playing cards associated with each card, inserted as small insets into the main design. However, the exact significance of this feature remains unclear based on the accompanying guidebook. Other Blue Owl decks have also existed, featuring enigmatic verses instead of playing cards. Curiously, these poetic decks also seem to be available in a Red Owl variant.