Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot Decks: A Cozy Mystery Writer's Perspective
- Kirsten Weiss
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
When we talk about Tarot decks, you might hear the term "clone" thrown around. But what does that really mean in the world of Tarot? Let's dive into the mysteries of Tarot decks and explore the nuances of those that are based on foundational designs.
At the heart of Tarot, there are three foundational decks: the Marseille Tarot, the Rider Waite Smith, and the Thoth. Most of the decks you see today are modeled after one of these three. Each has its own charm and quirks that make it unique.
The Marseille Tarot, for instance, originated in France during the early 1600s. Its widespread production established the standard of having twenty-two major arcana cards and fourteen suit cards across four suits. However, the suit cards themselves are quite plain. For example, a Four of Cups simply shows four cups, and an Eight of Swords displays eight swords. This simplicity means you either need to have a knack for memorizing card meanings or a solid understanding of numerology and the general symbolism associated with each suit. It's not for the faint-hearted.
Then we have the Rider Waite Smith deck, which emerged in the early 1900s. This deck was a collaboration between two members of the secret society known as the Golden Dawn. The artist, Pamela Coleman Smith, revolutionized tarot imagery by adding intricate artwork to the suit cards. For instance, the Eight of Swords features a woman standing blindfolded, bound, with swords encircling her. This kind of imagery makes it far easier to interpret the cards than the simpler designs of the Marseille Tarot.
And let's not forget the Thoth Tarot, which is perhaps the most controversial among the three. Created through the collaboration of the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley and the artist Lady Frieda Harris, this deck is known for its stunning art deco imagery and vibrant colors.
Crowley made significant changes, such as swapping the numbering of the Strength and Justice cards—where traditionally Strength is number eight and Justice is eleven, in the Thoth deck, it’s the other way around. He even renamed Strength as Lust and Justice as Adjustment, which adds another layer of intrigue.
If you come across a deck with that unusual numbering, it’s likely modeled after the Thoth deck. Many people shy away from it due to Crowley’s controversial reputation, but it’s a shame because it truly is a beautiful deck filled with rich symbolism.
If you'd like to learn more about Tarot, I recommend checking out my book The Mysteries of Tarot, which serves as both a guidebook and a cozy mystery. It dives deeper into the symbolism and meanings behind the cards, all while weaving an engaging narrative.
Additionally, if you enjoy a good cozy mystery, be sure to look into my novel Steeped in Murder, which is book one in my Tea and Tarot mysteries.
Whether you're a seasoned Tarot reader or just dipping your toes into these mystical waters, remember that every deck holds its own secrets and stories. The world of Tarot is a cozy mystery waiting to be unraveled!
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
Keep exploring, keep reading, and may your journey through the mysteries of Tarot be as enchanting as a cozy mystery novel!
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