VISCONTITAROTS

VISCONTI TAROTS

Historic and artistic notesThose who believe that the art of miniature paint-ing disappeared at the end of the Middle Agescouldn’t be more wrong. In Eastern Europe thisrefined technique continues today, so much so thatit is still being taught in art schools.Even if miniature painting is more or less confinedto monastic centers, there are a few artists who“modernize” it by producing original works. Oneof these is Atanas Alexander Atanassov, a brilliantBulgarian painter to whom Lo Scarabeo hasentrusted the difficult task of reproducing what isdefinitely the most famous deck of miniaturecards: the Visconti-Sforza Tarot. Today, the originals are partially housed at thePierpont Morgan Library in New York, partially atthe Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, and partiallyin the private collection of the Colleoni family ofBergamo. This work was realized shortly after1450 by an unknown Lombard artist, perhaps con-nected with the school of Francesco Zavattari, onbehalf of the new Lord of Milan Francesco Sforza(†1466) who had recently risen to power follow-ing his marriage to Bianca Maria Visconti, naturaldaughter of Duke Filippo Maria (†1447).Unfortunately the deck divided between Bergamoand New York is incomplete, lacking four cards:the Devil, Tower, 3 of Swords, and the Knight ofPentacles. The missing figures were inspired byanalogous figures of that time; in particular, the

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artist based the Devil and the Tower on the so-called “Rosenwald Sheet” (Paris, Musée duLouvre) printed in Bologna at the end of the fif-teenth century.

Meanings of the TarotThe Tarot was not originally created with a div-inatory purpose but was probably an educationalgame consisting only of the 22 Trionfi (Arcana),initial proof of which dates back to around 1440.The Trionfi were then united with the numericalcards which were already widespread in Italy by atleast 1370. This is how the tarot game was born, anoble and charming pastime which requires mem-ory and strategy more than luck. Only at the endof the eighteenth century did the tarot begin to beused for cartomancy.Obviously even the Visconti Tarot can be used fordivinatory purposes. Here we have provided asimple method. Before beginning, however, cer-tain things must be known about each card’s div-inatory messages, which are summarized later.

The Trionfi, esoterically known as the “MajorArcana”, represent desires, ambitions, and needstied to the past, present, and future. The generalmeaning of each Trionfo is always the same whilea more precise interpretation is provided by adapt-ing the other meanings to the “house” where theTrionfo ends up, or by observing its direction: upor upside-down. Furthermore, its strength mayincrease or decrease depending on the numerical

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cards nearby, as if these were a type of “powerbooster”.

The numerical cards refer to situations or attitudesrelating to the querient or those close to him orher. These cards can also be positive or negativedepending on the “house” they end up in or thecards next to them.The Court Figures, or rather the 16 characters ofthe four suits, represent physical persons who mayact kindly (up) or maliciously (upside-down).It must be pointed out that, in this respect, themeanings of the numerical cards and figure cardsbegin with positive concepts which graduallyworsen in order to demonstrate the variety of atti-tudes or situations. Therefore, pay close attentionwhen using these meanings.

Practical useSeparate the Figures and the Numerical Cardsfrom the Trionfi. Choose one of the four suits,keeping in mind that the Wands refer to work, thePentacles business, Chalices love, and Swords tolegal questions or health.Before creating the “spread”, a precise questionmust be formulated. Then take the deck with the 14cards of the suit relating to the question. Shufflethem seven times and have the querient cut thedeck, turning one half towards him or herself. Shuffle them in the same way seven more timesand repeat the “cut”, again turning one part of thedeck. Shuffle them two more times in the same

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manner and then lay the first four cards out onthe table in the form of a cross, leaving amplespace in the middle.

While laying down the cards, state the followingout loud:1) this card speaks of the recent past,2) this one favors desires,3) this one opposes desires,4) this one speaks of the future. Repeat the same operation with the 22 Trionfi, orMajor Arcana and, when finished, place the firstthree next to each other on the table between thecards which have already been chosen, statingout loud:1) this represents the past,2) this represents the present,3) this represents the future.

Now interpret the individual cards, developingthe analysis starting with the past. If you don’tremember their meaning, use the list of divinato-ry messages reported later on. You will note thatcontradictory meanings sometimes exist for thesame card. Here it must be stated that one singleevaluation method does not exist. During a read-ing, in fact, other ideas may come to mind whichare different from those listed.

It’s a good idea, however, that beginners keep tothe traditional divinatory messages; only when acertain amount of experience has been gained

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should they allow themselves to be influenced bypersonal suggestions which allow them to focuson problems better.Always remember that a card is weak or strong, ormore or less positive, depending on the cards near-by. Even their direction can influence the interpre-tation. For example, a card in a normal positionrefers to an action or desire on behalf of theQuerient. If the card is upside-down, rather, theaction or desire comes from the outside and isdirected towards the querient.It’s obvious that experience is necessary in orderto evaluate all of the possibilities which appearduring the “game”. Therefore, it’s best not to getthrown off-balance by ideas which are too origi-nal. When confidence in using this “art” has beengained the words will flow spontaneously like asort of inspiration induced by the tarot figures.

Major Arcana0 - The FoolOdd behavior. Pranks. Strangeness. Madness.I - The Magician Need to convince. Manual skill. Shrewdness.II - The High Priestess Desire to learn. Dedication. Humility. Faith.III - The Empress Love of art. Fruitfulness. Productivity. Vanity.IV - The Emperor Ambition to rule. Firmness. Stubbornness.V - The Hierophant Need for understanding. Attention. Diplomacy.

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VI - The LoversNeed to choose. Search for affection.Passionateness. VII - The Chariot Desire to progress. Impetuousness.Impulsiveness. Anxiety.VIII - Justice Need for legality. Diligence. Excessive scruples.IX - The HermitPeriod of reflection. Patience. Misanthropy.X - The WheelState of uncertainty. Alternating situations. Chaos.XI - Strength Intense activity. Wasted energy. Incompatibility.XII - The Hanged ManSense of obligation. Idleness. Fatigue. Illness.XIII - Death Need for drastic change. Fear.XIV - TemperanceDesire to change. Adaptability. Healing.XV - The Devil Lack of scruples. Corruption. Dangerous friend-ships.XVI - The Tower Collapse of assurances. Discouragement. Exile.Imprisonment.XVII - The Stars Hope of tomorrow. Good omens. Fatalism.XVIII - The MoonDreamy character. Illusions. Adventure. Risk.XIX - The Sun Need for dialogue. Friendship. Scorned help.

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XX - Justice Desire for renewal. Awakening. Awaiting a ver-dict.XXI - The WorldSense of fulfillment. Happiness. Excessive opti-mism.

Court CardsKing of ChalicesBlond or graying man. Artist, intellectual, schol-ar.King of PentaclesBlond or graying man. Merchant or trader.King of WandsMan with dark hair. Entrepreneur or farmer.King of SwordsMan with dark hair. Judge, doctor, or lawyer.

Queen of ChalicesBlond or graying woman. Mother, wife, or lover.Queen of PentaclesBlond or graying woman. Heiress. Professional.Queen of WandsWoman with dark hair. Powerful and reserved. Queen of SwordsWoman with dark hair. Widowed or single, melan-choly.Knight of ChalicesA man or a woman, brilliant and seductive butunfaithful.Knight of PentaclesA man or a woman, offers business advice.

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Knight of WandsA man or a woman, brings news. Far-off relative.Knight of SwordsA man or a woman, energetic, offers collabora-tion.

Knave of ChalicesYoung blond man or woman. Confidant, artist, orlover.Knave of PentaclesMan or woman from rich family. Student orinventor.Knave of WandsMan or woman from humble origins. Messengeror employee.Knave of SwordsYoung dark-haired man or woman. Athlete,researcher, or investigator.

Numerical CardsTen of ChalicesHappy union. Agreement in the family, betweenfriends, or in society.Ten of PentaclesEconomic stability. Inheritance, winnings, or suc-cessful business.Ten of WandsContinuous commitment. Excessive fatigue.Dissatisfaction.Ten of SwordsPeriod of affliction. Physical pain. Psychologicaldepression.

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Nine of ChalicesSolved problems. Virtuous action. Relief throughtrust.Nine of PentaclesUnexpressed potential. New resources to invest.Nine of WandsCalculated risk. Intuition of danger. Pragmatism.Nine of SwordsIntellectual or emotional maturity. Patience. Calm.

Eight of ChalicesSelf-control. Moderation. Holding back impulses.Eight of PentaclesNew ambitions. Intellectual or professionalgrowth.Eight of WandsInitiative. Continuous commitment. Creative ten-sion.Eight of SwordsDefense. Preparation for disagreement. Signs ofdanger.

Seven of ChalicesBizarre projects. Excessive imagination.Nightmares.Seven of PentaclesCharity. Medical or social expenses.Seven of WandsInitial results. Partial success. Search for helpSeven of SwordsSearch for truth. Exposed secrets. Occult prac-tices.

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Six of ChalicesPleasant memories. Self-analysis. Test of con-science.Six of PentaclesUnscrupulousness. Lack of scruples. Cynicism.Six of WandsObstacles. Risk of loss. Shaky balance.Six of SwordsNew physical and mental horizons. Spiritualexperiences.

Five of ChalicesSpirit of sacrifice. Sense of protection. Goodnessof heart.Five of PentaclesWorries. Economic uncertainties. Search for gain.Five of WandsTough competition. Enormous effort. Uncertainvictory.Five of SwordsDanger of defeat. Remorse. Pain. Severed hope.

Four of ChalicesBirth of children or animals. New knowledge.Omens.Four of PentaclesSavings. Frugal conduct. Prudence.Four of WandsAlliance. Society. Business agreement. Opportunity.Four of SwordsSafe refuge. Supervision. Retreat. Appeal to spe-cialists.

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Three of ChalicesGrowth. Healing. End to undertaking.Three of PentaclesExpansion. Development of ideas. Showing offcapabilities.Three of WandsCareful preparation. Measuring strengths.Encounters.Three of SwordsWasting of energy. Tiredness. Confusion.Two of ChalicesAffinity. Loving passion. Plan of union.Two of PentaclesPublicity. Promotion. Disclosure. Incitement.Two of WandsBalance. Stability. Stage of reorganization.Two of SwordsRivalry. Confrontation. Duel. Bitter opposition.

Ace of ChalicesAbundance. Emotional fulfillment. Sincerity.Ace of PentaclesAcquisitions. Investments. Good prospects forgain.Ace of WandsInvention. Beginning of an undertaking or activi-ty.Ace of SwordsSpirit of conquest. Exaltation of own ego.

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The Esoteric InterpretationDivining with the Tarot is very easy. First of all,one must understand what a cartomantic spread orlayout is. In order to respond to the querient’squestions, the cartomant must lay out the tarots ina certain sequence. Each position of the sequencecorresponds to part of the answer. The reading iscarried out through an understanding of the div-inatory meaning of the Arcanum which appears ina certain position.As an example, we will describe the cartomanticspread called: “The five layers”Just as the original Visconti arcana were createdby superimposing very thin gold leaf on the cardsand then embossing, each situation may be ana-lyzed beyond the surface. This cartomantic spreadis useful for observing the hidden aspects ofthings.After the querient has shuffled the cards and cutthe deck, lay out 5 cards as shown in the figure.

1) The surface. Gold. As the situation appears tobe in its best surroundings, without obscurities.2) The second layer. Silver. How things changethrough attention and reflection.3) The third layer. Bronze. How the mysterious

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1 2 3 4 5

side carrying delusion and deception is broughtto light.4) The final layer. Gold. How the essence ofthings, good and bad, emerges and the truth isapproached.5) The layer of hope. How the way we wouldlike the situation to be changes the situationitself. The effort to change things.

This reading must be interpreted as awarenesswhich is progressively increased with respect to asituation, an event, or a state of mind. Waveringbetween a negative and positive aspect must inthe end lead to clarity without ever neglecting theenergy each person may provide in order tochange things and to take control of situations heor she is involved in.

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