Review CBD Tarot from Yoav Ben Dov

The CBD tarot by Yoav Ben-Dov is packaged in a standard cardboard box, like most Marseille tarots. This choice of presentation differs from Rider-Waite-Smith type decks, which often have more elaborate packaging. In fact, Rider-Waite-Smith decks are often provided with a sturdy box and a detailed booklet offering in-depth explanations of the cards and their symbolism.

In contrast, Marseille tarots, including the CBD tarot, are generally presented in simpler packaging. They typically come with a small box and, at best, a leaflet containing a few brief pieces of information. In the case of the CBD tarot, this simplicity is maintained, though there are a few additional elements.

In addition to the 78 classic cards, the CBD tarot includes a presentation card specific to the deck and a blank card. According to Yoav Ben-Dov, this blank card can be used in several ways: it can serve as a focus support, be added to the deck as an extra card, or replace a lost card.

The cards themselves are glossy, rather thin, and flexible, making them easy to handle. They slide well in the hand, although some users might prefer them to be even more slippery. This slight adherence is due to the fact that the cards are lightly laminated, which can cause some friction between them.

Yoav Ben-Dov was an Israeli author, researcher, and tarot reader who made a significant contribution to the field of tarot, especially the Tarot de Marseille. His first encounter with tarot was in 1979 when a friend showed him Mouni Sadhu's book. Fascinated by the mysterious images, Ben-Dov began exploring tarot alongside his studies in physics. In 1981, he wrote the first book on tarot in Hebrew, introducing the Rider-Waite-Smith system to Israel.

Influence of Alejandro Jodorowsky

In the mid-1980s, Ben-Dov went to Paris for his Ph.D. During this period, he studied for three years with Alejandro Jodorowsky, who introduced him to the depth of the Tarot de Marseille. This experience greatly influenced his understanding of tarot, helping him integrate spirituality, artistic experience, psychology, and magic.

Contributions to tarot

Ben-Dov developed his own approach, which he called the "open reading of tarot," combining his scientific and mystical knowledge. He created the CBD tarot (Conver Ben-Dov), a restoration of the Marseille Tarot based on the Nicolas Conver deck of 1760, which has become popular among tarot practitioners.

Teaching and writing

Ben-Dov dedicated a significant part of his life to teaching tarot. He wrote several books on the subject, including "The Marseille Tarot Revealed," a comprehensive guide to the symbolism and methods of the Tarot de Marseille. In addition to his work on tarot, Ben-Dov also wrote about physics, notably "Invitation to Physics," showcasing his ability to navigate between the scientific and esoteric worlds.

The booklet of the CBD Tarot by Yoav Ben-Dov stands out with concise yet complete texts. The author takes the time to explain his personal methods for shuffling and drawing the cards, which brings an authentic and intimate touch to the guide. He also offers a definition of the four elements, which I find well-constructed and aligned with the classic concepts that I adhere to.

The interpretation of the court cards is approached in a fairly conventional way, and the explanations of the Major Arcana also remain in line with typical interpretations. However, it is worth noting that Yoav Ben-Dov adopts a rather down-to-earth approach, and some readers might feel a lack of depth in his understanding of the Fool's "journey" within the tarot. For example, the author does not establish a narrative progression between the major cards to illustrate the Fool's path.

As for the Pip cards, I somewhat disagree with Ben-Dov's perspective. His interpretations seem largely inspired by the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, but he also deviates from this standard for some cards, creating a blend that may seem confusing. Indeed, his pip cards follow neither a strict numerological interpretation nor the established meanings from the Rider-Waite-Smith. This gives a hybrid interpretation, unique in its own way, but which might lack coherence for purists of the Marseille Tarot.

It is clear that Ben-Dov has made the Marseille Tarot his own by integrating personal elements, and rightly so! But I would have appreciated if he had moved further away from the RWS to offer an approach purely centered on his personal understanding of the abstract pips in the Marseille Tarot.

A Spread Method to Try

Finally, the booklet ends with an interesting and somewhat unusual spread (in my opinion). He suggests a three-position spread with a unique dynamic: cards are drawn for each position, and as long as no major arcana appears, cards keep piling up. As soon as a major arcana appears, the focus moves to the next position, and so on, until a major card is obtained for each of the three positions. The final interpretation takes into account the three major arcana drawn, as well as all the cards stacked on each position. This system creates a rich and detailed reading, offering a nuanced insight into both major and minor influences at play. This approach adds an exploratory dimension to the spread, which might appeal to readers seeking a more complex and layered interpretation of their reading. I was fully convinced by this approach.

This CBD Tarot follows the line of Marseille Tarot type II decks, based on the Nicolas Conver tarot from 1760. Strong similarities are evident, especially in the color palette, which closely follows the original deck.

The Pip Cards and the Court Cards

The Pip cards and the Court cards very faithfully follow the style of the 1760 Conver Tarot, which helps root the deck in tradition. Therefore, it is not necessary to dwell on these cards, as they adhere to the graphic standards of the traditional Marseille Tarot.

Let's now look at the unique features of some of the Major Arcana cards.

On the Magician card, the character holds an acorn rather than a coin, as seen in Type II Marseille tarot versions. This symbolic choice can lead to various interpretations, allowing the reader to project a personal meaning.

On the Chariot’s emblem, we see the letters V and T, instead of initials like Y, B, or D for Yoav Ben-Dov. Although the exact meaning of these letters is uncertain, it’s likely the author explains this choice in his book – which I haven't consulted yet. However, this detail adds mystery to the card and invites users to ponder the role of symbols.

Justice’s scales are shown here slightly tilted, as in Type I Marseille tarots (Noblet, Dodal), where the character seems to press on one of the scales. This stylistic choice might suggest a biased judgement, driven by personal interests, contrasting with the static image of perfectly balanced scales.

The Hermit shows a noteworthy detail: it looks like he has a bump or scar on his forehead. This unusual detail is intriguing and could be interpreted as a sign of experience or accumulated wisdom, enhancing the image of a character who has faced trials to reach knowledge.

On this card, the figure of Strength appears to have six toes. According to Yoav Ben-Dov, this is not his invention but a continuation of certain historical Marseille tarots where this strange detail also appears. However, one might wonder if this is a historic engraving error or if it held esoteric meaning for Renaissance engravers. Personally, I tend to think it’s a graphic peculiarity (an engraving error) without any special interpretation.

On the Judgement card, we see the angel blowing into a trumpet. What’s curious here is that the trumpet’s mouthpiece is drawn ambiguously, giving the impression that the angel is sticking out their tongue. This detail might seem confusing, but it adds a touch of whimsy and originality to the image ^_^