Review Ancient Italian Tarot from Unknown

The Ancient Italian Tarot deck by Lo Scarabeo comes in a soft cardboard box, a typical format for tarots published by this company. This packaging is standard, no big surprise for fans of the brand.

The cards themselves are relatively thin and flexible, a common characteristic of Lo Scarabeo decks. While in the past, I used to think this thinness was a sign of lower quality, I've learned to appreciate it. These cards offer great flexibility, making them very pleasant to handle. They glide perfectly between the fingers, which is a real asset for shuffling and drawing.

In terms of finish, they have a discreet satin finish, which means they don't shine excessively in the light. This choice of finish improves the visual and tactile experience during readings. The card dimensions are classic for a tarot deck: 12 cm by 6.5 cm. This standard format is practical, neither too big nor too small, allowing you to clearly distinguish the illustrations while remaining easy to handle.

The "Ancient Italian Tarot" deck published by Lo Scarabeo is a reissue of a classic 19th-century Italian tarot. Unfortunately, the available information does not specifically mention the original author of this divination deck. 

This tarot is described as the work of an anonymous artist who reinvented the classic design of Marseille decks. This creation marks an important step in the evolution of tarot in Italy, representing the maturity reached by this divinatory art in the country in the 19th century.

Lo Scarabeo, the publishing house that released this modern version, is known for its reproductions of historical and traditional tarot decks. They have reissued this deck to make it accessible to contemporary tarot enthusiasts, while preserving its original aesthetics and graphics.

Although the identity of the original artist remains unknown, his work is considered a significant example of 19th-century Italian tarot art. The deck likely reflects the cultural and artistic influences of that era in Italy, while remaining within the tradition of Marseille tarots.

The booklet included with the Ancient Italian Tarot is much more comprehensive than the simple sheets usually found with Marseille tarots. It contains 64 pages, which is remarkable for this type of product, but be aware that it is multilingual and offers text in six languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. This linguistic diversity is a hallmark of Lo Scarabeo, but it reduces the space dedicated to each language. Thus, we find about a dozen pages per language, which limits the depth of the information.

Booklet Content

The leaflet offers a brief introduction with a presentation of traditional tarots and a paragraph dedicated to Italian tarots.

Then it proposes an original spread: "The Hand". This spread is particularly interesting due to its structure of 7 cards:

• Thumb: will, vitality, creativity, sensuality.
• Index finger: order, ambition.
• Middle finger: concentration, intellect, destiny.
• Ring finger: artistic tendencies, love, social life.
• Little finger: intelligence, eloquence, skill.
• The palm represents strength, courage, and resistance.
• The side of the hand evokes imagination, dreams, and journeys.

This spread is out of the ordinary and offers an interesting symbolic approach, associating human qualities with the fingers of the hand.

Next comes the meanings of the cards, starting with the Major Arcana where each card is described upright and reversed, with a list of 6 to 8 keywords. A key word is given for each card, and sometimes this keyword stands out from what one might expect, for example, The Magician: will, The Hermit: prudence, The Hanged Man: exile, The Fool: oddities. Of course, one could say that this is normal, the illustrations are different from the canonical form of the Marseille Tarot, so we have different interpretations. Which would be very true, if the illustrations had graphic details suggesting such interpretations.

With the Minor Arcana, the suits follow the classic associations:

• Danari (Deniers) : Earth, economic and material activities.
• Bastoni (Bâtons) : Fire, physical activity (which may be surprising, as what is physical is often associated with Pentacles).
• Spade (Épées) : Air, reflection, logic.
• Coppe (Coupes) : Water, emotions, intuitions.

Each card is accompanied by 4 to 5 keywords that reflect a blend of traditional meanings (Rider-Waite-Smith) and numerology. While most of the proposed interpretations are classic, a few choices are debatable: The numbers 5 and 6 are presented as generally negative, which lacks neutrality in relation to their numerological symbolism. This is certainly due to the influence of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition.

The court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) remain within a classic interpretation, with keywords that make them accessible to both beginners and advanced users.

Conclusion about the leaflet

The leaflet of the Ancient Italian Tarot is a useful and well-designed resource, despite some limitations due to the multilingual format. Its original "The Hand" spread and the richness of its keywords make it a valuable asset for exploring this tarot. However, some interpretive choices may surprise purists. This booklet is perfectly suited for those seeking a mixed approach between tradition and originality.

In this deck, the Magician is not depicted as a typical juggler but more as a craftsman. On his table, various tools evoke a symbolism of the four elements: A vase for water (Cups), A stick or wooden objects for fire (Wands), A coin (or a disk) for earth (Pentacles), A hammer or pliers for metal, representing air (Swords).

This association of the elements gives a particular symbolic depth to this card. We also note that he raises a cup, seeming to make a toast with the implicit expression: "To your health". This detail reinforces a direct link with the querent. 

The iconography of the Magician with red hair could symbolize creativity or energy, characteristics often associated with fire. This enriches the perception of a character in motion and ready to act.

The Empress is surprisingly depicted with a metal corset, giving her the appearance of a warrior. This contrasts with the traditional image of fertility and abundance, placing her in a position of authority and power.

We also note a veil behind her shoulders, similar to that of the High Priestess, which brings them symbolically closer. The red hair, once again, reaffirms a recurring theme in this tarot: strength and passion.

This mixture of warrior and spiritual elements could suggest a tension between intellect (represented by the veil) and materiality (the metal corset), creating a balanced but complex Empress.

The representation of the Lovers is distinctly different from other tarots.  Rather than a man between two women, we find a soldier torn between a king (on the left) and a woman, probably his wife (on the right). The king embodies obedience to duty and authority, while the wife represents love and personal loyalty. This dilemma makes the card more narrative than symbolic. 

This version emphasizes the notion of choice in a hierarchical context, evoking a struggle between social allegiance and personal desire, which can apply to modern dilemmas.

The Chariot, a card of victory and movement, presents surprising elements here. In the center, instead of a coat of arms engraved with the creator's initials, we find a ram's head, a symbol of strength and determination. The figure is crowned, which could bring him closer to a king than a prince. On the ground, a laurel wreath offered by the gods is about to be trampled by the horses. This suggests a possible indifference or contempt of the character for divine honors or the authority that elevated him. The laurel wreath could also represent an ephemeral victory, quickly forgotten in the incessant quest for power or recognition.

Justice, traditionally associated with equity, takes on a more nuanced dimension here. The scales and sword are tilted, suggesting imperfect justice, influenced by human bias. An eye on Justice's necklace evokes a third eye, a symbol of intuition and higher wisdom. However, her gaze is lowered or directed towards the scales, highlighting inner reflection or questioning of her own judgments.

The absence of a throne, replaced by wings in this version, gives Justice a more ethereal quality, perhaps inspired by a divine ideal but lacking earthly stability. This interpretation reinforces the idea that this Justice oscillates between the interests and flaws of earthly life and an aspiration for an idealized divine justice.

In this version, the Wheel rests on solid ground, unlike some representations where it is associated with water or perpetual motion. The crank is absent from the frame, which may suggest a lack of direct control over destiny. A notable detail is the flaming cup placed on a spoke of the wheel, whose smoke rises towards the figure at the top. This figure, reminiscent of Zeus, throws lightning bolts, marking his peak of power and influence. He holds a cornucopia, from which coins and a crown fall towards an animal climbing the wheel, perhaps a fox or a wolf. The fire in the cup can represent transformation or destruction, while the climbing animal illustrates cunning (fox) or instinctive force (wolf). This highlights the ephemerality of power and possessions.

This card depicts a woman in a direct confrontation with a lion, a more conflictive image than in other tarots where the lion seems tamed. Here, the lion places a clawed paw on the woman's dress, while she, with one foot, keeps it on the ground. This intense face-to-face shows an active struggle between primal impulses (the lion) and human control (the woman). The woman's determined gaze and her gesture to ward off the lion's mouth symbolize an inner struggle or a quest for mastery. But the outcome remains uncertain: the lion maintains a threatening position, illustrating a fragile balance between domination and failure.

The Hanged Man in this deck has a fearful expression, an unusual detail in classic representations where the expression is more serene. This may suggest a form of forced sacrifice or a moment of inner crisis. Suspended upside down, he offers a different perspective, but his expression suggests resistance or doubt about the path to follow. This card could therefore be interpreted as a call to accept a painful transformation to reach a new balance.

This version of the "Death" card is distinguished by a scene rich in symbols. On the ground lie a papal tiara, a royal crown, books, as well as tools such as a saw, a hammer, a palette, and a brush. These elements suggest the death of old statuses, knowledge, and creations, but also the possibility of renewal.

The inclusion of artistic and intellectual tools can be interpreted as a message about the importance of transforming and reinventing our human capacities after an inevitable end.

This depiction of the Devil is particularly dynamic. He stands in flames, surrounded by creatures that seem to defy him or try to hinder him. Two serpents, one blue and the other green, coil around him, while a large lizard is trampled under his feet. In addition, a humanoid green devilkin grips one of his legs.

The Devil carries a trident, a symbol of control, and sports a shaggy red beard. His hair, similar to that of the mythological Medusa, seems composed of serpents. These details reinforce the image of a being dominated by chaotic forces, but also master of his own temptations. The creatures that assail him may represent inner struggles or external influences. This evokes the tension between the allure of power and the consequences of yielding to one's own desires.

In the Ancient Italian Tarot, the Tower card, also called The Lightning in the early centuries of tarot history, takes on a visually striking interpretation here. What immediately catches the eye is the presence of a cannon at the top of the tower, a strong symbol of defense and aggression. This could evoke the ego of a person ready to conquer and dominate, to the point of fighting to achieve their ambitions. The Tower thus seems to carry a warning message against excessive pride and destructive behaviors.

Below, the scene is chaotic: a man is trapped in the collapsing tower, while another is falling. On the ground, a third individual lies inert, crushed by debris (beam or hewn stone). These details accentuate the idea of inevitable consequences when foundations are unstable.

A coat of arms is visible at the foot of the tower. It seems to represent an animal, perhaps a bull, a symbol of strength and obstinacy. This detail could enrich the interpretation, emphasizing the struggle between ambition and reality.

This card is distinguished by its soothing and mysterious atmosphere. An intriguing detail is the presence of an owl in the tree, a classic symbol of wisdom and intuition. The star, at the center of the image, seems to be shooting, evoking a fleeting moment of luck or inspiration.

The main character is a young red-haired woman, wrapped in a red fabric that girds her hips. This red color could be interpreted as an allusion to the menstrual cycle, reinforcing a connection to femininity and natural cycles. The water she pours at her feet, associated with the stars above her, creates a harmony between the earthly and the celestial.

A notable particularity: she fixes the viewer directly, creating an intimate relationship with the observer. This could symbolize trust or a call to reconnect with one's intuition.

Here, the imagery is rich and singular. In the center, a red lobster rests on a plate, surrounded by two clearly identifiable dogs, and not wolves as in some versions of the tarot. This visual choice could highlight a domesticated or faithful aspect of instinct.

Two towers rise in the background, with an opening leading to the sea and two boats in motion. This detail could symbolize an emotional or spiritual journey, with a passage between two worlds (land and water, conscious and unconscious).

The sky is overcast, but a lunar disk illuminates the scene. The full moon, almost veiled, embodies illusion, secrets, and natural cycles. The contrast between light and shadow intensifies the mystery of this card.

Unlike the classic version with two children, here it is a couple of adults – a man and a woman – dancing under the sun. Their round dance could represent a celebration of life, love, or prosperity. The richly decorated wall in the background reinforces the idea of a place of comfort and abundance.

The couple is surrounded by lush vegetation and flowers, accentuating an atmosphere of joy and fertility. The sun, dominating the scene, pierces the clouds with its rays, symbolizing clarity, truth, and success.

An intriguing detail: the man seems to have red hair, while the woman might be brunette. This could recall the idea of a balance between different energies (fire and earth, action and intuition).

In this version of the Ancient Italian Tarot, the angel blows a trumpet, but unlike the Marseille tarot, this trumpet does not bear a banner. This may symbolize an absence of explicit message or a more universal communication, without specific affiliation.

At the bottom of the card, we do not see just three characters as in the Marseille tarot, but a real multitude of individuals, at least a dozen, who seem to react differently to the angel's call. These characters present a wide range of emotions: a man raises his arms to the sky, a woman prays, another holds his face in despair, and an old man seems to remain impassive. This diversity can represent the plurality of human reactions to judgment or change: fear, resignation, acceptance, or faith.

A man in the foreground seems to be emerging from a sarcophagus or an open stele. He protects his face with one arm, as if to shield himself from the punishment or energy sent by the angel. This could symbolize resistance to renewal or fear of a divine revelation.

The angel is particularly striking in this card: he has red hair and wears a red tunic. This intense color can evoke fire, passion, or even blood, reinforcing an atmosphere of tension and major transformation. One can imagine here an evocation of a cataclysm where blood would be a metaphor for the sacrifices necessary to be reborn.

In this card, we notice that, on the left, the bull replaces the horse, which is consistent with the type 1 Marseille tarot, where the bull is generally represented. The young woman, at the center of the mandorla, is surrounded by particularly intriguing symbolic elements.

She wears golden bracelets, a blue veil on her back, and another pink veil covering her intimacy. The blue and pink (red) can evoke a balance between the spiritual and the material, an opposition often present in the World cards. The vegetal mandorla, traditionally intact, is here partially charred. A quarter of this mandorla is burned, precisely on the side where the eagle is, which is also charred. This representation could symbolize a transition or partial sacrifice in achieving fulfillment. This gives an interesting reading: perfection (the circle of the mandorla) may require destruction to rebuild.

Finally, the angel to the left of the eagle does not join hands in prayer, which differs from traditional interpretations. This may suggest an absence of divine mediation or a more passive participation in the accomplishment of the human quest.

In the Ancient Italian Tarot, the Fool card is numbered 0. On his back is the letter "M", probably a reference to his Italian name, "Il Matto". Unlike the Marseille tarot, he does not wear a jester's costume, but a simpler, almost traveler-like outfit. This could indicate a more pragmatic approach to the initiatory journey.

The Fool carries a bundle and a walking stick, as in other classic versions. It is noted that he has lost a shoe, walking with one foot shod and the other bare. This symbolic detail could represent an imbalance or partial detachment from material constraints. The grass on the ground reinforces the idea of a connection to the earth, and his gaze turned towards the reader seems to invite reflection on one's own quest.

The dog behind him has a particular posture. Rather than biting or following him as in other versions, it seems to circle around the Fool, almost playfully. This behavior could symbolize a non-threatening companion, like a guide inviting to explore the environment with curiosity rather than fear.

The Ancient Italian Tarot by Lo Scarabeo presents significant differences in the court cards compared to the Marseille tarot. These distinctions enrich the interpretation and provide a fresh perspective on these emblematic figures. Here are the notable points:

Differences in symbols and postures

• The Queen of Cups: Unlike the Marseille tarot version, she does not wear a sheaf of plants above her head, which can alter the traditional interpretation related to fertility and abundance. The absence of symbols like the sheaf of plants (Queen of Cups) or the laurel crown (Queen of Wands) could be seen as an attempt to desacralize or humanize these figures. This grounds them more in historical and emotional reality.
• The Page of Pentacles: In this deck, he does not hold a double pentacle (one he would hold in front of him and another placed on the ground). However, the King of Pentacles does indeed display two pentacles, one positioned between his knee and hand, and another placed to his right. This double presence of pentacles could symbolize increased mastery of material resources or an abundance surplus.
• The Queen of Wands: She does not wear the traditional laurel crown, which could diminish the aspects of triumph or recognition associated with this card.
• The Queen of Swords: Her posture also differs: she places her hand on her chest rather than on her belly, and does not appear pregnant, unlike some interpretations of the Marseille tarot. This can emphasize a less maternal representation and more focused on intellect or emotional power. The Queen of Swords, with her hand on her chest, seems to invite a more emotional or introspective interpretation than the classic version. This card could then represent sincerity or personal reflection.

Pictorial richness and clothing creativity

One of the most striking aspects of the court cards in this deck is the richness and diversity of the outfits. The clothes are ornate, very elaborate, and reflect a certain opulence. Each character seems to stand out not only by their symbolic position but also by their unique appearance.

The headgear, in particular, attracts attention: hats and adornments vary considerably from one figure to another, denoting great creativity. These clothing details add a historical dimension to these cards, suggesting inspiration drawn from the fashion or traditions of the Italian era.

The opulence of the clothing and accessories of the court cards could be interpreted as an emphasis on the material and social aspects of figures of power. This could reinforce the idea of hierarchy and wealth associated with Italian royal courts.

These modifications allow for rethinking the traditional symbols of the court cards. For example, compared to the Rider-Waite, where the emphasis is on the emotions and actions of the figures, the Ancient Italian Tarot seems to favor a visual and historical register, anchoring the cards in a more concrete context.

In summary, the court cards of this deck stand out for their rich iconography and subtly different symbolism, inviting varied interpretations. These modifications offer a new perspective for readers curious to explore the nuances and historical origins of ancient tarots.