Latin Tarot or Tarot de Marseille is getting more used, these days. Despite the popularity of the Rider-Waite cards, the Tarot de Marseille is very trendy in Europe and the US.
The Latin Tarot is one of the oldest decks. The Latin Tarot was initially a card game based on Italian folk traditions that traveled to France later on. In the 19th century, Papus, a French occultist gave the Latin Tarot its modern name, Tarot de Marseille.
Latin Tarot versus Modern Tarot, how do they differ?
Even though the structure of the two Tarot is similar and each deck has 78 cards, the Rider-Waite cards have unique illustrations and meaning while the drawings on the Marseille cards are symbolic to the suite they belong to. The methodology remains the same, though.
Here are the major differences:
One significant difference is that the numbered cards of the Tarot de Marseille are interpreted using Numerology.
The Marseille deck uses Batons, Epees, Coupes and Deniers instead of Wands, Swords, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.
Modern Tarot decks have Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings. The Tarot de Marseille has Valets, Chevaliers, Cavaliers, Dames and Rois.
- La Papesse and le Pape instead of The High Priestess and the Hierophan,
- La Maison Dieu instead of The Tower
- La Justice is no 8 instead of 11
- La Force is no 11 instead of 8
- L’Arcane sans nom for The Death
The symbols in Latin Tarot are simpler than on the Modern Tarot cards, leaving more room for creative imagery and intuition.
How to use the Latin Tarot or Tarot de Marseille?
You can use the Latin Tarot as you do for the Modern Tarot, with the same spreads and similar rules.
Making regular readings will help you master the topic, it’s a question of practice.
You will eventually develop your memory skills and strengthen your intuitive ones.
It is said that Latin Tarot or Tarot de Marseille has a richer and broader symbolism that can be deepen with extra study and experience.
Which Tarot deck to choose?
A Tarot Reading is a question of energy, it is up to you to choose a Tarot deck that fit your needs and answer to your questions.
Here again, trust your feelings and intuition, and you will be guided to the one that suits you better.
It is a matter of faith!