Answers to you Questions about Tarot: Tarot History and Tarot de Marseille

Today’s question is from Richard. Richard wants to know about the Alejandro Jodorowsky Tarot de Marseille. Richard wonders if this would be a good tarot deck for him. He also wonders about Jodorowsky’s claim that Tarot de Marseille is the oldest tarot deck; older even than Visconti-Sforza.

When it comes to tarot history, I vote with the majority. Many modern tarot luminaries, including Mary K. Greer have worked long and hard to research the origins of tarot. When they say tarot had its birth in Italy, I believe them.

There has always been a lot of controversy about tarot’s origins, and there are many opposing theories to Greer’s, including Jodorowsky’s claim that Marseille gave birth to the original tarot. Since no one living today was there, no one truly knows. But I am comfortable with current accepted historical thinking.

I am not passionate about Tarot de Marseille. I own a few Marseille-style decks, but I rarely work with them. I prefer a fully illustrated deck.

Tarotists who prefer Tarot de Marseille find the images stimulate their intuition. I am sure the Jodorowsky Marseille deck would be an effect deck for someone who enjoys this tarot tradition.

I admire Jodorowsky and all his accomplishments. I don’t agree with his idea that there is only one true tarot. I believe that all tarot has its place and that the best tarot deck is the one that resonates for you.

Enjoy the video. If you have a question about tarot, please email me.

Christiana Answers a Question about Tarot de Marseille

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