Tarot under a Tuscan Sun: The Genesis of the Renaissance Trumps 

Presented by Annette McPherson

Tarot (or Tarocchi) is a nebulus body of knowledge and practices living and growing dynamically across various countries today. But the organic explosion of tarot and tarot decks today has its genesis and roots in the Renaissance in northern Italy with later evolution throughout other European countries especially France. But like any other field of human endeavour Tarot Lore also has its controversies.  The genesis of Tarot as a mystical psycho-spiritual practice is discussed and argued over by many tarot commentators from various fields. 

 This month we will look at the Marseille Deck. This deck had become the standard and most used tarot deck in France and elsewhere in Europe.  The Tarot de Marseille went on to have a profound effect on the Golden Dawn members. But is it French in origin, or is it based on Italian decks from the Florentine Renaissance.  One of the most influential philosophers at the time of the Italian Renaissance was Marsillio Ficino (1433 to 1499). The work and scholarship of Marsillio Ficino and the Platonic Academy that he founded in Florence would lead to the creation of Trump cards later depicted in the Tarot de Marseille. 

But why were Trumps created and what was the thinking behind the themes and graphics chosen to tell the story of the Hero’s Journey. Many tarot scholars writing about the early Italian tarocchi decks describe the reasons for their origin as simply a game where an additional 22 cards were added to an already existing 52 card deck.  The 52 card decks with four suits were used in Italy and elsewhere in Europe for games and gambling and had been in existence centuries before the Renaissance. 

The Italian Renaissance saw an incredible upsurge of Christian Hermeneutics and Humanism, Neoplatonism, and Christian, Astrology and Aristotelian Kabbalah. Given the mystical philosophical environment of the independent Florentine world, one can easily imagine the impetus and the attraction for philosophers and artists to develop the additional Trump cards displaying iconography and artwork reflective of the period.  But why were particular symbols and graphics chosen and was there a deeper purpose for the cards other than for games. The whos, the whys and wherefores abound. 

Bring along your Marseille Decks and we will delve into some of the mystic and esoteric iconogaphy of The Tarot de Marseille

At Elemental Connection Shop 7 1 Finucane Rd Capalaba QLD 4157. Same car park as Spotlight.

Bio of Presenter: Annette McPherson has had a passion for Tarot and Oracle Cards for the more than 10 years but has delved into the world of mysticism, meditative practices, history and philosophy for most of her adult life. 

Annette’s interests were sparked early on in her life while living and travelling in Scotland visiting stone circles, ancient sites and learning about the ancient and modern history of the celts.  

Upon returning to Australia Annette completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in history and sociology and pursued a career in University Management during which time she spent a number of years as an Academic Counsellor later taking on management positions. Since discovering Tarot, Annette has enjoyed reading for friends and family and delving into the history and origins of the cards.   

In later years Annette has travelled to Egypt, India, Italy and many European countries always interested in the history and spiritual life of various places. She has a particular interest in Northern Italy and has spent many months living there with her partner. 

Now retired Annette has much more time to focus on her passion for Tarot.