Understanding The Tarot of Marseille

How to Read and Interpret this Classic Deck.

Understanding The Tarot of Marseille

The Tarot of Marseille is a very old deck dating back to the 1700’s.

Thus it has a more primitive yet elegant look, making it popular among serious Tarot deck collectors.

And while the Major Arcana (example above) in the Marseille Tarot is easy to recognize, it’s the Minor Arcana which trips up many first time readers…particularly those who are used to the Rider Tarot or similar decks.

Why?

No illustrations on the numbered cards.

The Rider Tarot was one of the first popular decks which used illustrations on all 78 cards (and all popular decks since have done the same).

But…the Tarot of Marseille dates back to an earlier and simpler time in which the numbered cards were not illustrated.

This leads to a major problem for many contemporary Tarot Readers. 

How do you interpret the numbered cards (example below) without the illustrations to guide you?

Do I have to go to a Tarot guide book and memorize long detailed definitions of each card?

Fortunately the answer to this question is no.

There is an easier way!

What will follow is a look at how to interpret the numbered cards of the Minor Arcana.

I will not deal with the Major Arcana or the Royals at this time as their interpretation is very much in line with other decks.

For now I will only deal with the problem of interpreting the numbered cards!

How To Interpret The Pip Cards of the Tarot of Marseille

The answer to this problem is surprisingly simple.

Just interpret the numbered cards using basic numerology.

Vincent Pitisci in his book Bare-Bones Tarot gives an easy formula for interpreting the numbered cards of the Marseille Tarot which relies upon Numerology and Keywords.

This is a simple formula that beginners can pick up on pretty quickly to aid them in understanding the Tarot of Marseille and other decks too.

I will give a brief rundown of this formula below.

Understanding The Numbered Cards Using Numerology. 

Before attempting to read with the Tarot of Marseille, we first must gain a basic understanding of Numerology.

Then use that understanding to find easy to remember Keywords to associate with each of the numbered cards.

Let us start with the Aces.

The Ace stands for New Beginnings.

So when you see an Ace, think of Keywords that speak of Beginnings.

Possible Keywords could be a New Idea, Opportunity, or Awareness.

Just use your imagination and come up with Keywords that make sense to you.

Next we have the Twos.

Twos can stand for Choices, Harmony or Duality.

Again, think of Keywords that match or build upon that basic meaning, and be prepared to run with it.

Next up…the Threes.

Threes can stand for Trinity and Creativity.

What Keywords or phrases can you think of that match that meaning?

Then we have the Fours.

Fours stand for Stability.

Possible Keywords can be Foundation, Solid Opportunity or Security.

What Keywords can you think of?

Next…the Fives.

Five stands for Change.

What Keywords can you think of that go with the concept of change?

The Sixes.

Six stands for Perseverance.

Keywords like Love, Compassion, Nurturing, Healing, Steadfastness can all come to mind.

What does it mean to persevere with a person or situation?

The Sevens.

Seven can stand for Excellence or Perfection.

What Keywords come to mind for you?

The Eights.

Eight can stand for Speed and Advancement.

Think of related words and run with those.

The Nines.

Nine stands for Attainment.

What words come to mind relating to attaining something you desire?

Lastly…the Tens.

Ten stands for Completion of the old cycle and the beginning of a new cycle.

Think of keywords that match that meaning and make sense to you.

Of course this is a radically simplified version of reading the numbered cards using basic Numerology.

Notice we did not deal with the suits at all, only the numerology.

And this is sufficient to get you started on your reading journey.

You can always add in the elemental qualities of the suits to your readings later if you like.

Or just run with the numerology.

Vincent Pitisci goes into much greater depth and detail in his book Bare-Bones Tarot.

And his methods of reading can be used with the Tarot of Marseille…or any other deck you like to use.

To get a complete understanding of this reading method, check out Vincent’s book on Amazon.

Ready to start your Tarot reading journey using the Tarot of Marseille?  If so, pick up your own deck today.

Happy Readings!
Ralph