This week I'll be exploring the Lo Scarabeo Da Vinci Tarot (artwork: Iassen Ghiuselev and A. Atana Atanassov, author: Mark McElroy). This is one of two Da Vinci based decks that I own (the other is the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, which I'll be switching to next week).
This week's deck is a reworking of Da Vinci's artwork, blending elements from various works of art or using the inspiration of Da Vinci's style in order to illustrate the concepts of Tarot from a Renaissance context. The cards are subtly shaded in soft browns and greys with light tints drawing in other colors. The overall effect is very peaceful and classic even though it is a modern deck.
The booklet that comes with the deck includes some information on Da Vinci and his philosophies, and the commentary on each card suggests what advice each card recommends (or discourages, in the case of revesals), as well as thought questions to ask oneself when contemplating the card. As with all of Mark McElroy's works, I find it to be very engaging, relevant to everyday life, and actually useful - he has a knack for getting to the spirit of things while keeping feet firmly planted on the ground.
Comments