Before Tarot

Before Tarot – Witness the Moments Before the Legend

Have you ever wondered what led the Fool to the precipice, or what the Magician was doing just before he raised his wand to the heavens? Before Tarot is an extraordinary and visionary deck that takes you to the moments immediately preceding the iconic scenes of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. It offers a rare glimpse into the "pre-story" of the cards, adding a rich layer of context, narrative, and soul-searching depth to every reading. This is not just a deck; it is a time machine for your intuition.

About this Deck

The essence of the Before Tarot lies in its ability to capture anticipation and preparation. Each card is a masterpiece of storytelling, maintaining the classic aesthetic we know and love while introducing a fresh, cinematic perspective. The vibe is one of discovery—it feels like peeling back a curtain to see the hidden motivations of the archetypes. Whether you are a seasoned reader or a curious beginner, this deck invites you to see the tarot not as static images, but as a living, breathing journey through time.

Symbolism and Themes

The system remains rooted in the traditional 78-card tarot structure, but the symbolism is expanded to include causality. The main themes revolve around "cause and effect," intention, and the power of choice. By showing the action that leads up to the traditional scene, this deck highlights the psychological state of the figures. It explores the "why" behind the "what," making it a perfect tool for identifying the roots of a situation or the subconscious seeds of a future outcome.

The Creators

Corrine Kenner
An acclaimed tarot author and researcher, Corrine Kenner is known for her ability to make complex esoteric concepts accessible and engaging. Her guidebook provides clear, symbolically rich interpretations that bridge the gap between the precursor scenes and traditional meanings.

Eon (Eon Art Studio)
The illustrators at Eon Art Studio have meticulously captured the look and feel of the original Smith-Waite deck. Their talent lies in their ability to seamlessly integrate new, imaginative details that feel like they have always belonged to the tarot’s secret history.

Practical Use

The Before Tarot can be used as a standalone deck for any traditional spread. It is particularly effective for shadow work, ancestral readings, or identifying the origins of a current conflict. Many readers find it helpful to use this deck in a "Past" position to get a more literal look at what transpired before the present moment.

To deepen your practice, try a "Timeline Reading." Lay a Before Tarot card next to its traditional Rider-Waite counterpart and an After Tarot card. This creates a powerful three-part sequence that reveals the full evolution of your query from start to finish.

Features

• Number of cards: 78 full-color cards
• Language: Multilingual (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian)
• ISBN: 9788865274758
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Guidebook: English guidebook (approx. 160 pages) included
• Weight: 500 grams
• Dimensions: 70 x 120 mm

Expert FAQ

Is this deck suitable for those who don't know the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
While it is very helpful to know the traditional images, it is not strictly necessary. The guidebook explains the context perfectly, and for beginners, it can actually make the cards easier to memorize by giving them a narrative "backstory."

Does this deck follow the traditional Minor Arcana meanings?
Yes, it follows the traditional system. The only difference is that the artwork depicts the moment before the traditional climax, which often reinforces the classic meaning by showing the intent behind it.

How does the energy of this deck differ from the "After Tarot"?
While the After Tarot focuses on consequences and "where we go from here," the Before Tarot is more focused on origins, motivations, and the hidden beginnings of things. It is more about the internal spark before the external action.

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