Dame Fortune's Wheel tarot

Dame Fortune's Wheel Tarot - Marseille style with illustrative scenes on all cards

Most Marseille decks leave the minor arcana unillustrated: nine of cups shows nine cups, no scene, no context. That takes experience and abstract thinking. This deck works differently.

Paul Huson took the structure of the Marseille tradition but added a full scene to every card. That places Dame Fortune's Wheel Tarot closer to the Etteilla tradition, where images tell the story. The result is a classically styled set that reads much faster than a traditional Marseille deck.

What you see on the cards

The imagery is clear and somewhat spare. Colours are saturated but not lavish, lines are sharp. Huson drew figures in historical dress, surrounded by symbols that point directly to meaning.

The major arcana follow the classic Marseille order, with Justice at VIII and Strength at XI. The minor arcana show scenes in which you can read the energy of number and element. A Six of Wands, for instance, shows a figure with six wands in a specific arrangement, not just six abstract symbols.

The guidebook is multilingual and compact. You will find short meanings for each card, no elaborate narratives or spreads.

Who this deck works for

This deck is designed for those who want to learn the Marseille tradition but prefer not to start with abstract pip cards. The scenes give you something to hold on to without simplifying the symbolism.

It also works well if you already read other decks and are curious about the Marseille structure. The different numbering of Justice and Strength asks you to reconsider archetypes you may already know.

Lay a card from this deck beside the same card from a classic Marseille deck. Notice what Huson added and what he left out. That shows you how he interprets.

About Paul Huson

Paul Huson is a British author, artist and occultist. He wrote 'Mystical Origins of the Tarot', an influential book on the history and symbolism of tarot cards. His work in the film industry as art director sharpened his visual language.

Dame Fortune's Wheel Tarot applies his historical knowledge. Huson deliberately chooses older traditions and gives them a contemporary translation without disturbing the core.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Finish: matte cardstock
• Guidebook: multilingual (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German)
• Weight: 270 g
• Designer: Paul Huson
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from a standard Rider-Waite-Smith?
The structure is different: Justice sits at position VIII instead of XI, and the imagery is based on Marseille and Etteilla, not on the symbolism of Pamela Colman Smith. The scenes are sparer and more historical in tone.

Is this a suitable first deck?
Yes, provided you are interested in the Marseille tradition. The scenes on all cards make it more accessible than a classic Marseille deck, but the symbolism still asks you to engage with it.