El Gran Tarot Esoterico

El Gran Tarot Esotérico - astrology and kabbalah in primary colours

Not every deck reads the major arcana the same way. El Gran Tarot Esotérico does not follow the standard Rider-Waite route, but bases itself on the Eudes Picard system. A lesser-known tradition that puts mystical philosophy at the centre.

The deck is designed by Maritxu Guler and Luis Peña Longa, published by Lo Scarabeo. The cards combine astrological signs and Hebrew letters with clear, almost graphic illustrations. Primary colours dominate: red, blue, yellow, black.

What you see on the cards

The illustrations are crisp and symbolically dense. No naturalistic scenes, but a visual language that points toward cosmic laws and kabbalistic structures. Each major arcana carries a Hebrew letter and an astrological symbol.

The minor arcana are worked out in as much detail as the majors. That is not always the case in esoteric decks, but here every card gets its own visual language.

The format is compact: 60 x 110 mm. The cards sit comfortably in the hand and the smooth, glossy cardstock shuffles easily.

Who this deck works for

This is not a starter deck. The symbolism asks for study and knowledge of astrological and kabbalistic systems. Readers who are already familiar with tarot and looking for an alternative perspective outside the Rider-Waite tradition will find a rich source here.

The deck invites you to make connections between cards and planets, between letters and archetypes. That makes it suitable for readers who like to dig deeper than the standard meanings.

Lay the cards beside an astrological diagram and watch how the symbols speak to each other. The astrological layer gives every reading an extra dimension.

About Maritxu Guler

Maritxu Guler is often called the 'mother of Spanish tarot'. She was a spiritual teacher, symbol expert and a key figure in the spread of esoteric knowledge in Spain. Together with Luis Peña Longa she developed this deck as a tool for mystical study.

Guler's work is known for its philosophical depth and respect for ancient traditions. This deck carries that signature.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Format: 60 x 110 mm
• Material: smooth cardstock with glossy finish
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Designers: Maritxu Guler and Luis Peña Longa
• Booklet languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, German
• Includes: multilingual companion booklet

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from a Rider-Waite or Marseille tarot?
This deck follows the Eudes Picard system, an esoteric tradition that integrates astrological and kabbalistic layers into the cards. The visual language is more abstract and symbolic than the narrative style of Rider-Waite. The Marseille system uses different numbering and structure; this deck stands apart from that.

Are the cards suitable for beginners?
The cards are technically usable for anyone, but the symbolism requires prior knowledge. Someone just starting with tarot and with no basic knowledge of astrology or kabbalah will find the deck challenging. It is more of a study deck for advanced readers.