Tarot de Marseille Convos – A Radiant Revival of Sacred Tradition
The Tarot de Marseille Convos is a breathtaking bridge between the historical roots of divination and the vibrant energy of the modern era. While many Marseille decks feel like dusty relics of the past, this Portuguese edition breathes new life into the iconic 18th-century woodcuts of Nicolas Conver. It is a deck that glows with a luminous, artistic sensitivity, making the ancient archetypes feel more accessible and alive than ever before.
This edition is specifically tailored for Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) seekers, offering a refined aesthetic that honors the 1760 tradition while providing a clear, intuitive experience for the contemporary reader. Whether you are a scholar of the Marseille tradition or a newcomer drawn to its geometric precision, the Convos deck invites you into a world of primary colors and profound clarity.
About this Deck
The essence of the Tarot de Marseille Convos lies in its "re-imagined" nature. Artist Otto Spalinger did not simply copy the old plates; he felt them. By softening the harsh lines of traditional woodcuts and applying a rich, multi-layered color palette, he created a deck that feels both grounded and ethereal. The "vibe" is one of timeless wisdom—it carries the weight of history but vibrates with a frequency that suits modern meditation and psychological inquiry.
The visual style is striking. The backgrounds often feature gentle gradients or subtle textures that add depth to the cards, distinguishing them from the flat-color facsimiles common in the market. This depth helps the reader "enter" the card, making the 78 images feel like windows into a sacred narrative.
Symbolism and Themes
Following the strict Marseille system, this deck focuses on the power of the 22 Major Arcana and the structured, floral patterns of the 56 Minor Arcana (pips). The symbolism is deeply rooted in the Christian and Hermetic influences of 18th-century France. The characters—from the Magician (O Mago) to the World (O Mundo)—retain their classic postures and enigmatic gazes, yet Spalinger’s use of color highlights specific symbolic elements that are often lost in lower-quality prints.
Themes of balance, cosmic order, and the journey of the soul are central here. Because the Minor Arcana are not illustrated with scenic "Rider-Waite" style vignettes, the deck encourages a more mathematical and intuitive approach to reading, where the arrangement of swords, batons, cups, and coins reveals the flow of energy.
The Creators
Otto Spalinger
A visionary Swiss artist, Spalinger is renowned for his ability to translate spiritual concepts into visual masterpieces. His work on the Convos deck is considered one of the most successful "restorations" in tarot history because it preserves the soul of the original while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Nicolas Conver
Though he passed centuries ago, Conver’s influence is the foundation of this deck. His 1760 Marseille deck is the gold standard for the "Type II" Marseille pattern, and his original woodcuts provide the structural DNA for every card in this collection.
Practical Use
The Tarot de Marseille Convos is excellent for open-style readings and "visual tracking," where the direction of the characters' gazes and the movement of the pips guide the interpretation. It is a sturdy, professional-grade tool that handles beautifully during shuffling.
"When reading with the Convos deck, don't just look at the symbols. Look at the colors. Let the vibrancy of the reds and the depth of the blues tell you about the emotional temperature of the situation before you even read the card's name."
Features
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Language: Portuguese
- ISBN: 9783905219739
- Publisher: AGM-Urania
- Weight: 250 grams
- Dimensions: 70 x 120 mm
Expert FAQ
Is this deck suitable for beginners who are used to the Rider-Waite-Smith system?
It is a different system. While the names of the Major Arcana are similar, the Minor Arcana (pips) do not have "pictures" of people. Beginners can certainly use it, but it requires learning the Marseille method of reading patterns and numbers rather than storytelling scenes.
What makes the "Convos" version different from a standard Marseille deck?
The primary difference is the artistry of Otto Spalinger. He used more sophisticated shading and a wider color spectrum than the traditional red, blue, and yellow. This makes the deck feel more "artistic" and less like a vintage reproduction.
Are the card titles and guidebook in Portuguese?
Yes, this specific edition features Portuguese titles on the cards and includes a guidebook in Portuguese, making it an ideal choice for the international Lusophone community.
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