Tarot de Marseille Convos – A Vibrant Rebirth of Tradition
About this Deck
The Tarot de Marseille Convos is a stunning reinterpretation of one of history's most significant tarot lineages. Created by the Swiss artist Otto Spalinger, this deck breathes new life into the classic Marseille structure, which has served as a cornerstone of divination for centuries. By blending the ancient geometry of the cards with a sophisticated, luminous palette, Spalinger has created a bridge between the 18th-century heritage and the needs of the modern seeker. It is a deck that feels both grounded in history and remarkably fresh in the hand.
Symbolism and Themes
At its heart, this deck is a tribute to the legendary woodcuts of Nicolas Conver from 1760. However, rather than simply replicating the past, Spalinger has meticulously redrawn the illustrations with a focus on clarity and chromatic depth. The primary colors—vibrant blues, deep reds, lush greens, and radiant yellows—are not merely decorative; they serve to highlight the energetic flow of the archetypes. The symbolism remains true to the traditional Marseille system, where the Major Arcana present powerful universal archetypes and the Minor Arcana feature intricate floral and geometric pip arrangements, encouraging a reading style based on intuition and pattern recognition.
The Creators
Otto Spalinger
A renowned Swiss artist and researcher, Otto Spalinger is celebrated for his ability to translate classical art forms into contemporary masterpieces. His work on the Convos deck is the result of deep respect for tarot history combined with his unique vision for color theory. His goal was to make the sometimes-rigid woodcut style of the Marseille tarot more fluid and accessible without losing its esoteric soul.
Practical Use
The Tarot de Marseille Convos is highly versatile. Because of its clear lines and expressive colors, it is an excellent tool for those practicing "open reading"—the art of looking at where the characters are facing and how they interact across the spread. Whether you are performing a complex Celtic Cross or a simple three-card pull, the visual weight of these cards provides immediate clarity.
When reading with this deck, pay close attention to the direction of the characters' gazes. In the Marseille tradition, the "look" of a figure often dictates the direction of the energy or the connection to the next card in the spread.
Features
- Number of cards: 78
- Language: Spanish
- ISBN: 9780913866603
- Publisher: AGM AGMüller
- Weight: 295 g
- Dimensions: 63 x 120 mm
Expert FAQ
How does the Convos version differ from a standard Marseille deck?
While it retains the original 18th-century iconography, the artwork is redrawn for greater precision and the colors are much more vibrant and nuanced than the flat primary colors found on historical reproductions.
Is this deck suitable for those used to the Rider-Waite-Smith system?
Yes, though it is a different system. While the Major Arcana are similar, the Minor Arcana are "pips" (numbered symbols). This deck is a fantastic way to transition into the Marseille style because the art is so clear and inviting.
What is the finish of the cards like?
The cards are printed on high-quality, sturdy cardstock with a smooth finish, making them durable for daily use and very easy to shuffle, even for those with smaller hands.
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