The Medieval Feathers Tarot

Medieval Feathers Tarot - Marseille structure with bird feathers as an extra layer of meaning

Not every Marseille deck looks the same. This one adds something you will not find elsewhere: each card carries a specific bird feather, drawn with care for detail and given its own symbolic meaning.

Medieval Feathers Tarot was created by Jay R. Rivera, with illustrations by Alejandro R. Rozán. The visual language draws directly on medieval manuscripts: red and blue ink colours, gold accents, decorated letters and compositions that refer to illuminated texts. The cards themselves are large (82 × 139 mm) and have gilt edges.

What you see on the cards

The titles are in Old French, in line with the Marseille tradition. Each card also carries an English keyword that makes the meaning directly accessible. The major arcana follow the familiar sequence, from Le Bateleur to Le Monde. The minor arcana are structured according to the Marseille system: court cards and numbered cards without elaborated scenes.

Where this deck stands apart is the feather. Each card shows a specific bird feather, illustrated as part of the composition. The guidebook explains for each card which feather belongs to it and what it adds to the interpretation. You can use those layers separately or combine them, depending on how you read.

The set contains 80 cards. Alongside the standard 78 there are two bonus cards, including Le Consultant, a card that represents the querent and can be used in specific spreads.

How you work with it

This deck is built on the Marseille system, but the English keywords and the extensive guidebook offer more entry points than a classic Marseille deck. You do not need to know the French titles to work with it.

The guidebook runs to 232 pages in colour. For each card you get a description of the symbolism, the meaning of the depicted feather, and pointers for interpretation. There are also spreads developed specifically for this deck.

When you draw a card in a reading, look not only at the card itself but also at the depicted feather. The guidebook explains how you can use that second layer.

What this deck asks of you

The format is large and the cards are heavy because of the gilt edges. That makes them impressive to look at, but less practical for those with small hands or who often read on the go. This is a deck for home use, at a fixed spot.

The imagery is rich and detailed. That demands attention. If you are used to decks with lots of white space or simple compositions, this is a different experience. The manuscript style feels historical, but also layered. Not everyone responds to that aesthetic.

About Jay R. Rivera and Alejandro R. Rozán

Jay R. Rivera developed the concept and wrote the texts for this deck. His focus lies in combining classical systems with personal symbolism, in this case the addition of bird feathers to Marseille tarot.

Alejandro R. Rozán drew the cards. His style imitates the techniques of medieval illuminators: a limited colour palette, decorative borders, flat perspectives and careful linework.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 80 (78 tarot cards + 2 bonus cards)
• Card size: 82 × 139 mm
• Card finish: gilt edges
• Guidebook: 232 pages, full colour, English
• Language on cards: titles in Old French, keywords in English
• Packaging: hardcover box with gold foil and silk ribbon
• System: Marseille tarot with additional feather symbolism
• Author: Jay R. Rivera
• Illustrator: Alejandro R. Rozán

Questions we often get

Do I need to know French to work with this deck?
No. The titles are in Old French, but each card has an English keyword on the border. The guidebook is entirely in English and describes all cards in detail.

What does the feather add to the card?
Each card shows a specific bird feather with its own symbolism. The guidebook explains for each card which feather it is and how you can bring that meaning into your interpretation. You can use that layer or ignore it, depending on your preference.