Minchiate al Cigno Tarot - reproduction of a Bolognese deck from 1775
Standard tarot has 78 cards. This deck has 97. The difference lies in the Minchiate system, an expansion that was popular in Italy from the sixteenth century onward. Alongside the usual trumps it includes the twelve signs of the zodiac, the four elements, and extra virtues such as Hope, Faith and Love.
The Minchiate al Cigno is a reproduction of a Bolognese deck from circa 1775. The original has survived, and this version follows the imagery and colours closely. The card stock is deliberately aged, which fits the Anima Antiqua series from Lo Scarabeo.
What you see on the cards
The style is baroque, with fine lines and stately figures. The colours are not bright but muted and warm. Gold, rust red, ochre and blue-green dominate.
Each sign of the zodiac has its own card with classical iconography. The elements are shown as allegorical figures. The virtues carry attributes that would have been recognised in the eighteenth century but now require explanation.
The pip cards follow the Italian tradition: wands, swords, cups and coins without scenes or characters. Only the court cards show people.
How this deck works in practice
The 97-card structure makes this no beginner deck. You need to know how to work with a larger number of trumps and what the astrological symbols mean. Otherwise you will get stuck at surface recognition.
The extra cards do offer more specific answers. A question about timing becomes more concrete when you can link the signs of the zodiac to periods in the year. The elements show which energy dominates, the virtues which principle is at play.
Pull one extra card as a refinement of an existing spread. That works better than setting up a full Minchiate reading straight away if you are still getting used to the system.
About Lo Scarabeo
Lo Scarabeo from Turin has been publishing tarot cards since 1987. The Anima Antiqua series reproduces historical decks with respect for the original and an eye for usability. The card stock is sturdy enough to work with, the format authentic but not unwieldy.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 97
- Card size: 57 x 102 mm
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Series: Anima Antiqua Limited Edition
- Card stock: aged finish
- Packaging: luxury fold-out storage box
- Language instructions: multilingual, including English and Italian
- ISBN: 9780738775883
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this deck and a standard tarot?
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards. This deck has 97 through the addition of twelve astrological cards, four element cards and three extra virtues. The numbering and order of the trumps also differs.
Does this include a guidebook in English?
Yes. The instructions are multilingual and include English and Italian. The guidebook explains the historical context and gives basic information about the extra cards.
