The Major Tarot Traditions

Tarot is not a uniform system. Over the centuries, several major traditions have developed, each with its own aesthetic, philosophy, and use. Understanding these traditions helps you choose the right tool — and interpret the cards in their proper context.

The Tarot de Marseille: The French Tradition

Origins

The Tarot de Marseille represents the classical European tradition. Although the city of Marseille gave it its name, these decks were produced throughout Europe from the 15th to the 18th century. The earliest known specimens date from northern Italy in the 1440s (the Visconti-Sforza), but the Marseille form standardized around the 17th century.

Visual Characteristics

The Major Arcana feature highly codified symbolic figures: bold primary colors (red, blue, yellow), geometric compositions, figures often facing the viewer directly. The Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, Coins) are non-illustrated — the pip cards show only the corresponding number of suit objects, with no narrative scene.

Philosophy

The Tarot de Marseille is a tool of symbolic contemplation. The absence of narrative scenes in the Minors requires the reader to develop their own intuitive sensitivity. It is the tradition favored by professional French-speaking tarot readers and practitioners who want to work directly with symbols without illustrative support.

Key Examples

• Tarot de Marseille by Jean Noblet (1659)
• Tarot de Marseille by Nicolas Conver (1760)
• Tarot de Marseille by Camoin-Jodorowsky (contemporary restoration)

The Rider-Waite-Smith: The Illustrated Revolution

Origins

Published in 1909 by the Rider company in England, this tarot is the work of three figures: Arthur Edward Waite (esoteric theologian and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn), Pamela Colman Smith (artist and illustrator, also a Golden Dawn member), and Rider (the publisher). Pamela Colman Smith, often called "Pixie," drew all 78 cards under Waite's direction — and was for too long credited merely as Waite's illustrator.

The Major Innovation: Illustrated Minors

For the first time in the history of Western tarot, every Minor Arcana card tells a human scene. The Nine of Swords shows a figure sitting up in bed with their face in their hands. The Eight of Cups shows a figure walking away at night. This revolution made tarot vastly more accessible to beginners.

Visual Characteristics

Pre-Raphaelite style, rich palette, Judeo-Christian, Qabbalistic, and alchemical symbolism. Color-coded backgrounds by season or element, expressive figures, symbolic details in every corner.

Philosophy

Waite wanted to create a tarot integrating Qabbalistic symbolism (the Tree of Life, the Sephiroth) and Hermetic knowledge. The Rider-Waite-Smith became the global reference — the majority of modern decks are variations or reinterpretations of this system.

The VIII/XI Swap

One of the key differences between the Tarot de Marseille and the Rider-Waite-Smith is the inversion of Justice and Strength:

• Marseille: VIII = Justice, XI = Strength
• Rider-Waite-Smith: VIII = Strength, XI = Justice

This inversion was deliberate: Waite wanted to align the arcana with the Golden Dawn's astrological attributions, where Libra (Justice) comes after Leo (Strength).

The Thoth Tarot: Absolute Esotericism

Origins

Designed by Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) — mage, poet, occultist — and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris between 1938 and 1943, the Thoth Tarot was not published until 1969, after Crowley's death. It represents the culmination of a lifetime of esoteric study.

Visual Characteristics

Lady Frieda Harris used projective geometry (inspired by Rudolf Steiner) for the images, creating unusual depth and perspective effects. The colors are intense, almost psychedelic. Every card is covered with explicit astrological, Qabbalistic, and alchemical symbols.

Philosophy and Particularities

The Thoth Tarot is the system most directly tied to Qabalah and Astrology:

• Each Court card is renamed (Page → Princess and Prince, Knight stays Knight)
• Each pip card receives an evocative title (Five of Disks = "Worry," Ten of Cups = "Satiety")
• The Major Arcana receive very precise planetary and zodiacal attributions

Crowley also renames some arcana: Arcanum VIII becomes "Adjustment" (recalibrated Justice), Arcanum XI becomes "Lust" (an eroticized Strength), and The Fool is explicitly numbered 0.

For Whom?

The Thoth is recommended for practitioners who want to deepen their study of Qabalah and esoteric astrology. It is complex, demanding, and rewards serious study.

Modern Decks: Diversity and Inclusivity

The Diversification Since 2010

The 21st century has seen an explosion of new decks reinterpreting tarot for more diverse audiences:

• Representation: decks featuring figures of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and body types.
• Cultural themes: tarot inspired by Japanese, African, indigenous, and queer traditions.
• Varied aesthetics: minimalist, kawaii, fantasy, black-and-white, photographic.
• Inclusive language: some decks abandon gendered terms (King/Queen → Sovereign, Joker).

Notable Decks

• Tarot of the Divine (Yoshi Yoshitani): figures inspired by mythologies from around the world.
• Next World Tarot (Cristy C. Road): a punk and queer statement.
• Sasuraibito Tarot (Stasia Burrington): delicate watercolors, travel atmosphere.
• Everyday Witch Tarot (Elisabeth Alba): humorous and accessible register.

The Question of Fidelity

Modern decks vary in their faithfulness to the original systems. Some preserve the classic attributions and numbering (with new aesthetics), while others completely rewrite the system. For serious reading use, check whether the deck you use includes a reference book explaining any modifications.

Key Differences Between Traditions

Which Deck to Choose?

The answer depends on your intention:

• You are just starting → Rider-Waite-Smith or one of its illustrated descendants. The scenes speak for themselves.
• You want the French tradition → Tarot de Marseille. Camoin-Jodorowsky or Conver for a restored version.
• You are studying advanced esotericism → Thoth Tarot + Crowley's "The Book of Thoth" (dense but essential).
• You want a deck that looks like you → explore modern decks, choose the one with which you have a visual and emotional connection.

Universal advice: work with the deck you feel drawn to take out. Regular engagement with a single deck deepens the relationship far more than constantly switching.

Shinkofa Connection

Shinkofa recognizes these traditions within its library system. Articles and readings always specify which tradition they draw from, so you can contextualize interpretations appropriately.

The diversity of tarot traditions reflects one of Shinkofa's core principles: there is no single way to be, to know yourself, or to access your inner world. Each tradition offers a different language for the same quest — understanding yourself with more clarity and honesty.