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Medieval Scapini Tarot
The Medieval Scapini Tarot Deck takes its name from its author, Italian artist Luigi Scapini, and was first published by U.S. Games Systems in 1985. The deck consists of 78 cards and may seem somehow strangely familiar to those who have previous experience with Tarot decks. The reason for this is simple – Scapini combined 15th Century medieval iconography with contemporary esoteric traditions.
In a departure from a purely old-style or classic Tarot, Scapini has chosen to include scenes on each of the Minor Arcana cards. Yet they remain easily distinguishable from the Major Arcana. The Minors have a cream-coloured background and the Majors are painted against a gold backdrop.
The images and composition on the cards are complex and in some instances so intricate that you will find yourself reaching for a magnifying glass to get a better look. At first, they appear to be Renaissance-inspired. And in large measure, that’s correct. But upon closer inspection you will find the intentional insertion of anachronisms – such as satellites and rockets in The Falling Tower.
If you know the Rider-Waite deck, then you will be able to follow Scapini’s Minors as they share much in common. But these cards possess elements that transcend Waite and contain influences that can be traced to other notable occultists such as Oswald Wirth and Papus.
The Scapini Court Cards offer the usual suspects – King, Queen, Knight and Page. And the suits are the comfortable Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles (Coins).
But it’s in the Major Arcana where Scapini’s artistry shines. His version is somewhat reminiscent of the Cary-Yale Tarocchi and the Piermont Morgan-Bergamo Tarot decks. The Majors are all recognisable except Scapini adheres to the more traditional names – The High Priestess is The Popess; The Hierophant is The Pope; and Strength is Force.
The Medieval Scapini Tarot should not be considered merely a collector’s deck. It is a rich and subtle deck that can be used for everyday readings. In my opinion, this is a deck to reach for when you need something more challenging than the old-faithful Rider-Waite.
You can find more of my reviews at IntuitiveBridges.
PsychicBridges Rating: 
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Life-changing |
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Can't live without |
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Put the kettle on and settle down |
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Worth a quick flick |
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Leave it on the shelf |
Medieval Scapini Tarot deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 1985 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.
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