Tarot glossary
What does Marseille mean in tarot?
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Marseille, in tarot, designates a family of decks in the traditional French style, printed since the 17th and 18th centuries, with Minor Arcana that have no illustrated scenes. The name comes from the region where many were produced. It is not a single deck, but a pattern with several versions.
What the Marseille pattern is
The Tarot de Marseille is a group of decks with a similar design, produced by French printers, especially between the 17th and 18th centuries. The name comes from the city of Marseille, where several workshops operated, although the pattern circulated in other regions too.
So speaking of the Tarot de Marseille means referring to a style, not a single edition. There are old versions, modern reconstructions and reinterpretations.
Features of the style
The Major Arcana have stylized figures in flat colors, with printed names. The numbered Minor Arcana show the suit symbols repeated as many times as the number, without scenes, which calls for a reading based on number, suit and position.
- Colored woodcut graphic style.
- Numbered Minor cards without scenes.
- Numbering and names that vary a little between editions.
Marseille and other lines
The Rider-Waite-Smith, from 1909, shows scenes on every card and follows a line more tied to the English esoteric tradition. The Thoth has its own symbolism, with strong occult influence.
Each line has its followers and books. None is the correct one; what changes is the way of reading. If you are choosing a deck, try the line that best fits the way you see images.
Frequently asked questions
- Was the Tarot de Marseille created in Marseille?
- The name suggests so, and several workshops operated in the city. But the pattern was also printed in other regions, so the term designates a style more than a single place.
- Is Marseille better for beginners?
- Not necessarily. Some people find the cards without scenes more abstract, and others prefer them for exactly that reason. Try both styles.
- Is the Marseille older than the Rider-Waite-Smith?
- Yes. The Marseille decks date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Rider-Waite-Smith was published in 1909.
Educational content, for reflection. Tarot does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.