By Marco Proietto & Arwen Lynch

TarotBianco Nero

Copyright © 2018 U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design, and contents are protected

by copyright.

No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing

from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in con-nection with a review written for inclusion

in a magazine, newspaper or website.

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Published byU.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

179 Ludlow Street Stamford, CT 06902 USA

www.usgamesinc.comMade in China

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Acknowledgements

The creation of this Tarot deck would not have been possible without the help of some

people that I would like to thank. Special thanks to Nicola Pagani for the artistic

advice and to Sona Baghdassarian for assis-tance with the booklet text. Thanks to my family and Cinzia Meucci for her support and patience. Finally, I thank U.S. Games Systems, Inc., particularly Lynn Araujo,

Bobbie Bensaid and Paula M. Palmer.

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Bianco Nero (Black and White) Tarot blends the classic iconography of the Visconti Tarot with the modern illus-

trations of the Rider-Waite Tarot. This deck seeks to stay true to the images, symbolism and figures used in those popular tarot decks. The cards are hand-drawn black and white ink illustrations on paper. This style of line drawing was inspired by Gustave Doré’s antique engravings and Albrecht Dürer’s woodcuts and chalcography, as well as by Sergio Toppi’s modern illustrations. The deck is designed to have a figurative and realistic style, but it also has a fantastical touch that adds a dream-like quality to the representation. Each illustration is well de-

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fined and rich in symbolic details that help explore the meaning of the card. The faces, the look, the clothes and the age of the characters are designed to allow the card to be easily un-derstood. Readings are assisted by details, such as expressions and gestures that accentuate the general character of the card.

The representation of the symbols of the suits is different on each card; in the case of Swords, in particular, the symbol never re-peats itself. The setting, the landscapes and the characters’ clothes, as well as the tools, are taken from the iconography of classic decks, revisited to look neutral and ageless. The same care was used for the drawings of both the Major Arcana and those of the Minor Arcana, as no card is more important than another from an aesthetic point of view.

The design on the back of the cards is sym-metric, in order not to reveal the direction

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of the cards before they are turned face up. At the center of the back design there is a circle that symbolizes the centrality of the Major Arcana. The eight-pointed star in the middle has a long history as a symbol of spirituality and prophecy. A floral decora-tion, with roses and thorns, surrounds the circle. The symbols of the four elements in the corners indicate the four suits of the Minor Arcana. These are designed to be readable independent of the direction of the card.

Bianco Nero Tarot is the culmination of an artistic path that combines the studies on the human figure, art history, life drawing and anatomy at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome with the study of etching at the School of the Art of Medalmaking, creating illustrations that seek both to have an artistic value and to be functional in tarot reading.

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The MAJOR ARCANAIn the 78-card tarot deck the Major Arcana, or Trumps, is a set of 22 cards that portrays the Fool’s Journey. These are archetypes that one can learn from to become a more complete spiritual being. The Major Arcana helps by highlighting important aspects of the journey that can profoundly impact one’s life. Look at these cards as major hitters where you must factor in the impor-tance of an issue.

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h 0. THE FOOL h

Upright: Spontaneous, Fresh, Beginning

Reversed: Too risky, Recklessness, Disingenuous

The Fool travels the Major Arcana. With his eyes to the sky, he trusts in Spirit. The little black and white dog prances along to serve both as companion and guardian. The next step will carry him off the cliff. In his bag, he carries just what he needs. He believes in the promise of possibility. The white rose traditionally stands for the Fool’s pure heart. Once he goes over the cliff, his innocence will be gone. This card reminds us that all journeys begin with hope. Fearing the unknown limits forward movement.

h I. THE MAGICIAN h

Upright: Skill, Diplomacy, Concentration, Will, Self-confidence

Reversed: Loss, Mental illness, Disgrace, Manipulation, Latent talents

The Magician stands before a table where all of his tools are seen. These represent the four suits of the tarot—Swords, Wands,

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Cups and Pentacles. His double-ended wand emphasizes his motto of “As above, so below.” He is the connecting link between the spirit realm and the human realm. Hanging from his neck is the Ouroboros, which the alchemists used to represent infinity. The bracelet he wears carries other arcane symbols. He understands the connection between the elements and his own material and immaterial self. Air is the mind. Fire is the spirit. Water is emotions. Earth is the body.

h II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS h

Upright: Arcana, Unknown, Secrets, Wisdom

Reversed: Missing information, Conceit, Knowledge without wisdom

Wearing the miter dedicated to Isis, the High Priestess holds many secrets. Sitting between the two pillars of Solomon’s tem-ple, she is the doorway between the light and the dark. Pomegranates crown her head to remind her of her sacred work. Holding the Torah, she waits for seekers to approach. There is a tapestry behind her that only the truly dedicated student may view. The moon

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curving up from beneath her represents her intuitive skills. She won’t offer answers but will answer the seekers who prove they are worthy. She, like the Magician, is a bridge. Her connection is between the inner and outer teachings of sacred learning.

h III. THE EMPRESS h

Upright: Creativity, Mother Nature, Fullness, Fecundity

Reversed: Barren, No creative outlet, Lack

The Empress wears a necklace with the female symbol, which is also the sigil of Venus. As the quintessential creative force, she embodies the strength that is inherent in women. Her gaze reminds the reader that she is powerful in her own right. The im-perial eagle decorates her shield while her scepter also serves to indicate her strength. She is Mother Nature and every powerful mother goddess ever known. She welcomes gifts that honor her love of art, harmony and all things that bring more beauty to the world. Her gift is the abundance of nature.

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h IV. THE EMPEROR h

Upright: Structure, Overseeing, Power

Reversed: Rigid, Inflexible, Dominate

The Emperor wears a full beard indicating his power. He is the embodiment of the Sacred Masculine. As the masculine author-ity, he is the overseer of his kingdom. The Emperor carries a shield like the Empress’ but his is reversed in color. With his shield, crown and scepter, he is seen as a righteous man and a ruler to be respected. When he offers advice, it is from his long experience as a head of state. He can teach his subjects about many things including leadership and fatherhood. His throne is his seat of power but also his own confinement. The Emperor represents the structures and laws of the state.

h V. THE HIEROPHANT h

Upright: Spiritual knowledge, Tradition, Priest

Reversed: Weakness, Restriction, Poor advice

The Hierophant stands as the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess. His or-

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nate robes show him to be a spiritual leader. He holds the pastoral staff with one hand while giving a blessing with the other. The trinity of the three worlds often represented as mind, body and spirit is shown in his mi-ter as well as the staff. The keys are offered to those who seek the doorway between the realm of the conscious and subconscious mind. Kneeling are two people waiting to be blessed with the knowledge he holds.

h VI. THE LOVERS h

Upright: Spiritual love, Union, Higher values,

Reversed: Bad choices, Discord, Sexuality issues

The card of the Lovers shows a man and a woman embracing in a luxuriant garden that symbolizes fertility, life and happiness. Their nakedness suggests that they are like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, resting under the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The mountain in the background symbolizes man. The calla lilies symbolize woman, the bride and purity. Harmony, attraction and mutual trust are highlighted

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in this card. The bond that ties the lovers allows them to overcome any obstacle in their lives.

h VII. THE CHARIOT h

Upright: Direction, Mastery, Victory

Reversed: Out of control, Misdirection, Loss of purpose

The main character of this card is a man on a triumphal chariot pulled by two horses, a white one and a black one, symbolizing the union of the positive and the negative. The man in the chariot is wearing armor, like a warrior or a hero. He controls the chariot with a wand he holds in his right hand. The eight-pointed star on the man’s crown symbolizes balance, harmony and cosmic order. Behind him lies civilization and ma-terialism, but he guides his chariot towards higher endeavors.

h VIII. STRENGTH h

Upright: Fortitude, Willpower, Strength

Reversed: Weak will, Impatience, Self-indulgence

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A fearless woman has tamed a lion. Her hand rests on its forehead. The strength de-picted in this card is not the physical kind. Instead, she shows us the spiritual strength that comes from a place of compassion and willpower that comes from mental strength. The woman wears the lemniscate on her belt, which reminds her to focus on inner strength. Our own inner wildness embodied by the lion, can be won over with patience.

h IX. THE HERMIT h

Upright: Inner journey, Guidance, Solitude

Reversed: Being isolated, Lack of knowledge

The card of the Hermit portrays an old man dressed in a robe with his head covered by a hood, holding a staff and a lantern. His bright lantern is a beacon to those seekers dedicated to finding him. Already on his spiritual path, he won’t seek out students but will accept those who come to him. He chose the solitary path to help him focus on only what was necessary for reaching that point of awareness. The Hermit is an

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elder who has devoted himself to the craft of knowledge. Within his lamp is the light of wisdom.

h X. WHEEL OF FORTUNE h

Upright: Destiny, Success, Luck, Change, Consequences

Reversed: Misfortune, Failure, Lessons

The Wheel of Fortune represents the wheel of Ezekiel. The four creatures in the corners of the card symbolize the four evangelists: Matthew, the Angel; John, the Eagle; Mark, the Lion; and Luke, the Ox. At the same time, they represent the four fixed signs and elements of the Zodiac: Aquarius, air; Scorpio, water; Leo, fire; Taurus, earth. The book carried by each figure is the Torah, the book of wisdom. The Hebrew letters for IHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpro-nounceable name of God are inscribed on the wheel. Around the wheel figures move up and go down, emphasizing the nature of the wheel. Opportunity comes and goes. It is how you interact with the wheel that makes the difference.

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h XI. JUSTICE h

Upright: Rightness, Truth, Balance, Justice, Law

Reversed: Corruption, Bigotry, Bias, Injustice, Dishonesty

The woman represented in this card is Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice. The double-edged sword held in her right hand symbolizes both favorable and unfavorable consequences as well as impartiality. While the scales in her left hand indicates that justice must balance logic and intuition, the sword represents the way logic slices through to fairness.

h XII. THE HANGED MAN h

Upright: New perspective, Wisdom, Trials, Sacrifice, Intuition

Reversed: Selfishness, Indecision, Inability to change, Martyrdom

The Hanged Man’s face is calm. He has chosen to suspend himself from this rep-resentation of the World Tree. His position shows his active, right foot tied to the tree.

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His intuitive left side is free but rests behind the right. He folds his arms behind his back to show he is patiently waiting. The light that radiates around his head shows that he is receiving spiritual information that will help him achieve his next level. Because he has chosen this position, he’s been given the gift of perspective.

h XIII. DEATH h

Upright: End, New beginnings, Mortality, Transition, Separation

Reversed: Inertia, Temporary stagnation, Indecision, Destruction, Sleep

The card shows skeletal Death. The skull, a symbol of human mortality, also represents change, mutation and transition. The huge spiral-shaped scythe can be interpreted as a symbol of downward decay; all things have a beginning and an unavoidable end. The impartiality of Death is echoed in the empti-ness of the pure, white background.

h XIV. TEMPERANCE h

Upright: Consideration, Moderation, Balance

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Reversed: Impatience, Imbalance, Hurried decision

A thoughtful woman is the protagonist of this card. She is holding two vases in her hands, using them to mix water. The vases symbolize the conscious and the unconscious minds. Here, the water travels from the lower vessel upward to the other, showing how we can ascend to a higher plane. The woman chooses to mix these opposites in order to follow a balanced path free of extremes.

h XV. THE DEVIL h

Upright: Obsession, Addiction, Materialism, Power over

Reversed: Power within, Rehabilitation, Recovery

The Devil is seen here as Baphomet, a half-man, half-goat creature with bat wings and a snake for a tail. The Devil stands on an altar, which represents our obsessions and our addictions. It is holding a burning stick in its left hand; with the other hand it is giving a sign of blessing, as if it were mocking the Hierophant. The chained man and woman show what happens when love turns away from spirit and only focuses on the sensual.

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h XVI. THE TOWER h

Upright: Calamity, Overthrown, Unexpected change

Reversed: Fear of change, Narrow escape

Atop a rugged mountain, the tower is struck by lightning. With the sky dark around it, the tower is on fire and falling into ruins. Two figures flee the destruction by jumping to their doom. This card is about physical destruction that happens when you build your dreams on false hopes. Lightning de-stroys everything, disrupting the stalemate. This card is also about change, usually very sudden and unwanted.

h XVII. THE STAR h

Upright: Aspire, Yearn, Hope

Reversed: False desire, Mistrust, False hope

A woman with two vases full of water in her hands kneels on the bank of a river. One foot is firmly planted on the ground while the other is in the water. The grounded foot shows her earthy nature while the other points to her emotional depths. Five

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streams break out on the dry land. These represent the five senses. The chakras are shown in the seven smaller stars just be-hind her. The large star is a call to rediscov-er your own true purpose.

h XVIII. THE MOON h

Upright: Unconscious, Subconscious, Illusion

Reversed: Depression, Confusion, Deception

The Moon lights a road that leads to our higher knowledge. This light, not as bright as that of the sun, reveals dreams, high-lights intuition, and shows us the way to our own unconscious. Where the path be-gins, a lobster, representing our beginning awakening, emerges from a pool. Follow the trail that is guarded by a black wolf, our wild selves, and a white dog, our tame selves. Continue on between the towers towards the mountains that stand sentinel over our journey to the unconscious. Those towers can be seen as the balance between our intuitive mind and our logical brain.

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h XIX. THE SUN h

Upright: Success, Optimism, Vitality, Energy

Reversed: Vanity, Arrogance, Impatience, Burnout

The Sun radiates light above twins, a boy and a girl. Illuminating these two repre-sentative halves of our subconscious (the girl) and our conscious self (the boy) we are reminded of the source of life and light. As a symbol of optimism and fulfillment, the Sun generates vitality; the source of life. No matter how dark the night, the sun rises again to renew our confidence.

h XX. JUDGMENT h

Upright: Forgiveness, Transcendence, Rebirth

Reversed: Remorse, Regrets, Being left

This card depicts “Judgment Day”, the end of time when the living and the dead will be judged. It might seem to be a terrifying event, but the card should not instill fear, as there is neither negativity nor a sense of reproach in it. The deceased rise up in

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response to the archangel Gabriel’s trumpet sounding. Representing the next level, he calls them to his side in the clouds. Those answering his call know they will be judged so they are already in an attitude of appeal-ing for forgiveness.

h XXI. THE WORLD h

Upright: Success, Achievements, Growth

Reversed: Inertia, Stagnation, Frustration

The World, the last card in the Major Arcana, symbolizes the end of a long journey. A woman dances joyfully in the center because she is at both the end and the beginning of the journey. The two wands in her hands, similar to the one in the Magician’s hand, symbolize balance and harmony. The posi-tion of her legs suggests an upright version of the Hanged Man’s stance. The four figures that surround her also adorn the Wheel of Fortune. In this card we see how everything cycles from our life experiences to time itself. Leo (lion), Taurus (bull), Aquarius (angel) and Scorpio (eagle) stand for the four fixed Zodiac signs as well as the elements, the suits, the compass points and the seasons.

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MINOR ARCANAThe Minor Arcana are the 56 cards remain-ing after the 22 Major Arcana. Also called pips, the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, with 14 cards in each. Each card of a suit has a rank, Ace through Ten, except for the court cards: Page, Knight, Queen and King. The Minor Arcana brings us clarity and defini-tion; they allow tarot readers to understand the subtleties and details that surround the major events.

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WANDS

R ACE OF WANDS R

Upright: Birth, Creation, Fresh starts

Reversed: Uninspired, Unfinished, No energy

Symbolizing creation, new ideas and growth, the Ace of Wands has a hand, which emanates from a cloud to grasp a wand. Ideas fully materialized into the tangible are represented by the castle on the mountains. This wand’s buds are reminders that things are growing and developing.

R TWO OF WANDS R

Upright: Choices, Decisions, Advantage

Reversed: Indecision, On hold, Hesitation

From the roof of his castle, a man surveys a field to his right, representing growth and the ocean to his left representing possibility. His right hand contains a globe signifying that he holds the world in his hand. His other hand grasps a wand. Which will he put down in order to take up the other wand leaning against the wall?

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R THREE OF WANDS R

Upright: Anticipation, Expansion, Journey

Reversed: Delays, Frustration, Lack of confidence

A man watches three ships leaving his harbor. From his vantage point, this man can see everything. This panorama allows him to understand all that is coming and going. Three wands surround him, showing him to be ready for new opportunities and challenges. These are firmly planted in the ground, symbolizing his solid commitment to his future projects.

R FOUR OF WANDS R

Upright: Home, Celebrations, Calm times

Reversed: Upheaval, Blocks, Disruption

Beneath a canopy of flowers, a happy couple pledges their lives to one another. The cano-py is supported by four stable wands, which represent fulfilling, satisfying times. Gifts, happiness and satisfaction are the meaning of the bouquets. The castle in the back-ground represents abundance and goals.

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R FIVE OF WANDS R

Upright: Strife, Competition, Conflict

Reversed: Struggle, Not present, Hassles

Five men use their wands against one another. In direct competition with each other, this conflict has no clear sides. When everyone is out for themselves, the path cannot be clear. However, notice that their wands are raised but are not in contact with each other. This indicates that this struggle is more about what they can achieve than actually fighting.

R SIX OF WANDS R

Upright: Stamina, Popular, Victorious

Reversed: Lack of follow through, Ego, Loss

A victorious man guides his mount as the crowd around him cheers. He is being celebrated for his perseverance as much as anything. His wand holds a wreath of flow-ers indicating that his success is being recog-nized. He knows his efforts have paid off so he rides with pride. His horse is a symbol of his pure intention and single-minded focus.

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R SEVEN OF WANDS R

Upright: Defense, Challenge, Taking a stand

Reversed: Over-reacting, Overwhelmed, Bad odds

From his position above, a man wields his staff against those below. He must protect his place of privilege. The other six wands are held by those who want what he has. He may question his own power as his placement on the hill is quite precarious.

R EIGHT OF WANDS R

Upright: Speed, Action, Love, Great hope, Movement

Reversed: Dispute, Delays, Frustration, Slowing down, Jealousy

With flowers to demonstrate growth, these eight wands speed towards their goal. Things are moving fast, so be ready to take action. Travel may be necessary. The luxuri-ant landscape reveals growth and opportuni-ties flowing with the river.

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R NINE OF WANDS R

Upright: Faith, Courage, Standing up

Reversed: Edginess, Challenges, Hesitant

A battle has been fought but this wounded man knows the war is not yet won. Though battle weary, he has still found the strength to build a boundary behind him. He holds the ninth wand to use if more battles are to be met. His strength comes from his own sheer will. His determination will see him through.

R TEN OF WANDS R

Upright: Burdens handled, Hard work, Too much stress

Reversed: Dropping the ball, Irresponsibility, Taking on too much

Loaded down with ten wands, this man shoulders his responsibilities. He is not far from where he needs to be, but he may have taken on too much. Sometimes he accepts duty that isn’t his to own. He is carrying his harvest to sell but has also picked up others’ loads along the way. Learning how to help others without overburdening yourself is an important life lesson.

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R PAGE OF WANDS R

Upright: Sparks, Artistry, Creativity

Reversed: Lack of desire, No direction, Failure to act

With a jaunty feather in his cap, this page symbolizes going for your dreams and your desires. He is the spark of creative power. Often he is seen as that part of our psyche that longs to chase after every desire. He learns how to act by making mistakes.

R KNIGHT OF WANDS R

Upright: Enthusiasm, Action, Impulsiveness

Reversed: Not engaged, Disruption, Lack of focus

The Knight of Wands rides a rearing horse signifying a readiness for action. He wears armor to show he understands the risk, the danger and the challenges. His helmet, the plumes and mantle seem to be made of fire, symbolizing his courage.

R QUEEN OF WANDS R

Upright: Creative, Faithful, Fertile

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Reversed: Jealousy, Deceit, Infidelity

The Queen of Wands represents fidelity, independence and creativity. Her throne displays three lion heads; one each for cour-age, strength, and power. A sunflower held in her left hand shows her connection to joy, life and fertility. Her right hand wields a blossoming wand to show her creative power. The black cat embodies magic and sorcery, as well as the independent nature of the queen.

R KING OF WANDS R

Upright: Entrepreneurial, Visionary, Authentic leader

Reversed: Intolerance, Narcissist, Heartless

The King of Wands sits on his throne decorated with fiery symbols—salaman-ders and lions. Infinity is symbolized in the salamanders curving back to seize their own tails. They also represent the ability to recreate oneself. The king’s crown boasts flames representing the passion for prestige. His wand bursts with blooms, reminding us of the power of life and creativity.

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CUPS

w ACE OF CUPS w

Upright: Flow, Benevolence, Connection

Reversed: Stagnation, Repression, Resentment

The Ace of Cups shows a cup overflowing. Each of the five streams of water stands for one of the five senses, and the knowledge that spirit is abundant. The hand offering the cup allows us to connect to spirit and delivers us to higher consciousness. A dove, the incarnation and appearance of the spirit in the material world, flies from spirit to the physical world. Beneath the cup, lotus blossoms carpet the sea.

w TWO OF CUPS w

Upright: Relationship, First love, Mutual interest

Reversed: Separation, Misunderstanding, False love

The Two of Cups portrays an exchange of vows by two people. The caduceus of Mer-cury above them reminds us that vows can be for relationships, businesses and other

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agreements. This shows the duality and bal-ance between people. It honors the fact of opposites attracting. There is a reference to the newness of sexual attraction represented by the lion head, which can be a reminder of passion and fire.

w THREE OF CUPS w

Upright: Joy, Community, Reunion

Reversed: Third party interference, Jealousy, Too many cooks

The maidens of the Three of Cups dance with joy. The ground beneath them is strewn with flowers, symbolizing the three women who are joy, beauty and growth. This card suggests celebrations and life passages such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and all those moments when loved ones gather for festivities.

w FOUR OF CUPS w

Upright: Downtime, Time-out, Meditation

Reversed: Ennui, Apathy, Self-involvement

In the Four of Cups a youth puts his back to a tree. That tree shows life and growth, but he is focused on inner issues. This causes

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him to miss the offering of the cup. He ignores the cups near his feet for they are outside influences that he finds distracting. But his inner focus means he is missing love that is being freely offered. Sometimes spiritual focus needs physical contact.

w FIVE OF CUPS w

Upright: Grief, Separation, Blocking connection, Alone

Reversed: Healing self, Accepting loss

The figure in the Five of Cups shields his face to cover his grief. Five cups are present but three are tipped over with the wine spilling out. He sees only what is lost, what cannot be regained. Even though he could return to the castle where he would find home and security, he does not allow him-self to see that. Nor will he acknowledge that two cups remain full. He has the option to stay immersed in despair or to take up the cups that wait to offer him comfort.

w SIX OF CUPS w

Upright: Youth, Nostalgia, Childhood innocence

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Reversed: Haunted by the past, Old hurts, Being trapped by memories

Six cups filled with greenery and white flowers are depicted on the Six of Cups. The scene shows a young boy offering a cup to a smaller child. Together, they bring back memories of joyful connections with loved ones. A man in the background walks to-ward the house, which symbolizes comfort and security.

w SEVEN OF CUPS w

Upright: Daydreams, Choices, Unfulfilled desires,

Reversed: Confusion, Diversions, Avoidance

Images appear in cups that float on a cloud in the Seven of Cups. Each cup holds a mys-tery to be chosen. Good, bad, or indifferent, the contents of the cups remind us that visions can be positive or negative. Snakes can be wisdom or death. Castles might be wealth or they might be a powerful enemy. Is a dragon good or bad? You must choose even though there are many options. One is the best choice. Your job is to pick wisely.

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w EIGHT OF CUPS w

Upright: Withdrawal, Letting go of the past, New path

Reversed: Wandering, Uncertainty, Abandon a dream

Embracing change, the figure in the Eight of Cups leaves eight cups behind. These are his emotional attachments—good and bad. He knows that to seek higher goals he must turn away from these and other attachments. His path lies before him. It’s a challenging landscape that he must face with only his staff and a cloak for warmth. Lack of satisfaction in the material world drives him to seek a higher purpose, and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm.

w NINE OF CUPS w

Upright: Satisfaction, Success, Desires answered

Reversed: Entitlement, Materialism, Shallow desire

An armchair holds a well-fed, well-dressed man in the Nine of Cups. He beams with contentment. His active mind is repre-sented by his stylish, plumed chapeau.

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Nine precious cups fill the display behind him representing his successes. His most cherished desires have been answered, both materially and spiritually. His posture and expression show his inner satisfaction.

w TEN OF CUPS w

Upright: Emotional fulfillment, Domestic harmony, Successful marriage

Reversed: Conflict, Broken relationships, Misunderstandings, Separations

The Ten of Cups pictures a couple tied by the bonds of genuine love. The man is lovingly holding the woman with his right arm, while gesturing toward the sky with his left arm. A rainbow made of cups arcs over them, offering a heavenly bless-ing. The cups hold abundance with the rainbow showing the beauty that comes after the storm. There are children playing in the garden symbolizing carefree joy and creativity.

w PAGE OF CUPS w

Upright: New love, Love letters, Creative starts

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Reversed: Artifice, Seduction, Callow youth

The Page of Cups shows a solitary young man. With the sea of emotions behind him, he clasps a single cup in his hand. The fish poking its head out of the cup represents the way creative ideas can surprise us. This card is an invitation to find inspiration and emotional connections in unexpected ways.

w KNIGHT OF CUPS w

Upright: Dreamer, Charmer, Romance coming

Reversed: Unreliable lover, Jealousy, Trying too hard

The Knight of Cups is the young knight who brings a cup in his hand. Upon his white horse he appears as a messenger. The white horse, the bearer of heroes, appears calm. The wings on the knight’s helmet are an emblem of freedom that visionary imagination can bring. The river symbolizes the flow of emotions and the mountain represents triumph and realization.

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w QUEEN OF CUPS w

Upright: Inspired, Intuitive, Loving, Artistic, Dreamy

Reversed: Vice, Dishonor, Depravity, Insensitivity, Blocked intuition

The beautiful Queen of Cups relaxes on her throne where the sea meets the land. As the ruler of our emotional selves, she nestles a covered cup in her hands. That lidded cup represents unconscious thoughts that flow from the deepest parts of the soul. The mermaids on the queen’s throne remind us that creativity swims up from our depths. As a symbol of the unconscious mind, calm seas inform us that water is the element of feelings, of emotions and of our soul.

w KING OF CUPS w

Upright: Diplomat, Generous leader, Benevolence

Reversed: Self-involved, Moody, Emotional manipulator

The King of Cups watches a stormy sea from his throne carved into the rocks. The cup in his right hand symbolizes his association with the element of water.

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His lotus-shaped scepter signifies that he has learned to master the creativity of his subconscious. His foot is extending over the stone without touching the water; this represents the control he has over the water without being affected by it. The octopus is depicted wrapped on the king’s throne, identifying him as the lord of all seas. The octopus symbolizes adaptability, intelli-gence and intuition. The ship at sea illus-trates how expansive the king’s power is.

SWORDS

Q ACE OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Victory, Initiative, Triumph

Reversed: Befuddlement, Scattered thoughts, Unclear

The Ace of Swords displays a sword being offered by a hand emanating from the clouds above the mountains. The sword symbolizes the mind and the intellect. A crown crossed with two laurel branches balances on the sword, promising intellec-tual gains and wins. The mountains below remind us that pure intellect can be cold and sharp like the blade.

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Q TWO OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Internal choices, Stalemate, Impartiality

Reversed: Misinformation, No good choice, Indecision

With a sword in either hand, the blind-folded woman in the Two of Swords sits on a marble bench in front of a calm sea. However, there are rocks below, which hin-der passage. The blindfold symbolizes the inability to see what is going on. The swords represent objectivity and impartiality. The woman’s crossed arms suggest the need for a truce. The waxing moon hints at new beginnings that will follow the resolution of a current problem.

Q THREE OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Betrayal, Mental anguish, Heartbreak

Reversed: Letting go of hurt, Resolving grief

The Three of Swords shows a heart pierced by three swords. Shown suspended in the air, the heart is a symbol of emotion and

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the three swords indicate deep pain. This represents the mental anguish of emotional loss. Clouds loom in the sky as the storm of grief takes over.

Q FOUR OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Meditation, Time out, Contemplation

Reversed: Monkey mind, Isolation, Blocked

The Four of Swords portrays a tomb with a knight lying in repose. The stained glass window of the church illustrates a woman with a child who offer up the knowledge that new ideas and creativity come from rest. With three swords hung up, the knight need only worry about the one beneath him. This reminds us to put aside any con-cerns that have been taken care of and focus only on the problem at hand.

Q FIVE OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Winning without honor, Conflict, Pyrrhic victory

Reversed: Dejection, Suspicion, Backstabber

In the Five of Swords a haughty young man turns his back on those enemies he has just

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defeated. Perhaps they were once friends, but now he owns all the swords. He cannot see that this battle is not over. His world is represented by the cloudy, ominous sky, which is a portent for trouble yet to come.

Q SIX OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Safe passage, Escape, Difficult transition

Reversed: Unable to move, Postponements, Regrets

A woman and child escape with the help of the boatman in the Six of Swords. New lands can be seen ahead, but the woman mourns for what she leaves behind. The child she cradles represents new beginnings and a more promising future ahead. The six swords that point toward the water show that this passage comes from her rational mind rather than her heart.

Q SEVEN OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Theft, Stealth, Untrustworthy

Reversed: Scapegoat, Being caught, Challenges

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A man stealthily attempts to remove four swords from a military encampment. He reaches for one of the three other swords planted in the ground, knowing he can succeed. The flags in the background symbolize the rules and laws he heed-lessly breaks. By showing himself to be untrustworthy he is cutting himself off from civilization.

Q EIGHT OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Restrictions, Confusion, Paralysis

Reversed: Seeing new ways, Giving in, Hopelessness

The Eight of Swords shows an imprisoned woman. Bound by ropes, her sight ham-pered by a blindfold, the swords isolate her from all that she knows. Her home lies in the distance, but under the broody sky, all she can think of is how trapped she is by her own situation. Her inactivity may be part of the problem. She is confused, hopeless and despairing. Is there a way out? She must look at the situation with a clear mind.

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Q NINE OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Mental harassment, Despair, Anxiety

Reversed: Confusion lifting, Shame diminishing, A way out

Nine swords hang on a black wall over a woman. In the Nine of Swords we see her upright in bed holding her head after a nightmare. The wall is black to show her despair. She is stuck in her fear and anxiety in this moment.

Q TEN OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Victimized, Ruin, Misfortune

Reversed: Avoiding crisis, Regeneration, A near miss

Ten swords pierce the back of a prone figure. The cape covers the identity of the victim because no one cares. Here, in the Ten of Swords is the ultimate defeat. A black sky overhead is a reminder of all that this person has lost. Still there is a calm sea with the sun peeking over the mountains. All may seem lost but a new day is coming.

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Q PAGE OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Impulsive, Chatty, Mentally flexible

Reversed: Overpromising, Addictive behavior, Self-absorbed

The Page of Swords holds his sword in both hands. He’s young and daring, willing to go where no one has gone before. Tumultuous clouds blow across the sky as a strong wind tousles the lad’s hair. Impulsive action is reflected as the young man is blown every which way by his choices.

Q KNIGHT OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Dynamic, Reactive, Opinionated

Reversed: Imprudence, Quarrelsome, Impatient

The Knight of Swords wears full armor as he rides his horse toward a battle. He is brave and pure of mind, as is his white horse. Holding his sword upright in his right hand, he guides the horse with his left. His forward momentum is accentuated by the storm clouds as the trees whip in a wild wind.

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Q QUEEN OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Intelligent, Independent, Quick-witted

Reversed: Vindictive, Emotionless, Prudish

With her sword reaching for the sky, the Queen of Swords owns her seat on her throne. She holds her head high and erect, and her gaze is focused, indicating her clarity and ability to rise above mental chal-lenges. She offers her left hand but nothing is there yet, except for the potential of her ideas. Her butterfly crown symbolizes her intellectual flexibility that allows her to adapt quickly. Her throne is also decorated with a butterfly while dual images of a child holding a crescent moon further the idea of new thoughts.

Q KING OF SWORDS Q

Upright: Decision maker, Intellectual authority, Truth finder

Reversed: Manipulation, Unfair, Rigid thinking

The King of Swords is poised on his throne with command written upon his face. Like

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his queen, he holds a sword in his right hand. Double-edged, this blade signifies his power to see both sides of a situation. He lays his left hand upon his throne, which holds symbols of moons, angels and a butterfly to symbolize his higher spiritual calling. A nearly cloudless sky is an external manifestation of his clear thinking.

PENTACLESj ACE OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Job opportunity, New financial goal, Growth

Reversed: Financial misfortune, Poor budgeting, Materialism

The Ace of Pentacles is clutched in a hand that descends from the clouds. Here is the symbol of change and of opportunity. The hand suggests something being offered. Beneath the hand, a garden spreads out covered in flowers. In the center, stands an ancient arch through which mountains can be seen. Those peaks in the distance urge us to take the first steps in our journey toward those financial goals.

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j TWO OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Priorities, Equilibrium, Flexibility

Reversed: Disorder, Imprudence, Recklessness

In the Two of Pentacles, a young man is dancing while playing with two pentacles. The two pentacles symbolize money and security. He demonstrates a playful attitude about finances. In the background, two ships are sailing on the sea waves, revealing the ups and downs of life.

j THREE OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Committee, Collaboration, Group effort

Reversed: Not a team player, Mediocrity, Lack of training

The Three of Pentacles presents a sculptor working in a cathedral. The rock being transformed into a sculpture by an artist symbolizes the passage from the abstract idea to a real and concrete work, the fruit of human activity. Your skills and your honest, hard work are about to be rewarded.

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j FOUR OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Possessiveness, Stability, Tight budget

Reversed: Miserly, Hoarding, Envy

The Four of Pentacles man sits outside of his hometown clutching his pentacles, guard-ing against theft. Fear motivates his money hoarding. With one pentacle encased in the crown on his head, the other three are wedged in his hands. He has a slight smile but his dark eyes are leery.

j FIVE OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Outcast, Poverty, Financial ruin

Reversed: Refusing help, Near ruin, Loss of home

In times of dire need, a sick couple passes outside a church. The window portrays spiritual comfort even in this cold, snowy scene. But the crippled man with the crutch, along with the woman futilely using a worn shawl for warmth, won’t turn to the church even though help is promised. In the Five of Pentacles, we are shown what happens when we don’t ask for help.

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j SIX OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Philanthropy, Charitable, Magnanimity

Reversed: Conditional charity, Debts, Stingy

The Six of Pentacles shows an elegantly dressed wealthy man. He holds a balanced scale in his left hand to demonstrate fairness and equality. With the other hand, he is giv-ing money to beggars. This card illustrates the good that can be done with abundance to help the less fortunate. Society’s stability is strengthened when well-to-do individuals share the bounty.

j SEVEN OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Assessment, Rewards, Pay-offs

Reversed: Lessened success, No vision, Bad investments

The Seven of Pentacles shows a youth taking a break from his labors. He has worked hard on his crops, which now flourish. The man can see seven pentacles growing from his plants, while he’s leaning on a tool to rest. He is wondering if the rewards will be worth his efforts.

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j EIGHT OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Craftsman, Hands-on work, Pride in work

Reversed: Shoddy workmanship, Lazy, Tedious work

A young craftsman carefully creates eight pentacles, focusing on making each one perfect. Six are done but he has two more to finish. He is determined to present pieces that will showcase his skill. He reminds us that pride in one’s work will pay off.

j NINE OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Success, Good investments, Luxury, Nobility, Self-reliance

Reversed: Indulgent, Bad investments, Losses in social standings

The Nine of Pentacles presents a woman who confidently takes care of herself. At her age, she can depend on her own finances. She holds a hunting bird, which carries her own desires and goals. Her vineyard is rich with grapes as well as coins. Her goals right now are enjoyment and rest. She has worked hard for what she has.

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j TEN OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Accomplishment, Security, Goals achieved

Reversed: Robbery, Gambling, Misfortune

The Ten of Pentacles shows a mature gen-tleman surrounded by those he loves. He watches his family and dogs who remind him of the bounty in his life. The pentacles show that there are enough resources for all. This card reminds that what we each seek in terms of wealth, security and mem-orable accomplishment is reachable.

j PAGE OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Job offer, Manifesting, Attracting

Reversed: Passed over, No financial goals, Unguided

Standing by himself, our Page of Pentacles views the lands. Fruit trees and fields ready for planting are behind him. If he is willing to work, there will be a bounteous harvest. The mountain shows that he must learn and grow as he moves upward. A pentacle in his hand symbolizes his commitment to diligence.

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j KNIGHT OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Expertise, Conservative, Dependable

Reversed: Inertia, Idleness, Stagnant

The Knight of Pentacles rides a black horse through the fields. As the representative of duty, work, and responsibility, he is shown on high ground. His pentacle-covered shield represents his protective nature. He is slow to react but knows that a change may be coming.

j QUEEN OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Homebody, Sensuality, Earth mother

Reversed: Overprotective, Devious, Recluse

The Queen of Pentacles rests upon her throne emblazoned with fertile goats and abundant fruit. An angel here reminds us of this earthy queen’s connection to spirit. With her material abundance shown in the pentacle in her hand, she is a ruler of prac-tical wisdom. Her feet are planted in the ground blooming with flowers and plants. The tree above her and the rabbit beside her symbolize her fecundity.

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j KING OF PENTACLES i

Upright: Authority, Stability, Being in charge

Reversed: Authoritarian, Domineering, Weak-willed

The King of Pentacles appears very regal, sitting on a throne carved with massive bulls. He is surrounded by representations of his material success shown in the curling vines and flowering plants. His scepter shows his power as he clasps it in his right hand. A coin in his left hand tells us of his financial stability. He’s the builder and ruler of the castle, showing he knows what to do with his resources.

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All cards should be face up, except card 5

BLACK & WHITE GOALS SPREADBy Jody Barbessi & Karen Boginski

This five-card spread is designed to help you find clarity in the gray areas between black and white, or the known and the unknown, the real and the imagined.

As the client shuffles, ask him to think of a goal he wants to accomplish. Take the cards and lay them out as follows: (see diagram)

(face down)

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h Card 1 hBLACK

What has been “written”

This card indicates where you are NOW, vis-a-vis your goal

h Card 2 hWHITE

This card represents your GOAL and your relationship to it

h Cards 3 & 4 hGREY ZONE

In between real and possible

These cards consider your unconscious motivations and represent challenges or

inner impediments to your goal.

Card 5 is turned over only after the other four have been read.

h Card 5 hTHE INTERSECTION

Where it all becomes REAL

This card offers practical advice on how to achieve your goal and what to do to get to

where you want to be.

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21 5

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3

SAMPLE SPREAD

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CLIENT GOAL: “I want to make a QUILT.”

h Card 1 h

Where you are NOW vis-a-vis your goal

The King of Pentacles suggests that you have everything you need, materially, to accomplish your goal: fabric, thread, a sew-ing machine and perhaps even a pattern to guide you in making your quilt. (If you don’t have these items at hand, you do know how to go about getting them.)

h Card 2 h

Your GOAL and your relationship to it

The Ace of Wands shows that you are excited about beginning this new project, and the creative energy is flowing.

h Cards 3 & 4 h

Unconscious motivations and CHALLENGES

The Page of Cups indicates that you may sometimes get stuck on the “dreamy” cre-ative idea. Fantasizing about how beautiful the quilt will be (once finished) will not get

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it sewn! Also, getting caught up with the beauty of the fabrics—without having cut or sewn any of them—may be a possible cautionary concern.

h Card 4 h

The Devil cautions that you should not get distracted by your unhealthy habits (such as procrastination) or attachments, which in this case are any distractions that keep you from working on your quilt. (For example: spending too much time on social media or watching a mediocre TV show.)

For further clarification, an alternate card was drawn for the Card 4 position

h Alternative Card 4 h

Temperance (reversed) suggests that there may be an imbalance in your life that in some way impedes your quilt-making efforts. Perhaps you have too much going on in your busy life and not enough time/energy to de-vote to your quilt. Or, maybe the quilt project you’ve chosen is a bit too complicated. Have you bitten off more than you can chew? The Temperance card may also indicate a certain degree of impatience with yourself and/or

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the process of making a quilt. But remember, it takes time to make a quilt. And there may even be an unexpected learning curve to the project. In this case, you have to pace yourself and temper your efforts.

h Card 5 h

Practical advice on how to achieve your goal

The Three of Pentacles advises you to consider outside resources to help with both the challenges you face and the actual making of the quilt. For example:

• Ask a friend or relative to remind you to unplug from social media or turn off the TV and get behind the sewing machine!

• If you’re stuck on which quilt pattern or fabric combination to use (because each one is so beautiful!), ask a friend to help you choose.

• Perhaps you can refer to an online video or a book (outside resources) to aid you in your process.

• See if there are any local quilting or sewing meetup groups, or even a quilting class. If it is a regular (weekly?) commitment, you will be able to carve out the time in your schedule and make progress on your project.

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About the Artist

Marco Proietto was born in Rome, Italy, in 1982. In 2001 he obtained a high school diploma at the “Primo Liceo Artistico” of Rome. Later, he attended the “Accademia di Belle Arti” of Rome, specializing in painting. After his academic studies he pursued personal projects and participated in art exhibitions with his oil paintings and ink illustrations. In 2006 he was admitted to the “Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia” (Instituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato), where he specialized in depth engraving and sculpture techniques (plate engraving, steel engraving, modeling, vitreous enamel and repoussé). Between 2011 and 2014 he worked as a graphic designer at a publishing house.

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Notes

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