The LeJeu Destin Antique Tarot Cards
are 32-card deck, there are 4 layers of imagery: Each card has a circled
set-number. These numbers run in straight descending order, like A, K, Q, J, T,
9, 8, 7 -- from the Ace of Hearts at number 1 through the 7 of Clubs at number
32), a small inset representing the respective playing card face, a larger scene
in which human figures subtly act out the card's meaning, and, at top right, a
mnemonic symbol from classical sacred imagery (the 12 court cards bear the signs
of the Zodiac and the 20 pip cards display an array of Greco-Roman gods and
goddesses).
PIATNIK TAROT CARDS, CARTOMANCY
CARDS
Lenormand's method of card reading with a Euchre pack
survives in the form of a card deck called Le Jeu Du Destin
Antique (Antique Cards of Destiny). In this 32-card
deck, there are 4 layers of imagery: Each card has a circled set-number. These
numbers run in straight descending order, like A, K, Q, J, T, 9, 8, 7 -- from
the Ace of Hearts at number 1 through the 7 of Clubs at number 32), a small
inset
representing the respective playing card face, a larger scene in which
human figures subtly act out the card's meaning, and, at top right, a mnemonic
symbol from classical sacred imagery (the 12 court cards bear the signs of the
Zodiac and the 20 pip cards display an array of Greco-Roman gods and goddesses).
The central figures are mid-19th century and classical in costume, drawn in
typical
European style period. This exquisite little deck is illustrated
with classic fortune telling scenes from the 19th Century. Published by
Piatnik. The deck includes 36 full color cards and an instruction booklet in
French, German, Hungarian and English. 32 cards have beautiful very detailed
images there are 4 of each cards from ace to sevens with hearts, spades, clubs
and diamonds. The taro cards are made in Austria. Also a little white booklet
included with detailed explanation of how to use the tarro cards is included.
Here are two examples of how the visual symbolism helps the reader to improvise
on the card's meaning: The central image of card number 1 shows a young man and
woman, who seem to be sweethearts, leaning against a farmyard fence as the man
points to a circular crockery pan of water on the ground which, quite evidently,
reminds them both of a golden wedding ring. The playing card inset is the Ace of
Hearts. Above, in the "classical" portion of the card, Cupid waves a hand but
does not shoot his bow, reinforcing the idea of longed-for but not yet
consummated love. The 9 of Clubs, set-number 14, shows a man of the nobility,
perhaps a military officer, pressing his attentions upon a young peasant woman
who turns away from him, head down, smelling a red rose, which she holds in both
hands. Above them a winged figure who seems to be a naiad, sits dejectedly with
her feet in a pool of water. The implication is that the woman does not trust
her suitor or that she is false to him