The Tarot of 78 Doors is a captivating and unique deck of tarot cards designed to facilitate a journey through the mystical realm of divination. Unlike standard tarot decks, this specific tool utilizes the metaphor of doors and portals to represent the myriad aspects of life. The deck serves as a visual representation of different energies and encourages users to delve deeper into their own psyche. It explores the different "doors" or possibilities that exist within the self and the surrounding world. The imagery is thought-provoking, and the symbolism is intricate, offering a fresh perspective on tarot readings. This approach aims to unlock new possibilities for self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The core philosophy behind the Tarot of 78 Doors is that life is full of possibilities and opportunities. The doors symbolize choices and the transition between different phases of existence. The Tarot cards act as a guide, helping users tap into their own intuition and wisdom to navigate their path. The deck invites users to open the doors of their own subconscious and explore the depths of their soul. It emphasizes that it is up to each individual to make choices that align with their true desires and highest good.
Origins and Creation of the Deck
The Tarot of 78 Doors was created by Italian author Pietro Alliego, who was previously known in the esoteric world for the Tarot of the Gnomes. The illustrator for this deck is Antonella Platano, who brings a fabulous style to the artwork. The deck was first published in 2005 in Italy, with a subsequent issue released in 2010 in the United States. The creation of this deck was driven by an interesting metaphor: Pietro presented each Arcana as a specific situation, reflecting the idea that life is endless and events flow smoothly from one to another. The concept of "portals" was used to describe the deck, suggesting that there is no true emptiness in nature or experience.
The deck draws inspiration from various cultures, mythologies, and spiritual traditions. The collective images refer to fairy tales of the Middle Ages as well as modern realities. This blend of elements distinguishes it from similar mantic instruments. The creator’s love for fantasy stories is reflected in the work, offering the querent a unique chance to work with a sort of time machine. The imagery suggests that a completely different world may be hidden behind the millennia lived by mankind, in which everything was possible.
Structure of the 78 Doors Deck
The Tarot of 78 Doors incorporates the standard structure of traditional tarot decks while adding its unique thematic layer. It consists of 78 cards divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
- Major Arcana: This group consists of 22 cards that represent archetypal energies and significant life events. In the context of this deck, these cards represent major "portals" or significant doorways in a person's life journey.
- Minor Arcana: This group consists of 56 cards that depict everyday situations and experiences. These cards represent the smaller doors and transitions that occur in daily life.
The concept of doors or portals refers to the idea that each card is a gateway to a different realm of experience or understanding. When a tarot reader works with this deck, they are symbolically opening these doors to access the wisdom and insights that lie beyond. The deck is named for these 78 doors, each providing a gateway to deeper understanding.
Symbolism and Imagery
The symbolism in the Tarot of 78 Doors is rich and layered. The imagery on the cards is carefully chosen to evoke specific emotions and thoughts. The doors themselves serve as powerful symbols. They can represent the boundaries between different aspects of our lives or different stages of personal growth. They symbolize the transition from one phase to another or the opportunity to make a change.
The abstract and symbolic nature of the deck allows for a more intuitive and personal reading experience. The reader is encouraged to tap into their own intuition and interpret the cards based on their unique experiences and perspectives. The artwork blends modern and traditional elements, making the deck a vibrant and dynamic tool for divination.
Examples of specific card symbolism include:
- The Fool: In traditional tarot, the Fool represents the beginning of a journey and innocence. In the Tarot of 78 Doors, the Fool is depicted standing at the threshold of a door, ready to embark on an adventure. This card symbolizes the bravery and willingness to take risks necessary for personal growth.
- The High Priestess: This card traditionally represents intuition and the unseen realm. In the Tarot of 78 Doors, the High Priestess is shown with her eyes closed. This illustrates the importance of turning inward for guidance and wisdom, suggesting that the door to wisdom is found within.
Using the Tarot of 78 Doors
Using the Tarot of 78 Doors is a process that requires engagement with the imagery and a willingness to reflect. The deck is meant to be accessible, coming with a guidebook that provides detailed explanations for each card. This makes it suitable for beginners as well as experienced readers.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The user should be willing to engage in self-reflection and introspection. The deck is not meant to provide definitive answers or predict the future in a literal sense, but rather to provide insights and guidance.
- Framing the Question: The reader or querent can ask a specific question or seek guidance on a particular issue. Alternatively, one can select a card at random without a specific question to explore current energies.
- Shuffling and Drawing: The user shuffles the deck and draws a card (or cards).
- Interpretation: The user studies the imagery and symbolism on the card, paying attention to any thoughts or feelings that arise. The colors, shapes, and details of the door depicted on the card can offer insights. For example, if someone is facing a difficult career decision and draws a card with a red door, this might symbolize passion and action.
The deck encourages an open interpretation. The reader explores their personal connection to the imagery. This method allows the cards to serve as a guide to help users gain a better understanding of themselves and the situations they are facing. The message is that the cards help users tap into their own intuition to make the best choices for themselves.
The Role of Doors in Divination
The central theme of doors in the Tarot of 78 Doors adds a layer of depth to the reading. The doors represent the boundaries and transitions in life. When a card is drawn, it is viewed as opening a specific door to a realm of experience. This perspective allows for a broader range of insights.
The symbolism of the door helps the querent visualize their life path as a series of rooms and doorways. Each door represents a choice or a new possibility. The deck encourages the user to look at the "doors" that are currently open, closed, or waiting to be opened in their life. This metaphorical framework helps in understanding the dynamics of change and opportunity.
Comparison with Traditional Tarot
While the Tarot of 78 Doors adheres to the standard 78-card structure, it stands out due to its unique theme. Traditional tarot decks often rely heavily on established archetypes and historical symbolism. The Tarot of 78 Doors incorporates these traditional meanings but frames them within the context of doors and gateways.
The deck honors the traditional symbolism and meaning of the cards while offering a fresh and modern approach. It distinguishes itself by blending the collective images of fairy tales and modern realities. This allows the querent to work with a tool that feels both ancient and contemporary. The unique door theme provides a specific lens through which to view the standard tarot interpretations, adding depth to the exploration of choices and possibilities.
Applications for Self-Discovery
The primary application of the Tarot of 78 Doors is for self-reflection and self-discovery. The deck is designed to encourage users to explore their own psyche. By meditating on the cards, a reader can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The deck acts as a mirror, reflecting the internal landscape of the user. The doors represent the different aspects of the self that may be explored. Through the process of drawing cards and reflecting on their meaning, users can uncover hidden desires, fears, and potentials. The deck supports the journey of personal growth by highlighting the opportunities for change and evolution that are available.
Conclusion
The Tarot of 78 Doors is a unique divination tool that utilizes the powerful metaphor of doors and portals to explore the complexities of life. Created by Pietro Alliego and illustrated by Antonella Platano, it blends traditional tarot structure with imaginative, fantasy-inspired imagery. The deck serves as a guide for self-discovery, encouraging users to open the doors of their subconscious and explore the possibilities that lie within. Through its symbolic imagery and intuitive framework, it offers a fresh perspective on tarot reading, focusing on choices, transitions, and the endless flow of life's events.