The Tarot de Marseille represents one of the oldest and most respected systems of divination, offering profound insights into personal journeys and spiritual development. Among its contemporary interpretations, the CBD Tarot de Marseille, restored and adapted by Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov, stands as a significant achievement in preserving traditional tarot wisdom while making it accessible to modern readers. This deck offers a unique approach to understanding tarot symbolism through a careful balance of historical authenticity and contemporary artistic sensibility.
The CBD Tarot de Marseille is a faithful reproduction and restoration of the traditional tarot cards based on the standard deck printed in Marseille by Nicholas Conver in 1760. This restoration project was undertaken by Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov between 2008 and 2010, with the deck being officially published in 2010. The name "CBD" itself reflects this specific restoration work: "Conver - Ben-Dov," indicating the direct lineage from the original 18th-century master printer to the contemporary restorer. The deck includes 79 cards, featuring the traditional 78-card structure plus an additional blank logo card that may be used as a symbol for "anything open and possible."
Understanding the Restoration Philosophy
The CBD Tarot de Marseille was created through a meticulous process that respected the original artistic vision while adapting it for contemporary use. Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov, a quantum physicist, philosopher of science, and tarot teacher from Israel, approached this restoration with deep reverence for the original work. His background in physics and philosophy provided him with a unique perspective on the symbolic and structural integrity of the tarot system.
The restoration process was notably labor-intensive and organic. Unlike many modern restorations that rely on computer-generated vector graphics, the CBD deck's black lines were produced through a slow, growing, and organic process. First, the lines were drawn by hand using ink nib and tippex brush on paper. These hand-drawn lines were then scanned and manually reshaped millimeter by millimeter. The work was executed in extremely high resolution, equivalent to a full-sized card being 3-1/2 meters high. This meticulous process took over 3-1/2 years and required the collaboration of three pairs of hands.
This approach stands in contrast to other restored editions that often use "vector graphics" lines created by computers, which produce uniform width and mathematically exact curves. While computer-generated lines save time and effort, they can create a sharp, crisp, and overly artificial appearance. The CBD Tarot de Marseille's hand-crafted process resulted in lines that maintain the organic quality and subtle variations of the original 18th-century printing techniques.
Historical Context and Significance
The Nicholas Conver 1760 deck represents the culmination of four centuries of tarot evolution. Many tarot authorities consider this particular version to express the magic of the age-old Tarot in its purest and most effective form. The Conver deck became the most appreciated and influential version of the traditional Tarot, setting a standard for subsequent generations.
When comparing the CBD Tarot de Marseille to other restored editions, it's important to note that many popular restorations also rely on Conver's deck as their foundation. However, these other editions often supplement the original with additional details taken from other decks or add new elements reflecting their creators' personal ideas and interpretations. The CBD Tarot de Marseille takes a different approach by remaining faithful to Conver's design without trying to "correct" or "improve" upon the original details and lines.
This commitment to authenticity means that the CBD deck preserves the original symbolism, imagery, and energetic quality that made the Conver deck so influential. Readers working with this deck can therefore access the same visual and symbolic language that has guided tarot practitioners for over two and a half centuries.
Features and Specifications
The CBD Tarot de Marseille deck manufactured by US Games Systems (TCR Cards edition) was released on December 15, 2017. The product is available in English and includes 79 cards. Each card features a white background with a thin black border around the image, creating a clean presentation that allows the artwork to stand out clearly.
The deck comes with a 56-page booklet that provides instructions for interpreting the cards, including both upright and inverted meanings. This companion guide helps readers understand the traditional symbolism while offering practical guidance for readings.
The cards have been described by users as having a strong energy, with a "mystical force" that seems to emanate from them. Many readers report an immediate and deep connection with this deck, something that had eluded them with other tarot systems. The cards are noted for their ability to "speak clearly" and guide readers into their own depth, often catching readers "off guard" with their directness and clarity.
The Approach to Tarot Reading
The CBD Tarot de Marseille operates within the traditional framework of tarot divination, where cards are rich in symbolism and provide opportunities for deeper understanding of one's personal journey. In a typical reading, cards are arranged in specific patterns or spreads, and their arrangement reveals messages about the querent's past, present, and future.
The deck maintains the traditional structure where each card is associated with particular meanings. When these cards appear in specific positions within a spread, their combined symbolism creates a narrative or guidance for the person seeking insight. The 56-page booklet included with the deck provides guidance for interpreting both upright and inverted positions, offering a complete system for reading.
The CBD approach to understanding the cards emphasizes a holistic and non-superstitious perspective. Rather than treating the cards as magical objects or fortune-telling devices, this approach views them as tools for self-reflection and personal growth. The symbolism becomes a mirror through which readers can explore their subconscious, discover hidden truths about their lives and relationships, and gain greater understanding of their spiritual path.
User Experiences and Community Reception
The CBD Tarot de Marseille has generated significant enthusiasm among tarot practitioners. Reviews from the Aeclectic Tarot Forum highlight several key qualities that users appreciate. One user, Le Fanu, described the deck as "great" with a "lovely vibe," noting it as an "excellently produced deck, so bright and cheerful." The deck is praised as a "beautiful restoration, tactile, vibrant colours, discreet backs," creating "a deck that will be a pleasure to read and study from."
Many users report that this deck solved a long-standing problem they had with other tarot decks. One practitioner described using tarot since age 15 or 16, but consistently feeling unsatisfied with various decks over the years. There was always "a lack of a connection, always something was missing," leading to a pattern of buying decks, using them for a period, then putting them away in search of another. This pattern continued for many years until discovering the CBD Tarot de Marseille through the Aeclectic Tarot Forum. The user describes an immediate "calling" to this deck that hadn't been experienced before, and after spending time with the cards, "all of a sudden there was a connection." The user finally felt able to read the cards the way they had always wanted, stating "Finally I can stop searching, there is complete satisfaction, the connection with this deck is amazing, and the more I use it the more it shines."
Another user described unique experiences with the deck that only happen "once in a lifetime," noting that "the energy with the cards is strong, like there is a mystical force coming from them that is amazing." The deck has a way to "synchronize" with users, creating experiences where the cards "speak clearly" and guide readers into "their or your own depth."
The Creator's Background and Vision
Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov brings a multidisciplinary approach to his tarot work. Born in 1957 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and having spent part of his childhood in Ethiopia, he developed a broad cultural perspective. He studied physics and philosophy of science at Tel Aviv University and received a doctorate in Quantum Mechanics from Paris-13 University. He served as a lecturer for 18 years at universities in Tel Aviv and other locations.
His journey into tarot began early, as he authored the first Tarot book in Hebrew in 1981. He further deepened his study by learning Tarot and psychomagic with Alejandro Jodorowsky in Paris during the mid-1980s. This combination of scientific training, philosophical inquiry, and traditional tarot study informed his restoration work.
Dr. Ben-Dov's approach to the CBD Tarot de Marseille reflects his belief that while the deck should remain faithful to Conver's original design, it also needs to be adapted for contemporary use. He sought to "translate the artistic genius of Conver into a form that can touch and move Tarot readers today." This involved adapting line textures, face expressions, and colors to new printing techniques and modern visual sensibilities, while carefully preserving the basic details and symbolic integrity of the cards.
Practical Applications and Holistic Integration
The CBD Tarot de Marseille serves multiple functions within holistic spiritual practice. As a divination tool, it provides guidance and insight into life situations. As a meditation device, the rich symbolism and vibrant imagery can facilitate deeper self-reflection. As a means of personal development, working with the cards can help individuals explore their subconscious patterns and gain clarity about their life direction.
The deck's non-superstitious approach aligns well with modern holistic practices that emphasize personal empowerment and self-awareness rather than passive fortune-telling. Users are encouraged to engage with the cards as active participants in their own growth process, using the symbolic language of the tarot to illuminate areas of life that may need attention or to recognize patterns and possibilities that aren't immediately apparent in daily consciousness.
For those interested in incorporating the CBD Tarot de Marseille into their practice, the deck offers several advantages. Its historical authenticity provides a solid foundation in traditional tarot wisdom. Its modern restoration makes it accessible and visually appealing to contemporary users. The included guidebook offers practical starting points for interpretation. And the positive experiences reported by the community suggest that this deck has a particular capacity to establish meaningful connections with readers.
Conclusion
The CBD Tarot de Marseille represents a successful bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. Through Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov's careful restoration work, the profound symbolism and energetic quality of the 1760 Conver deck has been made accessible to modern readers without sacrificing its historical integrity. The deck's success lies in its faithful preservation of traditional details combined with thoughtful adaptation to current printing techniques and visual expectations.
For practitioners seeking a tarot deck that offers both historical authenticity and contemporary usability, the CBD Tarot de Marseille provides a compelling option. Its ability to establish deep connections with users, as evidenced by numerous testimonials, suggests that it fulfills a genuine need in the tarot community for tools that bridge traditional wisdom with modern spiritual practice. Whether used for divination, self-reflection, or personal growth, this restored Marseille deck offers a reliable and inspiring companion on the journey of self-discovery.