The Egorov Tarot is a self-titled Tarot deck created by Russian artist Alexander Egorov and published in Austria by Piatnik. This deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the standard structure of Tarot. The imagery is described as Rider-Waite-styled, providing a familiar visual language for those versed in traditional Tarot systems. A notable feature of the deck is the inclusion of titles in English, German, and French, making it accessible to a broad audience. The cards measure 12.7 cm in height and 7.3 cm in width, offering a substantial physical presence for handling during readings.
The design and instructions are credited to Alexander Egorov, and the deck is marketed under the banner of "Russian Psychological Games TAROT." This designation highlights a specific interpretational focus. The artistic style is described as "original old Russian style," utilizing the divinatory meaning of each card to convey its message. While the deck is not new, having been copyrighted in 1992, it remains a valued item for collectors and practitioners.
Psychological Approach to Tarot Interpretation
A defining characteristic of the Egorov Tarot is its psychological approach. The creator, Alexander Egorov, designed the deck to explore the divinatory meanings of the cards through a psychological lens. This approach suggests that the deck is intended not merely for fortune-telling, but for introspection and understanding the inner workings of the mind and spirit.
However, the accompanying guidebook, or Little White Book (LWB), presents challenges for English-speaking users. The documentation provided with the deck is noted to be "somewhat less than completely helpful" due to the quality of the translation. It is speculated that the original text was written in Russian or German, and the concepts—likely rooted in psychological theory—were difficult to render accurately in English. Consequently, readers are advised that careful and possibly repeated reading of the passages is necessary to grasp the intended meanings. Despite the translation difficulties, the psychological concepts remain a central element of the deck's utility.
For those seeking to use the deck for holistic energy balancing or personal growth, the psychological approach offers a framework for examining personal challenges and emotional states. Rather than seeking external predictions, the user is encouraged to engage with the imagery to uncover internal insights.
Artistic Style and Physical Characteristics
The visual presentation of the Egorov Tarot is distinct. The artwork draws inspiration from the "Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg," though the two decks are not identical. The Egorov cards are physically larger, thicker, and possess a different finish—described as matte with a touch of waxiness—compared to the finer, lacquer-box style of the St. Petersburg deck. The artistic style is distinct from the "very fine, tiny paintings" associated with the lacquer box tradition, offering a more robust and perhaps rustic aesthetic.
The deck comes in a standard light cardboard box, which includes the 64-page LWB. The box is noted to have enough space for a small notebook or log, suggesting a design intended for active use and recording of insights. The physical quality of the cards is generally regarded as good value for the price, with the deck being cherished by collectors.
The Experience of Using the Egorov Tarot
Users of the Egorov Tarot have reported a strong connection to the deck. One review noted that the deck "spoke" immediately after the first shuffle and spread, offering a clarity that was "truly amazing." This immediate resonance suggests that the deck may be particularly effective for individuals seeking clear guidance in their spiritual or personal lives.
The deck has become a favorite for some practitioners, offering a refreshing and gentle challenge to their interpretational abilities. It is recommended for those who have a taste for something different and are willing to expand their understanding of Tarot beyond standard interpretations. The psychological focus requires the reader to enlarge upon their interpretational skills, moving beyond rote memorization of meanings to a more nuanced, introspective reading style.
Holistic Context: Integrating Tarot with Vastu and Numerology
While the provided source data focuses exclusively on the Egorov Tarot, a holistic approach to energy balancing often integrates Tarot with other disciplines such as Vastu Shastra and Numerology. In the context of PruthaVastu and the guidance of Dr. Riddhe Sshilpi, the Egorov Tarot can be viewed as a tool for self-reflection that complements spatial and energetic adjustments.
Tarot and Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra focuses on the harmony between the individual and their living or working space. When a client seeks Vastu corrections, the process often involves identifying energetic blockages or imbalances in specific zones of a building. The Egorov Tarot, with its psychological approach, can serve as a diagnostic tool. For instance, if a Vastu consultation identifies a lack of prosperity energy in the Southeast zone (associated with the element of Fire), a Tarot reading using the Egorov deck could help the client explore their internal psychological relationship with wealth and abundance. The "old Russian style" imagery might trigger subconscious insights regarding financial habits or fears, which are often the energetic roots of physical space imbalances.
Tarot and Numerology
Numerology analyzes the vibrational significance of numbers derived from names and dates. In a holistic consultation, Numerology might identify a client's life path number or current personal year number to determine optimal timing for changes. The Egorov Tarot can be used to explore the themes associated with these numbers. For example, if a client is in a "5" year (associated with change and movement), the psychological insights from the Egorov deck can help navigate the internal resistance or excitement related to that change, ensuring that external actions align with internal readiness.
Holistic Energy Harmonization
The ultimate goal of integrating these disciplines is holistic energy harmonization. The Egorov Tarot contributes to this by fostering self-awareness. A client who understands their psychological landscape is better equipped to maintain the energetic purity of their environment. For example, maintaining a clutter-free entrance (a core Vastu principle) becomes easier when the individual has addressed the internal "clutter" revealed through Tarot introspection.
Practical Application for Personal Growth
The Egorov Tarot is suitable for individuals focused on personal growth strategies. Its design encourages a dialogue with the subconscious. The following steps outline a method for using the deck in a holistic growth framework:
- Set an Intention: Before shuffling, focus on a specific area of life where energy feels stagnant or chaotic.
- Engage with the Imagery: Allow the "original old Russian style" art to speak to the intuition. Note which symbols or colors resonate.
- Consult the LWB with Patience: Due to translation issues, read the guidebook text slowly. Look for the psychological core of the message rather than literal phrasing.
- Journal the Insights: Use the space provided in the box to record the reading and the feelings it evoked. This helps track patterns and progress in energy balancing.
Commercial and Residential Considerations
While the Egorov Tarot is primarily a tool for personal insight, it can be applied to commercial and residential contexts.
- Residential Planning: Homeowners can use the deck to understand the energetic needs of different family members. For example, a reading focused on the Northwest zone (related to the father or head of the household) might reveal psychological stressors that are impacting the harmony of the home.
- Commercial Success: Business owners can use the deck to reflect on decision-making processes. The psychological approach is particularly useful for leadership, helping to uncover blind spots or biases that may be hindering commercial success.
Relationship Harmony
Relationships are a frequent subject of Tarot inquiry. The Egorov Tarot’s psychological focus is beneficial for exploring the dynamics between partners. Rather than predicting the future of a relationship, the deck helps identify the internal contributions each person makes to the dynamic. This aligns with a holistic approach to relationship harmony, which posits that external harmony is a reflection of internal balance.
Conclusion
The Egorov Tarot, created by Alexander Egorov and published by Piatnik, is a 78-card deck that offers a unique, psychological approach to Tarot reading. While the accompanying guidebook suffers from translation difficulties, the deck’s Rider-Waite-styled imagery and old Russian artistic style provide a rich field for introspection and energy analysis. It is a valuable tool for those seeking to integrate Tarot guidance with Vastu Shastra principles and Numerology insights to achieve holistic energy balancing. By fostering deep self-awareness, the Egorov Tarot supports personal growth, relationship harmony, and the creation of balanced residential and commercial environments.