The Grand Etteilla Tarot represents a pivotal moment in the history of cartomancy, marking the transition of tarot cards from simple gaming tools to a sophisticated system of divination. Created by Jean-Baptiste Alliette, who operated under the pseudonym Etteilla, this deck was the first to be specifically designed and published for occult purposes. Historical records indicate that Etteilla, a French occultist active in the late 18th century, was the first professional to popularize tarot divination to a wide audience, making his living through card readings starting around 1785. His work fundamentally shifted the perception of the tarot, establishing it as a vehicle for esoteric wisdom and fortune-telling.
Jean-Baptiste Alliette (1738–1791) was not only an occultist but also a printer and publisher, a combination of skills that allowed him to produce his own tarot deck and accompanying literature. In 1789, he published "The Grand Etteilla Tarot," a deck notable for its departure from traditional tarot symbolism and its unique interpretation of the cards. Prior to this, in the years 1783–1785, he had published "Manière de se récréer avec le jeu de cartes nommées tarots" (Way to recreate yourself with the deck of cards called tarots), which is considered the original reference work of Tarot cartomancy. Etteilla claimed to have learned the method of reading cards in Italy or from an Italian individual, and his interpretations were heavily influenced by various esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah and Hermeticism.
The Design and Structure of the Grand Etteilla Tarot
The Grand Etteilla Tarot deck typically consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana, similar to traditional structures. However, the visual presentation and symbolic content were distinct. The artwork is described as more simplistic and abstract compared to the intricate illustrations found in later tarot decks such as the Rider-Waite-Smith. The cards are often larger in size and feature Spanish suit-marks. A complete pack includes a booklet of instruction, emphasizing its intended use for cartomancy. The cards are numbered in each corner and framed with a light blue border, with backs printed with a red pattern.
One of the most significant innovations of the Grand Etteilla was the inclusion of explicit divinatory meanings printed directly on the cards. This included keywords for both upright and reversed positions. This was a radical departure from earlier decks, where meanings were largely intuitive or required memorization of complex systems. By labeling the cards with descriptive titles and keywords, Etteilla made the deck accessible to a broader audience, effectively "codifying" the divinatory process.
Reordering the Arcana
Etteilla did not merely reinterpret the existing tarot structure; he reordered it. The deck often began with the card named "Etteilla" or "Le Fol" (The Fool) as a concept representing chaos or potential, which he aligned with the concept of creation. This reordering and relabeling of the Major Arcana was groundbreaking at the time, as it positioned the deck purely as a divination tool rather than as a gaming deck.
Esoteric Foundations: Egyptomania and the Book of Thoth
The late 18th century was characterized by a cultural fixation known as "Egyptomania," where anything vaguely Egyptian was viewed as exotic, magical, and spiritually superior. This cultural climate was heavily influenced by the work of Antoine Court de Gébelin, a French clergyman and Freemason. In his multi-volume work "Le Monde Primitif," de Gébelin suggested that the tarot contained hidden wisdom from ancient Egypt. Etteilla capitalized on this narrative, building his entire tarot system around it.
Etteilla frequently referred to his deck as the "Book of Thoth." Thoth is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with writing, magic, and wisdom. By linking his tarot designs to Thoth, Etteilla fueled the idea that tarot was a mystical legacy handed down from ancient Egypt. While modern historians have largely discredited these specific Egyptian origins, the symbolism resonated deeply with 18th-century audiences. This association entrenched tarot’s identity as a storehouse of ancient wisdom, paving the way for future occultists.
Alchemical and Astrological Integration
The Grand Etteilla Tarot is characterized by a heavy emphasis on astrological, alchemical, and mythological symbolism. Etteilla published ideas regarding correspondences between the tarot, astrology, and the four classical elements (earth, water, air, fire) and the four humors. His cards included references to zodiac signs and biblical imagery. This integration of numerology and astrology was a key feature; each card was associated with a specific astrological correspondence and a numerical value, which contributed to its divinatory significance. The system felt less like telling a story and more like cracking a code, with meanings derived from these esoteric associations.
Divinatory Methodology: Upright and Reversed Meanings
The Grand Etteilla Tarot was one of the first decks to systematically introduce reversed cards. In this system, a card appearing upside down was read differently than when upright. Etteilla assigned specific divinatory meanings to each card in both positions. This doubled the interpretive possibilities of the deck and added a layer of complexity that appealed to serious students of the occult.
Major Arcana Interpretations
Etteilla infused each Major Arcana card with a direct divinatory keyword and a reversed keyword. For example, the card named "Etteilla" or "Le Fol" (The Fool) represented chaos or potential in the upright position, likely signifying new beginnings or unpredictability. In the reversed position, the meaning would shift, perhaps indicating foolishness, wasted potential, or stasis. This binary interpretive structure provided a clear framework for readers, allowing for precise readings without the need for extensive intuitive interpretation.
The Influence of Numerology
Numerology played a crucial role in the interpretation of the cards. Etteilla’s system assigned numerical values to the cards, and these numbers were used to derive deeper meanings. This approach aligned with the Hermetic principle that numbers are the fundamental underlying reality of the universe. By combining the visual symbolism of the cards with their numerical values and astrological correspondences, Etteilla created a multi-layered divinatory system.
The Legacy of the Grand Etteilla Tarot
Despite the fact that the Grand Etteilla Tarot is rarely used by modern readers (who often prefer the Rider-Waite-Smith or Thoth decks), its historical significance cannot be overstated. It was the deck that "stopped tarot being a game and started it to become a divination tool." Before Etteilla, tarot was primarily played; after Etteilla, tarot was something to be read, seriously and systemically.
The deck’s influence is evident in the way modern tarot is approached. The concept of having keywords on the cards, the use of reversed meanings, and the integration of esoteric systems like astrology and numerology can all trace their lineage back to Etteilla’s work. He was the first to issue a revised tarot deck specifically designed for occult purposes rather than game playing.
Critique and Historical Accuracy
It is important to note that the historical accuracy of Etteilla’s claims regarding Egyptian origins is debated. As noted in the source material, the connection to the Book of Thoth and ancient Egypt was largely a construct designed to give the deck a sense of authority and ancient lineage. It was not about factual accuracy but about power, narrative, and the desire to link spiritual tools to something grander. However, this myth-making was effective. It helped shape tarot into the reflective, esoteric tool it is today.
Etteilla’s work represents a perfect example of how myth shapes practice. By adopting the aesthetic and symbolic language of Egyptomania, he provided a framework that felt ancient and mysterious. This framework allowed users to access deeper layers of their own intuition, guided by the "ancient wisdom" purportedly encoded in the cards.
Practical Application in Modern Contexts
While the Grand Etteilla Tarot itself is a historical artifact, the principles it introduced remain relevant for those interested in holistic energy harmonization and spiritual guidance. The systematic approach to divination—combining visual cues, keywords, numerology, and astrology—provides a robust method for exploring personal growth strategies.
For homeowners and business owners seeking balance and success, the evolution of tarot from Etteilla onward highlights the importance of structure in spiritual practice. Just as Vastu Shastra relies on specific directional alignments to harmonize energy, the Grand Etteilla Tarot relied on specific correspondences to align the seeker with esoteric insights. The deck’s emphasis on "cracking a code" rather than simply telling a story encourages a disciplined, analytical approach to spiritual questions.
Relationship Harmony and Personal Growth
In the context of relationship harmony, the binary nature of upright and reversed meanings can offer nuanced insights into the dynamics between individuals. The keywords printed on the cards serve as focal points for meditation and reflection, allowing users to identify areas of potential conflict or growth. For example, a card representing "Chaos" in the upright position might suggest a need for embracing change, while its reversed counterpart might warn against unnecessary disruption.
The Grand Etteilla Tarot also underscores the value of comprehensive guides. Just as Etteilla provided a booklet of instruction with his deck, modern holistic practitioners emphasize the importance of education. Understanding the underlying principles of a divination system—whether it is the elemental correspondences in tarot or the directional zones in Vastu—empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their environment and their spiritual path.
Conclusion
The Grand Etteilla Tarot stands as a monument in the history of divination. Jean-Baptiste Alliette’s contribution was not merely the creation of a new deck, but the establishment of a new paradigm for the tarot. By assigning specific divinatory meanings, integrating numerology and astrology, and utilizing the cultural fascination with ancient Egypt, he transformed the tarot into a tool of occult science. While the specific imagery and claims of the Grand Etteilla may seem archaic or historically dubious to the modern eye, the system it pioneered—structured, symbolic, and deeply interconnected—laid the foundation for the esoteric tarot traditions that followed. It remains a testament to the power of narrative and the enduring human desire to find meaning through symbols.