The Harmonious Tarot, created by Walter Crane and Ernest Fitzpatrick in 2005 and published by Lo Scarabeo, offers a distinct approach to Tarot reading characterized by its soft, Victorian-style artwork and gentle energy. This deck stands out for its use of a pastel color palette with minimal black, creating a visually soothing experience that avoids the intimidation sometimes associated with more traditional Tarot imagery. The artwork, primarily by Victorian artist Walter Crane with modifications by Fitzpatrick, is described as romantic, heavily floral, and easily readable. It draws inspiration from a whimsical, mythical world attributed to "Lady Victoria Westwood," blending elements of Victorian England, cottage flower gardens, and various historical eras. The costumes within the deck shift randomly between twentieth-century attire, medieval fantasy, Grecian robes, and Native American influences, often overlaid with a pronounced floral theme where even animals and objects are decorated with flowers.
This deck is positioned as suitable for a wide range of users. For beginners, its "delicate, non-threatening softness" and "subtlety and whimsy" make it an ideal starting point, allowing for warm, friendly, and gentle inquiries. For experienced readers, the deck provides an opportunity to explore new insights, as the imagery is open enough to allow for the imposition of personal meanings while still offering consistent visual cues. The cards are noted for being a convenient size for smaller hands, with card stock that facilitates easy shuffling without clinging. The accompanying booklet is described as containing limited information, which places a greater emphasis on the imagery itself for interpretation.
Understanding the Major Arcana in the Harmonious Tarot
The Major Arcana of the Harmonious Tarot follows the traditional structure of 22 cards, though the visual expressions offer unique nuances. The deck adheres to the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition in its numbering, with The Fool as 0, Strength as 11, and Justice as 8.
The Lovers (Card VI)
In the Harmonious Tarot, The Lovers card presents a visual depiction of a man standing with a woman on either side of him, accompanied by an angelic presence overhead. The accompanying booklet suggests meanings such as "Harmony, union, sincere love, Beauty, New relationships, Associations." However, there is noted disparity between the booklet's text and the imagery. The image is interpreted by some as more descriptive of a situation where a choice needs to be made, rather than solely a union of love.
Death (Card XIII)
Departing from the somber imagery often found in traditional decks, Death in the Harmonious Tarot is shown dancing. This portrayal emphasizes the character as active and inescapable, rather than a passive or purely negative force. This aligns with the deck's overall softer approach to difficult themes.
The Hierophant (Card V)
The Hierophant is represented with a focus on "tradition, conformity, morality, ethics." When upright, it suggests adherence to established structures; when reversed, it can indicate rebellion, subversiveness, or the adoption of new approaches.
The Chariot (Card VII)
This card represents "direction, control, willpower." The imagery supports the theme of determination and taking charge of one's path. Reversed, it may suggest a lack of control or direction, or even aggression.
Strength (Card XI)
Positioned as Strength rather than Justice in this deck's Major Arcana order, this card embodies "inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus." It speaks to mastering internal challenges. Reversed, it points toward "self doubt, weakness, insecurity."
The Hermit (Card IX)
The Hermit signifies "contemplation, search for truth, inner guidance." It is a card of introspection and seeking wisdom from within. Reversed, it can indicate "loneliness, isolation, or lost your way."
The Wheel of Fortune (Card X)
This card represents "change, cycles, inevitable fate." It reminds the reader of the constant flux of life. Reversed, it suggests "no control, clinging to control, bad luck."
Justice (Card VIII)
Justice is associated with "cause and effect, clarity, truth." It represents fairness and karmic balance. Reversed, it highlights "dishonesty, unaccountability, unfairness."
The Hanged Man (Card XII)
This card depicts "sacrifice, release, martyrdom." It encourages a change in perspective. Reversed, it warns of "stalling, needless sacrifice, fear of sacrifice."
Temperance (Card XIV)
Temperance signifies the "middle path, patience, finding meaning." It is about balance and moderation. Reversed, it warns of "extremes, excess, lack of balance."
The Devil (Card XV)
The Devil represents "addiction, materialism, playfulness." It highlights bondage to material or lower desires. Reversed, it suggests "freedom, release, restoring control."
The Tower (Card XVI)
The Tower indicates "sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster." It represents sudden, unavoidable change. Reversed, it may suggest "disaster avoided, delayed disaster, fear of suffering."
The Star (Card XVII)
This card embodies "hope, faith, rejuvenation." It is a beacon of optimism and healing. Reversed, it indicates "faithlessness, discouragement, insecurity."
The Moon (Card XVIII)
The Moon represents the "unconscious, illusions, intuition." It deals with the subconscious and hidden fears. Reversed, it suggests "confusion, fear, misinterpretation."
The Sun (Card XIX)
The Sun signifies "joy, success, celebration, positivity." It is a card of pure happiness and vitality. Reversed, it points to "negativity, depression, sadness."
Judgement (Card XX)
Judgement represents "reflection, reckoning, awakening." It is a call to self-evaluation. Reversed, it indicates "lack of self awareness, doubt, self loathing."
The World (Card XXI)
The World signifies "fulfillment, harmony, completion." It represents the end of a cycle and successful achievement. Reversed, it suggests "incompletion, no closure."
Insights into the Minor Arcana
The Harmonious Tarot features 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into four suits: Chalices, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles. The court cards consist of Knave, Knight, Queen, and King. The deck utilizes unique scenes without traditional suit symbols, relying on imagery to convey meaning.
Suit of Wands
The suit of Wands is often associated with energy, action, and creativity. In the Harmonious Tarot, this suit can present some curiosities that require careful interpretation.
Four of Wands
This card depicts two males securing wands into the ground. The booklet associates it with "Celebrations, Harmony, good relations with relatives and friends." The imagery stresses happy times and teamwork, representing a happy home life where life is meaningful, rather than strictly picture-perfect.
Eight of Wands
The Eight of Wands is described as one of the most curious cards in the deck. The imagery shows a female pulling away from a male who appears to want to display his affection. The booklet suggests meanings of "Ideas, thoughts, verbal and written communications. A surprise." The visual of rejection or pulling away adds a layer of complexity, suggesting unwanted advances or the need for space amidst communication. It may require a clarifier card to fully understand the context of the "surprise" or communication.
Knight of Wands
The Knight of Wands in this deck shows a figure looking focused and regal, with the horse’s head facing down in a display of determination. The booklet offers "Departure. A goodbye. Impatience, unrest. Impulsiveness." The departure theme is more context-dependent and might be more relevant when appearing alongside cards like Death or the Three of Swords. The imagery suggests a focused energy rather than purely impulsive action.
Suit of Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles typically relates to the material world, finances, and stability.
Knight of Pentacles
Consistent with traditional meanings, the Harmonious Tarot depicts the Knight of Pentacles as the slowest of the knights. The horse is shown at a standstill, stopping to appreciate a flower. This Knight notably does not hold a shield, which may symbolize a lack of defensiveness or being less guarded. The left hand holds a rein loosely wrapped around the horse’s neck, symbolizing control over movements and actions. The booklet confirms these visual cues with "Stability. Perseverance in choices, lucky encounters."
Suit of Cups (Chalices)
The suit of Cups deals with emotions, relationships, and intuition.
Nine of Chalices
This card continues the deck's floral theme, featuring a giant goose with leaves for feet. It is associated with emotional fulfillment and wishes granted.
Knight of Cups
The imagery for the Knight of Cups shows the back of the horse heading toward a distant castle. This visual suggests a journey toward a goal, often related to romance or the pursuit of an emotional ideal.
Suit of Swords
The suit of Swords represents the intellect, conflict, and challenges.
Seven of Cups
This card features a woman holding a mirror, seeing herself as aged. This is a fascinating addition to the card's traditional meaning of "daydreams, fantasies, and imagination." The mirror reflecting age suggests a confrontation with the consequences of illusion or the passage of time within one's fantasies.
Practical Application and Reading Style
The Harmonious Tarot is described as "lazy days in a garden full of flowers." Its vibe is soft, unobtrusive, and light, making it excellent for keeping readings gentle and optimistic. It is particularly well-suited for general readings and regular use.
For readers, the deck encourages a balance between the provided booklet meanings and the intuitive interpretation of the lush, floral imagery. While the deck does not wander far from traditional Tarot structures, specific cards (such as the Eight of Wands or the Seven of Cups) may present unique visual narratives that diverge slightly from standard expectations. These instances invite the reader to look deeper into the specific situation presented by the card's artwork.
The deck's ability to be "open enough to impose your own meanings" makes it a versatile tool for those who have established their own Tarot language but wish to explore a softer aesthetic. At the same time, its consistency in visual cues provides a reliable framework for those still learning the cards.
Conclusion
The Harmonious Tarot serves as a bridge between traditional Tarot structure and a unique, aesthetically gentle divination tool. By blending the detailed, floral art of Walter Crane with the functional requirements of a Tarot deck, it offers a reading experience that is both visually enchanting and intuitively accessible. Whether used by beginners seeking a non-threatening entry into Tarot or by experienced practitioners looking for a change of pace, the deck provides a garden of imagery from which insights can bloom. Its interpretation relies heavily on the interplay between the soft visual cues and the core meanings outlined in the booklet, allowing for a personalized and harmonious reading experience.