The Manga Tarot represents a unique synthesis of European tarot traditions and Japanese cultural aesthetics, offering a distinct lens for personal introspection and divination. Created by Riccardo Minetti, this deck first emerged in 2006 and saw subsequent reprints in 2008 and 2010, quickly gaining popularity for its blend of traditional symbolism and the "Kawaii" era style. Unlike standard tarot decks, the Manga Tarot draws deeply from the philosophy of Japanese life—measured, philosophical, and artistic—translating these concepts into a visual language of cards. The deck is designed not merely as a tool for fortune-telling but as a medium to explore the continuity of generations and the transfer of knowledge from master to student. Through its vibrant imagery and reimagined archetypes, the Manga Tarot invites the querent to unravel unique meanings hidden within its panels, emphasizing the power of intuition and the balance of energies.
Historical Context and Cultural Synthesis
The Manga Tarot is described as a tribute to Eastern culture, specifically the art of "Manga," which translates to "grotesque" or "whimsical pictures." This art form attempts to convey reality through fantasy images, capturing complexities and emotions. Riccardo Minetti’s goal was to create a synthesis where the courage of warriors harmonizes with fine mental organization, abundance, and creativity. The deck is rooted in the English school of tarot, specifically adhering to the Waite tradition. This means the Fool remains without a numerical designation, and the minor arcana are plot-driven, illustrating specific scenes rather than just symbolic pip cards.
The visual style is distinct: the cards are long and thin, potentially designed for smaller hands, and feature characters that are graceful and beautiful with expressive facial features and significant body language. The artist, Selena Lin, paid special attention to poses and gestures, where an open hand or a specific direction of gaze can hint at extroversion, introversion, the past, or the future. The cards are framed in black with multilingual signatures and numerical designations at the top.
The Major Arcana: A Shift in Gender and Energy
One of the most striking features of the Manga Tarot is the rearrangement of the Major Arcana, which places a distinct emphasis on the female figure and Yin energy. While the core meanings of the cards remain familiar to the Waite-Smith tradition, the context and gender representation have shifted.
- The High Priestess and Empress: In a notable swap, the High Priestess is depicted as a Priest, and the Emperor takes the place of the Empress. However, the text clarifies that such rearrangements do not fundamentally alter the root meaning of the cards; they merely change the context.
- The Hermit and Strength: The Hermit is shown as a sage in a traditional kimono. Strength, usually depicted with a woman taming a lion, features a warrior in armor facing a ferocious dragon.
- The Hanged Man: This card is renamed the "Hanged Woman." It depicts a naked girl standing on her hands next to a waterfall. The stream symbolizes feelings, suggesting that the heroine has become a slave to her experiences and emotions.
- The World: The World card, representing completion and balance, features a pair of heroes—a man and a woman—replacing the traditional androgyne. Blooming sakura surrounds them, symbolizing the enjoyment of life, inspiration, and an influx of strength.
This dominance of the female figure is not just a stylistic choice but a representation of soft, intuitive power, or Yin energy. The text notes that this soft power is capable of both creation and destruction and exists in both men and women.
The Influence of Kanji and Seasons
A unique integration in the Manga Tarot is the presence of one of four hieroglyphs (kanji) on each Major Arcana card. These kanji represent the four seasons, adding a layer of elemental and temporal meaning to the readings.
- Spring (Yellow): Associated with feelings.
- Summer (Red): Associated with individuality.
- Autumn (Green): Associated with practicality.
- Winter (Blue): Associated with a sharp mind.
This seasonal symbolism extends to the suits of the Minor Arcana, creating a cohesive system of energy flow.
Minor Arcana and Court Cards
The Minor Arcana of the Manga Tarot depicts four distinct realms of life, reflecting the standard suit associations but with specific cultural flair:
- Swords: Represented by Warriors.
- Cups: Represented by Lovers, family, and friends.
- Wands: Represented by people of art and talents.
- Pentacles: Represented by merchants and workers.
The court cards have also undergone significant changes to reinforce the theme of Yin energy and balance:
- Pages are replaced by Princes.
- Knights are replaced by Princesses.
- Kings and Queens have switched places.
This hierarchy emphasizes the dominance of intuitive power. Furthermore, the distribution of the four seasonal kanji on the numbered pip cards indicates the flow of energy. The Ace contains all four kanji, symbolizing the initial impulse, open roads, and the freedom of choice. In contrast, the Ten contains only three kanji, symbolizing a peak point and a necessary deficit of one element, indicating a completion that requires a sacrifice or balance.
Interpretation and Reading Style
The Manga Tarot is designed to be read using the developments of the Waite system, meaning readers familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck will find a solid foundation for interpretation. For example, the Seven of Swords still depicts a theft scene, though the criminal is now a girl.
However, the deck encourages a specific vibrational approach. Riccardo Minetti suggests that the deck was created with "passion and joy," and these vibrations will inevitably arise in readings if the reader and querent allow it. The deck is described as "gentle and light," avoiding the pitfalls of childishness despite its "Kawaii" influences. It serves as a bridge between the old way of life and modern sensibilities.
Minetti outlines a "9 steps of a reading" process, though the specific steps are not detailed in the provided text. The imagery itself acts as a guide. For instance, the Sun card (XIX) is interpreted not just as joy or success, but as "Feeling safe." This subtle shift in meaning encourages a deeper psychological interpretation of the cards, focusing on emotional security and inner peace.
Visual Language and Symbolism
The visual language of the Manga Tarot is rich with symbolism intended to aid the reader:
- Clothing: Open or closed clothing hints at extroversion or introversion.
- Gestures: Hand movements convey specific messages.
- Direction: Characters walking or looking to the left represent the past, while the right indicates the future.
The card back design features a warrior in the lotus position with closed eyes, forming a mudra (sacred gesture) while concentrating on the root chakra. A mirror reflection of the hero is included, facilitating the use of reversed positions in readings. This image encapsulates the deck's vibe: mysterious, attractive, and focused on inner awareness.
Conclusion
The Manga Tarot offers a sophisticated blend of Western tarot structure and Eastern philosophical depth. By incorporating elements of Japanese culture, seasonal kanji, and a distinct emphasis on intuitive, feminine energy, it provides a unique tool for divination and self-reflection. It remains true to the Waite tradition while introducing visual and conceptual variations that challenge the reader to look beyond standard interpretations. Whether used for exploring the flow of energy through the seasons or for understanding the nuances of human emotion through expressive artwork, the Manga Tarot stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of cultures in the realm of spiritual insight.