The Medieval Scapini Tarot, created by Italian artist Luigi Scapini and published by US Games Systems, Inc. in 1985, serves as a profound tool for divination and symbolic exploration. This deck is designed to recreate the Middle Ages of Europe, specifically drawing inspiration from the 15th-century Italian Renaissance period when Tarot first emerged. It combines medieval icons with the esoteric traditions that became publicly known in the 18th century, all colored by alchemical processes. The deck is recognized for its lavish paintings that feature gold-accented backgrounds, recalling the great tarocchi of 15th-century Italy. While the deck is a contemporary creation, it is engineered to embody the spirit of the Renaissance, making it a unique bridge between historical artistry and modern spiritual inquiry.
For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers interested in holistic energy balancing, the Medieval Scapini Tarot offers a method to connect with deeper narratives and symbolic truths. Unlike standard decks, this system requires a dedicated study of its intricate imagery, where clues to meanings are often half-hidden within the pictures. This article explores the structure, symbolism, and practical application of the Medieval Scapini Tarot, adhering to the principles of accurate, source-based reporting.
Historical Context and Artistic Vision
Luigi Scapini, the creator of this deck, has a background in symbols, noting that many symbols he "invented" intuitively were affirmed by their historical usage by other artists. This intuitive approach, combined with rigorous historical research, results in a deck that is visually striking and symbolically dense. The artwork is described as gorgeous, rich, and detailed, evoking the old Italian decks. Many images are inspired by masterpieces of the Renaissance, and the gold backgrounds of the court cards and Major Arcana are a signature feature.
The deck’s physical characteristics include a card size of approximately 2 3/4" x 5 11/16" (or roughly 13cm x 7cm), described as tall and slim. This elegant format, while sometimes challenging for shuffling due to its height, contributes to the luxurious feel of the deck. The card backs feature a repeating design, often with faux gilt or gold accents, which adds to the aesthetic appeal during readings.
Structure of the Deck
The Medieval Scapini Tarot follows the traditional structure of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana (suits).
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, following the traditional order with a few specific naming conventions used in historical Italian decks. The cards are: * The Fool * The Magician * The Popess (instead of High Priestess) * The Empress * The Emperor * The Pope (instead of Hierophant) * The Lovers * The Chariot * Justice (card 8) * The Hermit * Wheel of Fortune * Force (card 11, instead of Strength) * The Hanged Man * Death * Temperance * The Devil * The Falling Tower (The Tower) * The Star * The Moon * The Sun * Judgment * The World
In this deck, the Major Arcana cards are painted over elaborate golden backgrounds, giving them a luxurious and anchor-like presence in a spread. They are described as more straightforward in appearance compared to the Minor Arcana, allowing for quicker interpretation of their core meanings.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins (Pentacles). Each suit includes cards numbered Ace through Ten and the Court Cards: King, Queen, Knight, and Page.
The Suit of Wands
The Suit of Wands typically deals with themes of energy, action, and creativity. The imagery in the Medieval Scapini deck often presents full scenes from 15th-century European life. For example, the Six of Wands depicts six servants, interpreted in some reviews as representing "conquest" or victory, though this portrayal can be triggering for modern readers due to the depiction of control.
The Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups focuses on emotions, relationships, and intuition. A distinctive feature of this deck is that the cups are not merely empty vessels. In the Six of Cups, for instance, a scene is presented within the cup itself. This layering of imagery is consistent throughout the suit, requiring the reader to look closely to uncover the full narrative. The Seven of Cups, traditionally a card of illusions, utilizes this internal imagery effectively to show multiple possibilities contained within a single vessel.
The Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords represents the intellect, conflict, and truth. The cards in this suit are rich with symbolic details that require study to interpret fully. The imagery often bridges historical storytelling with esoteric meanings.
The Suit of Coins (Pentacles)
The Suit of Coins relates to material matters, work, and stability. In this deck, the coins are distinct from the pentagrams found in Rider-Waite-Smith inspired decks. Each coin portrays a specific scene. The Two of Coins, for example, is linked to the Old Testament story of Suzanna and The Elders. This specific narrative connection—where truth wins out and false accusers are punished—adds a layer of moral and ethical depth to the card's meaning, connecting it to themes of truth, Mercury (communication), and writing.
Symbolism and Interpretive Approach
The Medieval Scapini Tarot is described as a "gold mine of symbols." The artwork is intricate, with Scapini creating a wealth of imagery where the gaze is drawn from a large image to a smaller one buried within it. For example, a cup held by a figure might contain a tiny image of a person crouched and shedding tears. This density of symbolism means the deck is not intended for quick, superficial readings; it requires time and effort to study the accompanying Little White Book (LWB) and the card details.
The LWB (instruction booklet) is essential for this deck. It is a 47-page booklet with tiny font, dedicated primarily to card meanings. Each entry begins with a description of the card imagery, which is crucial for understanding the card's story. Without the book, recognizing references like the Suzanna and The Elders story in the Two of Coins would be difficult, yet that story is central to the card's interpretation of "truth winning out."
Divinatory Meanings and Nuance
The deck provides specific divinatory meanings, though some reviewers have noted potential contradictions or personal disagreements with the standard interpretations provided. For instance, the Two of Coins is described in the booklet as representing "Difficult situations arising. New troubles. Embarrassment. Worry. Concern" in its upright position. However, the reversed meaning is given as "Literary ability. Agility in handling matters. Simulated enjoyment. Forced Gaiety. Letter. Message. Missive." Some readers feel this polarity is counter-intuitive and suggest that the upright and reversed meanings might be better swapped, highlighting the subjective nature of Tarot interpretation and the need for the reader to trust their intuition alongside the provided guide.
Practical Application in Holistic Guidance
For individuals seeking holistic energy balancing or spiritual insight, the Medieval Scapini Tarot offers a unique method. The deck is described as a tool for "finding and/or understanding the connection between things." It acts as a bridge to the past, allowing the reader to access the "spirit of the 15th Century renaissance period."
The Ten-Card Spread
The deck includes one specific spread in its booklet: The Ten-card Spread. This is described as a Celtic Cross laid out in the positioning suggested by Benebell Wen in Holistic Tarot (specifically, the Crowley Celtic Cross positioning). This spread is a comprehensive method for gaining insight into complex situations, allowing the reader to explore the interplay of various energies and symbols.
Suitability for Readers
The Medieval Scapini Tarot is generally not recommended for beginners. The sheer volume of details, the tiny font of the guidebook, and the density of the symbolism can be overwhelming. It is a deck that requires the reader to "grow with" it. However, for those who feel drawn to it and are willing to put in the work, it can be highly rewarding. It is particularly useful for uncovering deep-seated issues or healing, as the intricate details often reveal new insights with each viewing.
The deck has been described as initially triggering or "trapping" the reader, but through study, it can lead to uncovering things that need healing. The mastery of the artwork and the depth of the storytelling allow for a profound connection to the cards, turning a reading into a journey of self-discovery.
Card Quality and Handling
The cards are printed on quality stock, often with a "faux gilt" finish on the backgrounds and backs. They bridge with a soothing "buttery" sound, which many readers find pleasant. Despite the delicate appearance, they have held up well to shuffling. The card size (tall and slim) is elegant but may be slightly unwieldy for smaller hands or those with difficulty shuffling larger cards. However, the visual appeal often outweighs the handling challenges.
Conclusion
The Medieval Scapini Tarot is a sophisticated tool for those interested in deep, symbolic exploration. It successfully recreates the atmosphere of 15th-century Europe, blending historical artistry with esoteric Tarot traditions. Its strength lies in its intricate artwork, which demands and rewards close study, revealing layers of meaning that connect biblical stories, alchemical processes, and historical narratives.
For the spiritual seeker or the advanced reader, this deck offers a pathway to uncover hidden truths and understand the complex connections within one's life. While it presents challenges in its visual density and interpretive requirements, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of Tarot as a medium for storytelling and spiritual insight. It is a deck that invites patience and dedication, promising a rich and evolving relationship for those who choose to engage with its Renaissance soul.