The Sacred Rose Tarot deck, created by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman, offers a unique approach to divination that draws upon medieval stained glass artistry and Byzantine iconography. First introduced in 1980, this deck is distinguished by its nature-oriented symbolism and its incorporation of Western Hermetic concepts, including the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life, and cosmic principles of time and space. The deck's central motif, the "Sacred Rose," serves as a Western equivalent to the Eastern lotus mandala, symbolizing the viewer's journey to envision the fragmentation of their existence, recognize inner strengths, and transcend earthly obstacles.
A distinctive feature of the Sacred Rose Tarot is its integration of rose color symbolism into the interpretation of the cards. The deck utilizes five specific rose colors—white, blue, gold, red, and cosmic—to convey thematic meanings that influence how the suits and individual cards are understood. This framework provides readers with a fresh lens through which to explore traditional Tarot archetypes, emphasizing a balance between spiritual and physical attributes. The masculine aspects within the deck are linked to the Sun and physicality, while the feminine aspects are connected to the Moon and spirituality. This blend of artistic inspiration and symbolic depth makes the deck accessible to both beginners and experienced readers, facilitating readings that range from mundane inquiries to profound spiritual exploration.
The Symbolic Framework of the Sacred Rose
The foundational philosophy of the Sacred Rose Tarot is rooted in the concept of the "Sacred Rose" as a symbol from Western Hermeticism. According to the deck's creator, the artwork is designed to help individuals recognize the fragmentation of their existence and foresee their inner strengths, enabling them to transcend life's obstacles. This spiritual objective is supported by the deck's visual language, which avoids occult bias in favor of nature-oriented symbolism.
The deck's structure follows traditional Tarot conventions, consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana is viewed as representing an initiation rite from the lower self to the higher self, guiding the querent through stages of spiritual development. The Minor Arcana, divided into four suits, reflects human desires, needs, and hopes. Specifically, the suit of Pentacles is interpreted as representing the integration of all elements, serving as a unifying force within the deck.
Color Symbolism in the Minor Arcana
The application of rose colors is most evident in the Minor Arcana, where each suit is associated with a specific rose color and its corresponding attributes. This system recontextualizes the traditional meanings of the suits, offering a new dimension to card interpretation.
- White Rose (Purity): Associated with the suit of Cups, the white rose signifies purity, clarity, and emotional innocence. It suggests a state of unblemished feeling or spiritual cleanliness.
- Blue Rose (The Impossible): Linked to the suit of Swords, the blue rose represents the impossible, the intellectual, and the realm of thought where boundaries are transcended. It challenges the querent to consider ideas beyond conventional limits.
- Gold Rose (Absolute Achievement): Connected to the suit of Pentacles (Coins), the gold rose signifies material achievement, success, and the culmination of effort. It embodies the tangible results of dedication.
- Red Rose (Sacrifice and Endurance): Aligned with the suit of Wands, the red rose represents sacrifice and endurance. This interpretation suggests that actions and decisions inherently involve an element of sacrifice and require sustained energy and commitment.
- Cosmic Rose (Time and Space): While the specific suit association is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, the cosmic rose is defined on the deck's packaging as representing time and space, linking the deck to universal, cosmic principles.
The Major Arcana: A Journey of Initiation
The Major Arcana in the Sacred Rose Tarot follows the Fool's Journey, a narrative of spiritual evolution from the innocence of The Fool (0) to the completion of The World (21). The imagery is heavily influenced by medieval stained glass and Byzantine art, creating a visual experience that is both ancient and evocative. The deck's creators emphasize that the images are designed to draw meaning out from the inside of the reader rather than dictating a rigid interpretation.
The deck includes all standard Major Arcana cards, from The Fool through The World. The presentation in the accompanying Little White Book (LWB) focuses on the cards' roles in the initiation from lower to higher self. The LWB also contains specific esoteric details, such as a table within the explanation of The Hierophant that associates the seven Planetary Sins, seven Celestial Bodies, and seven Planetary Virtues, highlighting the deck's connection to astrological and Kabbalistic traditions.
The Minor Arcana: Elemental Integration and Color Influence
The Minor Arcana is divided into the four traditional suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (referred to as Coins in some deck references). Each suit carries the influence of its corresponding rose color, modifying how the cards are read.
The Suit of Wands (Red Rose)
Traditionally associated with fire, action, and passion, the Suit of Wands in the Sacred Rose Tarot is framed by the symbolism of the red rose. This color signifies sacrifice and endurance. Consequently, the cards in this suit are interpreted through the lens of the energy required to manifest desires, the sacrifices necessary for progress, and the endurance needed to overcome obstacles. The Ace of Wands, for example, represents the spark of creation but also implies the commitment and sacrifice required to bring that creation to life.
The Suit of Cups (White Rose)
Associated with water, emotions, and relationships, the Suit of Cups is influenced by the white rose of purity. This suggests that the emotional landscape explored in this suit is often characterized by clarity, sincerity, and spiritual innocence. The Ace of Cups, therefore, represents pure, unadulterated emotional flow and spiritual receptivity.
The Suit of Swords (Blue Rose)
Linked to air, intellect, and conflict, the Suit of Swords is colored by the blue rose of the impossible. This association invites a consideration of the mind's ability to transcend limitations or, conversely, to create them. The Ace of Swords may represent a breakthrough in thought or a realization that challenges existing paradigms.
The Suit of Pentacles/Coins (Gold Rose)
Connected to earth, material reality, and work, the Suit of Pentacles is defined by the gold rose of absolute achievement. This suit represents the integration of all elements and the tangible results of spiritual and physical labor. The Ace of Pentacles symbolizes the potential for material success and the manifestation of goals in the physical world.
Visual Style and Reader Reception
The Sacred Rose Tarot is consistently described as visually distinct due to its inspiration from medieval stained glass and Byzantine icons. The artwork utilizes bright colors and clear imagery that is reflective and alive. Reader feedback highlights the deck's ability to evoke deep feelings and intuitive connections. The images are noted for drawing meanings out from within the reader rather than imposing external definitions, which is cited as a key factor in the deck's effectiveness for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
The deck's design includes specific physical characteristics: the cards measure approximately 2.8 x 4.75 inches (70 x 120 mm), and the back design features four roses (red, blue, gold, and white) on a grey-blue background. The deck is packaged with a 55-page booklet (LWB) that provides descriptions, divinatory meanings, and reversed meanings for the cards.
Conclusion
The Sacred Rose Tarot serves as a bridge between traditional Tarot structures and unique symbolic systems rooted in Western Hermeticism and nature-oriented spirituality. By integrating the specific attributes of white, blue, gold, red, and cosmic roses into the Minor Arcana, the deck offers a nuanced method for interpreting human desires, needs, and hopes. Its visual style, reminiscent of medieval stained glass, creates an atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection and the exploration of the higher self. For individuals seeking a Tarot deck that combines historical artistic influences with a fresh symbolic framework, the Sacred Rose Tarot provides a tool for profound personal insight and spiritual growth.