The Sacred Rose Tarot deck, created by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman, offers a unique approach to divination that draws upon deep spiritual traditions and nature-oriented symbolism. First published in 1980, this deck has remained a favorite among both beginners and experienced readers for its ability to convey profound meanings through intuitive imagery. Inspired by medieval stained glass windows and Byzantine artistry, the deck bridges the gap between the mundane and the spiritual, inviting users to explore their inner landscapes. The imagery is designed to help viewers envision the fragmentation of their existence, recognize their inner strengths, and transcend earthly obstacles. It integrates concepts from the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life, and the cosmos, focusing on time and space. The deck emphasizes a balance of masculine and feminine attributes, with the masculine being physical and solar, and the feminine being spiritual and lunar. A distinctive feature of the Sacred Rose Tarot is its use of color symbolism, specifically the attributes associated with different rose colors, to provide new perspectives on traditional card meanings.
Origins and Artistic Inspiration
The Sacred Rose Tarot emerged from the vision of illustrator Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman. According to historical accounts, the deck's journey began when one of Johanna's business cards arrived unsolicited at the offices of U.S. Games Systems, impressing Stuart Kaplan with the quality of her illustrations. This led to the deck's initial release as a limited edition of Major Arcana cards in 1980, followed by a full deck that has remained in print for decades.
The artistic style is a defining characteristic of the deck. The illustrations are heavily influenced by the aesthetics of medieval stained glass and Byzantine icons. This choice of inspiration lends the cards a sense of timelessness and reverence. Unlike traditional tarot decks that may lean heavily toward occult or mundane imagery, the Sacred Rose Tarot is intended to be nature-oriented. It reflects pre-Christian beliefs in the divinity of nature, allowing the symbolism to resonate on a universal level. The use of bright, clear imagery helps to evoke feelings and meanings from within the viewer, rather than simply dictating interpretations. This interactive quality is often cited as a reason why the deck is so effective for personal reflection and spiritual encounters.
The Philosophy of the Sacred Rose
The term "Sacred Rose" itself holds significant meaning within the context of the deck. It represents a symbol from Western Hermeticism, comparable to the lotus mandala found in Middle Eastern traditions. The artwork serves as a tool for self-realization. As stated in the foreword of the deck's guidebook, the purpose of the artwork is to enable individuals to recognize the fragmentation of their own lives and to foresee their inner strengths. It encourages users to transcend the obstacles that inevitably arise in life.
The deck also incorporates a distinct duality in its energy. The masculine aspects are described as physical and solar, while the feminine aspects are spiritual and lunar. This balance ensures that the deck addresses the full spectrum of human experience. Furthermore, the background of the deck is rooted in the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life, providing a structured framework for the Major Arcana, which is viewed as an initiation rite from the lower self to the higher self. The Minor Arcana, conversely, are seen as reflections of our desires, needs, and hopes, with the suit of Pentacles representing the integration of all elements.
Color Symbolism: The Language of Roses
One of the most innovative aspects of the Sacred Rose Tarot is its use of color symbolism, specifically through the lens of rose colors. The deck associates specific attributes with different colored roses, which are visually represented in the Ace cards of each suit. This approach offers a fresh way to interpret the cards, moving beyond traditional elemental associations to a more nuanced understanding of energy.
- White Roses: Representing purity and innocence, the white rose aligns with the essence of clarity and new beginnings. In the context of the cards, this suggests a clean slate or a state of spiritual cleanliness.
- Blue Roses: Blue roses are unique because they do not occur naturally; they are often associated with the impossible or the unattainable. In the Sacred Rose Tarot, blue roses align with the concept of the impossible, encouraging users to dream beyond current limitations and explore the realm of infinite potential.
- Gold Roses: Symbolizing absolute achievement and success, the gold rose represents the pinnacle of attainment. It reflects themes of victory, recognition, and the fulfillment of goals.
- Red Roses: Traditionally associated with love and passion, the red rose in this deck is attributed with sacrifice and endurance. This interpretation invites a deeper look at the Wands suit, suggesting that any action or decision taken in life carries an element of sacrifice. It emphasizes the endurance required to see commitments through, highlighting the cost and value of our choices.
This color-based system allows readers to access the cards' meanings through a different sensory and symbolic channel, enriching the reading experience.
Structure and Suit Interpretations
The Sacred Rose Tarot follows the traditional structure of 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards representing significant life themes and spiritual lessons, viewed here as a journey of initiation. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, each representing different aspects of daily life.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana in this deck is presented as a path of transformation. It begins with The Fool, representing the start of a journey, and progresses through cards like The Magician, The High Priestess, and The Empress, culminating in The World. The imagery, reminiscent of stained glass, suggests that each card is a window into a higher state of consciousness. The Hierophant, for instance, includes a table in its description that associates the seven Planetary Sins with the seven Celestial Bodies and the seven Planetary Virtues, adding a layer of astrological and moral complexity to the card.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana suits are interpreted through the lens of the rose color symbolism and elemental integration.
- Wands (Red Rose): The suit of Wands is associated with the red rose, symbolizing sacrifice and endurance. This suggests that the element of fire and action (traditionally associated with Wands) requires dedication and the willingness to make sacrifices to achieve results. It speaks to passion, career drive, and the energy needed to overcome obstacles.
- Cups (White Rose): Associated with the white rose, the suit of Cups emphasizes purity in emotions and relationships. It deals with feelings, intuition, and connections, suggesting that true emotional clarity comes from a pure heart.
- Swords (Blue Rose): The suit of Swords is linked to the blue rose, representing the impossible and the realm of the mind. This suit deals with thoughts, communication, and conflict, but through the blue rose lens, it encourages thinking outside the box and overcoming mental barriers.
- Pentacles (Gold Rose): The suit of Pentacles, represented by the gold rose, signifies achievement and material integration. As the suit of earth, it covers finances, health, and the physical world. The gold rose highlights the success and stability that comes from grounding one's spiritual and physical efforts.
Practical Applications for Spiritual Seekers
For those interested in holistic living and personal growth, the Sacred Rose Tarot serves as a powerful tool for introspection. Its nature-oriented symbolism allows users to connect with the rhythms of the natural world, while its roots in Kabbalah provide a structure for deep spiritual inquiry. The deck is designed to be accessible, with imagery that is easy to understand for beginners, yet profound enough for experienced readers to uncover layers of meaning.
The deck encourages users to look inward. Rather than providing rigid predictions, it acts as a mirror, reflecting the user's inner state and potential. The emphasis on transcending earthly obstacles aligns with the goals of spiritual seekers who aim to navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom. The balance of masculine and feminine energies ensures that all aspects of the self are acknowledged and integrated.
The Guidebook and Divinatory Meanings
The deck comes with a Little White Book (LWB) that provides essential guidance. While the presentation in the LWB is text-only without scans, it offers descriptions and short discussions of each card. It covers both upright and reversed meanings, providing a comprehensive foundation for interpretation.
The guidebook reinforces the deck's philosophy, explaining the connection to Western Hermeticism and the specific symbolism chosen by the artist. It serves as an entry point into the deck's unique worldview, helping users understand the rationale behind the imagery and the intended divinatory messages. The inclusion of planetary associations, such as in the Hierophant card, demonstrates the depth of research and thought put into the deck's construction.
User Experiences and Enduring Relevance
Despite being originally published in the 1980s, the Sacred Rose Tarot has maintained its relevance. User testimonials highlight its clarity and effectiveness. One review notes that the images are "bright, clear in meaning, reflective and yet also very much alive." Another user mentions that the deck was instrumental in taking tarot seriously, as it avoided the "formal stodginess" of traditional decks. The imagery is described as romantic and evocative, drawing meanings out from the inside rather than imposing them from the outside.
The deck is praised for its versatility, capable of handling readings ranging from the mundane to the deeply spiritual. It is recommended for both collectors and mystics, serving as a tool that can guide users toward new directions in their lives. The consensus is that the Sacred Rose Tarot is a deck that interacts with the user, creating a dynamic relationship that fosters insight and growth.
Conclusion
The Sacred Rose Tarot stands as a testament to the enduring power of symbolic art and spiritual wisdom. By combining the visual traditions of medieval stained glass with the deep structures of Kabbalah and the natural symbolism of roses, it offers a unique pathway to self-discovery. Its focus on the balance of masculine and feminine energies, along with the innovative color coding of the suits, provides a rich framework for understanding life's challenges and opportunities. For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers alike, this deck offers a way to access inner strengths and envision a path toward transcendence, making it a valuable addition to any holistic practice.