The Tarot of the Ages stands as a unique deck within the realm of divination, designed specifically to celebrate Atlantis, referred to as the "Mother of Civilization." Created with a distinct multicultural focus, this deck utilizes the symbolism of five major ancient civilizations to convey its messages. The artwork is the creation of Mario Garizio, while the accompanying instructional booklet was written by Patrizia D'Agostino. First released by U.S. Games in 1988, the deck consists of the standard 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The card size measures 2 3/8" by 4 3/8", and the deck features a specific card back design. The paintings are noted for being very detailed and realistic, with figures that appear to inhabit their own distinct planes of reality. While the artwork is lifelike and lovely, it is somewhat limited by substantial white borders.
The deck’s structure is deeply rooted in historical and cultural representation. The Major Arcana cards are illustrated with imagery from Ancient Egypt, a culture chosen because it is believed to most clearly reflect Atlantian heritage. Additionally, each Major Arcana card features a Hebrew letter and an astrological sign. A notable structural detail is that The Fool is designated as card number 21 in this specific deck system. The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits, each representing a different society or civilization, providing a broad view of the ancient world.
The specific cultural associations for the suits are as follows: * Rods (Batons): Represented by African tribal society. This suit is associated with the direction South. * Cups: Represented by Mayan, Inca, and Aztec cultures. This suit is associated with the direction West. * Swords: Represented by Vikings. This suit is associated with the direction North. * Coins: Represented by India. This suit is associated with the direction East.
The artist, Mario Garizio, utilized watercolor pastel and tempera on thin board to create the images in 1985. The deck's design philosophy emphasizes a journey through time and culture, offering a distinct lens through which to view the traditional Tarot structure.
Understanding the Major Arcana of the Ages
The Major Arcana of the Tarot of the Ages follows the traditional progression of archetypes but filters them through the lens of Ancient Egyptian heritage. While the specific titles of the cards are not fully detailed in the available data, the general meanings of the cards, derived from standard Tarot interpretations associated with this deck, provide a framework for understanding. These cards represent significant life themes and spiritual lessons.
- The Fool: In this deck, The Fool is card number 21 rather than the opening card. It represents innocence, new beginnings, and a free spirit. In reverse, it can indicate recklessness, being taken advantage of, or inconsideration.
- The Magician (implied): Associated with willpower, desire, creation, and manifestation. When reversed, it may suggest trickery, illusions, or being out of touch with one's abilities.
- The High Priestess (implied): Represents intuition, the unconscious, and the inner voice. In reverse, it can point to a lack of center, a lost inner voice, or repressed feelings.
- The Empress (implied): Symbolizes motherhood, fertility, and nature. Reversed, it may indicate dependence, smothering, emptiness, or nosiness.
- The Emperor (implied): Represents authority, structure, control, and fatherhood. In reverse, it can signify tyranny, rigidity, or coldness.
- The Hierophant (implied): Focuses on tradition, conformity, morality, and ethics. Reversed, it suggests rebellion, subversiveness, or the introduction of new approaches.
- The Lovers (implied): Represents partnerships, duality, and union. In reverse, it warns of a loss of balance, one-sidedness, or disharmony.
- The Chariot (implied): Symbolizes direction, control, and willpower. Reversed, it indicates a lack of control, lack of direction, or aggression.
- Strength (implied): Represents inner strength, bravery, compassion, and focus. Reversed, it points to self-doubt, weakness, or insecurity.
- The Hermit (implied): Focuses on contemplation, the search for truth, and inner guidance. In reverse, it can indicate loneliness, isolation, or feeling lost.
- Wheel of Fortune (implied): Represents change, cycles, and inevitable fate. Reversed, it suggests no control, clinging to control, or bad luck.
- Justice (implied): Symbolizes cause and effect, clarity, and truth. Reversed, it indicates dishonesty, unaccountability, or unfairness.
- The Hanged Man (implied): Represents sacrifice, release, and martyrdom. In reverse, it can indicate stalling, needless sacrifice, or fear of sacrifice.
- Death (implied): Represents the end of a cycle, beginnings, change, and metamorphosis. Reversed, it suggests fear of change, holding on, stagnation, or decay.
- Temperance (implied): Symbolizes the middle path, patience, and finding meaning. Reversed, it points to extremes, excess, or a lack of balance.
- The Devil (implied): Represents addiction, materialism, and playfulness. Reversed, it suggests freedom, release, and restoring control.
- The Tower (implied): Represents sudden upheaval, broken pride, and disaster. Reversed, it can indicate disaster avoided, delayed disaster, or fear of suffering.
- The Star (implied): Represents hope, faith, and rejuvenation. Reversed, it indicates faithlessness, discouragement, or insecurity.
- The Moon (implied): Represents the unconscious, illusions, and intuition. In reverse, it suggests confusion, fear, or misinterpretation.
- The Sun (implied): Represents joy, success, celebration, and positivity. Reversed, it indicates negativity, depression, or sadness.
- Judgement (implied): Represents reflection, reckoning, and awakening. In reverse, it suggests a lack of self-awareness, doubt, or self-loathing.
- The World (implied): Represents fulfillment, harmony, and completion. In reverse, it indicates incompletion or a lack of closure.
The Minor Arcana: A Journey Through Civilizations
The Tarot of the Ages distinguishes itself through its Minor Arcana, which abandons traditional suit symbols (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) in favor of culturally specific representations. This approach allows the reader to connect with the distinct energies of different ancient societies.
The Suit of Rods (African Tribal Society)
Associated with the element of Fire and the direction South, the Suit of Rods in this deck focuses on the themes of African tribal life. These cards likely explore concepts of community, ancestry, passion, and the spark of life. The imagery draws from the vibrant and spiritual traditions of African tribes, emphasizing the connection to the earth and the collective spirit.
The Suit of Cups (Mayan, Inca, and Aztec Cultures)
Associated with the element of Water and the direction West, the Suit of Cups is represented by the civilizations of Central and South America. These cultures are rich in mythology regarding the emotional and spiritual realms. The cards likely depict themes of emotion, relationships, intuition, and the sacredness of water, reflecting the advanced astronomical and spiritual knowledge of the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs.
The Suit of Swords (Vikings)
Associated with the element of Air and the direction North, the Suit of Swords is represented by the Vikings. This suit focuses on the mind, conflict, truth, and logic. The Viking culture brings a distinct energy of exploration, courage, and the stark realities of life and death. The cards likely depict themes of clarity, action, and the consequences of thought.
The Suit of Coins (India)
Associated with the element of Earth and the direction East, the Suit of Coins is represented by India. This suit focuses on material wealth, physical health, and the grounding forces of the earth. Drawing from the rich history of Indian philosophy and commerce, these cards likely explore themes of abundance, karma, and the physical manifestation of spirit.
Tarot Guidance and Holistic Application
While the Tarot of the Ages is a specific tool for divination, its application extends to broader spiritual and holistic practices. The deck's emphasis on multicultural wisdom allows for a rich tapestry of interpretation. When seeking guidance, the deck serves as a mirror to the subconscious, reflecting the energies present in a querent's life.
The process of using the Tarot of the Ages involves shuffling the deck while focusing on a question or area of life. The cards are then drawn and laid out in a spread. The imagery of the specific civilizations—Egyptian, African, Aztec, Mayan, Incan, Viking, and Indian—provides a visual and symbolic language that can bypass the logical mind and speak directly to intuition.
For example, a reading that features multiple cards from the Suit of Swords (Vikings) might suggest a situation requiring clear thinking, decisive action, or the confrontation of truth. Conversely, a prevalence of the Suit of Cups (Central American cultures) might indicate a period of emotional flow, relationship focus, or the need to trust one's intuition.
The Major Arcana cards, with their Egyptian heritage, provide the overarching spiritual narrative. They remind the querent of the larger cycles of life and the lessons being presented by the universe. The specific designation of The Fool as card 21 offers a unique perspective, perhaps suggesting that wisdom (The World, usually card 21) must be integrated before one can truly embrace the "fool's journey" of new beginnings.
It is important to note that while the deck is a powerful tool for introspection, the interpretations provided in the booklet and standard Tarot literature are guidelines. The true power of the reading comes from the connection between the querent, the cards, and the intuition of the reader.
Conclusion
The Tarot of the Ages offers a unique and culturally rich approach to Tarot divination. By grounding the Major Arcana in Ancient Egyptian heritage and assigning the Minor Arcana suits to specific ancient civilizations—African, Central American, Viking, and Indian—it provides a comprehensive view of human history and spiritual evolution. Created by Mario Garizio and Patrizia D'Agostino, this deck is not merely a set of cards but a celebration of Atlantis as the "Mother of Civilization." Its detailed, realistic artwork and distinct structural choices, such as The Fool as card 21, make it a valuable tool for those seeking to explore the depths of their own psyche through the lens of the ancient world. Whether used for personal reflection or formal divination, the Tarot of the Ages serves as a bridge connecting the modern seeker with the timeless wisdom of past cultures.