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o Nero BiancTarot By Marco Proietto & Arwen Lynch

Copyright © 2018 U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC. All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design, and contents are protected by copyright. No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or website. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Published by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC. 179 Ludlow Street Stamford, CT 06902 USA www.usgamesinc.com Made in China

mn Acknowledgements

The creation of this Tarot deck would not have been possible without the help of some people that I would like to thank. Special thanks to Nicola Pagani for the artistic advice and to Sona Baghdassarian for assistance with the booklet text. Thanks to my family and Cinzia Meucci for her support and patience. Finally, I thank U.S. Games Systems, Inc., particularly Lynn Araujo, Bobbie Bensaid and Paula M. Palmer.

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mn mn Introduction

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ianco Nero (Black and White) Tarot blends the classic iconography of the Visconti Tarot with the modern illustrations of the Rider-Waite Tarot. This deck seeks to stay true to the images, symbolism and figures used in those popular tarot decks. The cards are hand-drawn black and white ink illustrations on paper. This style of line drawing was inspired by Gustave Doré’s antique engravings and Albrecht Dürer’s woodcuts and chalcography, as well as by Sergio Toppi’s modern illustrations. The deck is designed to have a figurative and realistic style, but it also has a fantastical touch that adds a dream-like quality to the representation. Each illustration is well de5

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fined and rich in symbolic details that help explore the meaning of the card. The faces, the look, the clothes and the age of the characters are designed to allow the card to be easily understood. Readings are assisted by details, such as expressions and gestures that accentuate the general character of the card. The representation of the symbols of the suits is different on each card; in the case of Swords, in particular, the symbol never repeats itself. The setting, the landscapes and the characters’ clothes, as well as the tools, are taken from the iconography of classic decks, revisited to look neutral and ageless. The same care was used for the drawings of both the Major Arcana and those of the Minor Arcana, as no card is more important than another from an aesthetic point of view. The design on the back of the cards is symmetric, in order not to reveal the direction

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of the cards before they are turned face up. At its center of the back design there is a circle that symbolizes the centrality of the Major Arcana. The eight-pointed star in the middle has a long history as a symbol of spirituality and prophecy. A floral decoration, with roses and thorns, surrounds the circle. The symbols of the four elements in the corners indicate the four suits of the Minor Arcana. These are designed to be readable independent of the direction of the card. Bianco Nero Tarot is the culmination of an artistic path that combines the studies on the human figure, art history, life drawing and anatomy at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome with the study of etching at the School of the Art of Medalmaking, creating illustrations that seek both to have an artistic value and to be functional in tarot reading.

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mn The MAJOR ARCANA

In the 78-card tarot deck the Major Arcana, or Trumps, is a set of 22 cards that portrays the Fool’s Journey. These are archetypes that one can learn from to become a more complete spiritual being. The Major Arcana helps by highlighting important aspects of the journey that can profoundly impact one’s life. Look at these cards as major hitters where you must factor in the importance of an issue.

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h 0. THE FOOL h Upright: Spontaneous, Fresh, Beginning Reversed: Too risky, Recklessness, Disingenuous The Fool travels the Major Arcana. With his eyes to the sky, he trusts in Spirit. The little black and white dog prances along to serve both as companion and guardian. The next step will carry him off the cliff. In his bag, he carries just what he needs. He believes in the promise of possibility. The white rose traditionally stands for the Fool’s pure heart. Once he goes over the cliff, his innocence will be gone. This card reminds us that all journeys begin with hope. Fearing the unknown limits forward movement.

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I. THE MAGICIAN

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Upright: Upright: Skill, Diplomacy, Will, Self-confidence, Concentration Reversed: Loss, Mental illness, Disgrace, Manipulation, Latent talents The Magician stands before a table where all of his tools are seen. These represent the four suits of the tarot—Swords, Wands, 9

Cups, Pentacles. His double-ended wand emphasizes his motto of “As above, so below.” He is the connecting link between the spirit realm and the human realm. Hanging from his neck is the Ouroboro, which the alchemists used to represent infinity. The bracelet he wears carries other arcane symbols. He understands the connection between the elements and his own material and immaterial self. Air is the mind. Fire is the spirit. Water is emotions. Earth is the body.

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II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS

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Upright: Arcana, Unknown, Secrets, Wisdom Reversed: Missing information, Conceit, Knowledge without wisdom, Wearing the miter dedicated to Isis, the High Priestess holds many secrets. Sitting between the two pillars of Solomon’s temple, she is the doorway between the light and the dark. Pomegranates crown her head to remind her of her sacred work. Holding the Torah, she waits for seekers to approach. There is a tapestry behind her that only the truly dedicated student may view. The moon 10

curving up from beneath her represents her intuitive skills. She won’t offer answers but will answer the seekers who prove they are worthy. She, like the Magician, is a bridge. Her connection is between the inner and outer teachings of sacred learning.

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III. THE EMPRESS

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Upright: Creativity, Mother Nature, Fullness, Fecundity Reversed: Barren, No creative outlet, Lack The Empress wears a necklace with the female symbol, which is also the sigil of Venus. As the quintessential creative force, she embodies the strength that is inherent in women. Her gaze reminds the reader that she is powerful in her own right. The imperial eagle decorates her shield while her scepter also serves to indicate her strength. She is Mother Nature and every powerful mother goddess ever known. She welcomes gifts that honor her love of art, harmony and all things that bring more beauty to the world. Her gift is the abundance of nature.

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IV. THE EMPEROR

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Upright: Structure, Overseeing, Power Reversed: Rigid, Inflexible, Dominate The Emperor wears a full beard indicating his power. He is the embodiment of the Sacred Masculine. As the masculine authority, he is the overseer of his kingdom. The Emperor carries a shield like the Empress’ but his is reversed in color. With his shield, crown and scepter, he is seen as a righteous man and a ruler to be respected. When he offers advice, it is from his long experience as a head of state. He can teach his subjects about many things including leadership and fatherhood. His throne is his seat of power but also his own confinement. The Emperor represents the structures and laws of the state.

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V. THE HIEROPHANT

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Upright: Spiritual knowledge, Tradition, Priest Reversed: Weakness, Restriction, Poor advice The Hierophant stands as the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess. His or12

nate robes show him to be a spiritual leader. He holds the pastoral staff with one hand while giving a blessing with the other. The trinity of the three worlds often represented as mind, body and spirit is shown in his miter as well as the staff. The keys are offered to those who seek the doorway between the realm of the conscious and subconscious mind. Kneeling are two people waiting to be blessed with the knowledge he holds.

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VI. THE LOVERS

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Upright: Spiritual love, Union, Higher values, Reversed: Bad choices, Discord, Sexuality issues The card of the Lovers shows a man and a woman embracing in a luxuriant garden that symbolizes fertility, life and happiness. Their nakedness suggests that they are like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, resting under the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The mountain in the background symbolizes man. The calla lilies symbolize woman, the bride and purity. Harmony, attraction and mutual trust are highlighted 13

in this card. The bond that ties the lovers allows them to overcome any obstacle in their lives.

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VII. THE CHARIOT

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Upright: Direction, Mastery, Victory Reversed: Out of control, Misdirection, Loss of purpose The main character of this card is a man on a triumphal chariot pulled by two horses, a white one and a black one, symbolizing the union of the positive and the negative. The man in the chariot is wearing armor, like a warrior or a hero. He controls the chariot with a wand he holds in his right hand. The eight-pointed star on the man’s crown symbolizes balance, harmony and cosmic order. Behind him lies civilization and materialism, but he guides his chariot towards higher endeavors.

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VIII. STRENGTH

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Upright: Fortitude, Willpower, Strength Reversed: Weak will, Impatience, Self-indulgence 14

A fearless woman has tamed a lion. Her hand rests on its forehead. The strength depicted in this card is not the physical kind. Instead, she shows us the spiritual strength that comes from a place of compassion and willpower that comes from mental strength. The woman wears the lemniscate on her belt, which reminds her to focus on inner strength. Our own inner wildness embodied by the lion, can be won over with patience.

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IX. THE HERMIT

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Upright: Inner journey, Guidance, Solitude Reversed: Being isolated, Lack of knowledge The card of the Hermit portrays an old man dressed in a robe with his head covered by a hood, holding a staff and a lantern. His bright lantern is a beacon to those seekers dedicated to finding him. Already on his spiritual path, he won’t seek out students but will accept those who come to him. He chose the solitary path to help him focus on only what was necessary for reaching that point of awareness. The Hermit is an 15

elder who has devoted himself to the craft of knowledge. Within his lamp is the light of wisdom.

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X. WHEEL OF FORTUNE

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Upright: Destiny, Success, Luck, Change, Consequences Reversed: Misfortune, Failure, Lessons The Wheel of Fortune represents the wheel of Ezekiel. The four creatures in the corners of the card symbolize the four evangelists: Matthew, the Angel; John, the Eagle; Mark, the Lion; and Luke, the Ox. At the same time, they represent the four fixed signs and elements of the Zodiac: Aquarius, air; Scorpio, water; Leo, fire; Taurus, earth. The book carried by each figure is the Torah, the book of wisdom. The Hebrew letters for IHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpronounceable name of God are inscribed on the wheel. Around the wheel figures move up and go down, emphasizing the nature of the wheel. Opportunity comes and goes. It is how you interact with the wheel that makes the difference.

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XI. JUSTICE

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Upright: Rightness, Truth, Balance, Justice, Law Reversed: Corruption, Bigotry, Bias, Injustice, Dishonesty The woman represented in this card is Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice. The double-edged sword held in her right hand symbolizes both favorable and unfavorable consequences as well as impartiality. While the scales in her left hand indicates that justice must balance logic and intuition, the sword represents the way logic slices through to fairness.

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XII. THE HANGED MAN

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Upright: New perspective, Wisdom, Trials, Sacrifice, Intuition Reversed: Selfishness, Indecision, Inability to change, Martyrdom. The Hanged Man’s face is calm. He has chosen to suspend himself from this representation of the World Tree. His position shows his active, right foot tied to the tree. 17

His intuitive left side is free but rests behind the right. He folds his arms behind his back to show he is patiently waiting. The light that radiates around his head shows that he is receiving spiritual information that will help him achieve his next level. Because he has chosen this position, he’s been given the gift of perspective.

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XIII. DEATH

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Upright: End, New beginnings, Mortality, Transition, Separation Reversed: Inertia, Temporary stagnation, Indecision, Destruction, Sleep The card shows skeletal Death. The skull, a symbol of human mortality, also represents change, mutation and transition. The huge spiral-shaped scythe can be interpreted as a symbol of downward decay; all things have a beginning and an unavoidable end. The impartiality of Death is echoed in the emptiness of the pure, white background.

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XIV. TEMPERANCE

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Upright: Consideration, Moderation, Balance 18

Reversed: Impatience, Imbalance, Hurried decision A thoughtful woman is the protagonist of this card. She is holding two vases in her hands, using them to mix water. The vases symbolize the conscious and the unconscious minds. Here, the water travels from the lower vessel upward to the other, showing how we can ascend to a higher plane. The woman chooses to mix these opposites in order to follow a balanced path free of extremes.

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XV. THE DEVIL

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Upright: Obsession, Addiction, Materialism, Power over Reversed: Power within, Rehabilitation, Recovery The Devil is pseen here as Baphomet, a halfman, half-goat creature with bat wings and a snake for a tail. The Devil stands on an altar, which represents our obsessions and our addictions. It is holding a burning stick in its left hand; with the other hand it is giving a sign of blessing, as if it were mocking the Hierophant. The chained man and woman show what happens when love turns away from spirit and only focuses on the sensual. 19

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XVI. THE TOWER

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Upright: Calamity, Overthrown, Unexpected change Reversed: Fear of change, Narrow escape Atop a rugged mountain, the tower is struck by lightning. With the sky dark around it, the tower is on fire and falling into ruins. Two figures flee the destruction by jumping to their doom. This card is about physical destruction that happens when you build your dreams on false hopes. Lightning destroys everything, disrupting the stalemate. This card is also about change, usually very sudden and unwanted.

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XVII. THE STAR

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Upright: Aspire, Yearn, Hope Reversed: False desire, Mistrust, False hope A woman with two vases full of water in her hands kneels on the bank of a river. One foot is firmly planted on the ground while the other is in the water. The grounded foot shows her earthy nature while the other points to her emotional depths. Five 20

streams break out on the dry land. These represent the five senses. The chakras are shown in the seven smaller stars just behind her. The large star is a call to rediscover your own true purpose.

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XVIII. THE MOON

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Upright: Unconscious, Subconscious, Illusion Reversed: Depression, Confusion, Deception The Moon lights a road that leads to our higher knowledge. This light, not as bright as that of the sun, reveals dreams, highlights intuition, and shows us the way to our own unconscious. Where the path begins, a lobster, representing our beginning awakening, emerges from a pool. Follow the trail that is guarded by a black wolf, our wild selves, and a white dog, our tame selves. Continue on between the towers towards the mountains that stand sentinel over our journey to the unconscious. Those towers can be seen as the balance between our intuitive mind and our logical brain.

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XX. THE SUN

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Upright: Success, Optimism, Vitality, Energy Reversed: Vanity, Arrogance, Impatience, Burnout The Sun radiates light above twins, a boy and a girl. Illuminating these two representative halves of our subconscious (the girl) and our conscious self (the boy) we are reminded of the source of life and light. As a symbol of optimism and fulfillment, the Sun generates vitality; the source of life. No matter how dark the night, the sun rises again to renew our confidence.

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XX. JUDGMENT

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Upright: Forgiveness, Transcendence, Rebirth Reversed: Remorse, Regrets, Being left This card depicts “Judgment day”, the end of time when the living and the dead will be judged. It might seem to be a terrifying event, but the card should not instill fear, as there is neither negativity nor a sense of reproach in it. The deceased rise up in 22

response to the archangel Gabriel’s trumpet sounding. Representing the next level, he calls them to his side in the clouds. Those answering his call know they will be judged so they are already in an attitude of appealing for forgiveness.

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XXI. THE WORLD

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Upright: Success, Achievements, Growth Reversed: Inertia, Stagnation, Frustration The World, the last card in the Major Arcana, symbolizes the end of a long journey. A woman dances joyfully in the center because she is at both the end and the beginning of the journey. The two wands in her hands, similar to the one in the Magician’s hand, symbolize balance and harmony. The position of her legs suggests an upright version of the Hanged Man’s stance. The four figures that surround her also adorn the Wheel of Fortune. In this card we see how everything cycles from our life experiences to time itself. Leo (lion), Taurus (bull), Aquarius (angel) and Scorpio (eagle) stand for the four fixed Zodiac signs as well as the elements, the suits, the compass points and the seasons. 23

mn MINOR ARCANA

The Minor Arcana are the 56 cards remaining after the 22 Major Arcana. Also called pips, the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, with 14 cards in each. Each card of a suit has a rank, Ace through Ten, except for the court cards: Page, Knight, Queen and King. The Minor Arcana brings us clarity and definition; they allow tarot readers to understand the subtleties and details that surround the major events.

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WANDS R

ACE OF WANDS

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Upright: Birth, Creation, Fresh starts Reversed: Uninspired, Unfinished, No energy Symbolizing creation, new ideas and growth, the Ace of Wands has a hand, which emanates from a cloud to grasp a wand. Ideas fully materialized into the tangible are represented by the castle on the mountains. This wand’s buds are reminders that things are growing and developing.

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TWO OF WANDS

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Upright: Choices, Decisions, Advantage Reversed: Indecision, On hold, Hesitation From the roof of his castle, a man surveys a field to his right, representing growth and the ocean to his left representing possibility. His right hand contains a globe signifying that he holds the world in his hand. His other hand grasps a wand. Which will he put down in order to take up the other wand leaning against the wall? 25

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THREE OF WANDS

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Upright: Anticipation, Expansion, Journey Reversed: Delays, Frustration, Lack of confidence A man watches three ships leaving his harbor. From his vantage point, this man can see everything. This panorama allows him to understand all that is coming and going. Three wands surround him, showing him to be ready for new opportunities and challenges. These are firmly planted in the ground, symbolizing his solid commitment to his future projects.

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FOUR OF WANDS

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Upright: Home, Celebrations, Calm times Reversed: Upheaval, Blocks, Disruption Beneath a canopy of flowers, a happy couple pledges their lives to one another. The canopy is supported by four stable wands, which represent fulfilling, satisfying times. Gifts, happiness and satisfaction are the meaning of the bouquets. The castle in the background represents abundance and goals. 26

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FIVE OF WANDS

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Upright: Strife, Competition, Conflict Reversed: Struggle, Not present, Hassles Five men use their wands against one another. In direct competition with each other, this conflict has no clear sides. When everyone is out for themselves, the path cannot be clear. However, notice that their wands are raised but are not in contact with each other. This indicates that this struggle is more about what they can achieve than actually fighting.

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SIX OF WANDS

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Upright: Stamina, Popular, Victorious Reversed: Lack of follow through, Ego, Loss A victorious man guides his mount as the crowd around him cheers. He is being celebrated for his perseverance as much as anything. His wand holds a wreath of flowers indicating that his success is being recognized. He knows his efforts have paid off so he rides with pride. His horse is a symbol of his pure intention and single-minded focus. 27

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SEVEN OF WANDS

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Upright: Defense, Challenge, Taking a stand Reversed: Over-reacting, Overwhelmed, Bad odds From his position above, a man wields his staff against those below. He must protect his place of privilege. The other six wands are held by those who want what he has. He may question his own power as his placement on the hill is quite precarious.

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EIGHT OF WANDS

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Upright: Speed, Action, Love, Great hope, Movement Reversed: Dispute, Delays, Frustration, Slowing down, Jealousy With flowers to demonstrate growth, these eight wands speed towards their goal. Things are moving fast, so be ready to take action. Travel may be necessary. The luxuriant landscape reveals growth and opportunities flowing with the river.

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NINE OF WANDS

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Upright: Faith, Courage, Standing up Reversed: Edginess, Challenges, Hesitant A battle has been fought but this wounded man knows the war is not yet won. Though battle weary, he has still found the strength to build a boundary behind him. He holds the ninth wand to use if more battles are to be met. His strength comes from his own sheer will. His determination will see him through.

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TEN OF WANDS

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Upright: Burdens handled, Hard work, Too much stress Reversed: Dropping the ball, Irresponsibility, Taking on too much Loaded down with ten wands, this man shoulders his responsibilities. He is not far from where he needs to be, but he may have taken on too much. Sometimes he accepts duty that isn’t his to own. He is carrying his harvest to sell but has also picked up others’ loads along the way. Learning how to help others without overburdening yourself is an important life lesson. 29

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PAGE OF WANDS

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Upright: Sparks, Artistry, Creativity Reversed: Lack of desire, No direction, Failure to act With a jaunty feather in his cap, this page symbolizes going for your dreams and your desires. He is the spark of creative power. Often he is seen as that part of our psyche that longs to chase after every desire. He learns how to act by making mistakes.

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KNIGHT OF WANDS

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Upright: Enthusiasm, Action, Impulsiveness Reversed: Not engaged, Disruption, Lack of focus The Knight of Wands rides a rearing horse signifying a readiness for action. He wears armor to show he understands the risk, the danger and the challenges. His helmet, the plumes and mantle seem to be made of fire, symbolizing his courage.

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QUEEN OF WANDS

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Upright: Creative, Faithful, Fertile 30

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