When considering our understanding of Tarot and the meanings of the cards, what do you think mostly initiates your understanding? If we look at some of the Tarot decks that are created, we can see evidence of influences from Magick, Kabbalah, astrology, numerology etc We also have symbolism pictured within rich imagery. This aspect is of great interest to me because if we look at aspects of the symbolism, we see that there are influences of great philosophy that offer deep spiritual meaning. Artists of the day, during the Renaissance period, focused on the great philosophies of the ancient Greeks. The Renaissance ( 1400- 1700) was also the period that Tarot was revived in its popular more present form. This Renaissance saw a renewed interest especially in ancient philosophy, therefore, artwork reflected these influences. They provide us with a timeline of the past, like computer data, stored for reference. Considering the symbolism in Tarot cards and the meaning behind these symbols can take us on a journey into the past. A journey to the great philosophers in history who mulled over the meanings of life. This wisdom is written between the lines of a brush stroke or an artists fine pencil. The symbolism can unlock so many mysteries that lay dormant in our mind, to be awoken within a moment.
Prudence: Vittore Carpaccio (Italian, 1460–1526) Temperance : Paolo Caliari, known as Paolo Veronese (1528 – 19 April 1588)