About the design of the cards

Notes on the design of the cards of the Tarot of the Revelation

The Major Arcana follow the Marseilles Tarot numbering and the Minor Arcana are "pips" style.

The cards measure 7cm by 11.3cm, which represents the “Golden Ratio” 1.618, also known as the “Golden Number” or “Golden Section” first explained in “The Elements” by Euclid, and used to form a pentagram, one of the original symbols of the Minor Arcana.  Fibonacci numbers, which are found throughout nature, are ostensibly the “Golden Ratio”, cf. Vesica Pisces and sacred geometry. This ratio applies to the image inside the frame as well.

The edges: The Greek text, as appears in the border of the cards, is given with pronunciation and English interpretation< in the text; this is the teaching from the Bible for that card.  In the text spiritual lessonsare given from Edgar Cayce’s readings, with the reading number, for the same card.

The backs of the cards: the image isn't given on this site, but it is the curse of the Book of Revelation  to remind the seeker of the seriousness of the spiritual search:

      “For I testify unto every man that heareth these words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues written in this book: 

      “And if any man shall take away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”  
Rev 22: 18-19  

 

The background colours and other symbolism

The colours used in the background of the cards give an indication of the energy of that card, and the related chakra. For example, Temperance denotes an evolved consciousness, so includes white and violet, but the Devil is about self-gratification, so red and orange. 

Though most extraneous symbolism has been taken out, many classical allusions still remain, here is a list of the main symbols; Clouds: inspiration, Sky: intuition, Rivers: intellect, Sea: emotions and the psyche, Earth: sensations and personality, the abyss: ignorance and instinct.

The court cards represent the four estates of the nobility, clergy, soldiers and peasantry /artisans . One of the four images represents the strong attribute and one the weak.  Also they all face the right, except the Royalty, which faces the left, denoting they use the negative numerological interpretations. This is explained in detail in the text.

Laid out side by side the court cards form a single picture. The complete picture also has an important lesson to teach.

Other details

I am often asked why the images in the cards look as if their eyes are closed; the answer is that firstly as they are in the presence of God they cannot look upon Him/Her; secondly, as angels are androgynous the eyes may have suggested a sexuality that is not intended.

The church in the background of the Court cards is a bit fuzzy; this is the spiritual church that we must build within ourselves where we are to meet God. "Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own," 1 Cor 6:19. This ties in with the Page of Churches, he is holding a church because, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt 18:3

Notice the significance of the doors of the virtual church that are open and closed.

The label at the foot of each card is intended to look like ragged parchment, like the Dead Sea Scrolls.

My initials at the foot of the card are in black and red.  I discovered an important teaching in the Minor Arcana, the result of which is symbolized by these two colours - if you solve this simple puzzle please send me an email!