I have been persuaded by the material found primarily in Kaplan and Dummett that the earliest order of the Triumphs was likely that which the earliest extant evidence (in my eyes, at least) points to, as per below. Most tarot enthusiasts do not identify the tarot with this hierarchical order, found ...

Much can be said regarding icons and symbolism, which I view as the most difficult part of OotT (Origins of the Tarot) for a general audience to wade through, let alone deeply cognize. Neoplatonic concepts of 'likeness' and 'similarity' are at the core of Greek Christian iconographic beliefs and wha...

Well, it is important that I make a strong suggestion to _everyone_ on this forum: Butter both sides of each slice! I realized at a very young age that this makes a *far superior* Toasted Cheese Sandwich! My mom did it, and her mom did it, and damn if the world isn't going DownUnder in a HandBasket ...

heheheh... yes, well I too could deliver up a dose of strong criticism regarding R. Guenon, but really do not see that as having much bearing on this forum. I prefer to see the best in the varying neo-traditionalists that became famous during the last century. In any case, writings of that circle (s...

Perhaps Venetian culture influenced the earlier Este triumph, associated with Ferrara. During the time of Tarot's early development, Ferrara (even though powerfully courted by Milan) remained in alignment with Venice, which had a famously pro-Dionysian culture. It is also of note that in lands east,...

Re the Charles VI Fool, I find it interesting to compare with the Este Fool from the Cary-Yale collection, which is one of my favorite triumphs. I've never thought of the Fool's 'attendants as representing 'negative' forces, per se; but rather as the active, neutral (if not innocent) forces exposing...

Greetings all... thanks, Michael, for the link to tarotforums re sufi origins of the tarot; some good stuff to be explored there. Origins of the Tarot elaborates Origins primarily from the vantage of what has often been called 'perennial wisdom' tradition. It definitely does not take a 'new age' pov...

Guess I might as well plug my own site, if that isn't too cheeky 8-)
If you look at the Excerpts section, you will see a rather different take on the historical roots of the triumphant system. The bibliography might be of some interest to those inclined toward esotericism and the history of.