Discóbolo

At first sight, this pack has very little to do with ‘normal’ playing cards apart from the number of cards in each of the two packs. However, a system has been created using the four elements, the sun and different moons, and different planets to correspond with all the cards in the pack. The traditional French suits are represented by fire (H = lightning bolt), earth (D = five-pointed star), water (S = two waves), and air (C = infinity sign). The aces are suns with a human face, the kings are crescent moons, the queens are full moons, and the jacks are waning moons. Each of the numbers is represented by a planetary sign. In addition, each of the court cards includes one of the signs of the zodiac in its centre (ram, lion, etc.) and each of the numeral cards depicts a planet (repeated in each suit). The backs are red or blue.

Getting used to this system must have been a challenge. This is not helped by the circular cards being marked only twice rather than four or more times. As for how to use the cards, without a knowledge of (Brazilian) Portuguese this could be difficult. The name of the pack, Discóbolo, means ‘discus thrower’ in Portuguese, hence the circular shape. • See the box

Above: Discóbolo astrological playing cards printed by Gráfica Unida Ltda. for Logos & Ludus Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil, 1990. 2 x 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 32-page booklet in Portuguese in large, flat box. Size: 100 mm (diameter).

The notes on the box, written by Luis Pellegrini, trace a lineage from ancient Egyptian and Greek wisdom through to medieval Europe, where such knowledge was preserved by scholars, alchemists, Kabbalists, magicians, and astrologers. Tarot is mentioned as part of this esoteric tradition. The deck’s unusual circular shape likely alludes to cosmic cycles and astrological charts, reinforcing its metaphysical orientation. Published by Logos & Ludus Ltda., this set appears designed to appeal to enthusiasts of occult and astrological studies. However, given the scarcity of information available online, it seems unlikely that the deck enjoyed significant commercial success. Despite its strong visual identity and alignment with popular themes like astrology and tarot—which remain especially appealing to younger audiences—it may never have developed the following required to attain cult status.