Tarot de Madrid
Black-and-white photographs of models whose faces are made up using elements found on the major arcana.
Perhaps surprisingly, the faces of the models in these black-and-white photographs stand out remarkably well against their black backgrounds. The faces wear make-up and headgear to resemble the major arcana they represent. The photographers and designers credited on the back of the booklet are Mercedes Fraga, Ester Plana, M. Luisa de la Puerta, Jesús Ros and Javier Sempere. The card titles are in Spanish. On the reverse is an 8-pointed star. See the box►
Margarita Arnal explains the concept in the booklet (page 19):
“In Tarot, the signs of the Zodiac are essential for understanding the meaning of the cards, both in the major arcana and the minor arcana. This Tarot, peculiar for its ability to awaken paranormal faculties, is composed of 22 major arcana, among which we find active, passive, and neutral cards. Active cards: the Magician, the Empress, the Emperor, the Chariot, the Devil, the Tower, the Sun, and the Fool. Passive cards: the High Priestess, the Lovers, Strength, the Wheel of Fortune, the Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, the Moon, the Fool, the Hermit. Neutral cards: the High Priestess, Justice, Judgment, the Sun, the Moon, the Star, the World, the Fool (note that some cards may act in seveal fields).”
“Active cards define an emitting activity, while the passive ones are receptive. This Tarot can be used to awaken paranormal faculties..."
Above: Tarot de Madrid published (and printed?) by Estudio Magenta, Madrid, Spain, 1984 (1st edition). 22 cards + 24-page instruction booklet in Spanish, in tuck box. Size: 85.5 x 130 mm. The back design is reproduced on the back of the box.
References
Kaplan, Stuart R. The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume III. Stamford, CT, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 1990. pp 324 & 326.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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