c.1930 Le Tarot Astrologique/Astrological Tarot 48/48 cards
Published by B.P. Grimaud
Designed by George Muchery
Illustrations by Henri Armengol
Deck: Le Tarot Astrologique/Astrological Tarot, by Henri Armengol
Description: This system is made up of 48 cards and is astrologically based. The 12 major cards include eight planet cards, an Ascendant card, a Nodes of the Moon card, and a Part of Fortune (Fortuna) card. The thirty-six minor cards represent the thirty-six decans, with three cards belonging to each of the 12 Western zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces).
This "astromancy" or "astomancie" system was created by Georges Muchery. His book, Le Tarot Astrologique. Traite d'astromancie, was first published by Edition Astrale Illustrée in Paris, 1927. This first French edition came with colour plates of the cards designed by Henri Armengol. The Rider Company published the first English translation of the book by Marguerite Vallior in 1928.
It is unclear when B.P. Grimaud first published the Le Tarot Astrologique. The deck offered for sale was printed in c.1930.
Deck Identifiers:
· Borders: single black line; with a double black line on interior inset titles and images.
· Reverses: intricate blue-swirl pattern
· Paper: card-stock, square corners
· Titles: French
· Style: Tarot Astrologique/Astromancy
· Tax Stamp: on "Partie de Fortune" card. "This stamp was in use in France from 1890 to 1917 and from 1922 to 1940.
The text is 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and 'DÉCRET DU 12 AVRIL 1890'." (Endebrock 2011)
CONDITION: Excellent condition. The deck is complete with 48/48 cards, without a booklet and with a minimal amount of use. |