This is a Lo Scarabeo colorized Vacchetta, which a line art deck first published in 1893. I believe the b&w line art version is freely available around the net. I like this version over the Il Meneghello simply because its regular LS cardstock, not the uncoated, thicker IM style card. And I like the more natural coloring, too. Two drawbacks: There are keywords in white along the left border. If someone described that to me, I would think they would drive me crazy, but I really don’t see them when I’m reading! And the backs are a monochrome version of the Bagat (Magician) card. Non-reversible (not that I use reversals . . .) and distracting and blah.
The suit cards might be a challenge because they’re pips but somewhat illustrated, and the illustrations don’t always line up with conventional, or my, standard suit and number meanings. So we’ll see how that goes!
Comparing
I Naibi di G. Vacchetta 1863-1940 ed. a colori di 78 carte Rist. da “Il Meneghello” Milano 2001, and
Tarot of the Master Giovanni Vacchetta, painter in Turin, made in 1893, colours by Michela Gaudenzi
Ok, if the keywords start to bug me, I reserve the right to switch decks!
Wash, shuffle, interview!
Most important characteristic: IX Bastoni
Dulce auditum, sweet sound. It’s a pipe organ, complete with bellows and music book. Using 9 as personal and bastoni as energy, I’m going to say this is about personal effort, like in learning to play a musical instrument. The deck takes work and practice to get the most out of it, but when you do that you’ll gain a sweet sound of success. 9 Wands is also my “little Strength card,” so that will fit in with the next
Strength: XI La Forza
The deck’s strength is its strength! It’s strong in that it doesn’t really compromise. It shows what it shows, and get used to it! Just like the lady doesn’t compromise with the lion. She’s saying, “I’m the human, you’re the animal, so you do what I say. I won’t mistreat you, but I won’t let you get away with anything either.”
Weakness: I Bagat
Its weakness it that it’s not really an esoteric deck, even if it has a magician in it. With his pseudo scary critters and mystic shapes, he’s really just putting on a show. The deck is beautiful and interesting, but not magical. It also emphasizes the negative of the backs.
What can the deck teach me: II Coppe
Here’s the creator’s “signature,” with name, place, and date. It can teach me that creativity has to be about sharing the feeling and enthusiasm of the creation with others. I might create something for my own enjoyment, but is it really a creation at all if it’s not shared?
How can I learn it? VIII Denari
I wonder if all the coins show real people. I’ll have to research. And they look like they’re surrounded by Christmas lights! I can learn about sharing creations by planning to do it. Making concrete plans, not just thinking, yeah, I’ll do that some day . . .
Outcome of our work together: VI Denari
More deniari, but this time in a defensive setting, rather than a festive one. This crossbowman is depending on the denari shield to protect him. That and his substantial helmet. My work with this deck will continue to focus on the physical aspects, the colors, what’s depicted, the card stock, etc. And that’s good. I don’t know what else for the spread position, but for this card in general, it’s saying having enough money in the bank is a good defense against many evils. Money can’t buy love, but it can buy a good bit of safety.
I'll be back with my new moon reading later today!
It's not Meneghello but looks much better. I didn't round the corners. It's a lovely deck.