Episode 48: What is the Tarot de Marseille? with Sherryl Smith

The Rider Waite Smith and Thoth tarot decks may be the most recognized decks in the English-speaking world. But it is the Tarot de Marseille, known in tarot circles as the TdM, that has the furthest intercontinental reach and the longest history. Even today, it is the deck most widely used in European countries.

This week, tarot historian and independent scholar Sherryl Smith takes us on a journey through the origins and idiosyncrasies of the TdM.  Next week, we’ll have a discussion of how to actually use the TdM! which intimidates many readers with its cryptic woodcut imagery and non-scenic pips.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a demonstration reading with the TdM! Bonus TdM readings can be found on our Patreon website (www.patreon.com/thetarotpodcast), and we will have another set of readings to go with next week’s episode. If you’d like to submit a question for a future reading on the Tarot Podcast, sign up as a paid member! (https://patreon.com/thetarotpodcast). You’ll find out when readings are happening on Patreon or Discord and be able to share your question then!

All images for this episode can be viewed on Patreon, or on the YouTube version of the show.

Sherryl Smith’s tarot journey began over 50 years ago when she saw David Palladini’s Aquarian deck in a bookstore and instantly recognized an important turning point in her life. She has been studying the history of tarot and reading with historic decks for 25 years.  Her website Tarot-Heritage.com tells the story of tarot’s 600-year history. The Cartomancy section of the website has everything you need to get started reading with historic decks like the Tarot de Marseille

Links for this episode:

• Sherryl’s website: https://tarot-heritage.com
• Purchase historic decks at Tarot Arts https://tarotarts.com/collections/tarot-decks-and-kits/realm_historic-decks?
• Episode 20: What is the Rider Waite Smith Tarot? with Mary K. Greer https://youtu.be/qOcUbM9t8eo
• Episode 21: What is the Thoth Tarot? with Lon Milo DuQuette
  https://youtu.be/njY_oyfgb7g
• Video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/mpvDn7fNSc8

Sherryl’s TdM Resources:

Books

• Yoav Ben Dov. The Marseille Tarot Revealed: A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings and Methods. (Llewellyn, 2017) https://www.amazon.com/Marseille-Tarot-Revealed-Complete-Symbolism/dp/0738752282
• Carrie Spider. Tarot de Marseille: Reading the Cards as They Were Used. Self-published 2026. https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Marseille-Reading-Cards-They/dp/B0GBT7SYD4
• Wayne Limberger. Pips, Courts and Trumps: A Simple Guide to the Tarot de Marseille. Ebook available at Lulu.com. https://www.lulu.com/shop/wayne-limberger/pips-courts-and-trumps-a-short-simple-guide-to-the-tarot-de-marseille/ebook/product-5mm5rp.html

Where to purchase decks in the US

US Games: https://www.usgamesinc.com/?target=search&mode=search&substring=marseille&including=all

• CBD Tarot de Marseille. Produced by Yoav Ben Dov, author of the book listed above.
• Tarot Arnoux & Amphoux 1801, produced by the French card maker Yves Reynaud listed below.
• Tarot de Marseille Convos

Llewellyn.com:
https://www.llewellyn.com/browse_category.php?start=0&sort_by=&product_category_id=232

• Universal Tarot de Marseille
• Tarot de Marseille
• Tarot de Marseille Mini
• Artisan Tarot https://artisantarot.com/

Unique and whimsical decks:

• Marseille Cat Tarot
• Squid Cake Marseille
• The Rider-Marseille Tarot Deck

Where to purchase decks in Europe

• https://tarot-de-marseille-heritage.com/

Yves Reynaud of Marseille makes facsimiles of historic Tarot de Marseille decks he finds in museums. The production quality and price are designed for the average card reader.

• https://www.facebook.com/Marco.C.Benedetti.Tarot

Marco Benedetti of Rome has a Facebook page—no website. Handcrafted decks at reasonable prices. Pierre Madenié 1709 is a favorite.

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• Sign up for readings and explore books and classes!
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• Continue your tarot journey with The Living Tarot book and/or The Living Tarot online class (discount for class available if you purchase the book!)