Episode 49: How to Read the Tarot de Marseille, with Sherryl Smith

In Episode 48, the tarot historian and independent scholar Sherryl Smith gave us an introduction to the classic European deck known as the Tarot de Marseille, or TdM. In this episode, our focus is how to read with these historic cards—which many modern tarot readers find intimidating. Sherryl demystifies the ins and outs of the TdM, explaining why some readers find the deck downright liberating.

Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a demonstration reading with the TdM! Bonus TdM readings—and full graphics for the episode—can be found on our Patreon website (www.patreon.com/thetarotpodcast). 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 in advance.

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 48: What is the Tarot de Marseille? with Sherryl Smith.
• YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/WxiI8mVQJkM

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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