The Minchiate Tarot: The 97-Card Tarot of the Renaissance, Complete with the 12 Astrological Signs and the 4 Elements

Many reviewers kind of panned the deck itself, and having amassed a decent collection, I can definitely say the cardstock is not that bad (think Llewelyn cardstock), and I like the artwork as well, especially as it's a cleaner, finer-lined style compared to the older decks, so it's a something a bit different from the standard, which I like to have both options. I've only just flipped through the book yet as I just got it today, but it looks to be exactly what one needs to study the deck in detail. Each card has a fairly lengthy general description, a divinatory meaning, and notes on the illustrations, which it provides generous examples of. I'm very, very happy with both the cards and the deck. Looking forward to doing a deep dive. It feels like having a tarot and oracle all in one deck. Exciting!

I purchased this set after learning about the Minchiate tarot, which had additional cards including all the regular tarot cards. At first, I thought it was the actual minchiate, and felt a little disappointed that the drawings were all new. However; after comparing the readings I got from this deck to some of the other decks I purchased at the same time, I must admit that the readings are all very nice and the additional cards add more meaning to the readings. The standard card spreads done with other decks work just fine with this deck, and there is a very nice paperback book which explains where the artist got inspiration for the new drawings, the history of the deck and meanings of the cards. The drawings are all very nice and light, without negative connotations or "cool gothic" images. The cards are a little larger than most decks, and take a different shuffling technique for those of us with smaller hands. After I got used to shuffling them, I was fine with the new style. This is a very nice deck to add to an existing tarot collection, and it offers a little more than the regular tarot. I recommend it for someone who is already used to tarot and wants to try something different with a lighter touch, that gives very nice, uplifting readings.

I was not familiar with the Minchiate Tarot when I purchased this item, but I understood that it’s its own system. I appreciate the chill art work and the book is full of explanations about the possible origins of the cards. As someone who studied art, I really enjoyed the references made by the author. Regarding the lack of divinatory references mentioned in other reviews, I would have liked to get more of the author’s perspective, but I am OK with what was mentioned as it gives me the opportunity to make my own interpretations based on the information shared about the cards.

Great deck! My only hang-up is that the book is not descriptive enough. Being the Minchiate deck, I would have hoped for more details for the cards that are not used regularly in readings. Other than that, esoterically, this is by far the most energetic tarot I have worked with.

Love this deck. The extra Trumps are the best part. So far I have figured out that the zodiac cards have male/female aspects as positive/negative. For example, if I ask a question, and the answer is upright Taurus, that is a "No" since it is feminine. Reversed Taurus is a "Yes". Upright Leo is masculine so it is a "Yes" while reversed Leo is a "No". Since the traditional tarot resists answering in yes/no fashion, I love the clear divination of the extra zodiac cards. This deck gives fast and clear answers. The artwork works as well even though it is minimal. You do need to have a strong background as to the meaning of most cards because this artwork won't be giving you any clues. This is not a good deck for a beginner. I have only had it for two days and I understand that I need a lot more experimenting to figure out more about the extra trumps. Basically I think you need to be a tarot zealot to love this deck. Psychic awareness of the cards helps. To me it promises much, but I know there is a lot of work I have to do with it before I dare use it with a client. I do have a strong premonition that this deck will be my go-to deck of the future.

I love the symbolic meanings in this deck that far surpass other ‘tarot’ decks. It delves more deeply into our ancient origins. And, as usual, on time.

I’ve been excited to get my hands on this deck for a while as I’ve become fascinated by historical decks. Should’ve bought it from a local shop as I was unaware I was getting a used deck that had two seven of swords cards and was missing the nine of swords.

Beautiful. Perfect

This unique 97-card deck is an incredible deal, complete with a comprehensive book detailing each card. It features the four elements and 12 astrological signs, as well as additional Virtue cards for the major arcana. (The12 astrological signs can add a sense of timing in readings, among other things.) With 97 cards, it offers a greater variety than standard decks. Thank you, Brian Williams and Amazon!

Really its a good documented book. Highly recommended to any interested in Tarot History and of course in Minchiate and Italian cards. The tarot deck was really not of my prefer ones but, its still a decent deck with a nice artwork

A detailed guidebook for the rare Minchiate Tarot. Only thing is that the cardstock is very thin. Still a must have in the collection for tarot enthusiasts.

Très beau jeu de cartes ! Je suis content de cet achat !

The Minchiate tarot cards are hard to find, and expensive, so this deck comes as a very welcome offering. Packaging is attractive and the booklet included with the set is valuable. The artwork on the cards themselves is not of the finest, the Florentine and Etruria (18th and 19th-century) versions being far more refined and original. However, this version is quite acceptable and it is great to see a modern take on such a rare deck.