Oswald Wirth Tarot

The Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck is a historically significant tarot deck designed in the Marseilles style, originally created by Oswald Wirth, a renowned Swiss kabbalist and occultist. Here are the key features and details about this deck:

1. **Design and Origins**: The deck is based on the original designs by Oswald Wirth, first appearing in 1889 in a limited hand-colored edition. It follows the Marseilles tarot tradition but incorporates unique elements influenced by Wirth's studies in Kabbalah and occultism.

2. **Major Arcana**: The deck includes the 22 Major Arcana cards, each featuring French titles and Hebrew letters attributed to each card by Eliphas Levi, a prominent French occultist. These attributions were popularized and further developed by Oswald Wirth, adding depth and esoteric symbolism to the cards.

3. **Vivid Colors and Gold Background**: The cards are printed with vivid colors against a gold background, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and mystical quality. This design choice underscores the deck's focus on spiritual and symbolic richness.

4. **Minor Arcana**: In addition to the Major Arcana, the deck includes 56 Minor Arcana cards. These cards represent the traditional suits of Swords, Batons (Wands), Cups, and Coins (Pentacles). They complement the Major Arcana by offering practical and everyday insights into life's challenges and experiences.

5. **Commentary by Stuart R. Kaplan**: The Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck comes with a booklet of commentary written by Stuart R. Kaplan. This commentary provides historical context, interpretations of the symbolism within the cards, and insights into Oswald Wirth's contributions to the tarot tradition.

6. **Authorized Full 78-Card Deck**: This edition of the Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck is authorized and complete, ensuring authenticity and fidelity to Oswald Wirth's original vision and teachings.

7. **Significance and Legacy**: The Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck holds significance not only for its artistic and esoteric qualities but also for its influence on the development of tarot symbolism and interpretation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It remains a cherished deck among tarot enthusiasts interested in traditional tarot systems and occult studies.

Overall, the Oswald Wirth Tarot Deck stands as a testament to Oswald Wirth's scholarly approach to tarot and his contributions to the esoteric traditions surrounding the cards. It continues to inspire and educate tarot readers and collectors alike with its blend of history, symbolism, and spiritual insight.