Writing about the different deck categories in the post about how to choose your first Tarot deck, I realised something. I don’t have a completely whimsical fantasy deck in my collection anymore. So I remedied that by ordering a copy of the Barbieri Tarot, named after its creator, Paolo Barbieri.
As soon as I came across this deck, I was completely captivated by Barbieri’s depiction of dragons. This is how I see them in my mind’s eye! So though this is not a dragon-themed deck per se, there are plenty of dragons in the deck. And, as you can see above, the backs of the cards also feature dragons.
This is not a new deck. It was published by Lo Scarabeo in 2015. I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t owned this deck before. But I suppose I’m glad this is one deck that did NOT end up in the skip at the local recycling station during my spiritual crisis in 2020.
Description of Card Stock and Deck Structure
The card stock is silky matte and quite thin (my favourite). The size of the cards is ever so slightly smaller than your standard RWS Tarot deck. It shuffles like a dream. A personal preference of mine would be for smaller/no borders. I would like to be able to see more of the details of the absolutely gorgeous artwork.
Below, you can view a flip-through of all the cards in the Barbieri Tarot. It has VIII as Justice and XI as Strength. The suit and card names follow the RWS standard except for Chalices instead of Cups. There are symbols rather than suit names on the bottom border. A couple of the cards are in the wrong order in the video but I hope you still enjoy the artwork…
Video Flip-Through of the Barbieri Tarot
The Little White Book
As always, the Lo Scarabeo LWB is multilingual. As expected, the card meanings diverge almost completely from standard Rider Waite meanings. Normally, I’m not a fan of Lo Scarabeo’s LWB card meanings. However, reading through these while turning the cards over, I found myself smiling quite a lot.
That said, if it’s traditional card meanings you are after, you might as well bin this LWB and go by any book for beginners that you happen to own. The images won’t be a very good match though.
I guess what I did like about this LWB is that the text does go really well with the images. Together they trigger the imagination and make me want to dive deeper into the world/story of each card.
There is a Tarot spread titled, ‘The Mirror and the Guide Spread’ included which can be used for self-reflection concerning any type of situation. I haven’t tried it yet but it looks good. So yeah, this LWB won’t end up in the bin.
Barbieri Tarot Deck Interview
Describe yourself in three words or less. Page of Pentacles
BT: Always learning
2. How would your best friend describe you in three words or less? The Wheel of Fortune
BT: Inviting consciousness expansion
3. What gift do you bring? The Tower
BT: I tear down the walls of illusion in your mind and open you up to a greater reality, the reality of your imagination
4. What do you expect in return? Page of Cups
BT: I expect you to use and TRUST your imagination the way you did when you were a child
5. How can you help me serve? The Magician
BT: I remind you that magic is in the heart
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself? King of Cups
BT: I can be a bit moody sometimes but once you get to know me, you’ll be able to read me like an open book
Me: Thank you so much. I can’t wait for all the fun we’ll have together!
BT: Piacere!