Unmatched Illustrations
Learning about differences in how decks are illustrated is an important step in developing Tarot mastery and exploring deeper meanings.
Any Tarot Reader who works with a variety of decks will soon come across versions of the same card with different illustrations - also known as unmatched illustrations. Here we will look at the reasons why illustrations vary from one deck to another and what a Reader should do when confronted with Arcana that dramatically diverges from the meanings they have already committed to memory.
Different MEanings
Readers tend to assign one meaning or a range of related meanings to each card in a deck. They may be Essential Meanings and Keywords that have been drawn from tradition, the work of a modern Tarot master or a trusted teacher who has handed them down to their students.
Meanings may also be based on months or years of personal experience and intuitive understanding on the part of a Reader. Over time, these meanings become an integral part of how they interpret the cards.
Readers who use more than one deck in their Tarot practice will inevitably stumble upon versions of a card that appear to contradict traditional, learned or personal meanings. When this happens, they might struggle to relate the unfamiliar illustrations to the meanings they have in mind
Sometimes Readers may find themselves in a situation where a Querent interrupts them, claiming, 'You keep saying this card means happiness. So why does it show a mean-looking man with his arms crossed? He doesn't look happy to me!'
Why Decks Differ
There are a variety of reasons some cards feature illustrations that diverge dramatically in what they represent from the assigned, traditional meanings.
Badly designed decks: Some Tarot decks are hastily produced promotional items, designed by people who know very little about Tarot. For example, a deck packaged with a perfume sample might feature the Eiffel Tower on the Tower card, simply because the creator mistakenly thought any picture of a tower would be appropriate.
Differences in underlying systems or traditions: Not all decks are based on the same astrological or numerological systems. Decks from different countries reflect contrasting traditions of interpretation. For example, the Universal Tarot is influenced by a tradition that associates the Six of Swords with travel. The Tarot of the Master, however, is based on another set of assumptions and associates this card with courage.
Differences in emphasis: An illustration may emphasise an alternative aspect of a familiar meaning. Someone who associates 'travel' with the Six of Swords may easily recognise this aspect of the illustration in the Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot. However, upon seeing the same card from the Tarot of the 78 Doors, the Reader may ask, 'What does a young man at a computer have to do with travel?' Only upon reflection might they notice the maps on the wall and think, 'Ah! He's researching holiday destinations!' Or 'Travel is a metaphor and browsing the internet is just another form of travel.'
Different Purposes: The Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot was created to follow a specific set of designs by occultist Arthur Edward Waite, first illustrated by the artist Pamela Colman Smith. In contrast, the Tarot of the Elves is designed to explore how familiar Tarot themes may be expressed in original stories. They have been designed with different goals in mind, meaning that parallel cards in these decks may appear at first glance to have little in common.
Dealing with Differences
A Reader who encounters a radically different illustration on a familiar card has at least five options.
Ignore the difference: Many Readers keep in mind a set of familiar meanings and are reluctant to part with them. In this case, they can choose to ignore the conflict between the illustration and the assigned meaning if they come across a radically different version of the card. This speeds up the reading process but may confuse Querents who notice the difference between the apparent meaning the Reader assigns to it. Also, all the benefits of Intuitive Reading will be lost. In this case, a good suggestion is for the Reader to choose a deck that has illustrations more in tune with their 'mental deck'.
Reconcile the differences: Some Readers try to bridge the difference between an unfamiliar illustration and their preferred interpretation of it. They can start by studying the new card, searching for parallels between the illustration and their expectations. They may decide that the two versions aren't so different after all. This solution usually provides excellent results but may be time-consuming. When the difference between the decks is particularly great, the reconciled meaning may feel too forced.
Blend the meanings: The Reader can choose to combine meanings, suggesting, for example, that the Six of Swords in the Tarot of the Master calls for 'courageous travel' or hints at a 'journey toward courage'. This solution requires a bit of experience and imagination on the part of the Reader, but it is highly effective. The blending of two meanings often gives a clear interpretation.
Consult a reference guide: The Reader can look at the relevant Tarot Deck Library or the booklet packaged with a deck, read a companion guide, like the ones found here on this website, search the internet or ask other people using the deck.
Embrace the difference: Many Readers, feeling an obligation to honour the unique voice of each deck, set familiar interpretations aside and embrace new meanings wholeheartedly. This process enables the Reader to see the Tarot from a completely fresh perspective and enriches the mental library of memorised meanings the Reader uses.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how to approach unmatched illustrations across their Tarot deck collection. It is worth remembering that by using many different decks you can hone not only your wider knowledge of Tarot but also your Intuitive Reading skills.
Spot The Difference
Choose one of your favourite Major Arcana cards and compare the illustrations and symbols across some of the other decks in your collection.
For example, you might pick the Magician. Start with the regular deck you use and remind yourself of the symbols and meanings present.
Have a close look at the other examples of the same card. What differences do you see and how might these affect how you interpret the same card?
Each of the Card in Detail pages has examples of different deck images for the same card. This helps identify different images and helps you in interpreting them in the future.
Major Arcana cards can be found here, while the four suits (Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles) can be found here.
By Design
If a Tarot deck designer has their own website or social media presence online, this might provide you with greater insights into and understanding of the concepts and ideas behind their illustrations.
This glimpse of the thoughts and feelings underlying the designs can offer a really useful and different point of view. It may be truly enlightening and lead to a more meaningful experience with the cards, in turn developing your own personal philosophy.
Updated
12 January 2025 at 02:00:56
