DECAMERON TAROT TAROCCHI DEL DEGAMERONE TAROT DEL DECAMERON TAROT DU DECAMERON DECAMERONE-TAROT DECAMERAO TARO.TABLE OF CONTENT Ttaliamo ooo... cecceeecceseseeeeesreeseeneseeseeenee Espatil .....c.sccscccssesesvereoearserarensnesnsseess Francais Deutsch .. Portugués He = = J)DECAMERON TAROT = A guide for Love co SP. The force of love supports the universe and moves the planets. It is a concept from medieval philosophy perme- ated by Christianity which induces enthusiasm and fills with happiness, Virgil wrote “Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori”: Love overcomes everything, and we give in to love. But if we go from the metaphysical to that lov- ing passion which governs the life of single individuals, we realize the precariousness of our feelings. ‘Lamore fa rima con cuore’, (love rhymes with heart, N.d.T.), but two hearts on the same wavelength, swept away by passion, are required. Eros’ woes are as old as the world. Lovers have always anxiously asked themselves if their passion was reciprocated and to what extent, When in doubt they have turned to magic, potions, dreams, premonitions, and card reading. And for tarot card reading love is an ideal subject, the most fascinating objective. In the fourteenth century, Giovanni Boccaccio described a loving society in “Decameron” which is still valid and credible today. Taking his inspiration from the black plague which had upset Florence, the writer foretells of a new world, a revolution of customs and ethics. From death comes life and he outlines characters who have an unscrupulous and unrestrained view of existence, free of prejudices and superstitions of the past. The painter Giacinto Gaudenzi interpreted this medieval society through masterly inspiration, highlighting how the characters of that time moved under the drive of an eternally-valid emotional force. Mankind during the fourteenth century was variegated, complex, a mix of sacred and profane, filthiness, and sublime sacrifices which the Florentine writer had the courage to describe without hesitation or censorship, The artistic language was the only thing that was forced to turn 3to a series of metaphorical and allusive images, a malicious bursting and ironic vocabulary which would have had to protect from the curses of ecclesiastical and sex-phobic censorship. He created a work of art but did not manage to avoid the ostracism of conformists who demonized his name and work all the way up to the 20th century. Gaudenzi, however, did not feel the same need Boccaccio did to escape from the obtuse, moralistic society of his time and chose to realize explicitly bloody scenes which at times even had a brutal realism. Genuine however. Erati- cally enthralling. Giovanni Boccaccio Giovanni Boccaccio was born in 1313 in Certaldo (Flor- ence) from an illegitimate relationship involving the wealthy businessman Boccaccino da Chelino, who recog- nized him as his son. In 1348 he wrote ‘Decameron’, right during the period when the black plague broke out. In 1350 he was already tich and famous and was friend with Petrarch and the Alighieri family. His mother was probably a servant. Boccaccio, however, promoted the legend that he was born from his father's relationship with a Parisian noblewoman, and word was it that the mythical woman of his dreams, Fiammetta, was Princess Maria d’Aquino, who actually never existed. He died in Certaldo in 1375. Reading the Tarot Each card has its own meaning which must be read in relation to love using the symbols of love, whether car- nal and violent, passionate and libertine, or simple and sweet, intellectual and delicate. In the short stories of the Decameron, the push towards love although not explicit was thoroughly free and devoid of mystery and hypocrisy. This Tarot must be approached in the same way. 4+Major Arcana According to the esoteric tradition, they represent the main stages of life. I - The Magician. Let's set aside illusions and keep our feet planted on the ground. Work and love, these are the secret of life. Il - The High Priestess. Unhoped-for goals can be achieved through study and tenacity. But once at the top, act prudently. Every success has its cost, Ill - The Empress. Life is a journey of love, without age limits. However, those who hold public offices should maintain discretion and moderation. IV - The Emperor. Power also comes from old age. Don't be ashamed by young ardor because old age truly sets in when we no longer love. V - The Hierophant. Charisma. Nevertheless, sacred- ness is not always exempt from sin, Act prudently: Power sometimes corrupts. No compromise between the sacred and the profane. VI —- The Lovers. If you have the joy of winning the favor of a young woman, or man, dont be reticent but rather offer real proof of your passion. VII - The Chariot. The chariot continues forward. There could be a pleasant surprise during the journey but be careful not to let the opportunity slip away. VIII — Justice. Fortune influences loving justice. Com- mitment and trust are the personal qualities necessary for a satisfactory solution to the problem. IX -— The Hermit. An attractive body troubles even an ascetic spirit. But don't be deceived by hypocrites and false virtue. Deception is lying in wait. X — The Wheel. To the disenchantment of bad luck, we can compensate with solidarity and mutual help. Selfish- ness regarding sexual matters does not pay off. XI — Strength. Affection and getting carried away by feel- 5ings have the power to fight brute force. Reconcile rela- uionships and soften up. XIL — The Hanged Woman, Short-lived love. The suit- ors deceive themselves into thinking that their prey is all theirs, unless they are happy with fleeting pleasure. XIII — Death. Time passes and we can't slow it down. It's best not to turn down joy for fear of something new or because of shyness. Let go of the past. XIV - Temperance. Women's behavior is often unpredict- able and is not based on reasonable criteria. Don't ever think that you have your loved one in your grasp. XV — The Devil. Anxiety and extreme sensuality. To fight boredom of repeatedness, try new and original ways. Joy can come from suffering. XVI - The Tower. Symbol of the erect and triumphant penis. Passion and sensuality. The precarious roof signifies that the level of excitement is inconstant. XVII — The Stars. The woman is a goal to be achieved, an ideal. If her carnality arouses disgust, the love is not sincere or complete. XVIII - The Moon. The unexpected ruins plans. Perhaps the undertaking was superficially and inconsiderately de- signed: Risk of being blown out of proportion. XIX — The Sun. Affection and passion come from truth and not pretence. Everyone can find themselves in their nudity and can stop pretending. XX —Judgement. The day of reckoning has arrived. Self- criticism and conciliation, however, lead to the necessary conditions for renewal. XXI - The World. Intelligence and knowledge assert themselves on the laws of the universe. Spirit and body proceed together. Don't look far for what is so near. 0 — The Fool. The woman wants sex; the man sometimes loses himself in useless daydreams. Lightheartedness and freedom carry heavy sacrifices.Minor Arcana The 22 traditional Trionfi figures are accompanied by an- other 56 cards divided into four suits. The Wands symbol- ize Fire: Strong passions and extreme experiences. The Chalices represent Water; the key concept is the soul. The Swords refer to the element of Air. The central con- cept is the mind, connected with all of the qualities of thought. The Pentacles are connected with the Earth and therefore the body and material goods. Wands Ace. Sexuality comes from nature. The beginning of a lov- ing relationship to be enthusiastically continued. Two, Shyness. Reserve. First experience. Three. Initial success. Give joy. Boldness. Four. Harmony, accord, peace, purification. Five. Obstacle overcome. Dispute for futile reasons. Quar- reling couple. Six. Married life. Privacy. Everyday love. Seven. A part of the undertaking is complete. Surprise. Daring, Eight. Commitment regarding the final objective. Dyna- mism, mental as well. Nine. A good situation but watch your back. Defense and vigilance. Ten. Uncertainty in managing the relationship. Indiscre- tion. Tiredness. Knave. Perfect sexual harmony between two lovers. There is no abuse of power by the man who harmlessly holds the sword. Knight. Elopement under the spur of passion. A relation- ship that begins immediately during the voyage. King. Represents absolute power without questioning. The weakest partner must succumb, Queen. Each partner has his or her needs. Know how to 7