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Hager and Wäscher wanted to create a deck with minimal occult overtones, one which
could “speak for itself without being integrated into astrological, cabalistic or similar relations.” Their designs
consequently use story rather than symbol. The scenes are medieval, mythological and romantic, and the
art has an optimistism which suggests that even combat and adversity leads to beauty in the end.
Though artistically modern, the deck has a traditional 78-card structure. Each Trump scene is explained, and then
interpreted on two levels: A) its inner, spiritual application, and B) its outer, practical meaning. The Emperor, shown above, is seated outside his castle and represents
the principle of fire; the upright scepter symbolizes
his power. The inner interpretation is the establishing
of “stability and order by means of his conditions, in order to be able to guarantee long-term security.” The practical meaning given is that establishing this order requires “self-control
as well as understanding of necessities and reason. Often, this also hints at the influence of an energetic person
with management abilities.”
The Hermit is described as a wise man “standing in
the seclusion of inhospitable wastelands. With his left hand, he clasps a stick serving as a support, while his
right hand holds up a lantern, whose light shows him the way.” The hourglass at his feet recalls the image of Saturn
or Father Time who appears on older versions of this Trump. The interpretations for the card describe the ideas
of solitude, observation, patience, transcendence of Time, and the search for wisdom.
The suit cards are fully illustrated. While there are a few distant similarities with the Waite-Smith imagery,
Hager and Wäscher have created new story lines while still maintaining most ‘traditional’ meanings for the
Minor Arcana. Each suit tells a progressive story with the suit emblems being cleverly incorporated into each design.
The pip numerals are placed within the triangular symbols used to represent the four elements: Fire for Wands,
Air for Swords, Water for Cups, and Earth for Coins.
This deck was also published in Germany as a packaged set, which includes a book written by Hager (in German) explaining
the minor arcana scenes in more detail. The explanations given in the little booklet, however, are abbreviated.
The suit of Wands represents “activity, enterprises, and actions.” The Two of Wands (above) shows a man and woman looking toward a winding path, apparently discussing the journey ahead.
From the booklet: “A plan must be prepared and worked out diligently, before it can be translated into action.
Premature striving for results or ambition still lacks any realistic basis, because at present only well thought-out
and small steps are possible.”
The Four of Swords (above) shows a woman who appears
to be in silent command, guarded by empty suits of armor holding swords. An unarmored man sits pensively below
her. The text reads: “Reflection upon past experiences. After setbacks, usually concerning health or financial
matters, a phase of calmness has begun, which can be used for recovery, but which also serves to recall one’s own
forces and possibilities.”
The Arcus Arcanum Tarot has also been published with
titles and booklet in French; English versions of the deck are hard to find at this point. If you don’t mind foreign
card titles then you can usually find this attractive deck at Alida.
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