Minchiate Tarot Decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 26 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Keslynn	26 Aug 2002
I was just surfing on my usual round of tarot webpages and I got randomly fascinated by the Minchiate Tarot done by Brian Williams. I think the history behind it is really interesting. So does anyone have experience with this deck (or any other minchiate decks)? Does it read well once you have incorporated the meanings of the extra cards? Or is it hard to deal with the differences? Would the Brian Williams deck be the best way to start exploring this style deck or are there other choices? :) Kes

Lee	26 Aug 2002
I can't speak to how it is to read with Minchiate decks, because I never really tried (I have enough to deal with, learning to read with a regular Tarot deck). I think the Brian Williams deck would be a superior choice, because of the full-length book that comes with it, which is the only in-depth study of reading with a Minchiate that I know of. Once you read the book, if the cards don't turn you on, you can always get some of the reproductions of older decks (Lo Scarabeo has one). I like the cards, but it's a matter of taste as to whether you might prefer the older decks. -- Lee

Pollux	26 Aug 2002
I don't have a Minchiate (you English-speakers don't know what it means neer neer :P) deck, but I have read a bit about them so far. Actually, I didn't know Brian Willams had released a deck, and when I saw the cards I was quite surprised since his style (of which I am not so fond BTW) seems appropriate, and the cards are pleasant and also inviting in a way. Nevertheless, I think a traditional deck of Minchiate Fiorentine would be far more interesting, even though less visually appealing. It is like getting a Marseille deck, I can't explain... There's totally another feel when you get the traditional stuff. The problem with the traditional deck would be the meanings... would it be possible to get the book by Williams and the traditional deck? Or the book/deck only come in a set? I repeat, I have no experience of the deck by Williams, but I trust Lee words and opinion about the book as being the best tool for study. After rambling so far, my suggestion is this: get the book and the deck by Williams to learn to read. And, when you feel confident, get a more traditional version. (Did you think I cold give you an economical suggection? *LOL*) The softer images, along with the book itself, by Williams will help you in the learning, and if you enjoy it you might get some more sober traditional version - they always have greater impact on querents! ;)

Lee	26 Aug 2002
Williams' book unfortunately not available separately, only comes in set. :) -- Lee

Pollux	26 Aug 2002
I spent a while searching, feel personally drawn in - I don't know why... There are various editions of the Minchiate, some called "Fiorentine" or "Etruria"... I think all but the one from Williams are from Italian publishers, but probably I am wrong - Jeanette or Lee will soon come to pinchm ears... :) Whatever the publication reality be, I only found links to the LoScarabeo and Il Meneghello cards online. The edition I was referring to before, my favourite anyway, is the one by Il Meneghello. You can see all the cards at the following links: - Major Arcana/Trumps - Suit of Wands - Suit of Coins - Suit of Swords - Suit of Cups It is by far my favourite, since it is... the only one I studied a bit! :P *LOL* I prefer it even though the images are not detailed and not appealing other releases. Of LoScarabeo version I could only find this: Some cards on the LoScarabeo website Review on a site The images are softer than the previous... but I don't like them. I am a snob. :P

Keslynn	26 Aug 2002
Thanks for the information and links. I'm financially strapped right now, but when I get some money... look out! Pollux you're not helping at all!!! :P And what does minchiate mean? Please share. :) Kes

Lee	26 Aug 2002
I actually own the Menenghello one. I got it even before I was into Tarot. My mother owned a stationary shop where she sold, among other things, fancy Italian paper, including some things made by Menenghello, and she actually carried this deck in her store, and she gave me one. It comes in a slipcase which is closed with red ribbon. -- Lee

Pollux	27 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Keslynn Thanks for the information and links. I'm financially strapped right now, but when I get some money... look out! Pollux you're not helping at all!!! It is the tarot-holic game of the year... who will influence other tarot-holics the most? I surely am not the first on the list, but I am pretty high on it... }) Quote: Originally posted by Keslynn And what does minchiate mean? Please share. [/b] Minchia, actually, is a vernacular temr to indicate the masculine member... Minchiata (singular), is something worthy of being equalled to it, something extremely stupid and foolish, something... @o@ky... *goes to hide before they e-kill him* This is anyway a recent meaning it got, i believe, Originally the cards where called that way probably after the verb sminchiare, that means asking your playing partner to throw the highest card he's got. Quote: Originally posted by Lee I actually own the Menenghello one. I got it even before I was into Tarot. Great minds think alike. Well, so far only you think, since I can only desire the deck alike... LOL *claps vigorously at Lee's taste in decks*

Logiatrix	28 Aug 2002
pollux, how is MINCHIATE pronounced? would you please relay a phonetic pronunciation of this word? i have been wondering for literally YEARS to know this!!! THANK YOU, POLLUX!

Lee	29 Aug 2002
Well, Pollux please correct me, but I believe it's pronounced min-kee-AHT-ee. -- Lee

Pollux	29 Aug 2002
Now I'll do something... silly. But I tried to look for the phonetic symbols for the word, without success. LEt's see: MIN-CHIA-TE. - MIN like in "minister" - CHIA like in "Kiama" (:*) - TE like in "terrified"

Logiatrix	30 Aug 2002
THANK YOU!

Jewel	30 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee Well, Pollux please correct me, but I believe it's pronounced min-kee-AHT-ee. -- Lee You were sooooooo close! *LOL*

The Minchiate Tarot Decks thread was originally posted on 26 Aug 2002 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.