Medieval Scapini, I have fallen in love with it!

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 15 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

TemperanceAngel	15 Feb 2004
I started running a Tarot course a couple of weeks ago and a student had a Scapini deck, wonderful :) I then went to the Tarot Cafe and there was a Scapini deck there, until this day I had never seen it. Three days later I went to a friends for a reading, she has over 200 decks that she uses and she read for me with the Scapini. Come the second week of my course I looked at the Scapini some more and I love the Minors, haven't looked over the Majors yet... Any comments? xTAx

Centaur	15 Feb 2004
TA, I too love this deck. I do not have it as of yet, but it is one which I wish to obtain. Images of some of the majors are available here:- http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/medieval-scapini/ When I first saw these cards, I was filled with a very pleasant feeling. Almost like sex, but not quite, haha. Anyway, I think that the images are very classy, and there is a real traditional feel about it. C

TemperanceAngel	15 Feb 2004
Centaur, thanks for your reply! Quote: Originally posted by Centaur Anyway, I think that the images are very classy, and there is a real traditional feel about it. I love the images intellectually, artistically and esoterically and not necessarily in that order :) I thought it was an old deck, but it is based on older decks, particually Viscontii I think. Shows you that I know nothing about older decks :laugh: The imagery and work is so delicate and speaks to me in ten folds. The Majors are dark, but I do like them, dare I say it makes my RWS look...? Hmmm...no word, and at the moment the Scapini has far more depth ;) XTAX When we get our decks we will be able to chat some more :D

LadyMedusa	15 Feb 2004
It is a deck I find that flows. Peaceful and calm yet deep are words the come to mind. I get a very warm, comforting feeling every time I see it. Very much like snuggling into my soft fleecy bathrobe on a chilly evening. I haven't read with it alot. Only because I have been focusing on a few of my decks that I find more difficult to get along with. I got rather carried away aquiring decks, so I haven't really given it and many others the time they deserve yet. LadyMedusa

Kiama	15 Feb 2004
I love all of Luigi Scapini's decks (well, the ones I've seen at least!) It is amazing how he manages to fit the esoteric and occult symblism into the cards without making it obvious. At first glance these cards look simply as though he's put pretty pictures around the nine swords or three cups. But he hasn't: there is esoteric symbolism in these cards everywhere! The decks are literally oozing it! And I love it! :D :D :D I also love his humour... Every deck of his that I have seen has given me a very good laugh... And we're talking a proper belly laugh here... }) Tongue-in-cheek, humourous, esoteric, meaningful, mundane, sad, happy, evocative... His cards are all these things and more. And it all works somehow. If you like the Medieval Scapini, you'll Love his Shakespeare Tarot. :D Kiama

Scorpion	15 Feb 2004
I got the Medieval Scapini in a trade recently and I'm absolutely delighted with it. It was one of the few decks that wanted to "work" immediately and I brought it out for a friend. Once I've worked my way through that reading it will probably become my daily deck. I have just (as of yesterday) acquired the Shakespeare Tarot and strangely I am not as moved by it as I am by the Medieval. I feel it's "fainter" somehow, although for me the strength in that deck is the very detailed LWB giving background on the characters on the cards (whereas my Scapini arrived with no LWB at all - so anybody who's got this deck and is inclined to the Umbrae school of thought, pass it here, please!). Has Mr Scapini created any other decks?

Dark_angel	15 Feb 2004
The Medieval Scapini is gorgeous, especially the Minors! I got it as a present from a friend of mine (who I met on Aeclectic but who has since left :( ). Unfortunately, my deck has been hijacked by my S.O., who has decided that it's his perfect deck. I might have to buy another one. ;)

contrascarpe	15 Feb 2004
The Medieval Scapini was the first deck I purchased after my renewed interest in Tarot. My first (and second and third as each was lost in a move) was the good 'ol RWS. When I decided to become serious about Tarot, I wanted a new deck, something different than the one I was used to. Little did I know that it would be an obsession and I would start buying decks more frequently. However, the Scapini was the first deck that "talked" to me. I hadn't taken the step to start perusing the various New Age shops we have in the northeast US, so I settled for the local Barnes & Noble. I believe every B&N is the same with the decks carefully protected behind the front counter and samples in the new age section. They usually have 7 or 8 full deck samples on display of the ones they stock along with one sample section of single cards from decks they can special order. I just loved the look of the Scapini. Unfortunately, I have purchased some decks since then that have been more powerful than this one. One of the drawbacks to me is the size of the cards. I don't care so much for myself, but the people I usually read for like to shuffle in a traditional manner and these cards are difficult to handle. I am glad to see this thread - I am going take the Scapini out again and study it some more. It is one of about 5 decks I have that I feel warrant careful and detailed study. By the way, there is an accompanying book being published this year - Amazon says May, but that sometimes changes. Dan

crystal cove	15 Feb 2004
I anxiously await the book that is due out on this deck, because I keep hoping that there is more than meets the eye in this deck, but with the available resources currently available, (the LWB) ;) it just seems that something is missing here for me. I love the artwork and colors of the majors and court cards. The minors aren't as elegant, but they are chock-filled with as much symbolism as the majors, and to me, that alone is worth getting the deck for. Each card can keep one studying for hours. In addition, under close scrutiny, one can see the great sense of humor of the author in the minors. Some of these cards are incredibly funny! I like that even though the deck follows RW meanings, the cards portray a story all their own and none of the cards resemble the same card from the RW deck or its clones. It shows alot of creativity in my book. However, this deck is a problem in two areas for me. Number one, I have been moving away from RW "cookbook" meanings and I don't see much to interpret in the cards other than the standard RW meaning. For example, the five of cups......I don't see much other than the standard "sorrow" meaning here. A problem for those of us who use numerology a bit. Number two, there are definitely some consistency issues. For example, the two of wands. Even in the RW system, the card is a generally positive one. The card here does not look positive in ANY way, but the LWB lists it's meaning as the general RW one. Huh?? Those are just two examples, but you get my meaning. Again, I look forward to the book due out on this deck. I'd love to be able to revise my concerns about this deck. There is so much symbolism here, that I hope I have been missing quite a bit. Regardless, it's a deck worth getting.

Kiama	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Scorpion Has Mr Scapini created any other decks? He illustrated the Lukumi Tarot and created the Stained Glass Tarot (Tarocco delle Vetrate). Blessings, Kiama

Scorpion	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama He illustrated the Lukumi Tarot and created the Stained Glass Tarot (Tarocco delle Vetrate). Thanks, Kiama - I'll check those out. Though I feel it would take a lot to move the Medieval from its top slot in my affections.

contrascarpe	15 Feb 2004
Scorpion - A couple of other decks you should check out are the Golden Tarot - not yet released but if you go the website www.goldentarot.com ,you will find a beautiful medieval deck. Also captivating me recently are the Bruegel because the imagary is so detailed and fascinating, and the Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg which has a different kind of beauty. That being said, I pulled out my Medieval Scapini today for an online reading and connected with it. After so many months of being ignored, it is moving up my list of preferred decks (take a look at that Bruegel though - I feel something special here). Dan

Scorpion	15 Feb 2004
Thanks for those suggestions Contrascarpe - I couldn't get the link to the Golden to work but have found it through Google - and you're right: it's a fantastic looking deck. I shall certainly keep an eye out for that one. I've thought about the Russian a few times but never quite got round to it. I know a friend has it and loves it so I may pick it up if I see it. As for the Bruegel, I did have it but traded it on for something I wanted more. I may get it again, but my initial feeling was that it was more or less a pale imitation of the Bosch (one of my alltime favourite decks, although I know it's received a mixed reception here).

contrascarpe	15 Feb 2004
Louise - The Bosch deck is on the top of my wishlist. I took a couple of art history courses way back when in college and I loved Bosch. Bruegel was a student of Bosch and even though the images on the deck are not strictly Bruegel (they are by a contemporary artist in the style of Bruegel), I found it to be very inspiring. Any thoughts on the Bosch deck? I have seen the same negative feedback, but have always been intrigued with his work. During my many hours at museums (which is strange because I have NO artistic ability, hehe), he fascinated me in so many ways. Sorry about the link to the Golden. I had a comma in the link and have since corrected it. I cannot wait to get this one. I just bought the St. Petersburg deck yesterday and haven't used it yet but I can definitely feel that it is "readable". Dan

Scorpion	15 Feb 2004
Dan, I've just PM'd you to prevent this thread being hijacked by a discussion of the Bosch - hope you don't mind!

TemperanceAngel	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama I also love his humour... Every deck of his that I have seen has given me a very good laugh... And we're talking a proper belly laugh here... }) If you like the Medieval Scapini, you'll Love his Shakespeare Tarot. :D Oh yes Kiama, I love his humour, I was looking at one of the Minors on Saturday and a pig was chasing a man, it made me laugh :) I must say I wasn't very fond of his Shakespeare deck, maybe I need to see it IRL to do it justice? XTAX

TemperanceAngel	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Scorpion I've thought about the Russian a few times but never quite got round to it. I know a friend has it and loves it so I may pick it up if I see it. I love the Russian deck from an artistic point of view, but the cards...well they don't speak to me....XTAX

Kiama	16 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel Oh yes Kiama, I love his humour, I was looking at one of the Minors on Saturday and a pig was chasing a man, it made me laugh :) I must say I wasn't very fond of his Shakespeare deck, maybe I need to see it IRL to do it justice? XTAX Indeed: The Shakespeare deck is infinitely better in real life. Firstly because you get to see all the cards, and this is important I think because there are links between the cards. Such as the Moon and Sun: the Moon is Romeo climbing up to Juliet's balcony to 'celebrate' their wedding night, and the Sun is them in a passionate and heart-wrenching embrace, bathed by the Sun, in Juliet's bedroom, just before Romeo has to leave for Mantua. Now, these two cards linking together like this says many things to me: the Moon is the gateway to the Sun, and when you go through the traditional towers you see on either side of the Moon card, you get to the Sun card. And we have that threshold depicted in these two cards: the archway of Juliet's bedroom. I actually found the Shakespeare alot funnier than Medieval Scapini. Maybe it was because the writing in the not-so-little white book was more evocative and humourous? My favourite cards from the Shakespeare deck though are the Page of Wands (Caliban's only victory... It shows him standing naked in front of Miranda, who in admiring shock lets her cup fall to the floor. })) and the Queen of Wands (Katherine, from the Taming of the Shrew. She holds in her right hand... A ROLLING PIN!!! :D) One thing I will say about both decks though is that the beauty in them is uncanny. You don't expect them to be beautiful, because alot of the time the cards depict quite grotesque characters doing very ungainly things, but it is still beautiful. :D Blessings, Kiama

TemperanceAngel	16 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama One thing I will say about both decks though is that the beauty in them is uncanny. You don't expect them to be beautiful, because alot of the time the cards depict quite grotesque characters doing very ungainly things, but it is still beautiful. :D I understand :) and when I see the deck IRL I will get back to you...XTAX

Aure	16 Feb 2004
Oh no... Now I have to get the Medieval Scapini as well!! I saw the images on one site and loved it! It is rare for me to really like a deck and before I've only seen poor quality scans that didn't do justice to this deck. My only problem is that my hubby doesn't like me spending all my money on tarot decks and I'm still waiting for the Radiant RWS.. Maybe I'll have to buy it secretly....

LadyMedusa	20 Feb 2004
For those of you who have this deck or may be thinking of getting it, I like to have a special bag or wrap for each of my decks. Normally I make them myself. For almost a year I have searched for the "perfect " match for the Scapini and have returned home with out it. LOOK AT WHAT CJTAROT FOUND: http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/constanceluke/detail?.dir=/Yahoo!+Photo+Album&.dnm=1a18.jpg If you look if you click on the previous arrow you can see how the backs of the cards match up as well. My deck is going to have one of her special two sided reading cloths. LadyMedusa

Cerulean	20 Feb 2004
as some of the poses and distortions, while humerous, seemed less intricate and understandable than Scapini's Shakespearean. The Lovers in the Scapini show an odd disparity in how Juliet is posed in relation to Romeo's height.. It took me a long time to accept it might be an angling and my figure-drawing fingers were itchy to correct it. But I find it delightful now, and it's my third favorite of his. I like the Romeo and Juliet and the Stained Glass Tarot better. The Romeo and Juliet tarocchi seemed to me to be more as I would like to see the Renaissance tales. It reminds me of "Italianesque" images. The writing tone was a warmer, humanistic and also, to my amusement, offered an extended version of Shakespearean characters... but it also harkens back to Scapini's Veronese roots. And just me, Scapini reminds of how the bright humor and tales of Boccaccio's Decameron led into Shakespeare 200 years later. I've been enchanted with it, but hardly have been able to really articulate much more than some garbled lines here. It could be the new book on the Medieval will illuminate the images even more...and hopefully bring in Scapini's notes that pertain both to the Medieval and Romeo and Juliet together. Mari H.

Aure	23 Feb 2004
I'm not sure whether to get the Medieval Scapini or the Tarot of Romeo and Juliet... Medieval Scapini would be nice (and it is easier for me to find), but are the cards really large? Is it a readable deck?

Dexter	23 Feb 2004
Oh NO!!! I've just order the Hadar Tarot of Marseille and now that I've seen images of this deck I really want it too. There are not many decks that I feel that I can connect with but this seems right. I have only bought 3 decks and given one away because I couldn't connect with it. Kris Hadar's deck I wanted but only today ordered. So now I have another deck to desire. Does the size of the cards pose a problem? My Celtic Wisdom deck is large also and a bit difficult to shuffle but I only read for myself with it. So I am a little concerned with others suffling if I choose to use the Scapini on a more regular basis. Dexter

lark	23 Feb 2004
The cards are long 5 1/4'' but thinner 2 3/4". I have small hands and I have no trouble shuffling them. Sorry :D now I just gave you another reason to order them })

LadyMedusa	23 Feb 2004
I don't have any trouble shuffling them either. I think that by narrowing them they are more flexible than several of the standard size decks I use. LadyMedusa

Dexter	25 Feb 2004
Your right Lark another reason to order them. Thanks for the input. Dexter

Teranar	25 Feb 2004
I have the medieval Scapini deck, and its the deck I keep on me, and I got it from my ex-girlfriend. It, ironically, is the deck that's attuned best to emotional readings. I just wanted to say that humorous bit. It is a great deck and actually its the first deck I'd recommend to a newbie. -Teranar

lionette	25 Feb 2004
I made the mistake (!?!) of looking at this thread and viewing the deck -- have also become smitten with this deck! It's very interesting and lovely to look at -- good combo. I looked at Amazon.com (to hopefully use my gift certificate for this) and noticed that they don't yet have cards or book in stock but give a date for release -- drum roll here -- May 2004! (perfect timing for grad school graduation gift to self! and I've got it on pre-order) There will be a book and cards set for $23, or cards seperately. The set is priced amazingly cheap, since that's like getting the book for about $3. That's today's bargain-hunter update!!

Gardener	25 Feb 2004
I have both the Medieval Scapini and the Juliet and Romeo, and both are highly luxurious decks. I think, though, on balance I'm much more fond of the Juliet. The cards are bigger (I find shuffling both to be a challenge - medium sized woman hands), which means there is more detail, and the art is, as mentioned oddly both grotesque and beautiful. But Juliet wins my vote mainly for the continuity throughout the deck. Some characters appear in different cards for different states of their being. Tybalt, in particular, caught my eye. He is the "Page of Swords, after Mercutio's slan, when he drops his swanky arrogance for a moment and sees the void. The Page is hellbound and only a pure heart can speed a safe return." And in the Seven of Wands, accepting Romeo's challenge to duel "Furious Tybalt should have remained backstage, to act as Page of Swords, and disregard the challenge. Still, fate is fate, in life, on stage, and in Tarot." The idea that people find themselves acting out different cards at different moments, that a decision moves a person from one state to another, is beautifully illustrated here.

TemperanceAngel	25 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lionette I looked at Amazon.com (to hopefully use my gift certificate for this) and noticed that they don't yet have cards or book in stock but give a date for release -- drum roll here -- May 2004! I don't have them yet either, but the book and card set sounds wonderful! lionette, why don't you try tarotgarden.com? XTAX

lionette	25 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel lionette, why don't you try tarotgarden.com? TemperanceAngel, I looked there and they have the deck, but my wallet urged me to wait for the set because it's going to be so cheap ($22.40) and especially so with my gift cert! (I'll do my best to be patient -- and in the meantime I'll occupy myself with the Ship of Fools deck/book I just ordered! Now soliciting a study group for that one: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23081) :) Planning on getting the Scapini deck soon? Will you have it before May?

TemperanceAngel	26 Feb 2004
Ooo ooo, OK that's a good deal and by then I might be able to afford it :) Quote: Originally posted by lionette TemperanceAngel, I looked there and they have the deck, but my wallet urged me to wait for the set because it's going to be so cheap ($22.40) and especially so with my gift cert! Can you please pm me and remind lionette? Thanks :D I forget what someone else called this deck? (sorry, was it inspirational?) Gosh maybe I just got my name confused with that!) When I had it read for me, it was called the Money Deck... XTAX

Cerulean	27 Mar 2004
Well, it is not often I get duplicate decks, but I did...and the latest printing date on my Medieval is 1985 with a number 19 for the edition. I don't know why this version seems brighter and the metallic and colored inks are crisper and shinier than the one back home...I traded with my sis and she will get a deck that I'll be ordering her soon and this will be my waiting-travel version for the book. I'm typing this from my sis' home computer and thinking of how strange that I remember my old Scapini as slightly yellower, faded...and today, I'm looking at the two of cups and noticing the pictures on the cups in either blue and silver or pink and gold. I never noticed the lion to the right of the bent back of Juliet (her angle makes her face appear smaller than the male suiter). It's probably because this is brighter light...but I'm liking this received version better than my original...now I'm thinking this is like Eyvind Earle fairytale miniatures with an Italianesque flavor and beautiful metallic inks...by the way, I think the thin lamination and dull sheen might indicate this is not done with gold or silver foil and might be an alternative for those who cannot have metallic gold or silver foil decks. Anyway, I'm eager for the book!

Phoenyx*	28 Mar 2004
This is one of the decks I'm waiting for in the mail, hoping I'm going to get it on Monday...I can't wait to see it.

lionette	28 Mar 2004
Mari, your description of the differences in printing make me wonder if there will be a new printing to go along with the new deck/book set coming out in May? Have you any ideas/info or have a suggestion where I could find out? I'm getting really eager for it! :)

TemperanceAngel	30 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Triquetra This is one of the decks I'm waiting for in the mail, hoping I'm going to get it on Monday...I can't wait to see it. Me too! Let's chat when we get it :D XTAX

Aure	30 Mar 2004
I saw this deck yesterday at a metaphysical store but didn't have enough money with me for a second deck... It looked really pretty and I'm sure I will get it sooner or later...

Aure	28 Apr 2004
I'm itching for this deck... The only thing that keeps me from rushing to the store to buy it is the fact that the companion book will be out in May. Ofcourse if the book is available separately, then... And if not, I might need another one anyway... :rolleyes: I have been undecided between Old English and Medieval Scapini but I'm thinking Scapini first...

lionette	28 Apr 2004
Aure, I too have been holding back from buying this deck because of the book/deck combo. I've seen several on Ebay, reasonably priced too, but keep telling myself to wait for book! I searched on Amazon to find an ISBN for just the book, but nothing, so it seems that it will only be a set. May is very soon, tho ;)

lark	28 Apr 2004
Hi I have the book pre-ordered at Amazon for $9.60. ISBN # 1572814772 So run out and get those decks!

Oni	11 May 2004
I just got the deck in trade and i have to agree i love it! Funny this type of deck is not usually my style but i really really dig this one. i guess i like the fact that there r people of color on it and it is a old style deck. Being half black half Lithuanian i rarely find decks that appeal to me in an ethic since. Now there is a book coming out this month for this deck? hmm must get it. but i have not heard anything about it. His Romeo deck hmm looks to much like this one i will skip that, but i do plan on finding the Lukumi deck down ther road

Dakota	11 May 2004
I just bought a deck on eBay and it arrived yesterday. I knew I loved the images but the "feel" of the cards is so wonderful, I was not expecting that. I just sat and played with them, just to handle them, look at them, experience them, last night. They are so intricate, rich and golden..........

TemperanceAngel	11 May 2004
I love my deck, it's wonderful and intricate and funny and clever :D lark, let us know about the book when you get it OK? XTAX

lark	11 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel I love my deck, it's wonderful and intricate and funny and clever :D lark, let us know about the book when you get it OK? XTAX I sure will... It seems like I've been waiting forever for it.

TemperanceAngel	11 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lark I sure will... It seems like I've been waiting forever for it. Why don't you start a thread in the Books section when you get? PM me so I know it's there if that's OK, thanks :) XTAX

Umbrae	19 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel Why don't you start a thread in the Books section when you get? Book Thread (Art and Arcana)

Aure	08 Feb 2005
I got the Medieval Scapini a couple of weeks ago and it happened to me as well... I fell in love! :) It seems that I really connect with this deck which is amazing and I just love it that there's always something new in the cards for me to notice. I'm waiting for the book to arrive so I can really dive into this.

The Medieval Scapini, I have fallen in love with it! thread was originally posted on 15 Feb 2004 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.