alec
This weekend I read a post here on the AT Forum in which someone wrote that they would not use the Tarot of the Master/Vacchetta deck because of the inherent racism of this card.
So much of what we've inherited from the past comes with added cultural or historical meanings that no longer apply to us. Thankfully so much of tarot speaks to universal human truths, qualities and relationships that transcend the times in which the various decks were made.
I deeply wish that Giovanni Vacchetta who created this deck in 1893 had chosen a different image for this card. But he did not. Nevertheless there are positive ways we can benefit from this particular graphic interpretation of the King of Coins. Here are my observations. Which do you agree with? What have I missed about this card?
The main figure of the card is wearing a luxurious coat with a fur (or fur-like) lining. Around his waist is a leather bag, presumably holding silver or gold pieces. His beard is trimmed neatly. Both hands are engaged in his work on the table counting and engraving coins. The table is neat and the tools well organized. The impression is wealth, elegance, order and diligence.
On the wall to the left we see candles, a book, a round bag, and a cup. These could be said to represent the 4 elements of fire, air, earth and water. The meaning could be skill in all areas of life as befits a king.
At the very top of the wall is a huge coin. This coin is as large as all of the other objects on the wall combined. It is topped by a beautiful ribbon. This suggests that to the King of Coins the area of life represented by Coins (e.g. money, security, physical matters) has more importance than any other.
The large coin shows an hourglass with wings. This brings to mind the expression, "Work while the sun shines". All of us are here for a short while. The time to act and make the most of our lives is now.
Conclusion
I'm not sure I'd like to be this person, but at the same time don't see him particularly as a villain. We can choose not to interpret him as a caricature. Instead, the qualities of wealth, mastery, knowledge, diligence and awareness of the transience of life are traits represented here and worthy of respect.
Note: The I Naibi di G. Vacchetta version published by Il Meneghello was used for this card study. See attached card image.
So much of what we've inherited from the past comes with added cultural or historical meanings that no longer apply to us. Thankfully so much of tarot speaks to universal human truths, qualities and relationships that transcend the times in which the various decks were made.
I deeply wish that Giovanni Vacchetta who created this deck in 1893 had chosen a different image for this card. But he did not. Nevertheless there are positive ways we can benefit from this particular graphic interpretation of the King of Coins. Here are my observations. Which do you agree with? What have I missed about this card?
The main figure of the card is wearing a luxurious coat with a fur (or fur-like) lining. Around his waist is a leather bag, presumably holding silver or gold pieces. His beard is trimmed neatly. Both hands are engaged in his work on the table counting and engraving coins. The table is neat and the tools well organized. The impression is wealth, elegance, order and diligence.
On the wall to the left we see candles, a book, a round bag, and a cup. These could be said to represent the 4 elements of fire, air, earth and water. The meaning could be skill in all areas of life as befits a king.
At the very top of the wall is a huge coin. This coin is as large as all of the other objects on the wall combined. It is topped by a beautiful ribbon. This suggests that to the King of Coins the area of life represented by Coins (e.g. money, security, physical matters) has more importance than any other.
The large coin shows an hourglass with wings. This brings to mind the expression, "Work while the sun shines". All of us are here for a short while. The time to act and make the most of our lives is now.
Conclusion
I'm not sure I'd like to be this person, but at the same time don't see him particularly as a villain. We can choose not to interpret him as a caricature. Instead, the qualities of wealth, mastery, knowledge, diligence and awareness of the transience of life are traits represented here and worthy of respect.
Note: The I Naibi di G. Vacchetta version published by Il Meneghello was used for this card study. See attached card image.