0-4 Ancient Italian and Minchiate
Kathy let me know if I am posting these in the wrong thread
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The Michiante has 97 cards. The Major Arcana boasts 4 virtues, 4 elements, and the Zodiac. La Papessa (High Priestess) is replaced with the Grand Duke. Il Papa (the Heirophant) is replaced by the Eastern Emperor. I have been told the book that comes with my version is not much of a help. I am relying on a book by Paul Huson called The Mystical Origins of the Tarot, the little white books, and from sources on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum for some of the interpretations in Minchiate and in the Ancient Italian Tarot.
O The Fool - Folle - Urchins, cherubs, or homeless children (I call them that because they don't have any clothing chase around a man. One of the children is ready to use some sort of weapon on him. He also has a weapon to use too.
General meaning-folly
I The Juggler - Giocoliere
skill, dexterity and diplomacy, acting with judgement.
II Grand Duke - Granduca/L'Imperatrice
They call this card the grand duke but it is obviously a woman. She has her hand on a cat-like creature. It maybe a really ugly lion or some kind of chimera which you might be able to decipher in the picture.
III Emperor of the West - Imperatore d'Occidente
Okay so the globe is towards his west. There is an eagle on his lap. Beside the Emperor of the West is a griffin. The griffin is the divine beast of all of the animals. An eagle is the king of the sky and the back of the griffin-the lion-is the king of all animals.
Meaning-iron-will, authority
IIII Emperor of the East - Imperatore d'Oriente
Holds the globe towards his east. Means wisdom combined with goodness and understanding
See first picture posted below for Minchiate.
Ancient Italian Tarot. I love this deck.
0- Il Matto - Fool
In his sack he carries all four suits. I am not sure a spade (sword) can fit!
I- Il Bagatto - Juggler
I don't care what anyone says, this guy obviously repairs shows and enjoys wine at the same time. His face looks like he wants to play a trick on you. He is a wheeler dealer. According to my book 'bagatt' means gossip in Milanese dialect. I think this guy is a chatterbox too.
II - La Papessa - Female Pope
The writing in her book looks like it is sideways so it must be numbers. Per Mi-Shell-she uses what is in her secret book to hurt others. She may poison you.
My book too says she has secret knowledge.
III - L'Imperatrice - Empress
She wears some mail. She must be powerful. Her shield carries an image for the Holy Roman Empire-the bald eagle.
She is any kind of female power and fertility.
IV - L'Imperatore - Emperor
Like Minchiate he has an eagle with him. I read that they might have been trying to portray Milan's ruler at the time.
p.s. my picture has III and IV in reversed order oops-see the second attachment below
Looking forward to learning more!
