The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot [Paperback]

When opened, the cards and reference book are quite pretty (I hope this doesn't sound too mundane!). I noticed that there are 80 cards, 2 more than the traditional tarot deck. All of the illustrations are reproductions of the original Da Vinci works and are beautifully presented. On closer inspection all of the microcosm cards (except the court cards) have a keyword on it to facilitate imagery and connection to it, and exploration of the message being conveyed.

The macrocosm cards are, in most cases, given the same names as those of a standard Rider-Waite major arcana deck (although the illustrations are obviously different). The cards that differ are: II High Priestess - Enigma; VI Lovers - Twins; VII Chariot - Imagination; X Wheel of Fortune - Time; XI Justice - Experience; XII Hanged Man - Passover; XV Devil - Pain & Pleasure; XVI Tower - Deluge; XVII Star - Way-Shower; XVIII Moon - Conception; XIX Sun - Birth; XX Last Judgement - Renewal. I examined card `0 Fool' and found that the meaning corresponds to the standard Rider Waite `0 Fool'.

The two extra cards are `Enigma Cards', one represents the `Enigma Pattern', the other is `The Enigma Card'. The Enigma Pattern reveals how the card-backs join together to form a complete pattern of repeating roundels and interlocking knotwork. Across the Enigma Pattern design are five repeating, many-sided geometric forms, which Leonardo designed. There is detailed explanation of the background and meaning of this in the reference book.

The second extra card, the Enigma Grid, shows the sequence of the full deck face up. This grid reveals the natural resting place for the cards if they were to come together as a complete deck. Although the two Enigma cards are not actually used in readings, they are referred to in the various unique spreads shown in the reference book... particularly the Destiny Spread. Through using these spreads you will learn how matching the card-backs together produces a series of random connections that transcend the Enigma Grid sequence, helping you find the unique signature of your soul's code.

The reference book is comprehensive and covers an introduction to the theory behind the cards, an introduction to Leonardo Da Vinci, explanation of how the cards work, and a chapter on both the macrocosm (major arcana) and microcosm (minor arcane) cards. There are also sample spreads and readings to experiment with. You will find a bibliography, further reading suggestions and acknowledgements at the back of the book as well.

Each macrocosm card is given a two page spread in exploration covering `Dimmi' - Core question/meaning; `Background' - exploration of the symbolism; `Soul-Code' - expansion of meaning; `Upright' - Focussed meaning; `Reversed' - reversed meaning; `Disconnected'- used as part of the Enigma Pattern interpretation. The microscosm cards are explored under the same headings, but are given one page each.

I have had this deck for a while. I fell in love with it when I saw it through the display window when walking pass a tarot store. Immediately I went online and looked up the name of the deck (good thing the suits are named differently than most decks). I am a huge fan of the Da Vinci style so this really was me indulging myself a little.

This past week I finally started reading through the book and am amazed at how the images were selected to fit the meanings of the cards. It's rather amazing how nicely everything goes together. And although the cards are a little flimsy, I think the artistic value and actual content of the cards more than make up for it. Recommended!

this is a great deck but i dont recommend if you are just learning to read tarot, its best to start with a rider waite or universal waite deck so you can learn the suits, the art on this deck is wonderful and interpretative on its own.