MEDICI TAROT (Expanded) Copyright ©2009 Londa Marks ISBN-13: 978-0-9713723-7-5 ISBN:0-9713723-7-3 Published By ALCHEMIST PUBLISHING, LLC. Concept & Design By: Londa Marks Created & Written By: Londa Marks Genre: Visionary/Metaphysical Collectable Tarot Cards Credits: Commons Wiki, Wikipedia, Sandro Botticelli, Benozzo Gozzoli, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Giorgio Vasari, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Agnolo Bronzino, Jacopo Pontormo, Raffaello Sanzio, Giovanni di ser Giovanni Guidi, Luca Giordano, Carlo Crivelli, Gustav Utens, Fra Angelico. Visit www.WorldOfTarot.com for: Tarot Games, Tarot Cards, Tarot Books and Tarot Related Merchandise. Included With Medici Tarot: • 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards • Box (unless otherwise stated) • Instruction Booklet
Dedication Medici Tarot is dedicated to Lorenzo de` Medici (il Magnifico) January 1, 1449 –April 9, 1492, who ignited the Renaissance which ended with his demise. Without Lorenzo, the likes of Botticelli or Michelangelo may have never been known. Lorenzo de` Medici was a patron of artists who influenced the masters with his keen insight and understanding of art but hasn’t been given due credit for such. Without Lorenzo, we may never have known the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo and many other masters of art and architecture. Artists who have influenced my art are included in this work. Lorenzo Medici was an intellectual, poet, musician, visionary, art collector, connoisseur of life, politician and business man; but mostly he was a Godsend. —Londa Marks
Richly detailed, though humbly presented, much like the 14th and 15th centuryMedici, this is a powerful tarot deck visually and spiritually. The journey begins with Londa Marks’ outline depicting her profound calling to develop this project. Undeniably, Medici Tarot project was divinely guided. One would think that Il Magnifico was indeed omnipresent and orchestrating another body of artwork; channeling Medici Tarot through Londa Marks. The pure gold of Medici Tarot is that it will cause you to analyze your own life journey; where you came from, where you are now and where you want to go. More importantly, it should inspire a call to action. When you hold Medici Tarot deck in your hands you will feel the power of Medici. Cosimo Medici, Pater Patriae, said, “Those who associate themselves with Medici always do well.”
LONDA R. MARKS Londa Marks is best selling tarot author and illustrator for Londa Tarot, Crow’s Magick Tarot, The Alchemist Tarot, The Alchemist’s Spell Tarot and Medici Tarot. He works have been published by Lord of the Rings and A&E History Channel publisher U.S. Games Systems, Inc. and Alchemist Publishing, Inc. Her works sell world wide including through her own websites. INTRODUCTION How The Medici Tarot Developed On the morning of January 1, 2009, 560 years after Lorenzo de’ Medici was born, words of Florence Italy, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Machiavelli, Medici’s and Italy in general were being spoken. Edward, my son, listened to me describe how these people and Italy have greatly influenced my art. Before this day, I did not know that it was Lorenzo’s birthday. In fact, I didn’t know anything about him and hardly knew anything about the Medici; only that the Medici family had been powerful during the Italian Renaissance. For some reason, Florence, Italy was the one place on earth that always made my ears perk up. It started when I first heard about Italian architecture in history
class at my Catholic school. At age 12, a drawing I was most proud of was of the goddess, Sophia Loren. I don’t think I have Italian in my blood, but it is definitely in my heart and soul. Edward said to me, “Mom, why don’t you see if you can drive around Florence on Google’s Street View?” It’s a novel tool which allows one to enter an address into Google’s map area and virtually drive by it. Thrilled by the idea, and having never been to Florence my trip began immediately even though the starting point was a mystery. Aimlessly, I dropped Google’s Tuscan yellow human-icon onto a street somewhere in Florence. Impatience caused me to double click the white arrow that emerged and it propelled me forward. My connection with Italia seemed urgent now. A Galileo tourist site and picturesque pathways began to sculpt patterns of what this mystical land had in store for me. It was almost like being there. Technically, I was lost but in a way I was home. As I continued my traffic-free drive the Arno began to glisten in the distance like an ancient Pandora’s Box waiting to be opened. I wonder what secrets it holds and what restless spirits from the Renaissance still ride the currents. The name of the river didn’t enter my scope of knowledge for a couple more days but it was mesmerizing and reminded me a little bit of where I grew up. The street names on Google’s Street View went unnoticed because of my excitement of being in Florence and inex-
perience using the tool. Nevertheless, I was back in time and happy to see all the buildings and surroundings. My intuition however, told me to take a right turn and travel onto the later discovered street of: Via de’ Castellani Piazza de’ Giudici. An arched door embedded into an ancient, heavy stone building beckoned me. To the right of that door a blue scroll held a photo of Galileo with simple bold letters stating, “Il Telescopio Di Galileo. Galileo’s Telescope. A bit more of a description finished out the scroll. I told Edward, “I bet a Medici has gone through that door a few times.” Later, my research for the creation of the Medici Tarot revealed that it was the Galleria degli Uffizi; the building that was begun in 1560 by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de’ Medici for the offices of the Florentine magistrates. The name uffizi means, offices. Traveling north on the Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, along the Arno, a large group of people were gathered in front of a grayish green palace kind of building; the other side of the Uffizi. It was weathered and tired yet still held a noble and spirited authority. A curious statue of Pier Capponi stood guard on the right side of the entry that led into the eerie hall behind him. Feelings of familiarity struck me and were unexplainable as I viewed the Palazzo Vecchio through the open Uffizi hall. Rather being overwhelmed would put it mildy - with this whole trip. Finally I had made it to Florence if even virtually and it was real yet surreal, familiar and comfortable. There was something really right about being there. The Ponte Vecchio was in view so I traveled towards it because I was anxious to continue exploring my long dreamt about trip and wanted to see the magick that
would unfold. The first half of my Florence adventure that day also included Filippo Brunelleschi’s Duomo (my son’s favorite and well studied engineer), the copy statue of David, and explorations through the endless maze of narrow historic streets. Later in the day I had to go back to explore even more, so I dropped the Tuscan yellow Google guy on another random street near Florence not knowing where it would end up. A quaint narrow street led me up a hill lined with landscaping that appeared to have been carved during the night by an Italian artisan fresh for this new day. The landscaping like Florence was perfect. The area was captivating and alluring and I kept driving. This new area quickly became my favorite. Then, suddenly a huge white palace on a hill attracted me. Villa Medici in Fiesole, Lorenzo Medici’s Platonic Academy [one of them] and the gathering place for artists, philosophers and intellectuals stood proudly. It was the next treasure I discovered; although I didn’t know what it was until much later during research. A simple plaque posted on a wall along the way said, “Largo Leonardo Da Vinci.” I had never heard of Fiesole before this moment but it too was having a powerful effect on my emotions. Like the mythological Sirens at sea calling to lost sailors, Villa Medici was calling me. Villa Medici still holds so many intellectual spirits and souls that it even radiates its powers virtually. Fiesole was calling me as was Florence. It was time for ancient spirits to whisper their song and draw me home.
Since January 1, 2009 I have experienced many omens and metaphysical phenomena regarding Lorenzo Medici and Florence, including but not limited to, my first (virtual) trip to Florence which appeared to have happened by chance on his birthday (January 1, 1449). One ethereal incident in particular happened after reading about Lorenzo Medici which included a section regarding the love of his life, Lucrezia Donati. I could not get her name out of my mind after reading this. It went on for 2 days. My logical deduction was that I just liked her last name. Intuition was telling me that there was something deeper than that. On January 4, while considering the idea of a Medici Tarot deck I softly dismissed it because I thought that a Medici Tarot deck probably had been done. Further, contemplation caused me to question myself as to whether I was qualified to do a Medici Tarot deck. Rather unsure of what qualified actually means in the scheme of things, I gave it more thought. The words: Medici Tarot were casually typed onto a word document list of things I had to do for the day with the thought of maybe I’ll get to it and look into it. I put it aside. But, as the day went by, the name: Lucrezia Donati kept coming to mind. Eventually compelled to write down her name as if by force I grabbed my Things to Do word document that I had compiled earlier and typed her name.
Among a lengthy list of things to do, were these words, in this order, including the space after Lucrezia Donati: Lucrezia Donati Medici Tarot Medici Tarot.com While looking at Lucrezia Donati’s name a couple of times, I noticed that my name was in her name. I took out the word ‘Londa’ put it on the next line then added the remaining part of her name. I was left with my notes looking like this: Lucrezia Donati Londa ucrezia ti Medici Tarot Medici Tarot.com Clearly, yet stunned, by doing this I was cognizant, and I say this humbly, that this was an esoteric command to me stating: Londa U Createzia ti Medici Tarot (Londa you create the Medici Tarot). The obvious direct command from Lorenzo de Medici was assimilated with several key factors added to the mixology of the analysis. Lorenzo’s grandfather, Cosimo de Medici, founded The Platonic Academy and appointed Marsilio Ficino to translate all the works of Plato into Latin. Translations of Plotinus, Iamblichus, Proclus and Synesius were left for Lorenzo and he consumed them. Eventually Lorenzo took the Platonic Academy to its highest standards. Platonism became part of the fabric of Lorenzo Medici but the Platonic Academy, like the golden age of the Italian Renaissance ended when Lorenzo died. He consumed it all like a black hole in space consumes a dead star.
Platonism, essentially, is the idealist belief that the perceptible world is an illusory shadow of some higher realm of transcendent Ideas or Forms. And, so if that is the case then the following excerpt from a scientific article applies to Lorenzo Medici: DNA Read the World February 13, 2009 Recent scientific news says, a new theory arises that black holes or dying stars may be reborn. “These layers of matter can travel and condense elsewhere, giving birth to new stars.” In my metaphysical analysis, Lorenzo is operating from a layer of matter that he prepared for through his lessons in The Platonic Academy –that of Lorenzo Medici’s star matter – the star matter that some souls return to after death. He has reached out of his parallel universe and presented me with too many undeniable omens and suggestions to work with him on the Medici Tarot – and, I can say that this deck has been a genuine feeling of working with him, if even metaphysically. Some souls reincarnate and come back to the physical world after they die; some souls go back to stardust or matter from where they originated and operate better from there – if they are inclined to operate. Lorenzo was an artist and intellectual which enabled him to fully understand art and how to communicate with the artist while he was alive in the earthly, physical form and he carried this with him after he returned to his star matter. There is no doubt in my mind that his soul composes the intellectual and metaphysical capabilities to communicate from his star matter from where his soul now resides.
Lorenzo seemed to like working with Pisces during the Renaissance. Being a Capricorn, naturally, he would get along with Pisces very well as they do compliment each other. I am a Pisces, and possibly Lorenzo was able to connect with me because, as my son tells me, I have what Italians have; as well as being a Pisces. My life’s work with tarot may also appeal to Lorenzo and cause him to feel that I have what is needed to complete this deck; what he feels the Medici Tarot deck should be. Maybe he also would feel that I am somewhat capable of creating the Medici Tarot, my 4th deck of tarot cards. Another omen is that during my Medici research I found pictures of Pope Clement VII who was the illegitimate son of Giuliano de` Medici, Lorenzo de Medici’s brother. After Giuliano de` Medici was assasinated (April 26, 1478) at Santa Maria del Fiore through the Pazzi conspiracy, four weeks later to the day (26 May 1478 – 25 September 1534) Giulio di Giuliano de’ Medici (Pope Clement VII) was born. Clement’s mother died leaving him an orphan. Lorenzo adopted him as his own son. The number 26 has certainly been profound to Lorenzo. My birthday is on the 26th day of February. Pope Clement VII looks so much like my son Edward I thought it was quite strange. Further, his birthday was the exact day of my son Edward’s: May 26, [1971]. His adopted mother died when Edward was 10 years old. As well, Pope Clement is buried in Santa Maria sopra Minerva; a church that is located in the Piazza della Minerva in the Campus Martius region. It is considered the only Gothic church in Rome. Edward was born in Marietta, Ohio where the Campus Martius museum is located. Possibly, Pope Clement VII exited the Campus Martius
region in Rome, only to enter the Campus Martius region in Marietta, Ohio. During 2009, I contributed to saving the museum from closing. This was before I found out about Pope Clement VII. A side note on the number 26: Two years before Giuliano de Medici died Simonetta Cattaneo de Vespucci died (1453 – April 26, 1476). She was Giuliano’s mistress. Although I have some of what Italians have in me, I also have other ingredients that work well with this whole scenario. My name, Londa, is a city in the Mugello valley in Tuscany where the Medici’s are from - where Villa di Cafaggiolo is located; my favorite place on earth. I have connected with Cafaggiolo so much it feels like I grew up there and should be able to arrive for any Sunday dinner and be greeted like family. My birthday in 2010 was filled with items from Cafaggiolo, thanks to Edward. And, although it may appear a minor coincidence, my initials, L.M. are the same as Lorenzo Medici initials. To go a bit further, I have just found out a few days ago that Lorenzo was an avid antiquities collector, as I am, and had inscribed his initials onto the items he collected. What he inscribed was like this: LAU. R. MED. Lorenzo’s name was also written as: Laurentis. However, they cannot find why he put an R. as a middle initial since he had no middle name. They said that they think it must have been a secret reason. So, that makes his intials: L.R.M. - exactly my initials; Londa Rae Marks. I’m not saying I’m Lorenzo reincarnated or anyone else reincarnated. I simply think that there are so many coincidences related to my connection with Medici that it’s eerie.
The one thing that should also be mentioned here is that many artists are highly intuitive. This is part of the reason they are able to instill a “soul” into a painting, song or poetry. The word, intuition, is almost base for the suggestion of what I’m trying to convey. It’s more like a sixth sense. Further, the Medici family always had herb gardens which they used for their medicine and the word, medicine, is in Medici name. Lorenzo loved to work in his herb gardens. Over the years I have worked with organic herbs as a natural medicine and have incorporated them into my 100% natural beeswax Medici Tarot Luxury Candles and soaps. The Medici Tarot Candles that I have designed to go with this tarot deck come with organic herbs, many of which come from Italy, and instructions for use. These special candles can be used in yoga, meditation, baths, spiritual psychic readings or spa treatments. Looking at a few of the artists Lorenzo Medici worked with in the 15th century starting with Botticelli, who was a Pisces, Lorenzo worked closely with him and inspired Sandro to complete some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Michelangelo was also a Pisces. Lorenzo took Michelangelo into his home, raised and nurtured the artist because he understood his talent and wanted to be a part of what Michelangelo was, as he wanted to be a part of all the artists he took into his circle. Lorenzo searched for and soaked up all forms of knowledge, especially that of the arts. The Sforza family (once friends with Lorenzo and the Medici family) have a tarot deck in their name: Visconti-Sforza; but, no Medici Tarot. How could that be? Was there one created by Botticelli but burned in the Bonfires of the Vanities?
When I first started working on the Medici Tarot, my publisher checked to see if the domain name, MediciTarot.com was available, it was. The publisher then registered the ISBN number for Medici Tarot. It was approved. I had no choice. I began at once. An astrological note about this is that I started the Medici Tarot deck on January 4, 2009 (month of Capricorn), completed the Medici Tarot deck of cards on March 11, 2009 (month of Pisces). The Medici Tarot book was completed on March 18, 2009 (month of Pisces); Sandro Botticelli’s birthday was March 1, 1444 (Pisces), Michelangelo’s birthday was March 6, 1475 (Pisces), Lorenzo de Medici’s birthday was January 1, 1449 (Capricorn). February 26, 1952 (Pisces) is my birthday. It never crossed my mind to do a Medici Tarot deck. I had just finished The Alchemist Tarot in late 2008, which took 12 years off and on and I had other plans until my virtual trip to Florence, Italy occurred. It took a period of time to develop the Medici Tarot but when you get a commission from Lorenzo de Medici, whether empyrean or not, the flattering gesture compels you to go to work on it immediately - nothing else matters. Platonic Realism, was playing out starting on January 1, 2009, or, it may have started back at Catholic school in Marietta, Ohio. All the pieces of an anomalous puzzle fell into their respective place every day until completion of the Medici Tarot project. A lost-in-time part of me wanted Lorenzo Medici to be my patron, be proud of what I, as a humble artist working
for him, was accomplishing in his name, his families name. Studying the Medici family has been like looking through a window of infinite possibilities, of recognizing the intellectual formulas for achieving great things as an artist. And, although it has taken me practically a lifetime to get to the point of actually studying them in depth after first hearing about them – thanks to Edward pointing out that I should drive through Florence virtually – until of late I did not know that the Medici family had contributed such a great deal to who I am. Learning about the Medici’s has given me a preternatural kind of hope and insight and once again, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Leonardo and Medici have led me to lessons of art that will enrich the rest of my life and hopefully many others lives. To now know that Lorenzo Medici, (il Magnifico) was actually the one that ignited the Renaissance instead of the artists that inspired my artwork were just happening on the scene in the 15th century has been quite enlightening. Lorenzo Medici has certainly not been given the credit he so deserves as an artist, as a patron as a comrade. I hope I have given him some element of dignity, thanks and credit in the Medici Tarot. My heart and soul have gone into it. Carefully and thoughtfully I have designed the Medici Tarot deck thinking with every minute of the time I put into it, “Would Lorenzo like this okay?” I didn’t stop working on any card until I humbly felt that he would. I hope I’m right. ∞ Londa Marks
DIVINATION INSTRUCTIONS Divinations are meant as guides for divining your tarot reading. The Medici Tarot contains images with information that should help the adept psychic do an elaborate and insightful tarot reading. Beginner tarot readers’ intuition will engage with the artwork, details, divinations and underlying story of the Medici Tarot deck. The Divinations are listed here with their numerical value and Roman Numeral. You can shuffle the deck while asking it a question then do a regular psychic reading. You could also hold the tarot deck in your hands, ask your question, pull any card and evaluate your answer from the cards’ divination. In determining what each divination means you should consider the artwork details, the information with each divination and utilize your own evaluations from colors, numbers, story of each person or place related to that particular card, but with all the other cards in your reading layout as well. DIVINATIONS 0. 0 Magi: The Magi’s journey takes you on a fleeting passage through the Medici family’s journey - on the earthly Catholic plane - of Italy during the 15th century. The painting shown on this card is located in the Medici Chapel in Florence, Italy, entitled: Vigil of the Shepherds by Benozzo Gozzoli, painted about 1459, Medici Chapel Fresco Florence, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, left and right wall of the apse. Possessing this card indicates that you are being prompted to analyze your own journey; where you came from, where you are now and where you want to go. 1. I Il Magnifico: This card represents a magician and most fittingly Lorenzo de` Medici, Il Magnifico, the
founder of the Renaissance could easily be described as a magician. He ignited the Renaissance and it ended with his death. Lorenzo was patron of the artists, philosophers, architects, poets and geniuses in general. Il Magnifico was a poet, musician, philosopher, business man and genius himself - one who understood what it takes to nurture an artist to success [of the artist and his own success], he was one who understood the value of knowledge and of being a savvy and charming leader. Being a magician or even a magnificent person requires utilization of unique approaches, skills and adroit execution of these talents. He was groomed to dominate and he did so eloquently. Since the beginning of mankind no one has nurtured artists and intellectuals like Lorenzo de’ Medici. 2. II Popess: Nicknamed Nannina de’ Medici, Lucrezia de’ Medici. Lucrezia was born February 14th, 1545 and died April 21st, 1561. She was the daughter of Cosimo I de’ Medici and Eleanor of Toledo. Cosimo 1 was the son of Maria Salviati - the daughter of Lucrezia di Lorenzo and Jacopo Salviati. She was Lorenzo Medici’s [Il Magnifico] great granddaugher. Nannina’s beauty radiates that which is in her soul. The Medici family believed in grooming their children to be knowledgeable, to be an example of a powerful family, to be beautiful, to captivate and lure wealth; marry into a prominent family with ties to political strength, wealth and or ties to church. This would enable themselves and their children to be an even stronger Medici. Nannina radiates her powers still to this day. She is timeless. 3. III Empress: Lucrezia Tournabuoni (Lorenzo de’ Medici’s mother - right), Clarice Orsini - left (Lorenzo de’ Medici’s wife) each an empress, depicted in Birth of St John the Baptist, painted by Ghirlandaio, Domenico
1486-90, located in Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy. Lorenzo’s mother Lucrezia Tornabuoni chose Clarice to be his wife because of her powerful family. Clarice was from Rome, and considered a foreigner. This choice led to controversy. Florentines preferred Lorenzo to marry into a Florentine family. Members of the Orsini family included popes from the 12th to the 18th century, major military leaders and other relevant political and religious figures. Ultimately, Clarice and Lorenzo Medici had six children; one of which became Pope Leo X. 4. IV Emperor: Cosimo Medici was Lorenzo de’ Medici’s (Il Magnifico) grandfather and his role model. Among many accomplishments, Cosimo also founded the Platonic Academy which Lorenzo took to an even greater height. Magic, metaphysics and astrology, appealed to Cosimo. But, as a prominent banker money was his forte’. And, he worked his magic with money. The Medici were the wealthiest family in Europe during Cosimo’s rule in the 15th century. Cosmio said that Magic and Art call to each other as he artfully ran his banks. Cosimo was wise beyond knowing basic business principals. He incorporated art, magic, Plato, other languages and metaphysics into his business techniques. As an accomplished businessman he realized that esoteric elements rounded out his role in success. 5. V Pope: Pope Leo X was born in Florence (December 11, 1475 – December 1, 1521). He was Lorenzo de’ Medici’s second son and the last person who was elected to this high level position without being a priest. His cousin, Giulio di Giuliano de’ Medici, would later succeed him as Pope Clement VII (1523–1534). Pope Leo X became known for selling Roman Catholic Indulgences (penances) to reconstruct St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo X was
lavish in charity: retirement homes, hospitals, convents, discharged soldiers, pilgrims, poor students, exiles, cripples, the sick, and the unfortunate of every description were generously remembered. 6. VI Amore: Seen in this painting from the Medici palace ceiling are lovers uniting. Lorenzo de’ Medici and Lucrezia Donati are depicted as ghosted clouds in the purple sky watching a marriage that they could not achieve as a couple. They appear sad, together yet apart, while surrounded by euphoria and the double sided nature of the centaur in the lower right corner. Stories abound about Lorenzo de’ Medici stating that as a child he was born without the beautiful appearance of his brother and co-ruler of Florence, Giuliano de’ Medici, so he was raised to be charismatic. But, Lucrezia Donati was as attracted to Lorenzo as much as he was to her. She was however, promised to another, as Lorenzo was. They still spent much of their lives together as a couple. Lucrezia inspired many of Lorenzo’s ingenious poetry. 7. VII Carro: The centaur is seen in transitional mode as he traveled from the VI Amore card into the ethereal beauty of a 15th century Florence, Italy landscape where he meets with Pallas. He embodies both the wild and tamed sides of nature in Botticelli’s Pallas and the Centaur. This is Botticelli’s last painting of this type after which he painted only religious scenes. 8. VIII Forza: Lucrezia Tornabuoni, Piero de`Medici’s wife is seen watching the birth of Mary in Santa Maria Novella church in Firenze, Italy fresco painted 1486-90, by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Lucrezia and Piero de’ Medici raised their children to have good taste in art and culture. They had the best tutors to educate their children in: philosophy, business, accounting and politics. They instilled in their
children the ideals of beauty since most people judge one based upon appearance. Lucrezia was wise and tolerant. Piero de’ Medici was a strong leader but often he was ill and urged his son Lorenzo to act like an old man so he would grow up fast and replace him once he passed away. Lorenzo did replace him at twenty years old. Piero and Lucrezia groomed Lorenzo to be a leader and they succeeded. 9. IX Gonfaloniere: Gonfaloniere of Justice (Gonfaloniere di Giustizia) was a post in the government of medieval and early Renaissance Florence. Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici (February 20/28, 1360 - 1429) was one of the prestigious 9 leaders in 15th century Florence when the post was available and held the high position of Gonfaloniere a couple of times. He was also the first member of the Medici Family. Being the father to Cosimo de` Medici he instilled in him to use a “stay behind the scenes type of rule.” 10. X Fortuna: Medici Bank, was the largest bank in 15th century Italy. Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici started it in the year 1397 with his son Cosimo taking over after his death. Cosimo’s son Piero took over after his death, then Piero’s son Lorenzo de` Medici, great grandson of Giovanni de` Medici was the last to run it. Medici bank in Rome was in charge of papal finances. Over half of the Medici bank’s revenues came from the Rome branch until the year 1434. Medici bank’s lent mostly to royalty to finance military campaigns or to princes for their luxurious lifestyles. 11. XI Giustizia: Portraits of some of the members of the House of Medici are seen on this card. On the right side, a portrait of Giovanni di Piero il Gottoso (the gouty) de’
Medici wearing a red cap rides a white horse. Giovanni di Cosimo de’ Medici is on the left, wearing a red cap, controlling the brown horse. This is a detail from the fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli, in the Cappella dei Magi, located at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, Italy. A young Lorenzo il Magnifico (seen in card: XIX Sole) leads the procession on a white horse ahead of the elder leaders. The Medici’s rode in procession through Florence to show that they were in power. 12. XII Impiccato: The Italian word Impiccato means in English: Hanged Man. The painting: Transfiguration by Fra Angelico is located in a monk’s cell at the Convent San’ Marco, Florence, Italy for private worship. Christ has risen here rather than is shown on the cross because the significance of this card is to rise above your troubles like Christ having risen from the dead. The Medici family rose from their eartly issues many times including after several murder attempts and assassination. Still, they went on to become the most powerful family in Italy and orchestrating the Renaissance period. When drawing this card or having it in your tarot reading you will know that it is time to go through a metamorphosis that will take your life to a new level. 13. XIII Morte: On April 26, 1478, a Sunday morning in Florence, Italy, a High Mass was taking place in the Duomo at Santa Maria del Fiore. Franceso de’ Pazzi and Bernardo Bandini used this forum to assassinate Giuliano de’ Medici while church patrons watched in horror and fear. They intended to kill his brother Lorenzeo de’ Medici as well, but he escaped. Later, Lorenzo adopted Giuliano’s illegitimate son who became Pope Clement VII. This turn of events also eliminated the Pazzi family from becoming leaders of Florence and strengthened the Medici power.
14. XIV La Temperanza: In the Medici Chapel: Angels Worshiping by Benozzo Gozzoli, painted about 1459 can be found. It depicts Temperance in its highest form; angelic restraint and control of passion. La Temperanza is the Italian word for Temperance. 15. XV Traditore: The Italian word Traditore means: Traitor. Girolamo Savonarola (September 21, 1452 – May 23, 1498) known for Bonfire of the Vanities harbored jealousies and hostility towards the Renaissance movement. Savonarola declared to be a man of God, but his actions were questionable. Eventually, he was excommunicated and executed. Among the charges: sedition, heresy, religious errors. He was tortured on the rack then hung in chains from a cross and burned in the Piazza della Signoria; the same place he held the Bonfire of the Vanities. 16. XVI Torrione: The Medici palazzo in Florence, Italy is depicted on this card. The Annunciation with Saint Emidius by Carlo Crivelli, 1486 gracefully depicts a strange light beaming down from the heavens as if striking the Medici Palace. 17. XVII Stella: Marsilio Ficino was chosen by Cosimo de’ Medici to transcribe the complete works of Plato. He eventually had Marsilio tutor his grandson Lorenzo de’ Medici, Il Magnifico. The Italian Platonist and astrologer Marsilio Ficino authored a book entitled Libri de vita or, Three Books on Life, written in the years 1480-1489 which is considered an amalgam of philosophy, medicine, natural magick and astrology. Ficino’s knowledge of talismans and his magick in general was learned from the Hermetic writings: Asclepius and the Picatrix. 18. XVIII Luna: Lorenzo Medici gathered intellectuals, artists, philosophers, scientists and such to participate
in his Platonic Academy at the Medici villa in Fiesole, Italy depicted here. Along with Plato’s works they would discuss the possibilities of life and beyond; philosophize. 19. XIX Sole: Lorenzo de’ Medici is seen parading through Florence on his white horse Morello at 12 years old. Florence was being shown who their next leader would be after Piero de’ Medici, Lorenzo’s father, passed away. With the elders behind him they paraded their Florentine power in a flamboyant procession. 20. XX Sentenza: This card holds The Last Judgment painting by Michelangelo and his assistants for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican between 1537 to 1541. Souls are being judged for Heaven or Hell. 21. XXI Mondo: Mondo is an Italian word that means, World. The Medici world was their homeland of Italy, thus, the 14th century map of Italy is shown on this card. This card reminds you to consider ‘your own locale’ as an opportunity. Notice that Londa Italy is depicted in the Mugello valley where Cafaggiolo is, near Florence, Italy.
PUBLISHED BY ALCHEMIST PUBLISHING, LLC. For World Of Tarot www.WorldOfTarot.com Copyright ©2009 Londa Marks
Card Spread Layout
MEDICI TAROT ~ CARD SPREAD All cards sum up your reading with the (the 6th card) showing you the outcome. 1. The card in first position represents the nature of your question. This will show you what surrounds your question or problem. 2. The card in second position represents what is influencing your problem. 3. This card is what is behind you and has influenced your problem or question. 4. This card indicates that which will influence your future in relation to your question or problem. 5. The fifth card has to do with the hopes of what the outcome will be. 6. In the sixth card you will find the answer to your question. But be sure to analyze how it works with the other cards.