Description:
This deeply personal deck was initiated by a spiritual journey that the artist (co-founder of the Tarot Museum)
Morena Poltronieri made during the summer of 2013. As she explains in the intro
of her deck's leaflet (included with this set); these 22 images inspired by the 22 Major Arcana can be found in Montserrat,
near Barcelona, Spain. They accompany the pilgrim on a path through the woods just below the Monastery which holds one of the most
beautiful Black Madonnas in all of
Europe. They are ceramic artworks which celebrate Mary.
Morena took 22 photos, printed and colored them by hand and placed them within ceramic tile frames using a computer graphics program. When asked to share a bit about her reasons for creating this deck, Morena's wrote:
A few years ago I went to Montserrat for the first time and was impressed by the vision of Moreneta, the Black Madonna in the monastery; so stark and austere but also warm and benevolent. Her image touched my heart and from that moment I began a search of these Madonnas, who undoubtedly have a connection to the Great Mother. Her color 'nigro', (in Italian) evokes the Raw Material of the alchemists, from which the personal journey acquires its essence. The essence of all things. The first trip to Montserrat was also inspired by Raimon Panikkar, one of the greatest philosophers of the last century. He received his ordination (priestly vows) in Montserrat and spent the final years of his life not far from there, in Tavertet. Over time I had read his books and watched his documentaries. A new world had opened up within and beyond me. So I decided to meet him. After my sojourn to the Black Madonna I visited him without an appointment. I felt fortunate that he received me regardless of my not having an invitation. A strange thing happened, as soon as I entered. He asked if I knew of a Father Arrigo and then I could not believe my ears. Father Panikkar told me about this priest who lived in Italy a few kilometers from my home that I had not yet met. They had co-founded a magazine together called ‘Interculture’, with a staff in Canada. I had an unforgettable conversation with Panikkar, but afterwards wondered what meaning this meeting could have in the grand scheme of things. Three years passed and I finally met Father Arrigo and learned that the Canadian magazine had since closed down. To cut to the chase; Interculture magazine is now published by my publishing house ' Museodei '. This made me think a lot about the interconnectedness of all things. The purpose of that meeting was revealed only after time had passed. Not only that, but most likely another theme of my story was that I did not have to seek it out, but just to be open to receive the message. That's why I decided to come back to Montserrat on my last birthday, and return to the feminine principle which teaches the difficult path of being a vessel or ‘vase ' that is open to receiving. To give thanks for the great opportunity that I was given. Ultimately, for this reason I decided to dedicate 22 Major Arcana to Mary, the Black Madonna of Montserrat. These 22 cards represent my inner journey of how many times I had to obey, to accept, to subdue my ego, to defend, celebrate and enjoy life for what it has given me, for better or for worse. This work is dedicated to She; who lives inside me and in all creatures who love, despite the travails of life. I thought of Her as the mother who must lose her child; and not only that tragedy; but also the spiritual force that was expressed specifically through her experience. It is a journey in life where each stage represents a sort of 'passage of initiation' through which to deal with different themes, even the most challenging. The aim is to free ourselves from fear in order to love and be loved, because only in this way will we truly be free. And I believe that the voice and spirit of Mary is one of the freest of all...
The descriptions Morena shares in the leaflet are sparse but meaningful to anyone who has ever embarked on a spiritual quest to find the meaning of life and synchronicity. Two examples of the text are shared while the cards can also be found below:
VI - LOVE
In ancient times, Love was a blindfolded Cupid; the god born from Venus, the goddess of beauty. For the Romans, Love was a combination of attraction to an external shape or vision and deep reflection; from which choice was born. The way of love is not simple, because all it requires is itself. ‘Love and do what thou wilt' is a path that leads to freedom, which has nothing to do with libertinism. In the traditional card, two female figures, which represent Vice and Virtue, want to possess the central figure, and force him to choose. But the choice is contrary to authentic freedom; for if you are in resonance with what you are doing, it is not necessary to choose anything, nor required to exclude anything. It is possible to live fully which is true love. The two small children at Mary's feet do not push her to choose one over the other, because the heart has enough room for both and love cannot lead to exclusions. It is vast and it is everlasting.
XVII STELLA MARIS (The Star)
Behold the star that guided sailors on the high seas of life, so that no one was lost and all could reach their goal. "Holy Mary of the Star" "Star of the Sea" (in Latin liturgical Maris Stella), becomes the compound name ~ Stella Maris; the one who guides the sea travelers, while lighting their way. The ancient builders of ships, the Argonauts, also became those who built the cathedrals dedicated to Mary. Some parts of these sacred temples still resemble the ships; while using titles such as the 'nave', in the middle of the church. In this way the journey of the Pilgrim still continues while sailing through one’s existence along with the Star that guides us. We have just to remember to look up... towards the Star.
This special deck dedicated to Mary comes nestled on soft, protective straw in an attractive, sturdy box with a magnet which fastens the overhanging lid securely to the bottom portion. The cover is imprinted with the Tarot Museum's official hot wax seal. The box contains the title card, signed & numbered by Morena Poltronieri, along with the extra large twenty-two Major Arcana trumps (also suitable for framing or meditation). The inspirational leaflet of the artist's mystical sojourn to the sacred site in Spain is available in Italian or English as requested. This set is recommended for Tarot art collectors and those with a personal connection to the theme.
