Unveiling the Rearrangement of Major Arcana in the Mythic Tarot Deck

The Mythic Tarot deck, a creation by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene, presents a unique Major Arcana order that diverges significantly from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. This reordering reflects a rich narrative and thematic structure heavily influenced by Greek mythology. This article delves into the reasoning behind this rearrangement and its significance in the broader context of tarot readings and personal development.

Key Reasons for the Different Order

The differences in the order of the Major Arcana in the Mythic Tarot are intentional. They serve to align the deck more closely with a mythological narrative that traces the journey of the hero as portrayed in Greek mythology.

Mythological Narrative: The Mythic Tarot deck unfolds a compelling story that parallels the heroic journey depicted in Greek myths. The reordering of the Major Arcana is designed to emphasize the stages of personal growth and transformation, mirroring the narrative arc of the hero's voyage. Thematic Focus: Each card in the Mythic Tarot is associated with specific myths and characters from Greek legend. The sequence of the cards reflects the interconnectedness and relationships between these myths, creating a cohesive thematic experience. Psychological Interpretation: The reordering may serve to enhance psychological insights, aligning the cards with stages of personal development and self-exploration as influenced by Jungian psychology. Symbolic Relevance: Cards may be placed in a different order to highlight their symbolic relevance in relation to others, offering a fresh perspective on the meanings and interpretations of the cards.

Historical Context and Variations

The order of the Major Arcana has been altered numerous times by various creators, each bringing their own interpretations and understandings to the tarot. It is important to note that many tarot decks do not assign numbers to the Major Arcana, as it can be challenging to establish a definitive order.

For example, Liz Greene, a prominent tarot reader and Jungian analyst, does not impose an order on her deck. Her approach emphasizes the intuitive and symbolic aspects of tarot without constraining the reader with rigid sequential orderings.

The Aleister Crowley and Edward Wynn (A.E. W. Waite) deck, which often serves as a benchmark for many tarot enthusiasts, explicitly numbers the cards and introduces a deliberate reordering of the Strength and Justice cards. Waite's reasons for swapping these positions are rooted in his esoteric beliefs and astrological symbolism, placing the symbol of the lion (Strength) with the zodiac sign Leo and the scales (Justice) with Libra.

Conclusion

The different order of the Major Arcana in the Mythic Tarot deck is a deliberate design choice intended to offer a fresh perspective on the archetypes and lessons found in the tarot. It is a reflection of the rich tapestry of mythological storytelling and the intricate psychological and thematic elements that underpin the deck's unique narrative. By understanding the reasoning behind the rearrangement, tarot readers can gain deeper insights and a more nuanced understanding of the cards, enhancing their practice and personal growth.

Keywords: Major Arcana, Mythic Tarot, Tarot_deck